Wyandanch Man Inducted Into Veterans' Hall Of Fame

From the Office of Senator John E. Brooks: Senator John E. Brooks inducted Wyandanch resident US Army Major Jorge L. Rosario (ret.) into the New York State Veteran’s Hall of Fame for his commitment to our nation and his efforts to help his community. The ceremony was held Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at the New York State Capitol in Albany.

“Major Rosario showed tremendous courage through some of the most difficult battles of the last 22 years” said Senator Brooks. “His dedicated service in the US Army, as well as his work to benefit the future of his community’s youth and his caring for our veterans serves as a shining example deserving recognition in the Veterans Hall of Fame. I am honored to award this highly-decorated and altruistic gentleman who has done so much to serve his nation and community to the utmost of his ability. Jorge Rosario is a role model for all public-spirited Americans.”

Major Rosario enlisted in the United States Army in 1995, later achieving the rank of Sergeant as a military policeman; was commissioned as an Officer in 2003 in the JAG Corps and retired from the Army in 2017, having served in both reserve and active duty status for 22 years. Mr. Rosario was activated immediately after 9/11 to secure sites in New York City. He is a veteran of Operation Noble Eagle 2002, with the 306th Military Police. He served in Operation Enduring Freedom 2011 in Afghanistan as a Captain and member of the 10th Mountain Infantry Division in the area of International Operational Law. Rosario, an attorney, worked alongside NATO forces to provide expertise on Operational Law issues.

Rosario is highly decorated and the recipient of many significant awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon, Armed Reserve Medal with Bronze Hourglass, Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Overseas Training Ribbon.

Currently, the retired Major serves as Bureau Chief Supervising Attorney for the Legal Aid Society of Suffolk County’s Children’s Law Bureau, where he represents children, some of whom have endured severe trauma, and their rights and interests in the Suffolk Family Court.

He has served as a volunteer basketball coach for St. Patrick’s CYO program in Bay Shore for more than six years and as a volunteer baseball coach. Jorge recently started a not-for-profit, Wyandanch-Wheatley Heights Baseball & Sports Initiatives to provide low-income children with sports exercise and alternatives to negative activities. He also supports youth by working with the Outreach Center in Wyandanch to provide summer camp experiences for local children.

He is an active member, Adjutant and new Commander for VFW Post 2912 in Wheatley Heights. Earlier this year, with Senator Brooks, Jorge and the VFW Post held a Veteran’s Job and Resource Fair. Rosario also coordinates with attorneys providing free or low cost legal representation to veterans.

Jorge has coordinated with Rothco and its employees, with thousands of dollars donated to Veterans Homeless Shelter and an Outreach Center, to provide many community services, including a place for the homeless to eat, sleep and get out of the winter cold

Photo courtesy of the Office of Senator John E. Brooks: Senator John E. Brooks presents Veterans Hall of Fame Award to Jorge L. Rosario in Albany, NY on 5.15.2018. Rosario is the 2018 Veterans Hall of Fame honoree for the NYS Senate District 8.