Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is U.S. Army Veteran Joseph Louis Vazquez. Joseph served during the Gulf War from 1987 to 1991.
Joseph was born in Lawndale, California and decided to enlist because he felt a sense of duty to his country and it would be a good stepping stone to becoming a deputy sheriff in Los Angeles Country, California. He enlisted the year before his senior graduation and was placed in the delayed entry program until graduation. Joseph officially joined in June 1987 and was sent to Fort Dix, New Jersey to attend basic training. After basic training, He was sent to Fort Lee, Virginia to become a small arms repairer.
Joseph first assignment was with the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment on Fort Sill, Oklahoma and then he was assigned to the 518th Maintenance Company, 4th Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery based out of Giessen, Germany.
Joseph was deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm to Tel Aviv, Israel in 1991.
Joseph soon after left the service and received a proclamation award from the city of Lawndale after he returned home. He worked with the Army Recruiting Department for two months and then became a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff in 1994.
Thank you for your service, Joseph!
Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay
Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.
It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.
Veterans History Project
This #VeteranOfTheDay profile was created with interviews submitted to the Veterans History Project. The project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations may hear directly from Veterans and better understand the realities of war. Find out more at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.
Graphic created by Carl J. Valentino: Carl J. Valentino is a student at the University of Delaware with a Major in International Business and a Minor in Graphic Design.
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