A proud Long Islander, Joseph Perry Grassi served as a logistical specialist in the U.S. Army, 25th Infantry Division. He is a recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal. Prior to enlisting, he worked as a professional writer for a number of New York-based publishing houses. Since leaving military service, he has worked in non-profit and public sectors dedicated to supporting veterans. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English (Literature) from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.