Joseph P. Pellegrino

At Large

Lt. Col. Joseph P. Pellegrino, USA-(Ret.)

After graduating from the University of Oregon in 1962. Joe was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Army. He served two tours in Vietnam as a Rifle Company commander and South Vietnam Army advisor. He was a highly decorated officer receiving the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm.

After attending the elite Armed Forces Staff College in 1975, he served In Korea. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal. While assigned to the Strategic Air Command in Washington D.C., Joe flew in support of Presidents Reagan and Carter, and top level military and civilian authorities of the Department of Defense, the Federal Emergency Administration, and the White House. His primary responsibility was the handling and security of sealed authenticators for the National Command Authority (NCA) while flying aboard U.S. Presidential support aircraft, Upon retiring from the Army in 1988, Joe was awarded the Army Legion of Merit Award.

Joe joined the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manteca Board in 1992, He served on the Board through 2000 including a year as President.

While being Executive Director of the Manteca Chamber of Commerce (2001-2003) Joe brainstormed and implemented the Flags over Manteca effort in the aftermath of Sept. 11th. He raised $60,000 in less than four months for 2,500 flags and poles.

Joe has been married to his high school sweetheart, Pat, for 47 years. They have three daughters and nine grandchildren who all live in the Manteca area.