Arturo J. Edwards is a retired United States Army Staff Sergeant (E-6), Vietnam veteran, and former New York City Police Officer whose life has been defined by service, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to others.

He served a total of 18 years in the United States Army, including 2 years of active duty and 16 years in the United States Army Reserve. During one of the most turbulent periods in American history, Staff Sergeant Edwards was deployed to Vietnam for 18 months, serving from May 1966 to November 1967. He considers himself deeply blessed to have returned home and to have been given the opportunity to rebuild his life through continued service, knowing that many of those he served alongside were not afforded the same chance — or returned to far fewer resources and support.

Following his military service, Arturo dedicated 20 years to the New York City Police Department, continuing his lifelong commitment to protecting and serving the public. Together, his military and law enforcement careers reflect decades of discipline, resilience, and duty to both country and community.

Like many Vietnam veterans, Arturo returned to a nation unprepared to welcome him home. That reality remained largely unacknowledged for decades. On April 20, 2019, more than 50 years after his service, he was formally honored at a long overdue homecoming ceremony held at the Cradle of Aviation Museum, hosted by the Long Island Air Force Association as part of its 28th Medal Ceremony. He was one of 32 local Vietnam veterans recognized for service that had long gone underappreciated. During the ceremony, then New York State Senator John E. Brooks addressed the audience, stating that the men being honored were “heroes in every sense of the word,” who were never welcomed home as they should have been.

Later that year, Arturo’s name was unveiled alongside more than 260 fellow veterans on the Wall of Honor at Vietnam Veterans Plaza in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. In June 2022, he traveled to Washington, D.C., to pay tribute to his cousin Joseph, whose name is engraved on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial among more than 58,000 who lost their lives in service to the nation. The trip was sponsored by Honor Flight Long Island.

In recognition of his lifelong service and leadership, Arturo was named the recipient of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award in 2023. The award honors individuals whose leadership and service reflect the principles of Dr. King. At the time, Arturo was unaware he had even been nominated — a reflection of his humility and quiet dedication to serving others. He also leads the Pledge of Allegiance prior to Town of Oyster Bay board meetings four times a year, a distinction customarily reserved for a selected veteran.

Since retiring, Arturo has devoted himself fully to supporting fellow veterans across Long Island. He is an active member of AMVETS Post 21, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5942, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 82, and American Legion Post 1812, and previously served as a Town of Oyster Bay Distinguished Veteran Advocate. He regularly participates in veteran outreach, research, and educational efforts, often meeting one-on-one with veterans to provide guidance, connection, and understanding. He is a familiar presence at veteran events throughout Long Island, particularly during Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day observances.

On May 27, 2024, retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Arturo J. Edwards of Farmingdale was honored as Grand Marshal of the Plainview–Old Bethpage Memorial Day Parade, a tribute to his enduring service and advocacy.

This nonprofit was founded from lived experience, not theory. Arturo believes that veterans deserve more than words of thanks — they deserve dignity, continued support, and meaningful action long after their service ends. His commitment is simple and unwavering: to stand up for those who served and to ensure that no veteran is forgotten, overlooked, or left behind.

Retired Federal Contracting Officer for the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, and former founder of several high-technology ventures where he served as a senior executive.

In 2025, Edwards was appointed as a seated Board Member to the Shriners Children Hospital Board of Governors for the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Spokane, Washington. The Board of Governors is the local governing body composed of Shriners from the hospital’s jurisdiction, providing local oversight and support and participating in committees focused on operations, care quality, and strategic planning — ensuring the hospital adheres to its mission of providing high-quality pediatric specialty care in a compassionate, family-centered environment.

Selected Career Highlights

• Reduced cost >$20M of providing an environmentally challenging fiber-optic solution that enabled the Mount Haleakala Space Surveillance Center to communicate with the Maui High Performance Computer Center.
• Negotiated and purchased over $10M in property and assets for less than $10K after being awarded the first-ever contract by the U.S. Navy to purchase and operate a DoD telecom operation (Mare Island).

Professional Experience

• Contracting Officer (Warranted), U.S. Department of the Interior / Bureau of Reclamation / Acquisition Operations
• Vice President & General Manager, MJE Enterprise (Tower Division)
• VP & General Manager, Disability Access Consultants
• Founder & Executive VP, WCI Lightpoint
• Country / General Manager, GST International Japan
• Co-Founder / Director, GST Government Systems, Inc.
• U.S. Marine Corps: CH-53A/D Mechanic / Aircrew

Education

• Former Doctoral (PhD) Candidate, Concordia University (Portland)
• Former Doctoral (PhD) Candidate of Business Administration, Kaiser University
• MA, Interdisciplinary Studies with Organizational Communication concentration, Marylhurst University School of Graduate Studies, Portland, OR (2012)
• BA, Interdisciplinary Studies with Forensic Psychology concentration, Marylhurst University, Portland, OR (2009)

Professional, Academic, Fraternal & Social Memberships

Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society · American Psychological Association (APA) · American Psychological-Law Society (AP-LS) · Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) · International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) · American Legion Post 168, Amboy, Washington (Past Post Commander) · Free and Accepted Mason, Washington #4 (Past Master) · Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks #2589 (Exalted Ruler)

Yves-Rose “Rosie” Edwards has been a dedicated advocate for both able-bodied and disabled veterans for more than 15 years. Her commitment to veteran support has included active involvement with numerous organizations, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), and AMVETS.

Throughout her advocacy work, Rosie has supported veterans and their families through outreach, coordination, and hands-on assistance. During her husband Arturo J. Edwards’ participation with Honor Flight Long Island, she played an instrumental role in coordinating the reception and homecoming of veterans returning from visits to Washington, D.C., ensuring they were welcomed with the respect and appreciation they deserved.

As Treasurer and Secretary, Rosie brings compassion, organization, and a deep personal commitment to the mission of supporting veterans. Her work reflects a belief that honoring service extends beyond words — it must be carried out through consistent action and care.

LCDR Delossantos commissioned with the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) in June 2015 and serves as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). A true visionary, LCDR Delossantos recognized the many opportunities to make a meaningful impact in both domestic and international communities. She found a way to serve her country through the USPHS.

As an active-duty officer, LCDR Delossantos volunteers in communities across the United States, reaching underserved populations and meeting people where they are. As an FNP, she understands that service is not just a duty — but a necessity.