Senator honors veteran at breakfast

Nearly 300 veterans convened at the Knights of Columbus Council in Seaford for a pancake breakfast hosted by State Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr. on July 9.

The breakfast, held to honor veterans within Fuschillo’s senatorial district, which includes parts of Merrick and Bellmore, served as a way to say “thank you” to the veterans who have served their country, the senator said.

“Serving breakfast to veterans who served our country was a small token of appreciation for everything these local heroes have done for us,” said Fuschillo. “Each of these veterans deserves our gratitude and respect for the sacrifices they made in defense of our freedom.”

During the event, Fuschillo gave special recognition to two veterans, including Merrick’s Robert Tom Riordan, a Marine Corps veteran who was last year’s inductee into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame, and Roosevelt’s George A. Jones, a National Guard veteran who fought in World War II and the Korean War, and who was this year’s inductee.

At the breakfast, Fuschillo spoke about Riordan’s accomplishments and presented him with a plaque. Since joining the American Legion more than 20 years ago, Riordan’s efforts on behalf of veterans have resulted in him being named Merrick’s “Man of the Year” in 2001, receiving a Town of Hempstead Veterans’ Medal in 2002 and earning the Nassau County Distinguished Service to Veterans Award in 2007. From 2005-06, Riordan also served as the commander of the Nassau County American Legion Committee, the umbrella organization for all American Legion posts in the county.

Riordan lives in North Merrick with his wife, Margaret. They have three grown children, Bobby, Anne, and Peggy, and 10 grandchildren.