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Legislator Malowitz: ‘Joseph DeSerio Deserves Our Gratitude’

Vietnam War Veteran Recognized For His Service

Vietnam War veteran Joseph DeSerio was honored this week during a heartfelt ceremony attended by local officials, family, and friends.

DeSerio served in the U.S. Army from May 1966 to May 1968. Nearly 60 years later, he remains profoundly grateful to have returned home - while never forgetting those who didn’t, his daughter, Lori DeSerio Liano, said.

During his service, DeSerio saw combat in Vietnam, supporting an engineering battalion in direct operations, according to his family. The impact of his experiences has stayed with him ever since.

At the ceremony, DeSerio was presented with a Quilt of Valor, part of a national effort by the Quilts of Valor Foundation to honor and comfort veterans touched by war. The organization has donated over 327,000 quilts to service members and veterans nationwide.

Among those recognizing DeSerio’s service were Rockland County Legislator Jesse Malowitz, Ramapo Town Supervisor Michael Specht and Montebello Village Deputy Mayor Stacy Caridi.

“As a proud supporter of our veterans, I was honored to attend this ceremony for Joseph DeSerio,” Legislator Malowitz said. “All of our veterans deserve to be honored, but none more so than our Vietnam Veterans, many of whom did not get the respect that they deserved when they returned home.”

The ceremony was organized with the help of DeSerio’s friend, Dr. Leah Adams. The quilt was handcrafted by volunteers with the Sussex County (NJ) Quilters, Valerie Desharnais, Sue Ballini, and Meg Woznicki.

DeSerio has lived in Suffern for more than 40 years and retired from the U.S. Postal Service.

Rockland County Legislator Jesse Malowitz thanks Vietnam War Veteran Joseph DeSerio for his service.