Joseph M. Cetta

Joseph M. Cetta’s military career spanned nearly four decades (Active and Reserve) with both the United States Marine Corps and the New York Army National Guard. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Born in Walton, New York, Mr. Cetta knew at an early age that he wanted to serve his country, and he enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program after his junior year at Walton High School. Just five days after graduation, he arrived at Parris Island to begin his training. He then spent four years on active duty with VFMA-312 with two Western Pacific deployments that included duty in Japan, the Philippines, Okinawa, South Korea, Guam, and Wake Island. He was honorably discharged in June 1983.

Two months later, Mr. Cetta joined the New York Army National Guard. Over the next 32 years, he held numerous leadership positions and was deployed to missions throughout New York State in response to natural disasters. Additional deployments took Mr. Cetta to Panama, Honduras, and Guatemala on nation-building missions.

Later, he was ordered to active duty and deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, serving as Liaison Officer with the 42nd Infantry Division during each tour.

The highly decorated veteran has received the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

He continues to give back to the community where he grew up. Mr. Cetta first served as Village Trustee in his hometown of Walton, and now as the Town Supervisor. He is also a firefighter with the Walton Fire Department.

Mr. Cetta has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his country, his fellow service members, and his community. His contributions, both in and out of uniform, are well deserving of our eternal respect and admiration.