VFAF National President Robert Cornicelli elected to Vice Chairman Berkeley County SC GOP.
VFAF Congratulations to Victoria Cowart, John Mace McGrath, and Robert M Cornicelli on handily winning their elections today at the Berkeley County Republican Convention for SC Executive Committeeman, John Mace McGrath for Berkeley Republican Chairman, and Robert Cornicelli for Vice Chairman!
Robert Cornicelli is a U.S. Navy and Active Duty Army National Guard retiree, nonprofit founder, and national leader in veteran advocacy and conservative grassroots organizing. With over two decades of military service and a continued commitment to public service, he has built a career dedicated to defending American values, supporting those who have served, and strengthening communities at the local and national level.
Cornicelli served eight years in the U.S. Navy as a Petty Officer 3rd Class and 13 years as a Captain in the U.S. Army National Guard. During his time in uniform, he served as the Executive Officer for the NYC, Hudson Valley, and Long Island Region Counter Narco Terrorism Task Force. He also served on the Domestic All Hazard Response team as well as an Aide-de-Camp to Major General Steven Wickstrom, Commanding General of the 42nd Infantry Division. Later in his career, Cornicelli was appointed Executive Officer to the Director of Operations at the Defense Intelligence Agency under Lieutenant General Michael Flynn. For his outstanding performance in this high-level joint assignment, he was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, one of the Department of Defense’s most prestigious honors.
In addition to his military service, Cornicelli holds an Associate's Degree in History and Government from Nassau Community College, graduating cum laude in 1999. He went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and International Affairs from the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University in 2002. His academic focus further deepened his understanding of government, global policy, and national defense.
Following his retirement from the military, Cornicelli continued his mission of service through leadership roles in local government and veteran-focused initiatives. He is the founder of the Veteran Recovery Coalition, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides critical support and resources to veterans in crisis. As the official veteran assistance partner of Berkeley County, South Carolina, his organization offers hands-on outreach, with calls from the county veteran helpline going directly to him. Over the past seven years, Cornicelli has personally helped feed more than 300 homeless veterans annually, and for more than five years, he has provided Christmas toys for the children of veterans in need, ensuring that military families facing hardship are not forgotten during the holidays. In addition, he has helped veterans in need get out of debt, and has repaired vehicles and homes to keep veterans in the workforce with fewer worries and greater stability.
Cornicelli also launched the Memorial Day Food Drive for Less Fortunate Families of Suffolk County and previously hosted a radio talk show focused on veteran issues, homelessness, and substance recovery. His advocacy began after witnessing the mistreatment of a disabled homeless veteran—an experience that transformed his life and fueled a deep, enduring mission to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.
He currently serves as the National President of Veterans for America First, a national organization committed to supporting veterans, law enforcement, and America First policies. As the former South Carolina President of Veterans for Trump, Cornicelli helped build the largest veteran support organization in the nation backing President Donald Trump. Under his leadership, the group played a pivotal role in overwhelming Trump’s primary opponent from South Carolina, uniting veterans in a powerful display of support.
In 2022, Cornicelli ran for Congress in New York’s 2nd Congressional District, challenging one of only eight Republicans who voted with Democrats to establish the January 6th Committee. Backed by national conservative leaders including Rudy Giuliani, General Michael Flynn, Steve Bannon, and Sid Rosenberg, he came extremely close to unseating the incumbent—sending a clear message about the strength of the grassroots conservative movement.
Cornicelli currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Berkeley County Republican Party. His platform is centered on strengthening the party, building a unified grassroots base, and defending constitutional values here at home. A man of deep Christian faith, Cornicelli believes that faith, family, and freedom are the cornerstones of a strong nation. He is unapologetic in his defense of religious liberty and has pledged never to take a knee in the face of growing attacks on Christianity in America. His beliefs guide his actions, his leadership, and his commitment to public service. Robert Cornicelli is a devoted husband and proud father of two children.
Whether on the battlefield, in community service, or in the political arena, he leads with integrity, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the country he loves.