Dan Guida
Honoree Profile
Dan Guida was drafted into the United States Army in February 1966 and achieved the rank of Lieutenant.
While in the reception station at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, he qualified for Officer Candidate School (OCS). Due to listing armored vehicles as his preference, he received basic training as part of the Second Armored Division, Hell on Wheels, at Fort Hood, Texas.
After basic training, Mr. Guida was sent to Fort Knox, Kentucky for Advanced Individual Training (AIT) as an 11E Armored Crewman. After AIT, he attended OCS and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in January 1967, MOS 1203
Tank Unit Commander.
In September 1967, he received his orders for Vietnam and was sent to the Panama Canal for intense jungle training. Upon arrival in Vietnam, Mr. Guida was given command of the First Platoon of A Troop 1st Squadron 1st Calvary.
Many of his operations were platoon-level search and destroy missions in the areas of Tam Ky and Cigar Island. His main major battles fought were the 1968 TET Counteroffensive and the battles of the Pineapple Forest and Burlington Trail.
For his bravery and service to his Nation, Mr. Guida was awarded a Bronze Star for distinguishing himself in connection with military operations against hostile forces.
After returning from service, Mr. Guida went back to college under the GI Bill and became a Certified Public Accountant. Currently, he is an active member of VFW Post 6249 Rocky Point, New York. His activities as Quartermaster for the VFW include assisting with their annual 5K charity run and the annual golf outing. The funds received at these functions support many veterans in need, as well as organizations such as Tunnel to Towers.
Currently, Mr. Guida is involved with several local schools. When students are studying the Vietnam conflict, he participates as a guest lecturer, giving lifetime experiences and answering questions.
Mr. Guida has spent time as a volunteer at the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stonybrook. There, he stepped up to help transport his military brothers to their medical appointments. For some, he is able to assist with their therapy treatments, as well as accompanying them on field trips.