Mr. Wilem Wong Sworn in as New York City Director for Selective Service

Rosslyn, VA: Today, retired U.S. Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Wilem Wong was sworn in as the New York City (NYC) Director for the Selective Service System by Region I Director Thomas Kenney. Mr. Wong was recommended for this leadership position by New York Governor Kathy Hochul and appointed by Acting Director of Selective Service Joel C. Spangenberg. Today’s ceremony was held at the New York State (NYS) Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters in Latham, NY.

Mr. Wong will collaborate closely with NYS Selective Service System Director Randall P. Kryszak to help strengthen the Agency’s readiness capabilities statewide. Mr. Wong takes over the reins in his new position with SSS from retired NYC Director Paul Raimondi, a decorated Vietnam War Veteran and a former NY Army National Guard Master Sergeant.

Acting Director Spangenberg said, “Wilem Wong’s expertise with the Agency and perspectives as a servant leader will help us succeed. He has dedicated his life to service in the U.S. Army Reserve and as a sergeant in the New York Police Department. We are fortunate to have him join our team and build on the successes of Mr. Raimondi, who most recently served in this role with honor and distinction.”

“I loved serving New Yorkers during my time with the New York Police Department, and the U.S. Army Reserve. This new role with the Selective Service System provides me with the opportunity to continue serving our state and nation. “I look forward to doing all I can to ensure New York City is best positioned to support the Selective Service System and its important mission in the interest of national security,” said Mr. Wong.

Mr. Wong built a distinguished career with the New York Police Department (NYPD), rising to the rank of sergeant during his 21 years of combined creditable service to NYC and NYS. He was promoted to sergeant special assignment while working in the NYPD Police Commissioner’s Project Management Office and the Office of the Chief of Strategic Initiatives. Mr. Wong also served more than 34 years – 12 years enlisted, and 22 years commissioned service – in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring at the rank of lieutenant colonel. He is a decorated veteran and recipient of the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Combat Action Badge for his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mr. Wong earned a Bachelor of Science in finance from New York University’s Stern School of Business, and a master’s degree in business management and leadership from Webster University in Missouri. Mr. Wong Resides with his wife, Virginia, and two children in Rockville Centre, NY.

As part of today’s ceremonies, Mr. Raimondi was awarded the Selective Service Distinguished Service Award (Gold) for his dedication, leadership and contributions to the Agency’s mission as NYC Director for the past 10 years.

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Federal law requires all male citizens, as well as male non-citizens residing in the U.S., to register with Selective Service System within 30 days of their 18^th birthday. At 26, a man becomes too old to register. Those who do not comply are ineligible for numerous benefits, including state-level student financial aid, federal job training and employment, and U.S. citizenship for male immigrants.

The Selective Service System seeks volunteers to serve on its Local Boards and as State Resource Volunteers. Interested citizen-volunteers can apply at sss.gov.