Eugene J. Ratigliano, a native of Watertown, NY enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve on August 17, 1965 and completed basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.   Upon graduation he was ordered to active duty aboard the USS Guadalcanal (LPH-7) and during his tour aboard Guadalcanal participated in a number of deployments at sea where he earned his Foreign Expeditionary Medal and eligibility for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

                     Gene served in the U.S. Navy for over 26 years, achieving the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9) retiring in September 1991.  His career included a number of demanding leadership assignments which include assignments in Navy Recruiting as the Command Master Chief and Chief Recruiter for 174 recruiters in a 10 state recruiting region and as the Director of Administration for a Naval Readiness Command Staff during Desert Storm.  Following his active service he became employed by the U.S. Department of Energy's Naval Reactors Division where he retired after 21 years of Federal civilian service.

                        During his military career he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation (2 awards), Navy Good Conduct Medal (4 awards), Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), National Defense Service Medal (2 awards), Foreign Expeditionary Medal, Navy Recruiting Ribbon (9 awards), Navy Recruiting Gold Wreath for Excellence (5 awards), Armed Forces Reserve Medal (2 awards), Navy Sharpshooter Medal, Navy Expert Rifleman Medal, NY State Conspicuous Service Medal, NY State Long and Faithful Service Medal, NY State Conspicuous Service Cross and the NY Naval Militia Recruiting Ribbon, and the prestigious New York State Senate Liberty Medal

                        Since becoming a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Gene has held many positions of leadership, both elected and appointed.  Gene has served his Post through the chairs as Post Commander for three years earning the All State Commanders Award, and again as Commander of his County Council where he served for two years, again earning the All State Commander’s Award.  In 2010, Gene began his advancement through the chairs of his District and was elected District 3 Commander for 2013-14 and continues to provide support to his Post and Council as their Quartermaster.  

                        State Commander Ratigliano has served the Department of New York as State Inspector, Chief of Staff and has been appointed to a number of committees which include the Veteran Service Committee, Legislative Committee, By-Laws Committee, National Affairs Committee, Convention Committee and the Service Officer Journal and Raffle Committees as its Chairman to name a few.  He also has represented the Department for three years on the VFW National Legislative Committee. On June 9, 2018 Gene was elected State Commander at the VFW 99^th State Convention in Albany, NY.  In continuing his leadership role in the Department, Gene was elected as the Department of New York’s National Council Member at the 100^thState Convention in Albany, NY on June 12, 2021

                     During and following his military service Gene has earned an Associate of Science Degree in Business Management, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration and a Master of Arts Degree with Honors in Naval Warfare. 

                     In his community, Gene serves on many committees which include the Vietnam Veterans 50th Anniversary Committee, WWI Memorial Refurbishment Committee, Veterans Parade Committee, the local Congressional Advisory Board and was recently inducted into the NY State Senate Veteran's Hall of Fame. 

                      Gene is a Gold Legacy Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans, Life member of the VFW National Home for Children, member of American Legion Post 234, Italian American War Veterans Post 35, 52 Year member of the U.S. Naval Institute, member of the Naval Enlisted Reserve Association, member of Fleet Reserve Association Branch 285 and Member of Military Order of the Cootie.  Married 46 years to Nancy Jean (Metz) Ratigliano, they are blessed with two wonderful children, Jennifer and Andrew and one grandson, Jack.