Eugene “Gene” Burch

Eugene “Gene” A. Burch of Forest Hills, Queens, has a long and proud legacy as a United States Army veteran and community advocate for the needs of other former members of the military.

Mr. Burch served in the United States Army from July 1965 through July 1968 during the Vietnam War. Following basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, he received advanced basic training in Aberdeen, Maryland, and earned a diploma as an Ordinance Supply Specialist. Mr. Burch ultimately became involved with the Red Ball Express in the Vietnam War – a special unit that ensured the prompt delivery of repair parts to troops in need and named after the famed supply delivery operation during World War II that provided critical supplies to Allied Forces.

Associated with the 519th Battalion, Mr. Burch served as a military police officer and supply sergeant until his honorable discharge in 1968. Among other honors, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.

Since 1988, Mr. Burch has been a dedicated leader and member of American Legion Post #1424 in Forest Hills. He served as Commander in 1992 and 1993, as Finance Officer in 1991, 1992, 1997 and 1998, and has been a member of the Executive Committee since 2000. He also served for two years as a veterans’ affairs advisor and community relations representative for former New York State Senator Serphin Maltese.

Professionally, Mr. Burch has worked in retail management throughout his career. In addition to serving veterans, he donates his time and energy to numerous community organizations, including the Forest Hills Community and Civic Association, United Cerebral Palsy of Queens and the Metro-Forest Chamber of Commerce.