Why I ADVOCATE- Lt. Col. Glendon A. Fraser's Story

Orange County United Way recently honored Lt. Col. Glendon Fraser for his 13 years of dedicated volunteer service on behalf of the Orange County community.  Lt. Col. Fraser turned his lifelong passion for aviation into a non-profit organization that promotes the field, especially to youth.  The following is his story of advocacy, volunteerism, and why he believes Orange County United Way is a strong community partner.

Glendon Fraser is currently a Lieutenant Colonel for the New York Air National Guard (NYANG).  He is a pilot for the 105^th Airlift Wing located in Newburgh and has been employed by the NYANG for 23 years.  While serving in the Air National Guard, Lt. Col. Fraser has received many medals for outstanding service.  He is also a Founding Member and the President of the Major General Irene Trowell-Harris chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., located on the Stewart Air National Guard Base.  As chapter President, Lt. Col. Fraser has overseen the distribution of more than $125,000 in tuition grants to 115 recipients.  A passionate advocate for aviation, he is an active member of the Organization of Black Aerospace Personnel, and has also overseen the development, implementation, and continuation of the Lee A. Archer, Jr. Red Tail Youth Flying Program, which promotes youth in aviation through mentoring and the sharing of life skills. "The United Way was there when we needed them to begin our Lee Archer Red Tail Youth Flying Program. Without United Way’s continued support, we would not have had the resources to mentor young adults from the Hudson Valley. I am well aware of the impact they have in the community because of the various groups and boards that I belong to. There is no doubt in my mind that the United Way helps to multiply the efforts of hard working volunteer programs such as ours."

~Lt. Col. Glendon Fraser

We'd love to hear your story about why you GIVE, ADVOCATE, or VOLUNTEER in your community.  Feel free to share it here.