Penn Dental Medicine: Cheung Auditorium
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Time: 12:00 -1:00 pm ET
Location: William W.M. Cheung Auditorium
*Lunch will be provided on a first-come, first served basis*
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Lecture Description
Ralph Galati will share a moving story of survival, resilience and mentorship as a POW in Vietnam.
Speaker
Ralph Galati was born and raised in Philadelphia. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from St. Joseph’s University (Philadelphia, PA) in 1970 and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
Ralph attended USAF Flight Training in 1970, and received his Wings in 1971. He was a Weapon Systems Officer and Forward Air Controller in the F-4 Phantom aircraft assigned to Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand in the fall of 1971. On February 16, 1972 he and his pilot were shot-down over North Vietnam and were immediately captured and taken to Hanoi. He spent the next 14 months as a Prisoner of War. Ralph was repatriated on March 28, 1973.
Ralph served as an Officer in the USAF for eight years – as a Flight Instructor, Curriculum Developer, and at the Pentagon with the Secretary of the Air Force Office of Legislative Liaison. Ralph’s military awards include:
Ralph was hired by IBM in 1979 and retired in 2007 after 28 years of service.
Ralph has also served as a University Adjunct Professor and Academic Advisor at Widener University, Cabrini College and St. Joseph’s University from 1982 to 2012.
Ralph served as the Veterans Liaison for Delaware County, PA from 2011-2013. His role included outreach efforts across the county, as well as ensuring that all Delaware County veterans and their families received the benefits to which they were entitled.
Ralph was the Founder and former Director of the Office of Veterans Services at St. Joseph’s University – his alma mater. The office was responsible for developing and implementing Small Business & Entrepreneurship Training Programs for veterans.
Ralph is currently retired but continues to work on Veterans issues through his position on the Board of Directors of the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association, and as a Team Member on several local Veterans organizations.
Ralph has been the proud recipient of the:
– Lifetime Achievement Award – Delaware County Chamber of Commerce
– Lifetime Service Award (Veterans of Distinction) – Phila. Business Journal
– Eagle, Globe and Anchor Award – Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation
– Patriotism Award – Washington Crossing Foundation
– Legion of Honor Gold Medallion – Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation
– The Philadelphia Bowl – City of Philadelphia
– The Magis Award – City of Philadelphia