By Nick Buglione
Yet, through the 71-year-old's leadership and guidance, not to mention his knuckles -- which he used to knock on the countless doors in an attempt to bolster the group's ranks -- the post now boasts more than 125 members.
So, when the Town of Hempstead's Veterans Advisory Committee sat down recently to consider which local veterans would be given the town's prestigious Veterans Medal, it made sense that Riordan would be one of them.
"I accepted the award on behalf of our post; I'm only one individual," said the humble Riordan, who served in the U.S. Marines from 1951 to 1953.
According to Riordan, resurrecting Post 1282 was the result of all the members' hard work, not just his. "We dedicated a monument on Merrick and Lee avenues honoring all veterans who served their country," Riordan said, adding that the monument, erected about two years ago, helped generate interest in the post as well.
Riordan was one of three local veterans to receive the award from Supervisor Richard Guardino in a ceremony at Town Park Point Lookout on Sunday, June 30. Charles Hugues of Bellmore and Robert Duddy of North Merrick were also selected.
Established in 1984, the Veterans Medal is given to those who have volunteered hours for the benefit of their fellow veterans. The town's six-member advisory committee bases its decisions on the nominees' post-military service activities and contributions to the township.
A charter member of the Military Order of the Cooties, Pup Tent 69, since its creation in 1965, Hugues has devoted much of his free time visiting hospitalized veterans.
This World War II veteran and past commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Bellmore volunteers regularly at the veterans hospitals in St. Alban's and Northport, where he organizes bingo and other events.
"I was thrilled [about getting the award]," said the 82-year-old, who has lived in Bellmore since 1948. "I did this all from within my heart."
Spending much of his time going between veterans organizations and community groups, Duddy also finds the time to work closely with the veterans at Northport Hospital.
"I like to help the guys out as best I can," said Duddy, 73, who served in the Marines from 1948 to 1952.
A Korean War veteran, Duddy collects food for the needy and toys for the Marine Corps' "Toys for Tots" program. He's also very involved with the First Marine Division Association's scholarship program for children of the Marines.
"These esteemed veterans are being cited for their tremendous volunteerism in our community," Guardino said. "I feel privileged to have the opportunity to present the Town of Hempstead Veterans Medal to these deserving veterans."
Aside from the three local veterans who were honored, Francis Leon of Hempstead, Manuel Rodriguez of Elmont and Kristine Rommel of Freeport also received the award.
Scores of residents turned out for the ceremony, which featured a Civil War re-enactment camp site and a submarine model from the Submarine Veterans of World War II.
