Forest Hills Vietnam vet honored

State Senator Frank Padavan announced that Forest Hills resident Pat Toro, President of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 32, the only Queens affiliate, was inducted into the New York State Senate Virtual Veterans Hall of Fame on Wednesday, September 27.
&#8220It's a great honor to have my name with some of the names of the guys that are already there [in the Hall of Fame],” Toro said.
The first-of-its-kind online Hall of Fame is designed to pay tribute to New Yorkers whose gallantry in the U.S. Armed Forces is complemented by their significant accomplishments as a civilian and service to the community.
&#8220As a veteran, there is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about the selfless sacrifices veterans have made to ensure our freedoms and way of life we have come to enjoy,” Padavan said. &#8220Every day we should honor the men and women who are serving and have served our great country.”
Toro was particularly touched by the name Robert O'Malley, a marine who spoke to Toro's senior class at Forest Hills High School and inspired Toro to join the Marines.
Toro enlisted in the United States Marines and served a tour of duty in Vietnam where his service earned him the National Defense Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with four stars, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and the Vietnam Civil Action Medal.
When he returned, Toro began a 20-year career in law enforcement, including 13 years as a Police Detective with the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey, and since his retirement has dedicated himself to bettering his community, including serving as President of Chapter 32 of the Vietnam Veterans of America.
&#8220If I go to bed at night knowing that I helped a veteran in some way, then I will continue to do this,” Toro said.
Padavan presented Toro with a plaque to recognize his honor at a ceremony on Saturday, September 30.
The new online tribute will be available online at www.senate.state.ny.us/sws/vethallfame/index.html and may be accessed through Senator Padavan’s website at www.frankpadavan.com.