Joe served in the Republic of Viet Nam in 1968-69. Upon his return, he was not greeted with fanfare nor did he run to find a veterans group to join. It was many years later, that during a chance meeting in church, he noticed a parishioner with a Purple Heart jacket. Al Forde invited Joe to a meeting. This started Joe on his journey. He joined veteran's organizations to help other veterans as they have helped him.
Joseph is a native Staten Islander. He was born and raised in Dongan Hills, graduating from PS 11 and New Dorp High School. In 1968, he was drafted by the United States Army, serving in the 25th and 4th Infantry Divisions in the Republic of Viet Nam. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and the Purple Heart (2). Upon his return, he was rehabilitated at St Alban's Hospital, Queens, NY. Joseph was employed by the NYC Department of Sanitation. He graduated for the College of Staten Island in 1976.
Presently, Joseph is involved in numerous veterans’ organizations, including being Commander
of the Disabled American Veterans, Halloran Chapter #34 and the Military Order Of The Purple
Heart, Father Vincent Capodanno Chapter 1101. He has organized and routinely participates in
providing coffee each month for the veterans at the VA Clinic on South Avenue and the
annual Veterans' Barbeque and Holiday Party at the Mariners Residence. He was instrumental
in the planning of Monument Park located at Pouch Camp and has established the library at the
SI VA Clinic located on South Avenue.
Joseph married Joan Nelson in 1973. They are blessed with a son Joseph “Jay”
He renewed his involvement the Boy Scouts when Jay became a cub scout. Joe was a cub master, a Webloes leader, scout master and chairman of the Protestant Religious Committee. He was awarded the silver Beaver, District Award of Merit, Protestant award (St George Emblem), Catholic Award
(Pelican Emblem) and the Commissioner Arrowhead. In addition, he is a past warden of St Mary's Episcopal Church Castleton, and is a member of the ancient Order of the Hibernians, Division #44
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