Ted Wilkinson

Ted Wilkinson was re-elected Region 2 Director at VVA’s 21st National Convention in Orlando, FL. Wilkinson enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969 and served two tours in Vietnam with the 20th Engineer Brigade and Engineer Command, earning an Army Commendation Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, and two Bronze Stars. Wilkinson was honorably discharged as an Army Specialist 5 in 1972. As a life member of VVA Chapter 193, Wilkinson served 10 years as chapter vice president, two years as chapter secretary, and was named Member of the Year three times. He has served as a New York State Council delegate since 2002. He served as the state council’s Western District Director from 2006–2016, and has chaired its Membership Affairs Committee since 2008. At the national level, Wilkinson is a member of VVA’s POW/MIA, Veterans Against Drugs, and the Membership Affairs Committees. He is the founder of the New York State Wyoming County Joint Veterans Council, and served as its president from 2007–2015. Wilkinson helped organize 2005’s Echo Taps, and brought the Moving Wall memorial to Western New York multiple times. Among his many commendations are the Conspicuous Service Cross (New York state’s highest award for combat valor) and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. He was inducted into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame in 2012. Wilkinson had a distinguished career with General Motors, and was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 1982.