On Monday, May 29 at 11 a.m. the Tyrone VFW Anderson-Denny Post No. 4559 and Tyrone American Legion will hold joint Memorial Day services at Soldier’s Park.
The guest speaker will be Richard Coccimiglio, and the public is encouraged to attend.
The Tyrone American Legion Post No. 281 will be honoring 21 members with 60 years consecutive membership (three posthumously) and five members with 50 consecutive years.
Richard Coccimiglio was born and raised in Force, Pa. He is a 1964 graduate of Bennetts Valley High School and a veteran of the United States Navy, serving from 1965 until 1969.
Mr. Coccimiglio has been a member of the American Legion for 36 years. He is also a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force Veterans in Canada and the United States, the VFW for 32 years 40/8 and Vietnam Veterans.
He has held many offices and positions within the American Legion, on the post, county, district, state and national levels, among these are Post Commander, Bi-County Commander, State Vice-Commander and is a past State Commander.
He has instructed veterans and Legionaries at Legion College at Indiantown Gap and Latrobe, dealing with Americanism and Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation.
Also, he has conducted seminars throughout the state involving patriotism, drug and alcohol abuse and human services issues involving the young and the elderly.
Mr. Coccimiglio established the VA Outpatient Clinic in Clearfield County to provide healthcare to veterans, a veterans van to transport veterans to and from VA hospitals and the clinic.
He served as the Regional Coordinator for the Vietnam veterans, coordinator of the Family Support Network dealing with families whose family members are serving in the military and was former Director of Veterans Affairs.
He has received many citations and awards for service to his community, state and national levels, including National Citation for Meritorious Service for Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, Legion of Honor and Humanitarian Award, Outstanding Citizen award from community and school alumni and the Commendation Medal from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Other accomplishments include the Vice President of the Housing for the Homeless Veterans Corporation, representative on the Management Assistance Council for the James E. Van Zandt Medical Center and Chairman of the Legislative Council for the Pennsylvania War Veterans Council.
He currently serves at the National level of the American Legion as the Alternate National Executive Committeeman.
He is married to the former Penny Hudsick and they are the parents of four children and grandparents of 10 grandchildren.
