US Army | Specialist 5
Jeffrey W. French enlisted in the United States Army serving in Vietnam. He achieved the rank of Specialist 5.
In 1968, Mr. French enlisted in the Army and entered basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. From 1969 to 1970, he was stationed in Vietnam under the command of MACV Defense Force, 1st Signal Brigade, which was the communication center for military operations. After returning from Vietnam, he served at Fort Ritchie, Maryland under National Communications Command.
Mr. French’s distinguished, decorated military service awards from 1968-1971 include the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Commendation and two Campaign Ribbons.
After his military service, Mr. French worked for the United States Postal Service for 33 years.
Mr. French continues his faithful, honorable service to America and his fellow veterans through his leadership and involvement as a 52-year member of the American Legion Minkler Seery Post 252 in Philmont. He is Past Post Commander and currently serves as Post Adjutant. He has been Chairman of the Village Memorial Day Committee for the last 10 years, as Philmont became a Purple Heart Village.
Mr. French also served in the following capacities: as Past County Commander and current County Adjutant for the Columbia County American Legion; Past District Commander and current Financial Officer for the American Legion 3rd District; Past Department Vice-Commander, Vice-Chairman, Department Oratorical, and Vice-Chairman, Distinguished Guests for the Department of New York American Legion; member of the National Resolutions Committee for the National American Legion, Ghent VFW and Columbia County Honor-A-Vet Committee; and 17 years as Run Chairman for SEAN’S RUN.
Additionally, Mr. French has served as a member of the Mellenville Volunteer Fire Company since 1969, serving as President, Captain, 1st and 2nd Lieutenant, current Treasurer, and former Convention Chairman, and Co-Chairman of NYS Firemen’s Field Days. He is Past President and Recording Secretary, and currently serves as Historian, for the Columbia County Volunteer Firefighters Association.
A proud, lifelong resident of Philmont, New York, Mr. French graduated from Ockawamick High School in 1967. He married his wife, Carol, in 1975, and is the proud father of Kara and Darrin French, and the grandfather of Eva French Castillo.