Joseph Mondello

Born in 1955 in the Bronx, Joseph Mondello enlisted into the USAF in 1975, trained as a 30750 Telecomm Specialist, and served two years in Japan and one year in the Pentagon. He has given over 20 years of service to the Bronx community, his post, the Department of New York American Legion, and to all veterans. Mr. Mondello has held the positions of Vice-Commander, Post Commander, County Commander and various committee positions at the post, county, district and department levels.

With a background in public relations, Mr. Mondello has produced a cable TV show called “Veteran Focus,” a bi-monthly, 30-minute program featuring American legionnaires from the county and beyond, discussing programs and services for veterans.

Mr. Mondello also educates local school students with a “History of our Flag” program he created. Other schools in the community learned of the program and have requested his assistance in conducting a similar presentation in their districts. In one instance, Mr. Mondello’s program led to a joint project with the county POW/MIA to identify and recognize a local teacher’s grandfather who was shot down over China during WWII and listed as MIA. A plaque was presented and attached to the flagpole at PS14, and the students now conduct an annual POW/MIA ceremony honoring his service.

Mr. Mondello is responsible for making his Post the 5th chapter of the “Legion Riders” in New York State and for raising more than $5,000 for the Legacy Scholarship Fund. The Legion Riders ride to Ground Zero, the Viet Nam Memorial in lower Manhattan, with Rolling Thunder and perform funeral escorts.

In 2017, Mr. Mondello was named “Legionnaire of the Year” by the Department of New York American Legion, a nomination from over 100,000 members.

Mr. Mondello is married to Michelle, and together they have two sons, Anthony and Joseph.