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The nation’s newest Medal of Honor recipient, Staff Sgt. David Bellavia, and New Jersey real estate partners and leaders Jack Morris and Joseph Marino will become the newest members of Cento Amici at the organization’s annual dinner Oct. 14 at the Stone House in Warren.

Cento Amici (100 Friends) is a community-based, member organization dedicated to providing need-based scholarship assistance to qualified students in New Jersey. Its mission is to enhance the educational opportunities for those who need it most and who are most under-served by existing need-based programs.

Bellavia was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions during the Second Battle of Fallujah. He is the sole living recipient from the Iraq War.

“David’s heroism is indicative of the bravery and sacrifice the men and women of our military make every day,” said fellow Medal of Honor recipient and Cento Amici board member Col. Jack Jacobs. “I’m thrilled he has agreed to join me in an organization that strives every day to enhance the lives of young students in our state.”

“As a proud Italian-American, I was raised to revere my elders, always be proud of who we are and serve my community to make it better,” said Bellavia. “Cento Amici is the literal definition of what we should do and who we should be. I am humbled to be in the same organization as American icons of valor like Col. Jack Jacobs. I couldn’t think of a greater group, cause or membership I would rather be associated with.”

Edgewood Properties‘ Jack Morris and M&M Realty Partners‘ Joseph Marino have partnered on major construction projects throughout the United States, from their roots with separate companies in New Jersey.