Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs
John Townsend
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297 Roosevelt St. Term Begins: June 8, 2011 |
Biography
John Townsend, of Fond du Lac, was nominated to the Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs in May 2011 by Governor Scott Walker, and was confirmed by the state Senate in June, 2011, to serve two years in completion of a term to expire on May 1, 2013.
He is a veteran of the Vietnam War, having served on active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1966. As an aerial navigator with an air development S Squadron (VX-6), he provided logistical air support for U.S. Antarctic research projects. From 1964-1966, he was stationed at Naval Air Station Agana, Guam, and served with Airborne Early Warning Squadron One (VW-1), whose mission was to track typhoons in the Pacific and provide nighttime radar coverage for carrier operations off the coast of Vietnam.
John entered the U.S. Navy Reserves in 1966 and served as an aerial navigator in naval air transport squadrons providing logistical support for fleet operations. He served as the Commanding Officer of the Naval Air Station Reserve Unit in Kingsville, TX from 1982-1984 and attended the Naval War College and the National Defense University before retiring as a Captain (O-6) from the U.S. Navy Reserve. He has been awarded the following medals: Air, National Defense, Antarctic Service, Viet Nam Service, Naval Reserve and Viet Nam Campaign.
He received a Bachelors of Science degree and a Masters of Business Administration from Wayne State University. His career accomplishments include Vice President of Bull’s Eye Marketing, Inc. and Vice President of Giddings & Lewis, Inc., both of Fond du Lac. From 1998 to 2010, he served in the state Assembly, representing the 52nd Assembly District. As an Assemblyman, he served on several committees, including the Aging and Long Term Care Committee, the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, and the Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse.
John remains active in the community and serves on the boards of: Wisconsin Literacy, Fond du Lac Adult Literacy, Fond du Lac Visiting Nurses Association, and the Fond du Lac Historical Society. He is also a member of the VFW, American Legion, and AMVETS.
He has been married to Maria for almost 50 years. They have two daughters and two granddaughters.
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