#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Dean Baratta

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Dean Baratta, who served as an intelligence specialist for a narcotics team and in Afghanistan.

Dean Baratta joined the Army at 18 years old Oct. 15, 1986. Growing up, he was interested in joining the Army, as many of his family members had served in the military. Baratta was also deeply passionate about learning. By joining the Army, he was able to combine his passions and work as an intelligence analyst.

The Army stationed Baratta in Germany shortly after joining. His job in Germany was to guard the German border and prevent Soviet soldiers from entering. Following his service in Germany, Baratta worked in Washington, D.C., in the U.S. Army Intelligence and Threat Analysis Center.

After working in D.C., Baratta earned a degree in political science from Rutgers University. He then decided to work for a few years as a banker. After his brief time as a banker, Baratta joined the Pennsylvania National Guard narcotics team. There, he worked as an intelligence analyst on narcotic issues.

He later served in Afghanistan. In 2004, Baratta returned to the U.S. and worked with the New Jersey National Guard. Baratta later became a first sergeant.

Thank you for your service!

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? 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/.

Contributors

Editor: Essence McPherson

Fact checker: Tavia Wager

Graphic artist: Kimber Garland