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Westmoreland County Names New Director of Veteran's Affairs
Posted 10-27-2005
The Westmoreland County Board of Commissioners today named John A.
Panichella as Director of Veteran's Affairs.
"John Panichella is a decorated
Marine veteran who has a keen knowledge of what matters most to veterans,"
said Commission Chairman Tom Balya. "Just as important, John has a genuine
passion for veterans' issues. He will be an outstanding advocate for our
county's veterans."
"John Panichella has long served the veterans' community in a variety of
important roles and also understands the inner workings of county
government," added Commissioner Tom Ceraso. "This combination will serve him
well in his new role."
As director, Panichella serves as a liaison and advocate for county veterans
to receive the benefits to which they are entitled after their service.
There are an estimated 42,000 combat veterans currently living in
Westmoreland County.
"Of all the qualified candidates, John Panichella has the best understanding
of veterans' issues and the problems they face," said Commissioner Phil
Light. "I am confident he will be able to help our veterans with the
seemingly endless paperwork required by the federal and state governments."
Panichella served in the United
States Marine Corps from 1967-69, achieving the rank of Corporal, and served
one tour in Vietnam. He is a decorated combat veteran, having earned three
Presidential Citation Awards, the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze
clusters, the Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal and the National Defense
Ribbon. Panichella is
currently a Service Officer for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #33 in
Greensburg. He has also served as Chairman of the Westmoreland County
POW/MIA and the Pennsylvania All State Commander for the VFW.
Prior to his appointment as
Veterans Director, Panichella served as Fiscal and Operations Manager for
the Westmoreland County Clerk of Courts, after working as a bookkeeper in
the Clerk of Courts office the previous six years. He also has experience in
the private sector, serving as a store manager for Sun Oil Company in
Greensburg. A panel of
four veterans representing various veterans groups in the county assisted in
the appointment of John Panichella. Working with the county's human
resources department, the panel helped screen dozens of applicants and
recommended Panichella for the position.
A Westmoreland County native,
Panichella currently resides in Jeanette with his wife, Paulette.
Panichella replaces Joseph
Garsteck, who retired from county service in September after holding the
position for two decades.
For more information on the Westmoreland County
Department of Veterans Affairs, visit
www.co.westmoreland.pa.us
(choose Departments/Veterans Affairs) or call 724-830-3530. |
