Joe Bello

Joe Bello is a native New Yorker, born in Elmhurst, Queens, who enlisted in the United States Navy/Naval Reserves in 1984. He served for 11 years on various commands at sea and on land, including the USS South Carolina (CGN-37), USS Mahlon S. Tisdale (FFG-27) and Reserve Recruiting Duty at Fort Schuler in the Bronx.

Mr. Bello was honorably discharged in 1995, and during his military service, he received numerous awards, including the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.

After military service, Mr. Bello attended LaGuardia Community College (CUNY) and New York University (NYU), from which he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies.  An active and visible advocate within the New York City veterans’ community for over 20 years, Mr. Bello is currently the Secretary of the New York City Veteran’s Advisory Board, appointed by former Speaker of the City Council Melissa Mark-Viverito and reappointed by current Council Speaker Corey Johnson.

Mr. Bello has worked with various elected officials to assist with and testify on legislation that supports veterans and their families, including expanding membership to the City’s Veterans Advisory Board and expanding Veterans Treatment Courts throughout the five boroughs. In 2013, Mr. Bello developed a veteran’s platform and briefing paper for all New York City mayoral candidates to better educate them on the needs of New York City’s veterans’ population.

Mr. Bello is founder of NY MetroVets - an informational site for veterans that shares news and events taking place for veterans, military personnel, and their families in the New York City area. He was also former chair of the City University of New York (CUNY) Veterans Committee and was the Assistant Director of the Veteran Services Office at LaGuardia Community College.

Mr. Bello is married to Vicki Bello (Diaz), a Navy veteran herself, and the Veterans Coordinator for the Theater Development Fund (TDF). They reside in Parkchester in the Bronx.