Lawrence Badger served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He graduated from Thomas R. Proctor High School in Utica and attended Mohawk Valley Community College before enlisting as a Paratrooper Infantryman. His training took place at Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Fort Gordon, Georgia; and Fort Benning, Georgia.
After earning his Airborne wings, Mr. Badger was assigned to several divisions: the 82nd Airborne Division, the 101st Airborne Division, and ultimately the 173rd Airborne Division in Vietnam. In June 1968, he was promoted to E-5 Squad Leader. His service included participation in multiple campaigns such as Phase III and V of the Vietnam TET Counteroffensive. Mr. Badger demonstrated bravery and leadership under challenging conditions.
Following his tour in Vietnam, Mr. Badger volunteered for an additional six months with the 58th Infantry until July 1969. He received numerous honors including a Purple Heart for injuries sustained on March 13, 1968, along with other commendations like the Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge.
Mr. Badger is dedicated to supporting veterans and their families while preserving the memory of fallen service members. He plays key roles in various veterans’ organizations: Vice President of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 944, Finance Officer of Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 490, Officer in Masonic War Veterans Post 55, Trustee at VFW Yorkville Post 6001, and Director for Wreaths Across America in Rome, New York.
Upon returning home from military service, Mr. Badger worked for over three decades with the U.S. Postal Service where he served as Chief Steward for the American Postal Workers Union for more than 25 years before retiring in 2008.
