Spencer Polinger was born in 1945 and grew up in the Bronx, a borough of New York City. He served in the Vietnam War as a combat medic from 1963 to 1970 with the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team.
Upon discharge in 1970, Polinger used his GI Bill to earn his license as a registered nurse and then went on to earn his master’s in nursing administration and education. Before retiring, he worked as a nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital for Children in New York and a clinical director of a home care company.
He is also the former President of the 32nd Chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America, former Commander of Jewish War Veterans of the USA post 250, and a former member of a Congressional Admissions Committee for West Point.
During his service, Polinger earned a Bronze Star Medal, Combat Medical Badge, Expeditionary Forces Medal, National Defense Medal, two Good Conduct Medals, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and the Vietnam Technical Service Medal.
He now lives in Bayside, New York, with his wife Judith Polinger. They have two children and nine grandchildren.
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Thank you for your service. It would be great hear Polingers perspective about the current pandemic situation given his education and location.
Thank you for your service Spencer Polinger.