Farmingdale Vietnam Veteran Receives Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award

OYSTER BAY, NY — Arturo Jerome Edwards, a retired U.S. Army staff sergeant living in Farmingdale, was presented the Town of Oyster Bay Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award, the town announced.

Supervisor Joseph Saladino and his colleagues on the Oyster Bay Town Board recently presented Edwards with the proclamation for his service to our nation and the community.

“The Town’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award is presented to noteworthy recipients in recognition of their outstanding leadership and achievement, adherence to the principals of a just society and continued involvement in support of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s Dream,” Saladino said. “Our diversity is our strength and this prestigious recognition reflects upon the incredible leadership and courage of Martin Luther King, Jr., and also on the local contributions being made every day in our community by extraordinary people.”

Edwards served in the U.S. Army for two years and 16 years in the U.S. Army Reserve. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant E-6. He served 18 months in Vietnam from May 1966 to November 1967.

He later served with distinction as a New York City police officer.

“Arturo’s serve to our nation and our community didn’t end with his tour of duty,” Councilwoman Vicki Walsh said. “He has been very involved in our community as a distinguished veteran’s advocate and is an active member of AMVETS Post 21, VFW Post 5942, and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 82. He is dedicated to the service of his fellow Americans and truly represents the gold standard of community service. The foundation for a healthy community and freedoms we cherish are dependent upon the leadership of people like retired Staff Sergeant Arturo Jerome Edwards.”