Neighbor News
East Meadow Resident Recognized for Military and Education Career
East Meadow Resident Who Has Overcome a Lifetime of Obstacles to Be Recognized for Military Career and 3 Decade Tenure in Special Education
78 year old Barbara Byrne, a resident of The Bristal Assisted Living at East Meadow was recognized by The Bristal staff and her fellow residents as part of International Women’s Day.
Mrs. Byrne’s accomplishments underscore the challenges she had to overcome. After graduating high school in 1960, she planned to attend Hunter College, but was unable to after her father suffered a heart attack. Instead of college, Barbara enlisted in the Women’s Army Corp, not very common during the Vietnam era. She underwent basic training in Alabama and was stationed at the 5th Army Headquarters in Chicago.
After retiring from the military, Barbara became a special education aide in the North Merrick School District where she worked for over 30 years. Mrs. Byrne is also an American Legion Trustee, the only female trustee who is also a veteran.