Harold Burke, Jr.

Sergeant E-5 Harold Burke Jr. served in the United States Army from 1966-69, with a variety of units in Vietnam. He is the recipient of the National Defense Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, and the Vietnam Service Medal with six Battle stars.

Harold Burke’s service to his nation and fellow veterans continued when he joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1895, in Schenectady in 1979. He still maintains his Legacy Gold Membership, and throughout the years, has held many positions including Post Commander. SGT Burke received All State Post Commander honors and moved on to become District Commander, where he received All State District Commander and All American District Commander honors.

In June 2003, SGT Burke was elected State Commander. He served as Department Quartermaster in that position from 2005-09. Later, he was elected Department Judge Advocate from 2013-16. He was subsequently appointed Department Adjutant, and continues to serve in that capacity.

During the 114th National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, SGT Burke was elected National Judge Advocate General. He is also a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, and the Elks.

In addition to his passionate advocacy on behalf of his fellow veterans, SGT Burke worked for 38 years for the Lockheed Martin Corporation and served as a volunteer firefighter from 1973 to 2016.

SGT Burke has been married to his wife, Carol, for 46 years and they have two sons, Harold III and Andrew, and two grandchildren, Abigail, who is 2 years old and Theodore, who is 13 months old.