Bernard (Ben) LaPolla

    Jr. Vice Commander/Judge Advocate

Ben LaPolla, TSgt, E-6, AFSC R30670, Electronic Communications and Cryptographic Systems

Served Task Force Alpha, 56^th Special Operations Wing, 1987^th Communications Sq.

Nakhon Phanom (NKP) Royal Thai AFB, Thailand

Graduate National University, B.S. Computer Science

Ben is originally from Tucson, Arizona.  Moving to Long Island in 1965, Ben graduated from High School in 1966 and joined the U.S. Air Force in 1967.  TSgt Ben LaPolla held a Top Secret SSIR Crypto Clearance.   His first assignment was to the Strategic Air Command, at Ellsworth AFB, where he supported Communications Systems for the 58^thBomb Wing and 44^th Missile Squadron.  Ellsworth AFB was followed by a two-year tour in Ankara Turkey, TUSLOG Det 6. He returned to SAC, at Silver Creek Det. 1, near Offutt AFB, Nebraska, in 1972. Volunteering for Viet Nam, he was assigned to NKP.  After eight years in the Regular Air Force, he continued his service as an Air Force Reservist at McClellan AFB until 1979.  Searching for stronger ties to the community, he joined the American Legion at Post 383 in 2007.  Here he helped establish the American Legion Riders, Chapter 383, where he became Chapter President, and ultimately Post 383 Commander.  He joined VFW Post 6158 in 2011 and has served as Judge Advocate, Trustee, Officer of the Day and now Jr. Vice/JA. Ben and Sheila will celebrate their 56^th Anniversary this coming May.