John lives with his wife, Ngoc, and with Captain James Van Peterkin Thach (Ret), who served valiantly in Iraq and was seriously wounded in combat. His other children include John P (Cookie), Tracey, And Sylburn.
Originally born in Harlem, New York and raised in NYC. He graduated from Haaren High School at age 16 (skipping 2 grades). Initially enlisting in the US NAVY, he served in WWII in June 1945 in the Pacific Area of operations and was released from active duty in August 1946. He later commissioned into the US Army where he then served two combat tours in the Korean War as a First Lieutenant from May 1950, and was released from active duty in 1954. John was recalled to active duty in Vietnam where he served two combat tours between 1968 and 1973 as a U.S. Army Major. He was released from active duty October 1973. For his service in Vietnam, John received two Bronze Stars and two Air Medal awards.
For the next five years after active military service, John served with the NYPD as a Police Officer, Teacher in the Police Academy, and Criminal Investigator. His efforts with the NYPD affected over 5000 arrests resulting in a 70% conviction rate. He went on to work with the US Postal Service, where he become a Union Steward. Since then and up to the present time, John has been active in security operations on a management and executive level at various educational and business organizations.
He has membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Catholic War Veterans, Korean War Veterans, Knights of Columbus, Military Officers Association of America, National Association for Uniformed Services, 24th Infantry Division Association, Uniformed Services Disabled Retirees, and the 77th Infantry Reserve Officers Association Board of Directors.
His broad educational background includes a BA from City College of New York, an MA from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He is also a graduate of the US Army's Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth and a graduate of the U.S. Dept. of State Senior Advisor Course.
John leaves behind over a dozen grandchildren, over 40 great grandchildren, a large amount of family and friends. He served as a mentor to many and friend to almost all. He was wise, intelligent, and a testament to the value of hard work.
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