Senator Klein Nominates Bronx Man to Veterans’ Hall of Fame

Former Marine Has Dedicated Life to Advocating for Veterans and the Bronx

State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) announced that local community leader, Pat Devine, was inducted into the new NYS Senate Veterans Hall of Fame on Tuesday, June 1st. Klein nominated Devine to the position last month, citing his commitment to advocating for veterans and his fellow Bronx residents for more than three decades. Senator Klein will honor Devine at his annual fireworks extravaganza at Orchard Beach next month.

“Pat has been a committed advocate for New York’s veterans and his Bronx neighbors for more than thirty years. Our city, state, and nation depend on the bravery and dedication of individuals like Pat and all of his fellow veterans, and I thank him for his continued service,” said State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester).

Before joining the United States Marine Corps in 1966, Devine attended St. Benedict grammar school and the New York School of Printing. He served with Bravo Company 1st Battalion/9th Marines in Vietnam until 1968.

Upon his return home, Pat became very involved with veterans advocacy. He joined and served as Commander of the Theodore Korony Post #253 of the American Legion, where he is presently serving as the Post’s Commander for the second time.

“I greatly appreciate Senator Klein’s recognition of my commitment and that of my fellow veterans to protecting and providing for not only our country but our local communities as well. I am proud to remain a staunch advocate for New York’s veterans, and I look forward to continuing to serve them and the Bronx for many years to come,” said Pat Devine.

Devine has continued to advocate on behalf of New York’s veterans while serving in additional positions, including as the State Vice Commander and Bronx County Commander of the American Legion, as a member of the New York State Veterans Affairs Commission and as Chairman of the Homeless Veterans Council of the American Legion for the State of New York. Presently, Devine sits on the New York City Veterans Council – an advisory board formed by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, and is an active volunteer at the James J. Peters Veterans Hospital Body/Mind Clinic for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for past war and returning Iraqi veterans.

Devine is also a strong community advocate and activist. He was the founder and Chairman of the Bicentennial Veterans Memorial Park in Throggs Neck, which includes ten acres of parkland along Eastchester Bay at Weir Creek. And has been a member of Community Board 10 for more than thirty years, where he currently serves on the Parks Committee.

Born in 1947, Devine currently resides in Silver Beach with his wife of thirty-three years, Kathleen Williams Devine.

The New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame inductees are members of any branch of the United States Armed Forces, which include Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Marine Corps. These exceptional men and women were chosen for this prestigious honor based on either service in combat or notable work performed after discharge from service.