National Commander

Barry Lischinsky

Colonel Barry Lischinsky began his military career in December 1969, as an enlisted combat field medic. Upon graduation from Massachusetts Military Academy in June 1974, he was appointed as Second Lieutenant in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, holding both federal and state commissions. In September 1999, Colonel Lischinsky was appointed to the position of Director of Personnel responsible for coordinating, administering and advising on all personnel policies, plans and programs affecting the more than 8,000 soldiers. In May 2002, he assumed the responsibilities of Commander,79th Troop Command. Responsible for command and control for over 2,000 soldiers assigned to six combat service support career fields. Organizations under his command consisted of Aviation, Finance, Maintenance, Medical, Quartermaster, and Transportation. In support of the Global War on Terrorism, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Colonel Lischinsky was responsible for the readiness posture and deployment of over 850 soldiers within his command. Deployments included several U.S. military bases, as well as various geographical locations situated in the Middle East. The colonel relinquished command in July 2004. In November 2004, Colonel Lischinsky retired from the military having completed fourteen years as a traditional Guardsmen and an additional twenty years of active federal service. Colonel Lischinsky’s military service spans over a total of thirty-four years of continuous military service.

In September 2007, Colonel Lischinsky served as a Senior Army Instructor, Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) in Boston, Massachusetts. Here he would instill in high school students the core values of citizenship, leadership, service to the community, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment. In February 2015, he assumed the duty position of Deputy Superintendent at the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea, Massachusetts. The Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea provided long term care and independent living with programs and services for over 350 Veterans. On February 1, 2016, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker appointed Barry as Acting Superintendent of the Home. Barry retired from state service in March 2017.

Since his retirement from both federal and state service, Barry continues to be committed to our military veterans. He has held numerous command and staff positions at all levels within the Jewish War Veterans to include Commander, North Shore Post 220 (2009-2013) and Commander, Department of Massachusetts (2013-2015). Barry served as the National Chairman for Membership (2017-2022). He was appointed National Chief of Staff of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (2019-2020). He was appointed to the Board of Directors for the National Museum of American Jewish Military History (2020). Barry was elected to the position of National Vice Commander (2022-2023). During the 128th Annual National Convention in Jacksonville, Florida Barry was elected to the position of National Commander for the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (2023-2024). Colonel (Retired) Barry Lischinsky is a life member of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America, the National Museum of American Jewish Military History, and the Disabled American Veterans.

Education

Barry’s civilian education includes Bachelor of Science and Management Degree from Northeastern University. Master of Science in Management Degree from Lesley College. Certificate of Special Studies in Administration and Management from Harvard University. His military education includes: Command and General Staff College. Defense Strategy Course, United States Army War College. National Security Course, National Defense University. Brigade Pre Command Course, Fort Leavenworth.

Awards and Decorations

Colonel Lischinsky’s military awards and decorations include: the Legion of Merit. Meritorious Service Medal. Army Commendation Medal. National Defense Service Medal. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Numerous other federal and state awards.

National Vice Commander

Gary Ginsburg

National Vice Commander (NVC) Gary Ginsburg has been a life member of both the Jewish War Veterans (JWV) and the National Museum of American Jewish Military History since 2016. Ginsburg is the third generation of his family to serve in the JWV. His grandfather and father were longtime JWV members of Post 131 in Syracuse, NY.

“I am humbled and honored to serve as the national vice commander in support of the longest servicing veterans’ organization in the United States. I will focus on increasing membership of the Jewish men and women veterans who served honorably in defense of our nation,” stated Ginsburg.

He held multiple leadership positions for the JWV Department of New York following 33 years as a Soldier in the US Army.  He served both in the states and overseas. Gary Ginsburg retired in the rank of Command Sergeant Major culminating with three assignments at brigade and battalion levels of command.

He graduated with honors from the US Army Sergeants Major Academy in 1999 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University and a graduate degree (using his GI Bill benefits) from the University of Southern California.

We wish Lischinsky and Ginsburg a successful year!

National Executive Director

Ken Greenberg

Kenneth Greenberg is the National Executive Director of the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. (JWV). In that role, he manages JWV headquarters staff, including all administrative operations, leads JWV advocacy and fighting antisemitism efforts and oversees the activities of the National Museum of American Jewish Military History.

Ken serves as JWV’s chief advocate in representing JWV on Capitol Hill, at the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the White House, focusing on legislative and policy priorities for veterans, service members, their families, caregivers, and survivors. He advances JWV efforts in combating antisemitism by working with and developing partnerships with Jewish community organizations.

Within the Veterans Service Organization community, he provides leadership on veterans and military issues by serving as the Co-Chair of The Military Coalition (TMC) Veterans Committee and Retired Affairs Committee, as well as being the Co-Director of the National Military Veterans Alliance (NMVA). These coalitions are credited with improving and establishing new benefits and health care services, increasing VA and DOD budgets, and preserving existing services and benefits.

Greenberg is also recognized for his leadership of the National Museum of American Jewish Military History (NMAJMH). The museum recognizes, preserves, and commemorates, the service, heroism, and sacrifices of Jewish men and women who contributed to the freedom of America from before the Revolutionary War to present time.

Before joining JWV, Mr. Greenberg served as Policy Director for VetsFirst/United Spinal Association and as Director of Veterans and Military Policy at The Retired Enlisted Association. Previous experience included a distinguished 33-year career at VA, with a proven history of achievements and strategic communications expertise. He received the Secretary’s Distinguished Career Award in January 2013, for significant and outstanding contributions during his VA career. He was appointed to the career Senior Executive Service in 2006 and served as the Executive Secretary to the Department, Office of the Secretary (OSVA) to four Secretaries. Ken’s tenure also included positions in VA’s Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs, the National Cemetery Administration, VHA’s Office of Facilities and Office of General Counsel.

Ken and his wife, Janet, live in the Washington, D.C. area.

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