Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is U.S. Navy Veteran Anthony “Tony” Roberti. Tony served from 2001 to 2010 during the war in Afghanistan. He attained the rank of chief petty officer.
Tony discussed his military career with the Veterans History Project. He was living in Chicago when he decided to enlist in the Navy at the age of 22. Tony’s father, grandfather, and several other close relatives served in the Navy, inspiring him to follow in their footsteps. He joined the service in October 2009 and participated in Operation Enduring Freedom when he was assigned to the provincial reconstruction team in the Afghan province of Nuristan.
Tony became a chief petty officer and led a team of six that was responsible for managing the base’s communications and surveillance. He was also a force protection officer and project payment manager. In these jobs, Tony was tasked with establishing fighting positions and helping Afghan villages improve their infrastructure and schools. His base often saw combat during this time and he narrowly avoided being hit by shrapnel, but he praised his fellow soldiers for their teamwork during hardship.
Tony returned to Illinois in December 2010 and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the NATO ISAF Medal for his service. He was greeted by close friends and family at a surprise party organized by his wife. Tony became a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion, with whom he served as a senior vice commander.
Thank you for your service, Tony!
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/.
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