Mr. Zito retired from military service on 1 August 2020 after serving 21 years in the Army and PA Army National Guard. He served primarily as a percussionist in the Army Band Field while on Active Duty from May 1999-May 2007. His first duty assignment was Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD with the 389th (AMC’s Own) Army Band from March 2000-March 2004. During his time with the 389th, Mr. Zito performed countless retirement, change of command and various other ceremonies in the Maryland and Washington D.C. areas as well as concert tours to AMC installations throughout the United States. Mr. Zito then PCS’d to Mannheim Germany and was assigned to the V Corps Army Band from March 2004-May 2007. As a member of the V Corps Band, Mr. Zito was Percussion Section Leader, Squad Leader, Unit Librarian, Training NCO, Unit Movement Officer and TC-AIMS Operator. Again, Mr. Zito performed countless concerts, retirement and change of command ceremonies throughout Germany and Europe. Notable performances include a concert tour in the Czech Republic and ceremonies in Bastogne, Belgium to commemorate the Battle of the Bulge. In 2006, the V Corps Band deployed to Iraq in support of OIF to perform for troops at various FOBs throughout Iraq to boost morale.
Mr. Zito separated from Active Duty in May 2007, and in June 2007 enlisted in the PA Army National Guard, where he reclassed to Human Resources Specialist. Mr. Zito was assigned to the BN S1 with HHC-128th Brigade Support Battalion (BSB) from June 2007-Feb 2013. While with the 128th, he served as an Admin Clerk, Unit Administrator, PSDR Clerk, and Squad Leader. He was responsible for the MOS training of a 12 member section and led small teams to perform SRPs for the BN. Mr. Zito was then assigned as Unit Administrator for both A-Co. and B-Co. PA Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion from Feb 2013 until his retirement in 2020. In this assignment, he was responsible for providing administrative support for the National Guard Recruiters for half the state. He also provided supply and training support as well as conducted Red Phase Training Classes to RSD Soldiers.
Mr. Zito is now enjoying civilian life and working as the Program Coordinator for the University of Pittsburgh Army ROTC Department. He has been in the position since 25 Jan 2021. He serves as the liaison between the ROTC and the University of Pittsburgh as well as the other satellite schools that have students enrolled in ROTC.
