Bronx Army Vet Sal Conforto to be inducted to the NYS Veteran’s Hall of Fame

The staff of the Bronx Chronicle would like to congratulate our publisher on this honor!

Bronx Army Vet Sal Conforto to be inducted to the NYS Veteran’s Hall of Fame

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On Tuesday, May 20th, local community activist and Army veteran Sal Conforto will be inducted as the Bronx representative to the New York State Veteran’s Hall of Fame this Memorial Day. Nominated by NYS Senator Jeff Klein, the 2014 award was created to pay tribute and celebrate exceptional veterans from the state who have distinguished themselves, both in military and civilian life. The award, which is presented by the New York State Senate, originated in 2005 as an expression of gratitude and admiration for our veterans.

Sal served in the United States Army, 502 Armored Division, from 1964 to 1966 as a Military Police Officer both in the US. He later served in the 7th Infantry Division when he was deployed to South Korea. Sal, who immigrated to the US from Italy and was raised in East Harlem, describes his experience in the military as formative. “I came into this country at the age of 13 and was drafted into service at the age of 21. I wasn’t even an American citizen yet,” he explains. “The regimentation was tremendous. We were part of a huge team and everyone embraced the same spirit. The pride of being a new American to wearing the uniform of the Army was exhilarating.”

When he came out of the Army, he was invited to continue his career in law enforcement by serving as a corrections officer for New York City for 20 years before retiring. Sal commented on his receiving this nomination only two days ago by stating that he was, “…both proud and humbled for being nominated for this award.” He goes on to say that, “…so many people lost their lives during this time and have not been recognized. But as a symbolic gesture, I am excepting it in their memory too.”
Sal has also been very active in his civic life. Upon retirement, he attended law school under the G.I. Bill, graduating with his Juris Doctor. Among many other activities throughout his life, Sal performs pro bono work and is a member of Bronx Community Board 11, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine Community Advisory Council, the Morris Park Kiwanis Club, and the Morris Park Community Association. Additionally, he founded both the Bronx Advocacy Group on Facebook and publishes the Bronx Chronicle newspaper online.
Previous Bronx inductees to the New York State Veteran’s Hall of Fame include Silvio Mazzella and Jeremy Warneke, District Manager of Bronx Community Board 11. To find out more about this award, please visit the NYS Senate Veterans page.
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