2026 Veteran of the Year — Gary J. Mosier
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Good evening, everyone.
It is my honor and privilege to recognize Gary J. Mosier as our 2026 Veteran of the Year.
Gary’s military career began in April 1990, when he joined the United States Army as an Armor Crewman. He completed training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, on both the M1 and M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks.
Only a few months later, in August 1990, Gary volunteered to deploy with the first unit heading to Saudi Arabia. Assigned to the 24th Infantry Division, he served as a tank loader and helped establish the unit’s initial tent city while they waited for their tanks to arrive by ship.
Once the tanks arrived, Gary and his unit moved into the desert for Operation Desert Shield and later Operation Desert Storm. His service included combat operations at Jalibah Airfield and Highway 80 during the Persian Gulf War.
Gary continued his active-duty service in Korea from December 1992 through April 1994. Assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division at Camp Casey, he served as the gunner on an M1 tank for his platoon sergeant.
After leaving active duty in April 1994, Gary later joined the Army Reserve in 1997, serving with the 98th Infantry Division in Amherst, New York, as a wheeled-vehicle instructor.
Then, in 2004, his country called again.
Gary was activated in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, where he was assigned to the XVIII Airborne Corps. He was selected for a CENTCOM mission and served as the primary bodyguard for Brigadier General Sherlock, whose responsibilities included overseeing the training of the Iraqi Army throughout the country. Gary was also assigned as an alternate to Lieutenant General David Petraeus’ team for vehicle maintenance.
Throughout his military career, Gary earned numerous decorations and honors, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Mobilization Device, Overseas Service Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, as well as marksmanship and driver qualifications.
But being named Veteran of the Year is about more than what someone accomplished while wearing the uniform. It is also about the dedication and service they continue to give to their fellow veterans and their community.
Gary first became involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1991 through VFW Post 5798 in Angola. In May 2024, he joined Hamburg VFW Post 1419 as a Life Member, and since 2025 he has served our Post as Quartermaster.
Gary has also shown tremendous dedication to our Post through the time and effort he puts into setting up the Oakwood Room for events. Whether it is preparing the room, making sure everything is ready, or simply stepping in wherever help is needed, Gary can consistently be counted on to get the job done. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but it plays an important part in the success of our events and our Post.
His commitment to veterans extends beyond Post 1419 as well. Gary was recently nominated to serve as a Director of HLOV, another reflection of his willingness to take on responsibility and continue serving the veteran community.
Gary’s record reflects decades of service—from the deserts of Saudi Arabia and Iraq, to Korea, to training fellow soldiers here at home, and now to serving his fellow veterans through the VFW and our community.
Gary, on behalf of Hamburg VFW Post 1419, our members, and everyone gathered here tonight, congratulations on being selected as our 2026 Veteran of the Year.
Thank you for your service to our country, your service to your fellow veterans, and your continued dedication to our Post and our community.
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in congratulating our 2026 Veteran of the Year, Gary J. Mosier.
Thank you.Amy Owczarczak, Commander
