Michael Burke

Michael Burke was born on September 4th, 1949.  After graduating from Wyandanch Memorial High School in 1968, he worked for Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City, until he was drafted into the United States Army in April 1969.

During his time with the Army, Michael was sent to Vietnam in October of 1969. While on tour, he was wounded twice. His first injury occurred in Vietnam and he returned to duty being injured again in Cambodia on May 8, 1970 which ended his tour. After sustaining significant injuries in Cambodia, Michael spent one week in a hospital in Vietnam and was transferred to a hospital in Japan for a month. His final recuperative stay was a six month period at the Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, DC. He received two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star with ‘v” device, an Army Commendation Medal with ‘v” device for heroism, a Vietnamese Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Conspicuous Service Star, Combat Infantry Badge and the National Defense Service Medal.

Upon his retirement from the Army, Michael returned to Wyandanch and married his lovely wife Juana on October 13, 1973.  While attending Marist College, he and his wife raised their five children, Jayne, Michelle, Melissa, Michael Jr., and Marland Burke.  Michael went on to have a successful career at IBM, and retired after 24 years.  

Michael Burke has held numerous prestigious positions for the Veterans of Foreign Wars’.  He currently serves as Post Commander for the VFW Valil Wolff/McKenna Frye Post 170 in Poughkeepsie, NY and District Commander for District 2. 

Michael and his wife reside in Poughkeepsie, New York.