Sheldon Ohren
Sheldon Ohren of Monsey, NY was elected National Commander of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA at 117th Annual National Convention in August 2012. Previously he served as Commander of the Department of New York. He is a life member of PFC Fred Hecht Post 425.
Mr. Ohren served in the United States Air Force from April 1952 through January 1956. As an Airman First Class, he was assigned to the 6910th Security Group Headquarters in Landsberg am Lech, Germany, where he served as a cryptographic communications specialist.
After leaving the service, he enrolled at New York University from which he graduated with a BS Degree in Industrial and Labor Relations; subsequently he finished his accounting credits at the City College of New York. In 1965 he joined the Internal Revenue Service and retired in 2000 as an Appeals Team Chief. During that period he earned a Master of Science Degree from Pace University and taught at Long Island University.
Mr. Ohren was elected Jr. Vice Commander, Sr. Vice Commander, and ultimately Commander of the JWV Department of New York in 2008. He has worked as a member of the National Executive Committee, the National Court, the Convention Committee, as well as a Special Assistant to the President of the National Museum of American Jewish Military History. He also serves as Vice-Chairman of the West Point Liaison Committee and attends Oneg Shabbats sponsored by JWV at the Academy. He has represented National at the USMA by presenting Kiddush Cups and Shabbat Candlesticks to the Jewish graduates. In addition, he represents JWV at local Naturalization ceremonies and presents a copy of the Bill of Rights to the new citizens. Mr. Ohren participates at various JWV sponsored functions at the VA Hospital in Montrose, NY, and has served as a Docent at the Camp Shanks Museum, the Port of Embarkation during World War II.
In addition to JWV, he has been President and Treasurer of his B’nai B’rith Lodge for 10 years and has been a member of Congregation Shaarey Israel for the past 19 years. He is also a Charter Member of the United States Holocaust Museum, a member of the NMAJMH, and a member of the Holocaust Museum and Study Center in Spring Valley, NY.
A Brooklyn native, he is married to Judy (nee Bearman) who is a Life Member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Post 425. They have three children and five grandchildren.
