Col. Carl A. Singer was elected National Commander of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA at the 121st Annual National Convention in Savannah, GA. A member of Post 133 in New Jersey for almost 30 years, Singer is dedicated to volunteering in both the veterans’ and Jewish communities.
“It is truly an honor to follow in the footsteps of so many who have come before. Their insight and hard work have carried us through thick and thin. I am also happy to be working alongside Linda Colon, the new Ladies Auxiliary National President,” he said.
Singer was born on a westbound freight train along the Polish/Ukrainian border. After spending time in Displaced Persons camps, he came to the United States at age 3 and grew up in Cleveland. He now lives in Passaic.
Drafted in 1970, Singer served with an elite “ mini-staff” in the army Chief of Staff’s office, attaining the rank of Specialist 5 (SP5). He was then awarded a direct commission to First Lieutenant. He also served with the secretary of the army for research and development, and at TRADOC, the Training and Doctrine Command. His last assignment was at the US Army War College Center for Strategic Leadership, where for 10 years he directed a team of colonels supporting the annual Strategic Crisis Exercise. He is a graduate of both the US Army War College and the US Army Command and General Staff College, and his awards include the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal. Singer retired as an army colonel with 31 years of service.
Upon moving to New Jersey, he received mail intended for the previous occupant of his home regarding a JWV Post meeting. Inspired, he joined Post 133 and eventually became post commander and, later, county and district commander, before finally becoming department commander. Singer serves on the Legislative Breakfast Committee, leading the team that produces the annual “ Agenda of Concerns” booklet. He is co-chair of the New Jersey Department Convention Committee. He also coordinates the New Jersey delegation’s annual “ March on the Hill” and schedules meetings with both of New Jersey’s senators and all 12 representatives in Washington, DC, maintaining contact throughout the year as necessary to assure awareness of key issues impacting the military, veterans and the State of Israel. Singer is also a life member of the National Museum of American Jewish Military History and serves on its Board of Directors.
Singer has enjoyed a varied and interesting professional career. He was a vice president with the Enterprise Program Management Office at the Bank of New York Mellon, where he provided oversight and guidance to critical Information Technology projects. He also served as a consultant to the Institute for Defense Analyses, a Washington think tank. He previously served as a senior consulting faculty member at IBM’s Advanced Business Institute (ABI), where he focused on issues related to effective management. He was a member of the technical staff at Bell Communications Research, and also served as a foreign exchange forecaster at Chase Econometrics and was a consultant to the Chase Manhattan Bank.
Singer and his wife, Miriam, a professor in the Department of Education at Fairleigh Dickinson University, have been married for 39 years and have three sons. They are blessed with five grandchildren, ranging from age 2 to 11.
“Our father has always given of his time and skill to others. This started with his long career in the army and hasn’t changed. He has always led by example, being on several nonprofit boards and spearheading and helping with many projects. We are so proud of him. This honor is well deserved,” said Singer’s son Moishe, who lives in Teaneck.
A lifelong learner, Singer recently completed an MS degree in Homeland Security at Fairleigh Dickinson University with a focus on Terrorism and Cyber Security. Additionally, he has a BS in Organizational Science from Case Institute of Technology and did graduate work there in Operations Research. He has an MS in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan and a PhD from Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management.
Singer volunteers for many organizations in addition to his work with JWV, including employer support of the Guard and Reserve where he is county chairperson. He is president of the Passaic-Clifton Jewish Memorial Chapel—a community-run, not-for-profit funeral home, and is on the board of the Talmudic Yeshiva of Philadelphia.
“Standing on the shoulders of those who have come before me, it is an honor to represent the Jewish War Veterans of the USA. Tens of thousands of Jews have served this great country from Revolutionary War times to the present. Today the JWV is a respected voice in Washington, speaking out on issues relating to veterans, anti-Semitism, national security, and a safe, secure Israel,” Singer told The Jewish Link of New Jersey.
He continued, “ Next time you’re in Washington, visit the National Museum of American Jewish Military History and learn more about Jews in the military service of our great land.”
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America is the oldest active veterans’ organization in America. JWV is dedicated to upholding America’s democratic traditions and fighting bigotry, prejudice, injustice and discrimination of all kinds. As a national organization, JWV represents the voice of America’s Jewish veterans on issues related to veterans’ benefits, foreign policy and national security. JWV also commits itself to the assistance of oppressed Jews worldwide. For more information, contact Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America at 1811 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 or by phone at 202-265-6280 or via email at [email protected].
By JLNJ Staff
