Jose Maria Vasquez Jr. served four years of active duty in the U.S. Navy from 2000 to 2004, spending the majority of his service overseas, primarily stationed in Gaeta, Italy. He participated in the Matador Tour and Black Sea Tour, traveling throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Jose was involved in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
By the end of his service, he held the rank of E-5 Petty Officer and was honored with several prestigious awards, including the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy E Ribbon (awarded twice), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (three times), Overseas Service Ribbon (three times), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
Following his military career, Jose attended Tarrant County College in Fort Worth, Texas, before transferring to the Biochemistry program at Montclair State University. For the past 17 years, he has lived in Englewood, New Jersey, where he continues to serve his community. Currently, he is the Quartermaster and Adjutant for VFW Post 6467, assisting fellow veterans in accessing resources and benefits they are entitled to. He also served as the Secretary of the Veterans Committee of Bergenfield, New Jersey.
Nominate a Veteran for #BergenCountyVeteranOfTheMonth
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?
The #BergenCountyVeteranOfTheMonth social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.
It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.
Bergen County Division of Veteran Services
The Division of Veterans Services was established in 1977 to provide resident veterans and their dependents with information and assistance in obtaining earned entitlements from federal, state, and local governments, as well as any that are available from the private sector.
Through a quarterly newsletter and direct client contact, the division provides Bergen’s veterans organizations and their auxiliaries and individual residents with up-to-date benefit information.
