Dan Guida was drafted into the United States Army in February 1966 and rose to the rank of Lieutenant. During his time at the reception station at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, he qualified for Officer Candidate School (OCS). He chose armored vehicles as his preference, which led him to receive basic training with the Second Armored Division, Hell on Wheels, at Fort Hood, Texas.
Following basic training, Guida was sent to Fort Knox, Kentucky for Advanced Individual Training (AIT) as an 11E Armored Crewman. After completing AIT, he attended OCS and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in January 1967 with the MOS 1203 Tank Unit Commander designation.
In September 1967, Guida received orders for Vietnam and underwent intense jungle training at the Panama Canal. Upon arriving in Vietnam, he took command of the First Platoon of A Troop 1st Squadron 1st Cavalry. His operations included platoon-level search and destroy missions around Tam Ky and Cigar Island. Notably, he participated in major battles such as the 1968 TET Counteroffensive and engagements in Pineapple Forest and Burlington Trail.
For his bravery and service, Guida was awarded a Bronze Star for distinguishing himself during military operations against hostile forces.
After returning from service, Guida utilized the GI Bill to complete his college education and became a Certified Public Accountant. He is now an active member of VFW Post 6249 Rocky Point, New York. As Quartermaster for the VFW, he assists with their annual charity events like a 5K run and golf outing that support veterans in need and organizations such as Tunnel to Towers.
Guida also engages with local schools by participating as a guest lecturer when students study the Vietnam conflict. Additionally, he volunteers at Long Island State Veterans Home in Stonybrook where he helps transport fellow veterans to medical appointments and supports them during therapy treatments or field trips.
