Grisanti names Joseph Chudoba 'Veteran of the Month'

New York State Sen. Mark Grisanti recently announced Joseph Gregory Chudoba as the fourth recipient of his "Veteran of the Month" recognition program.

Airman First Class Chudoba, a resident of Tonawanda, is the fourth recipient of a monthly honor presented by Grisanti following an application and nomination process coordinated by staff members in Grisanti's veterans liaison office.

"I am pleased to recognize Joseph be presenting him with this honor," said Grisanti, who is a member of the New York State Senate's veterans, homeland security and military affairs committees. "He is another sterling example of dedication, hard work and sacrifice. I commend him for his career of distinguished service and applaud him for his work as a domestic violence victim advocate and mentoring fellow veterans who need assistance and guidance. His community involvement is unprecedented and deserves great admiration."

Chudoba served in the United States Air Force from 1983-85, serving in several different capacities. He then served as a member of the 107th New York Air National Guard from 1985 to 1990. His military service was recognized with various honors, including a Basic Training Award Ribbon, an Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon, Airman of the Month recognition, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon and Air Force Meritorious Service Medal.

Chudoba serves as a team leader for the Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court and is a board member for VETS H.E.R.D. He also is the vice-chair of S.E.R.V. Niagara and is an advisory board member for Veterans One Stop Center.

Chudoba's local affiliations include past membership at Thomas Tehan Post in Blasdell and current membership at Brounsheidel Post in Tonawanda. He is also involved with the Western New York Homeless Alliance, Erie County Coalition Against Family Violence, Council Against Elder Abuse and other organizations.

He has worked as a domestic violence victim advocate in the Erie County Sheriff's Office since 2008, and has dedicated numerous hours of community service as a volunteer assisting veterans in need.

"I do what I can to help veterans out in any way possible," Chudoba said. "I will cherish this recognition with all that I am, and pray that I have lived up to the promise I made to my grandfather, who was a Pearl Harbor survivor, to help veterans in the VA Hospital and elsewhere."

For more information about Grisanti's "Veteran of the Month" recognition program, including how to nominate someone for the honor, visit www.senatormarkgrisanti.com and click on the "Veterans" tab.