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Veteran's Day Speaker at LRIS
The Veteran's Day program was held on Thursday, November 9th, 2023. LRIS had a guest speaker, Chief Master Sergeant Eric M. Dudash.
Chief Master Sergeant Eric M. Dudash retired from active duty with the United States Air Force in December of 2018. With more than 30 years of service, he has been engaged in every conflict since Desert Shield/Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan, along with other engagements. He is a Life/Bronze Legacy Veterans of Foreign Wars member and serves as the VFW Department of Alabama Junior Vice Commander. Additionally, Chief Dudash was named Alabama Veteran of the Year in 2022.
He received his service dog, Phantom, from Warrior Freedom Service Dogs in 2020, and they have been a team ever since.
Veteran’s Day Speaker at FPHS
The Veteran’s Day program was held on November 7, 2023. Guest speaker Lieutenant General Joseph Cosumano
General Cosumano was born in Shreveport, LA and graduated from Northwestern State College in August of 1968, receiving his commission as a second lieutenant through the ROTC Program. He served 36 years on active duty as a Field Artilleryman, Air Defense Artilleryman, and Army Aviator.
General Cosumano commanded troops at every level up to 3-stars in the European Theater, Southeast Asia, and Middle East Theaters, serving 11 years overseas.
In addition to his many years of operational assignments, he held key Army Staff and Joint Staff assignments in included Programs and Plans for US Space Command, Program Manager for National Missile Defense and Future Combat Systems, and as Force Modernization Officer for all Army systems and organizations.
He culminated his active service as the Army Space Command and Missile Defense Commander during 9/11 and deployed elements of his command to Afghanistan and Iraq. He retired in February 2004 and entered the defense industry, where he served in numerous positions. A key position was another 5 years overseas support as Senior Vice President of Kellogg, Brown and Root, responsible for the Logistical Support of all Soldiers and civilians in both Iraq and Afghanistan theaters of war from 2005 to 2009.
He resides in Fort Payne with his wife Chanelle, they have 5 daughters and 6 grandchildren.
