Joseph “Jay” Sweeney brings a wide-ranging set of experiences, skills and invaluable local, regional and national connections which contributes to the growth and prominence of any organization with whom he associates.

Having served nearly 35 years in the Army and Army Reserve, Jay retired as a command sergeant major. His Army Reserve service include key leadership positions such as, first sergeant, operations’ sergeant major and he served for more than 19 years as the command sergeant major in nine general officer commands. His active duty tours included Japan, Hawaii, Korea, Vietnam, Fort Lewis, the Berlin Brigade and Fort Ord, California. He was the last command sergeant major at Oakland Army Base and the Military Traffic Management Command, Western Area. Additionally, Jay served as an advocate within the US Army’s Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) and recently, having competed more than ten years, with five terms in office, was appointed Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA - Emeritus).

His military decorations include the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf clusters, the Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal for valor, the Vietnam Service Medal with five campaign stars, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm (individual award), and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He is an active life member of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Vietnam Veterans of Diablo Valley, the American Legion, the Exchange Club and the Marine Memorial Association. As a Life Member of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), he has served as a chapter president, region president and a member of the national AUSA Counsel of Trustees.

Jay is a retired sergeant from the Oakland Police Department with more than 22 years of service. He has served on the board of directors (five years) for the Oakland Military Institute, eight years as a member of the Association of the US Army Council of Trustees, is a member of the California Police Officers Research Association, the International Police Association, Retired Homicide Investigators Association of California and the Retired Oakland Police Officers’ Association.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Hayward and a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from John F. Kennedy University. He is a graduate of the US Army’s Sergeants’ Major Academy and the Naval War College.