Leon J. Wallace

Air Force/NYS Army National Guard
1957 -1961 |1976-2001

Leon J. Wallace was born in 1937, the oldest of three brothers. He grew up in the West
Brighton and Mariners Harbor sections of Staten Island, graduating from Public School 18 and McKee High School in 1956.

After graduating high school, Mr. Wallace joined the U.S. Air Force. He was a Jet Mechanic while stationed in Guam. He was honorably discharged in 1961.

He returned to military service in 1976, to help pay for his degree from Staten Island Community College (currently College of Staten Island, part of City University of NewYork). This time his service was with the NYS Army National Guard, part of the 5-117th Cavalry Unit. While part of the Guard, he taught map reading; he retired from the National Guard in 2001 as Sergeant.

After leaving the Air Force, Mr. Wallace began work with SIDDSO (Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Services Office) formerly known as Willowbrook State School.

His last position of seventeen years was part of the Staff Developmental Services Unit; he served as one of the staff training instructors. He retired from working for NYS in 2001 after thirty-eight years.

Mr. Wallace enjoys traveling and photography. He is a former Boy Scout leader (Troop #47 in West Brighton). He is a current member of St. Phillips Baptist Church on Staten Island. He is also a member of numerous civic and cultural associations; NAACP, USIVO (United Staten Island Veterans Organization), current District President of 369th Veterans Association, Richmond District, and Past National Vice-President, member of A.J. Jones #1 A.:F.: &A.:M. [33°], Omega Grand Lodge, Patron of Rose of Sharon #1, O.E.S., and RWAGP (Right Worthy Associate Grand Patron) of Oriental Grand Chapter. He has traveled the US militarily, and the world Masonically.

It should also be noted Leon is a second generation member of the 369th Veterans as was his father before him in WW I. He recently completed the NYS Chaplains course ministering to other vets in need.
In addition to all else, he is a loving father of one adult daughter, and ‘Uncle Leon’ to his nieces, nephew, great-nieces, and nephews, and many others across NYC.

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