This episode features Angelo Wider. He was a Sergeant in the United States Army and served in Vietnam.
Some of the topics we discuss: Angelo talks about growing up in the Bronx and why he chose to join the Army. He talks about his time in Cu Chi, Vietnam and the missions that he carried out. We discuss Angelo’s experiences coming back to the United States and going back to work and school as a civilian. We talk about what Angelo feels helped him throughout the rest of his life and what he is doing now as the Assistant National Service Director for the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Angelo Wider Assistant Service Director Biography
Patriot Angelo Wider enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1964. He completed basic training and advanced infantry training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. After spending time in Hawaii, he deployed to Vietnam with Company C, 1st Battalion 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division; the “Wolfhounds”. He was wounded in action in 1966 and averted a fatal injury, as a bullet went through his body but managed not to puncture any vital organs. He became the youngest non-commissioned officer in his unit in Vietnam at the age of 19 and 4 days.
He left the service in 1967 and went on to complete his BA from CCNY and MA from George Washington University. He worked in Telecommunications for 10 years and then for the U.S. Postal Service. Patriot Wider was Master of Ceremonies for the unveiling ceremony of the Purple Heart stamp at Mount Vernon in 2003, which is where he met several Patriots, including Patriot Jack Leonard, and joined the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He retired from the Postal Service in 2010, and since then has been involved with several community service projects. Among some, he serves on the Loudoun County Community Service Board and is active with APLUS; an organization that trains minorities to move up in the postal service.
He has served as Judge Advocate for Chapter 353 and is currently Jr. Vice Commander. In addition, each Memorial Day, Patriot Wider is the MOPH representative at the wreath laying ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. Patriot Wider became the Assistant Service Director in April, 2017. He oversees the nationwide training program for approximately 100 service officers as well as assists in managing the National Service Program.
https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2007/html/pb22222/news_003.html