Joseph Meizlik

U.S. Army
1979-1985

Joseph Meizlik (Joe Preach) was born on Sept 24, 1962 in Brooklyn, NY. He joined the U.S. Army in the
fall of 1979 at the young age of 17. He began basic training in Armor school in Fort Knox, Kentucky, graduated basic training in 1980, and was sent to Fort Lewis, Washington and was assigned to the 9th Infantry Division.

Joseph reenlisted in 1982 and spent one more year in Washington and was then shipped to Frankfurt, Germany and was assigned to the 3rd Armored Division. In 1985, Joseph completed his commitment and was discharged from the Army with two Good Conduct medals and an Army Achievement Medal.

Joseph worked odd jobs until he ventured into Law Enforcement for almost 20 years. After several years out of state, he returned to New York. This is when his desire to help those in need began.

Today, Joseph is the Founder of South Shore Community Food Pantry, which has been in existence for the past 2 1/2 1⁄2years. In March of 2020, it became strictly a food pantry filling the gap of food insecurity, and providing services, through their partners, to a community in need during the height of the pandemic. To date the South Shore Community Food Pantry has fed over 50,000 individuals and has begun the process of becoming a not-for-profit organization.

“We have been truly blessed and look forward to being a valuable part of a growing community.”

Sponsored by Verrazano Kiwanis Club