NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Monday, April 14, 2014, 4:50 PM
DelMundo, Anthony freelance NYDN/Anthony DelMundo Vietnam veteran Pat Toro in a 2006 photo. He wanted to bring a veteran’s memorial to the site of the former Elmhurst gas tanks. Toro is now ailing and needs blood donations. His fellow veterans have set up a blood drive for April 15 in Whitestone. He escaped the jungles of Vietnam and became a fierce advocate for veterans, but now this Queens man needs a lift.
Pat Toro, 64, a decorated Vietnam veteran, has been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, a blood disorder that can lead to leukemia.
The group he once led, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 32, is hosting a blood drive on Tuesday to help Toro replenish the large amounts he uses for transfusions.
They need at least 40 donors to reach their goal and help Toro.
Toro believes that Agent Orange — the herbicide used by the U.S. government during the war — led to his illness.
Craig Warga/New York Daily News VIetnam Veteran Pat Toro looks on as volunteers and veterans work to set up the Moving Wall in Juniper Valley Park back in 2012. Toro, former president of the local veterans group, helped bring the traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans memorial to Queens. Toro fought to get a permanent Vietnam memorial in the borough and helped bring the movable replica of the memorial in Washington, D.C., to Juniper Valley Park.
He also helped start a program that provides dignified funerals for indigent veterans.
“He’s been helping veterans all his life,” said Michael O’Kane, a friend and former veteran. “It’s time to help Pat.”
The blood drive is being held at the VFW Post, 19-12 149th St. in Whitestone from noon to 5 p.m. on April 15. Call (631) 897-3269 or email vvachapter32@aol.com
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