Karl R. Rohde is a highly decorated Vietnam combat veteran of the United States Army, a dedicated servant of his community, and a resident of Carmel, NY. He and his wife of 37 years, Irene, have two children, Dori and Karl W., twin grandsons, Andrew and Robert Rohde, and a granddaughter, Olivia Venezia. Karl holds two Masters degrees in American History and Secondary Education, is a Town Councilman for Kent, and is the Putnam County Historian. After 28 years, he retired from Local 1103 Communications Workers of America, where he worked as Union Job Steward.
For his service to our nation, Karl has received the Silver Star, Combat Infantry Badge, M-16 Expert Rifleman Award, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross.
As a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, AMvets, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Military Order of the Cootie, Americal Division Veterans Association, The 40 & 8, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Marine Corps League, Karl is among the most prominent and active veterans of the Hudson Valley. He is also the founding Chairman and present Vice Chairman of the Putnam County Joint Veterans Council, as well as the Chairman of the Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park Advisory Committee.
In his capacity for the VFW, Karl currently serves as State Quartermaster. He has previously served as the New York State Commander, the Carmel VFW Commander, the Putnam County VFW Commander, the District #2 Commander, the State Legislative Chairman, and as a member of the National Legislative Committee. Karl has twice been honored by the VFW as All State Post Commander, twice as All State County Commander, and as All American State Commander. He is the publisher of the VFW Legislative e-newsletter. Additionally, Karl is the first recipient of the American Gold Star Mothers Distinguished Service Medal, and a recipient of the 2006 Norman Vincent Peale Outstanding Service Award.
