Veteran from Malverne honored for years of service

Nine veterans, including Malverne American Legion Post 44 member Joseph Schroder, were honored during State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin’s second annual Veteran Hall of Honor Ceremony on Oct. 4. The ceremony, which was held at Tanglewood Preserve in Rockville Centre, recognized veterans for their dedication, commitment, passion, bravery and service to the country and community.

A member of Post 44 for 32 years, Schroder was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966. After Schroder was discharged, he pursued a part-time career in the New York Army National Guard and the Army Reserve, and lasted 33 years in the Field Artillery and Quartermaster Corps. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel with four overseas tours in Germany, Iceland, Canada and Afghanistan.

Schroder’s involvement in numerous military and veterans organizations included the Association of the United States Army, chapter president for seven years; Reserve Officers Association; New York State President and Nassau County Chapter president for eight years; Military Officers Association of America Chapter president for two years; the 42nd Infantry “Rainbow” Division Association; and the 77th Infantry Division Association. He was also the executive officer for the 11th New York Cavalry Regiment, and volunteered for five years providing final military honors for deceased veterans. The service included riflemen firing a three round volley, sounding of Taps by a bugler, folding of the burial flag and presentation of the flag to next of kin.

Schroder is married to his wife of 40 years, Mary Ann, and the couple has three daughters, Kimberly, Michele and Jeanine; and four grandchildren, Damien, Charleigh Rose, Thomas and Christopher. Mary Ann was born and raised in Malverne, so together they are 25-year residents of the village.

In addition to his military service, Schroder was a Nassau County police officer for 24 years, and an EMT for 20 of those years. He also served in Malverne’s Volunteer Ambulance Corps for seven years.

Courtesy Assemblywoman Judy Griffin’s office; compiled by Nakeem Grant