Pete Leon

Martin Malavé Dilan

June 9, 2011

Pete Leon

Award: Veterans' Hall of Fame

Year: 2011

While in the military, Mr. Leon was awarded numerous medals for his service and achievements. During an overseas military exercise, Mr. Leon suffered burns over 76% of his body while risking his life to save the life of another soldier when a heater exploded in a tent. Doctors thought Mr. Leon’s military career was over. Though he was badly burned, his dedication to this great nation was stronger, and Mr.Leon returned stateside and went on to jump school at Ft. Benning, Georgia.

After completing the rigorous training at Ft. Benning, Mr. Leon was off to Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, home of the 82nd Airborne Division. After numerous years on two hour recall to be the first to defend our flag and freedom, Mr. Leon left the military and became a teamster with the AFL-CIO and began working for Roadway Express. Mr. Leon worked a late shift so that he could volunteer his services to his community by being a volunteer interpreter in the hospitals and courtroom during the day and weekends.

Mr. Leon attended the University of North Carolina and shortly thereafter began his career with United Healthcare and returned to Bushwick. After nearly a decade of promoting health and wellness with United Healthcare, he joined Amerigroup of New York as Director of Business Development, where he continues to provide real solutions in health care to all New Yorkers.

Mr. Leon is on the board of the North Brooklyn YMCA. Every year, as Thanksgiving and the holidays approach, Mr. Leon participates in a food and coat drive, providing much needed assistance to those in need. Mr. Leon has been recognized by the United States Congress, the New York City Council, the Brooklyn borough president, and Paul J Cooper Center for Human Services for his commitment to community and promotion of health and wellness.