Diana B. Gaetano

A true champion for women in the military, Diana B. Gaetano served as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force at one of the most tumultuous times in our nation’s history. In her near decade of service, Ms. Gaetano worked to plan, develop and administer a successful Women’s Air Force Recruitment program throughout Eastern New York, which shaped the lives of countless women in the area.

After completing her service in 1969, Ms. Gaetano spent time managing her family and pursuing a rigorous course load independently. She settled in Poughkeepsie with her husband Frank Gaetano, who graduated from Citadel and was in the Army until 1975 when he joined the reserves. She worked for more than 20 years at Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation.

Ms. Gaetano’s commitment to serve extends far beyond her time with the military. As a member and treasurer of the Kiwanis International Club of Pleasant Valley, Ms. Gaetano’s passion for volunteerism helped her promote and expand the organization’s values of justice, patriotism and good will to benefit the local community. For the past six years, she has been a dedicated member of the Pleasant Valley Firemen’s Ladies Auxiliary, playing a vital role in ensuring the health and safety of those who lay their lives on the line to fight fires throughout the community.

In 2014, Ms. Gaetano was awarded a Certifi cate of Congressional Recognition for her role in actively “advancing the universal hope of freedom and liberty for all,” during the Vietnam War. She is a veteran of distinguished character because of her service both during and beyond her time spent in the military.