State's Attorney Cassilly Receives Veteran Award

Harford County State's Attorney Joe Cassilly was recently honored with the Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year award from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), according to a press release from the organization.

Click here for the video honoring Cassilly.

DAV recognized Cassilly during the organization’s 90th National Convention in New Orleans on Aug. 6. 

Cassilly is a DAV Bel Air Chapter member and has served as the county's state's attorney since 1982, the release said. He enlisted in the Army in 1968, where he trained as a ranger. 

While serving with the F Company, 75th Rangers, 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam, Cassilly fell more than 50 feet and broke his neck while attempting to climb a rope ladder during a helicopter extraction in enemy territory, the release said. 

After his recovery, Cassilly was told he couldn't be a trial lawyer because he was bound to a wheelchair. He later sued the county and municipal government for failing to make government building accommodations for the disabled. 

DAV National Service Officer supervisor and Bel Air chapter member Ron Minter said in the release that Cassilly's work for disabled veterans is inspirational. 

“Whether he is tangling with elected officials in Washington or helping design more accessible stadiums for sports fans in Baltimore, Joe has made this area better for disabled veterans and safer for us all."