Tony Abatecola
Judge Advocate General
Department of Rhode Island
Veterans of Foreign Wars
(401) 465-4638
JAG@vfwri.org |
Important JAG related documents:
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What does the Department Judge Advocate General do?
The Department Judge Advocate General (JAG) serves as the principal legal advisor to the Department Commander, the Department Council of Administration, and the Department Convention. The Judge Advocate General provides guidance on the interpretation and application of the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ National and Department Bylaws, Manual of Procedure, and applicable laws and usages of the organization.
The JAG participates in Department committees including the By-Laws Committee, the Membership Committee and the Ways and Means Committee and assists with the inspection of Department financial accounts following annual elections. The JAG also advises on disciplinary matters when requested but does not have independent authority to enforce decisions.
All rulings and opinions issued by the Department JAG are advisory and become binding only upon approval and adoption by the Department Commander.
Through dedicated legal and procedural support, the Department JAG helps ensure the integrity, transparency, and accountability of Department operations.
IMPORTANT: Although the Department JAG provides advice based on VFW rules, policies, and regulations, it is important to note that the Department Judge Advocate General IS NOT AN ATTORNEY and cannot provide binding legal advice in legal matters.
OFFICER BIOGRAPHY
Tony Abatecola has over 30 years of continuous US Army service since 1993, almost half of which on Active Duty with the remaining mixed between the RI Army National Guard and US Army Reserve. He is currently assigned as the First Sergeant for Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 390th Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 95th Training Division where he is responsible for a company of US Army Drill Sergeants. His military experiences encompass many areas to include, but not limited to: Army Music, Human Resources, Supply, Aviation, Recruiting, Retention, Public Affairs, Honor Guard (RIARNG), Training, Battle Staff Operations, FEMA/COVID Pandemic Response Team Leader/Project Manager, Master Resiliency Trainer (MRT), Battle Focused Instructor, and culminating with serving in an acting Sergeant Major role for the 1st Mission Command Training Detachment, 2/78th Training Division (USAR). His military decorations include multiple awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal along with Army Meritorious Unit Award and Superior Unit Award. Other awards include the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade deployment insignia, Army National Guard Master Recruiter Badge, Army Career Counselor Badge, and inductions into the "Honorable Order of the Stoker" from the 78th Training Division's Ardent Brigade Society and the Order of the Combat Spur from 7th Squadron, 17th CAV. He is currently employed at the US Department of Veteran’s Affairs Providence Regional Office as a Senior Rater for Veteran disability claims. He is an avid firearms enthusiast, motorcyclist, and master martial artist. He is actively involved in the Veteran community as a founding member of American Veteran Nation and Past Post Commander for Post 602, and Past Chaplin for Post 5392.
Tony Abatecola holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Roger Williams University. He is also a Notary Public in the State of Rhode Island and a bonded Notary Signing Agent.
