Joseph A. Panzardi, Sr.

A lifelong Queens resident, Joseph A. Panzardi, Sr. honorably served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Mr. Panzardi bravely reported for duty with the United States Army after being drafted on August 21, 1967, and was assigned to basic training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was then assigned to advanced infantry training at Fort Ord, California. On January 15, 1968 he was assigned to the 133rd Assault Helicopter Company, 229th Aviation Battalion, 1st Calvary Division in Bien Hoa, Vietnam. Due to a family emergency, Mr. Panzardi’s tour of duty in Vietnam was shortened in April 1968. He continued his service with the 2nd Squadron, 14th Armored Cavalry in Bad Kissingen, Germany, where he participated in the defense of the border between Germany and Czechoslovakia when the Russians invaded in September 1968.

Mr. Panzardi was honorably discharged in August 1973. Due to his selfless bravery and sacrifice, he received numerous awards, including the Air Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, the Presidential Unit Citation and the National Defense Medal.

Following his service to his country, Mr. Panzardi remains active in the community, always wanting to do his part to help. He is the 1st Vice Commander of the Edward McKee American Legion Post 131, Senior Vice Commander of the Queens County VFW, Quartermaster of the Whitestone Community VFW Post 4787 and life member of Queens Chapter 32 of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Mr. Panzardi has always had the love, devotion and support of his wife, Maryann. Together they reside in Queens, and have three beautiful children and five wonderful grandchildren.