U.S. Army Private First Class Ryan Lepore Named to NYS Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame

ALBANY, NY—Senator Sue Serino today announced that U.S. Army Private First Class Ryan Lepore of Putnam Valley has been inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame.

The NYS Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame recognizes veterans from across the state who have distinguished themselves throughout their time in the military and beyond. Every year, each State Senator has the opportunity to recognize and thank an individual from their home district who continues to lead a life of dedication and service.

“Fresh out of High School, Ryan Lepore made the decision to join the Army where he spent many years defending our nation,” said Senator Sue Serino. “When he came home, his dedication to service was only strengthened and he has committed himself to working to empower other veterans and their families here in our community and beyond as one of the youngest serving VFW Commanders in the country. I am honored to be able to give him the recognition he deserves for his commitment to our country, and our local community by nominating him to the NYS Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame. Ryan’s countless achievements while in service and on the home front are a reflection of the extraordinary person he is, and our community would not be the same without him.”

Private First Class Lepore followed in his older brother Richard’s footsteps when he joined the Army in 2005 after graduating from Putnam Valley High School. He joined the Army as a 13 Bravo Cannon Crewmember on a M198 Howitzer Cannon. Lepore was stationed in Vilseck, Germany with the Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment, and in 2007, he deployed to Iraq for 15 months during “The Surge.” Throughout his deployment, Lepore went on over 200 missions and was honorably discharged with the rank of Private First Class in 2010.

Upon returning home to New York, Ryan made it his mission to help Iraq and Afghanistan veterans transition and cope with civilian life. He joined his local VFW Post 391 in Putnam Valley where he became Post Commander and is proud to be one of the youngest VFW commanders in the country.

In addition to his work with the VFW, Lepore serves as the Putnam County Park Ranger and oversees the care of the Veteran’s Memorial Park.

Lepore was honored by Senator Serino and the NYS Senate at an induction ceremony in Albany on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 alongside 61 other inductees from across the state. Lepore was joined in Albany by his brother Richard, a member of the Westchester Police Department and his girlfriend Kristina.

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