Colonel Joseph W. Lydon, USMCR ‘72

Framingham State College ‘77

Bio

Colonel Lydon was commissioned a second lieutenant upon graduation from Framingham State. He began his Marine Corps career as an Infantry Officer with the 1st Battalion, 4t. h Marine Regiment at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in 29 Palms, California. He left active duty in 1981 and remained in the active Reserve. Joe was called back to active duty following the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and completed his active military career after being assigned as the Senior Marine, Afghanistan from 2006 to 2008. He fully retired from the service in 2013.

In his civilian career, Joe has worked in business as a manager and vice president of an insurance firm.  Between 2010 and 2012 he returned to Afghanistan to serve as the Deputy Theatre Director for a major defense contractor that provided linguist support for the United States and ISAF, the  International Security Assistance Force, a NATO-led security mission in Afghanistan. Joe has taught in private, parochial, and public schools as a teacher, coach, department head, and administrator. He taught US and World History, Civics, and Science before finishing up his teaching career as East Providence High School, East Providence, Rhode Island.

Awards 

His personal awards include the Legion of Merit Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (second award), and numerous other awards acquired during six tours of duty in the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan.

Advice to Students

 “Strive to be the best you can be, learn from setbacks, remember the importance of humility and kindness, and always treat others with dignity and respect.”

Inducted November 25, 2014