The Aberdeen Township Council thanked a lifelong Cliffwood man for his dedication and generosity to the community with a proclamation Tuesday evening.

Claude A. Jones is a 1973 graduate of Matawan Regional High School who studied at Central Michigan University and went on to have a dedicated military career, according to the proclamation. Jones served in South Korea, as well as at multiple air force bases in America and Germany, and retired as Lieutenant Colonel Claude Jones. 

"Jones attributes his family and community upbringing for his success," the proclamation explained.

Jones and his wife, Yvonne, hold the annual Cliffwood Bridge picnic as a way to give back to the community. 

"[The mayor and council] do hereby extend our heartfelt appreciation and sincere thanks to Claude A. Jones for his generosity to the citizens in our community and wish him all our best wishes for many happy and successful years in the future," the proclamation read.