Pastor Toro, Jr.

After graduating from Aviation High School in 1967, Pastor Toro, Jr., enlisted in the United States Marines and served a tour of duty in Vietnam where his meritorious 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.

Upon his return, Mr. Toro began a 20-year career in law enforcement including 13 years as a Police Detective with the New York-New Jersey Port Authority. After retiring in 1991, he joined Post #32 of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Soon after, he was elected chapter president and dedicated himself to creating a sanctuary for our nation’s war heroes. In 1994, he led the post in one of its finest hours, when the organization sponsored the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Mr. Toro is also a tireless volunteer in his community serving as the Senior Vice Commandant for the North Shore Queens Detachment of the Marine Corps League, Vice President of the United Veterans and Fraternal Organizations of Maspeth, and Chairman of the New York State Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America Government Affairs Committee.

He is the recipient of the New York State Medal of Merit, the New York State Conspicuous Service Star and the New York State Senate Liberty Medal.

For all of his heroic service, Pastor Toro, Jr., a decorated veteran and dedicated community leader, is deserving of a place among the elite veterans of the Empire State.