Veterans services commissioner and former POW Paul Galanti to speak at Veterans Day program Nov. 9

November 7, 2012

Paul Galanti, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, will speak at a Veterans Day program Nov. 9 at 12:30 p.m. at University of Richmond’s Cannon Memorial Chapel. The program is free and open to the public.

Galanti flew 97 combat missions in Vietnam before being shot down and held prisoner by the North Vietnamese for nearly seven years. Since returning to the United States in 1973, he has served in the Office of the Commandant of the U.S. Naval Academy and was executive director of the Virginia Pharmaceutical Association, executive vice president of the Medical Society of Virginia and commanding officer of the Navy’s Richmond recruiting district. Gov. Robert McDonnell appointed him to his current position.

Galanti’s personal decorations include the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit, the Bronze Star, nine combat Air Medals and two Purple Hearts. He is a member of the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame, and his story has appeared in numerous magazines and documentaries. He holds a master of commerce degree from University of Richmond.

The program is sponsored by the University of Richmond School of Law’s Veterans and Military Law Association. For more information, call 804-289-8740 or email URichmondVMLA@gmail.com.

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