Robert Rapone
Honoree Profile
US Army
Robert Rapone joined the United States Army in 1966, continuing the family tradition of serving in the United States Military. Mr. Rapone’s father, Joseph Rapone, and all five of his uncles served in WWII. A monument at the Rapone homestead proudly reads, “Home of Six WWII Veterans.”
Following Jump School, Mr. Rapone served two tours in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade as a Ranger on long-range recon patrol. He quickly advanced to the rank of E-5 Sergeant. While in Vietnam, his unit was awarded numerous commendations and citations.
For his valor, Mr. Rapone earned numerous awards and medals including the Vietnam Parachute Wings with a Combat Jump Star, the Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Silver Star, the Bronze Star with Valor, the Purple Heart, two Combat Air medals, and the Army Commendation medal. He served honorably until 1969.
Mr. Rapone is a retired furniture maker who remains deeply involved with veterans' issues in his community. He speaks throughout Monroe County on veterans’ mental health, employment, physical illnesses related to combat service, and a disease that plagues many veterans — Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — which Mr. Rapone himself suffers from. He shares his experiences often at events — in particular, how the therapy dog program has dramatically improved his life. His therapy dog, Casper, is always dutifully by his side.
Mr. Rapone is a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, the past Commander of the Hilton/Parma VFW, and a member of Matthew Cleary Post 255.
A decorated Vietnam veteran, Mr. Rapone has continued the family legacy of brave service to the United States of America. He carries the wounds of his service, and continues to serve by being a caring listener and strong advocate for veterans’ health and wellness.
Mr. Rapone, his wife, Karen, and their daughters, Morgan and Joanne, have resided in Hilton, New York for 29 years. He has two brothers, retired U.S. Army Colonel Joseph Rapone and William Rapone, and a sister, Joanne Kingsbury.
