Rockville Centre commander named to state Veterans’ Hall of Fame

Frank Colon Jr., commander of Rockville Centre’s American Legion Post 303, was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame last week for his 22 years in the United States Army and his subsequent service to fellow veterans.

State Sen. Todd Kaminsky honored Colon during a ceremony at the New York State Capitol in Albany on May 15.

“Sergeant Colon is the epitome of a selfless hero both in and out of uniform,” Kaminsky said in a statement. “His sense of duty to his community and nation as a soldier and veteran are second to none. His commitment to service and dedication to others is why I am proud to induct him into the NYS Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame.”

Colon, of Rockville Centre, enlisted in the Army in 1972 and retired as a sergeant first class in May 1994. During those years, he served in the Field Artillery Battalion in Hanau, Germany, the Field Artillery Group in Vicenza, Italy, and the 563rd Military Police Company. As a senior non-commissioned officer, Colon served as secretary for General John A. Wickham, the commander-in-chief of all allied forces in South Korea. Afterwards, he was an instructor for Hofstra University’s Reserve Officer’s Training Corps, or ROTC, and was assigned to the United States Army Recruiting Command’s Baltimore and Harrisburg battalions before retiring.

He earned the Meritorious Service Medal; the Joint Service Commendation Medal; the Army Commendation Medal; the Army Achievement Medal; the Good Conduct Medal; and the Army Recruiting Ring, the highest award that is given in the recruiting command.

In addition to serving as commander of American Legion Post 303, he is the senior vice commander of VFW Post 3350 in East Rockaway, president of the Long Island National Cemetery Military Organization and former Nassau County Commander of the American Legion, among other titles.

“What an honor it was to be inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame,” Colon said. “It was wonderful to meet fellow inductees from all over the state and share stories of service to the veteran community.”