Ted Lewandowsky is a welcome visitor at the Crawford Government Center in Pine Bush. He’s very involved with the community and they’re always happy to see him!
Ted volunteers with various veteran organizations including The American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Catholic War Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Ted also serves on the Advisory Board for the Town of Crawford’s Friendly Visitor Program, helping seniors in our community. In addition to that, he’s a member of the Hospice Care Team; ‘Veteran-to-Veteran’. The Team is there to provide support and comfort during end-of-life care for veterans. They participate in an ‘Honor Salute Recognition’ ceremony for each veteran in their final days, so each is reminded that their service has never been forgotten.
Believe it or not, with all of that said- Ted just celebrated his 75th birthday on November 4th, 2020!!
When asked for his story, he wasn’t quite comfortable- but eventually opened up to us.
Here’s what he had to say.
"I grew up in West Haverstraw, N.Y. and graduated high school in 1962. During my earlier years, I was active with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts which gave me the desire to be of service to my neighbors and to my community.
I enlisted in the Air Force in March of 1964. After attending basic training and technical school I was stationed at Travis Air Force Base in California during the build-up in Vietnam. Eventually I was sent to Southeast Asia where I served as an aircraft electronics technician at Tahkli Air Force base in Thailand. I worked on F-105 Aircraft which were flying bombing missions into Nam.
After returning to the States, I served at Nellis AFB until September 1971, at which time I was again deployed to Southeast Asia, this time working on F-111 Aircraft returning from deployment.
After that, my Air Force Career took me to England for five years, and again back to the States through my retirement in 1984.
Following that, I worked in the civilian sector until 2016 when I officially ‘retired’.
My time is now spent with various Veteran’s Services organizations, and I enjoy military collectables.
I’m deeply honored and humbled when I meet other veterans and share stories with them. I thank each one for serving our Country.
God Bless America. "