(Courtesy of JWV) The Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. (JWV) is pleased to announce it has elected its 91st national commander, Nelson Mellitz of New Jersey and third national vice commander, Barry Lischinsky of Massachusetts during its 127th National Convention in Savannah, Georgia on August 11, 2022.
National Commander Nelson Mellitz joined the Jewish War Veterans in the early 1990s while still on active duty as part of his family’s 80-year legacy of serving the organization.
During his upcoming year leading JWV, Mellitz wants the organization “to continue to embody the capabilities and precepts that distinguish it from other military and veterans’ organizations. We will go back to our roots to fight increasing antisemitism, communicate with federal, state and local congressional representatives about the importance of supporting the military, veterans, their families and Jewish communities, and partner with other organizations that support our mission. We will advocate frequently for the State of Israel wherever the opportunity presents itself.”
Mellitz continues an over 80-year family legacy of serving in the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America. He served 32 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a colonel. He has been married to Debbie Markowitz Mellitz for 42 years and they have two daughters.
National Vice Commander Barry Lischinsky joined JWV while on active duty in 2000 and became a life member after leaving the service.
As Lischinsky stated, “My primary goal is to increase membership and to secure partnerships with others to support veterans, servicemembers and their families.” Building on the legacy of Past National Commander Harvey Weiner, “I want to make sure everyone knows that Jews served in the military, and to promote that Jews served honorably, were injured and even died in service, from the Revolutionary War to the present,” said Lischinsky.
Lischinsky has held numerous positions at all levels within the Jewish War Veterans after his 34-year military career, retiring as a colonel in 2004.
