The Bronx Chronicle Veteran of the Week

Rodney Moore began his military career when he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1976. He became proficient in refueling all aircraft, including fighter jets and transit aircraft. Mr. Moore became eligible for promotions and increased responsibility, taking the position of command and control tech. He worked directly for the wing commander on installations in Arizona and Texas, completing eight years of service.

In 1987, Mr. Moore transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard, where he was assigned to the Search & Rescue Unit on Governor’s Island, New York. He became a boarding officer on the East and Hudson rivers. He was later assigned to the Coast Guard Recruiting Command in Battery Park, where he became proficient in processing applicants for enlisted and officer programs within the Coast Guard. Mr. Moore’s tour of duty lasted six years, with his final assignment before  retirement being Auxiliary Yeoman, responsible for 250 administrative files.

Today, Moore is the Veterans Housing Coordinator for a non-profit organization called Veterans in Command, located in Jamaica, Queens. Veterans in Command provides clean, affordable, furnished rooms for homeless veterans, with the goal of independent living for these service members, enhancing their quality of life and self-esteem and motivating them to be proactive in their career growth. VIC manages four properties in the 10th Senate District with a total of 29 male veterans assigned. The organization’s slogan is “Not only providing a place to live…but a place to call home.”

During his time in the military, Mr. Moore received numerous awards including the Air Force Achievement Medal, Coast Guard Unit Commendation, Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation, Bicentennial Unit Commendation, Coast Guard Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon and Air Force Longevity Service Award with one gold star.