Arturo J. Edwards - U.S. Army, Vietnam War 1965-67

Arturo J. Edwards grew up in Panama and immigrated to the United States in 1964. Upon arriving in the United Stated Arturo became eligible for the draft as was selected for service within a year. Arturo served with the 199 Light Infantry Brigade in Bien Hoa, Vietnam. Arturo was part of the artillery group working along the Mekong Delta as well as working with the Military Police at the Bien Hoa prison. When his tour in Vietnam ended Arturo joined the Army Reserves and served with the 340th Military Police until 1996.

Arturo worked in the Brownsville, NY Police in public affairs for many years and like many Vietnam Veterans dit not speak of his time in Vietnam for many years.

Today Arturo embraces being a Vietnam Veteran and works with many Veteran organizations including Vietnam Veterans of America, American Veterans (AMVETS), VFW and the American Legion.

In 2023 Arturo was honored with the Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award by the Town of Oyster Bay, NY and in 2024 he served as the Grand Marshal of the Planiview/Old-Bethpage Memorial Day Parade.