#VeteranOfTheDay Anthony Philip Bevacqua

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran Anthony Philip Bevacqua. Anthony served from 1952 to 1973 during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1932 and enlisted in the Air Force in the midst of the Korean War. He completed basic training at Sampson Air Force Base in Geneva, New York. In 1953, he trained as a cadet and pilot at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. On April 14, 1954 Anthony graduated from his last stage of flight training as a second lieutenant pilot. After completing gunnery school, Anthony received his first assignment with the 508^th strategic fighter wing at Turner Air Force Base, Albany, Georgia. It was at this time that he married his wife.

Joseph embarked on his first reconnaissance mission during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, flying from Mariana, Florida, over Cuba in a U-2 plane. He continued to pilot reconnaissance missions during the Vietnam War. He completed several tours at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.

In 1973, Anthony retired from Beale Air Force Base, Yuba City, California, after more than 20 years of service. He remained in Yuba City and raised his family. After his service, he worked as a real estate agent and mortgage lender with his son. Anthony also served as the chairman of the Beale Military Liaison Committee, and became a member of the Air Force Association and the Military Officers Association of America.

Thank you for your service, Anthony!

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Veterans History Project

This #VeteranOfTheDay profile was created with interviews submitted to the Veterans History Project. The project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations may hear directly from Veterans and better understand the realities of war. Find out more at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.

Graphic By Kierra Willis: Kierra Willis is a Graphic Communication Major at the University of Maryland University College. She currently has an AAS in Graphic Design and Visual Communications.