Community Grateful For Bergen Veteran's Bravery: Executive

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Kevin Yali leaves behind a community grateful for his dedication, service, and bravery in the face of danger.

Bergen County Executive James Tedesco said that as part of a statement Tuesday honoring Yali's life and sacrifice. Yali, 27, a Midland Park resident, died suddenly in Afghanistan Wednesday.

"On behalf of the nearly 1 million people in Bergen County and our friends in Midland Park, we mourn the loss of Kevin Yali," Tedesco said. "In giving his life on behalf of freedom, Mr. Yali leaves a grieving family and countless friends who will always cherish his memory. May his courage, his devotion to duty, and his love for our country inspire us all and serve as his legacy."

Governor Phil Murphy said in a statement Tuesday that the nation is 'indebted" to Yali.

"Kevin was taken from us much too soon, but his selfless dedication to this country will always be remembered," Murphy said. "Tammy and I send our sincere condolences to Kevin’s family, friends, and the communities of Midland Park and Paterson during this difficult time."

Murphy issued an executive order for all United States and New Jersey flags to be flown at half-staff Wednesday to honor Yali's life.

Related: Bergen Navy Veteran Who Died In Afghanistan Loved His Country

Yali honorably served in the Navy and was deployed to Afghanistan four times. He was an independent contractor with Constellis when he died Wednesday. Constellis provides security services for people in high-risk environments and in remote areas of the world.

Yali attended the U.S. Naval Academy immediately after graduating from Midland Park High School. He was born in Paterson.

"He had an extensive, extreme amount of American pride," said Yali's aunt, Wanda Rojas. "His love and passion for the country and everything it meant to him and what serving stood for is what he loved the most. I don't think there is a person on this planet who could say a negative thing about him."

Visitation with Yali's family is Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home, 530 High Mountain Road, in Franklin Lakes. Cremation will be private.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com