Frank LaMarsh, a former member of the United States Navy, achieved the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class. After completing high school in 1969, he trained at the Naval School of Construction in Davisville, Rhode Island. He was then assigned to the Public Works Great Lakes Naval Training Center as part of CBMU 401 and later reassigned to MCB 62 at Gulfport, Mississippi.
Mr. LaMarsh volunteered for service in Vietnam, where he worked on construction projects with Vietnamese Seabees and civilians at NSA Da Nang. He subsequently transferred to CBMU 302 in Bien Hoa. Following his service in Vietnam, Mr. LaMarsh was discharged in February 1972 and served three years in the Reserve before receiving an honorable discharge in 1975.
In recognition of his military service, Mr. LaMarsh received several honors: “the National Defense Service Medal,” “Vietnam Service Medal,” “Vietnam Campaign Medal,” “Vietnam Civic Action Award First Class,” “the M16 Marksmanship Ribbon,” and “NYS Medal of Merit.”
Mr. LaMarsh held leadership roles within the American Legion as Gold Star Post Commander for two years and was later elected County Commander and then 2nd District Commander. As Department Legislative Chairman, he worked on resolutions supporting New York State veterans and testified before both the New York State Assembly and New York City Council.
He also served on the National Legislative Commission and currently holds a position as Department Legislative Advisor. From 2021 to 2022, he was elected American Legion Department Commander during which time he traveled throughout New York meeting with veterans.
Currently serving on the National Children & Youth Committee along with various state-level committees, Mr. LaMarsh has been involved with Gold Star Post’s Adjutant role for over two decades among other positions such as County and District Adjutant.
His affiliations extend to Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, and participation on the Salvation Army Advisory Board.
Mr. LaMarsh is married to Nancy; they have five children—Jamie, Jared, Jonathan, Jessica, Jordan—and eleven grandchildren.
