Bill DeMilio: WPDH’s Vet Who Rocks for June

This Month's Vet Who Rocks is Bill DeMilio. Nominated by Allie Norris, Bill is being recognized for his work both in the military and after his enlistment. Norris says, "Bill is a great candidate for this competition. He works very hard for his family and friends and fellow veterans." We couldn't agree more. Bill will receive $500 and is in the running for $10,000 that will be handed out to a Hudson Valley veteran on Veteran's Day. The Vets Who Rock program is proudly funded by our partners; Tompkins-Mahopac Bank, MHA of Dutchess County and Unity Ambulette.

A Lifetime resident of Beacon, NY and a graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes in Poughkeepsie, NY, Bill joined the United States Navy right out of high school. In 2003 he was first stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba where he served as a Master-At-Arms for Naval Station Security Forces. While in Guantanamo Bay (GTMO) he facilitated multiple detainee movements and served guard over military commissions, involving suspected terrorist combatants.

In 2005 Demilio was shipped to Naval Activities in Rota, Spain for the purposes of United States Navy law enforcement. While he was stationed there he got to explore Italy, Portugal, Morocco, France, England, Ireland, and of course Spain.

After his enlistment, Bill soon found employment at Indian Point Energy Center, the nuclear power plant in Buchanan, NY, as a member of the security team. He worked his way up through the ranks becoming an Alarm Station Operator and then a Security Training Supervisor.

In recent years Bill wanted to get involved with helping other veterans. His love for animals drove him to get involved with the SPCA. He was recently honored to become the Co-chair for the Pets-4-Vets committee at the Dutchess County SPCA. This program partners shelter pets with veterans. The program covers the cost to adopt the pet, one year of veterinarian checks, and training. "We’re always looking for others to get involved, (845) 452-7722 is the number for Dutchess County SPCA if you are someone who would like to help out!"

When Bill isn’t at work or volunteering he can be found hanging out with friends and family. He is a dad to two sons and loves traveling across America with his girlfriend.