Thomas Buono

Tom was born and raised in Utica, NY. Tom attended Utica College of Syracuse University, and Mohawk Valley Community College. Tom received a 2 year degree from the University of Maryland.

Tom joined the US Army and served with the 21st Signal & Aviation Group in Vietnam. When Tom ended his tour in Vietnam as a Spec 4 he served with the US Army National Guard.

Tom was employed with the US Postal Service for 38 years. He was President of The American Postal Workers Union for 32 years.

Tom is currently President of The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 944, past Commander and currently Quartermaster of VFW Yorkville Memorial Post 6001, Chaplain of Masonic War Veterans Post 55, Chairman of the Captain George A Wood Post Office Veterans Committee, Chairman of the Veterans Cemetery Committee, and a member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 82, member of New Hartford American Legion Post 1376, a member of the AMVETS, a member of Voiture 92 40/8, a member of the Utica Parkway Center Veterans Committee, and a member of, a member of Hometown Heroes Banner Program.

Tom was elected to the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame in 2020.

As Chairman of the Utica Post Office Veterans Committee Tom coordinated the efforts to name the Utica Post Office the “Captain George A Wood Post Office”. The committee also constructed an All-Veterans Monument and a Gold Star Monument at the Post Office which includes over 1,100 engraved pavers to honor Veterans.

As President of VVA Chapter 944, Tom was instrumental in the renaming of Route 49 between Utica and Rome, NY as the “Oneida County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway.

Tom works closely with the Gold Star Families throughout Oneida County, honoring their sons.

Tom is an asset to his community and his family. Tom and his wife, Elaine, live in New Hartford, NY and they love spending time with their three children, Gina, David, and Matthew and their 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.