A Lifetime of Service from Brooklyn to Vietnam and Beyond

John Rosario Sabatino was born on October 30, 1949, in Brooklyn, New York, along bustling Atlantic Avenue. He attended elementary, junior high, and senior high schools in Brooklyn, growing up during a time when the Vietnam War played out nightly on television screens across America. Like many young men of his generation, John felt a strong sense of duty — a calling to serve his country.

In 1968, as the Vietnam conflict intensified, John and five close friends decided it was their time to answer the call. One enlisted in the Navy, three joined the Army, and two became Marines. John chose the Army, completing his basic training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina before advancing to Fort Gordon for Advanced Individual Training (AIT). Determined to push himself further, John joined the elite 82nd Airborne Division and went on to serve with U.S. Army Special Forces.

His service took him to Vietnam, where he completed two tours with the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) special operations. But even after his honorable service in the Army, John’s commitment to protecting his country remained strong.

Seeking new ways to serve, John turned to the U.S. Coast Guard — an essential force safeguarding America’s borders, responding to maritime emergencies, and protecting the environment. He served aboard two high-endurance cutters, the USCGC Dallas and the USCGC Gallatin, vessels nearly as large as Navy destroyers. In this role, he participated in boarding operations on frigates and tankers at sea and often braved dangerous weather during rescue missions. As a communications specialist, John found great pride and fulfillment in his duties aboard ship.

Throughout his life, John has remained a steadfast believer in the value of military service. He feels it instills discipline, courtesy, respect, and a sense of responsibility — qualities he believes are essential in today’s world. At 75, John reflects with pride on his years of service but expresses concern about the challenges his children and grandchildren may face in the future.

John Rosario Sabatino’s story is a powerful reminder of selfless service and the enduring spirit of those who step forward to protect and defend.