Edward A Faatz

Through most of his life, Ed was involved in music and performed with numerous musical groups throughout the Scranton area.  He joined the U.S. Naval Reserves in 1964 working toward an electrical specialty. In 1964 he was allowed to be released to join the U.S. Air Force.  After completing tech school, Ed was assigned to Aerospace wing Systems Command at Patrick AFB Florida, where he worked with N.A.S.A. on Gemini VIII, IX, X, XI, and XII and Apollo I,  He received an honorable discharge in November 1968 holding the rank of Sergeant. In his volunteer pursuits, Ed has served as an officer in numerous organizations.  He also co-founded of the Veterans of Vietnam War, Parker-Wescott Memorial Post #40.  Ed was instrumental in completing the ‘All Veterans Memorial’ that stands outside the Abington Community Library, and the naming of  the Parker-Wescott Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge  of Clarks Summit, Pa.  He served as 2 year Pennsylvania State commander, and was member of the International Board of Directors – Veterans of Vietnam War Inc. and the Veterans Coalition for 7 years.  While volunteering with the Veterans of the Vietnam War, he served as National Honor Guard Coordinator and in this capacity, presented the Organizations’ flags and also the National Colors at the National Memorial Day and Veterans Day activities at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington Cemetery numerous times.   Ed was the Chairman of the committee that successfully convinced the Pennsylvania Legislators to name the Northern most bridge of the Pa. Turnpike the “Freedom Bridge” in honor of all POW/MIA’s. He served as Commander of American Legion Post #437 of Clarks Summit, Pa., Adjutant of American Legion Post #13 and Secretary of Home Association of Post #13 Dunmore, Pa.  He is also a member of AMVETS, DAV, the Lackawanna County Council of Veterans, and the Lackawanna County Veteran Resource Coalition.  He was appointed to and then elected as the president of the Friends of the Forgotten, Inc. Northeast-wing prior.  Mr. Faatz was invited to attend a private showing of the PBS TV Series “The Vietnam War Story”.  He was acknowledge for his contribution of information in the Book “The 56 Fallen” written by Jason Amico.  Ed has served as co-chairman of the committee to establish and dedicate the Lackawanna County Korean Memorial erected at the Veterans Memorial Park in Dunmore, and has served on the Lackawanna County Vietnam Memorial that was erected at the Lackawanna County Courthouse.