Melvin Garrett

Ruth Hassell-Thompson

May 18, 2012

Melvin Garrett

Award: Honoring Our Veterans

Year: 2012

Melvin Garrett was born in Newark, New Jersey and attended the Newark school systems and the Barringer Evening School for Business. He entered the military (Army) in July 1946 and served in the Far East with the 159th Field Artillery Battalion in Nara, Japan as a Radio Operator. He was honorably discharged in December 1947. 

He joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1952 as a member of Accie Jeffress Post # 2768 VFW, Tuckahoe, New York.

Mel was elected a Post Commander in 1967-68, and 1991-92. Westchester County Council Commander 1961-62, District # 2 Commander 1971-72, served as Post Judge Advocate 25 years and as Quartermaster and House Chairman.

Mel served as Chairman of various State Committees including Loyalty Day, Veterans Service, Officers Training, Legislative, Advisory, and as President of the VFW National Home for Children.

Mel is active with the city of Mount Vernon as a Past Chairman of the Central Committee for Veterans Affairs, and has assisted on the Memorial Day and Veterans Day Programs committees. He enjoys baseball, football, movies and most of all, helping others. Mel is a former resident of New Rochelle, New York and now resides in Orange Park, Florida with his wife Rev. Albertha T. Garrett and they are both life members of Aaron A. Lewis Post #6396 VFW Post and Auxiliary in Mount Vernon, New York. They have 4 children, Melvin Jr., Lynn, Dianne, and Tyrone. Mel retired from Consumer Reports magazine after 25 years of service as a senior technician in 1994. 

Mel Garrett, a man of great attributes, confirms major support for all Veteran Services for over 60 years. We would like to Thank Melvin Garrett for all his outstanding contributions to our country, community and our veterans.