Senator Sean Ryan Announces Induction Of Ventura Colon Into New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall Of Fame

ALBANY – On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, New York State Senator Sean Ryan Senator Sean Ryan announced that his nominee, retired Army Specialist 4th Class Ventura Colon, has been inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame. Colon is a veteran of the Vietnam War and an active member of the Gabriel A. Rodriguez American Legion Post 1928. The New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame was established in 2005 to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life.

Colon was born in Puerto Rico and relocated with his family to Buffalo in 1956 when he was 10 years old.  He graduated from Seneca Vocational High School with a concentration in Industrial Electricity. As a young man, he helped create a youth civic action group to help combat discrimination against the Hispanic community.

Colon was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War and achieved the rank of Specialist 4th Class, serving one year in Vietnam as a medic. He earned a number of medals, including the Combat Medical Badge, awarded to medical personnel who provide care under fire in combat zones, and the Army Presidential Unit Citation, an award given to units that demonstrate exceptional heroism in action against an armed enemy.

After completing his tour of duty, Colon was honorably discharged from the Army. Once home, he attended the State University of Buffalo and received a Bachelor of Science in American Studies and Sociology. His studies led him to obtain a national license as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. He was employed by Lakeshore Behavioral Health as Director of the Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Counseling Center from 1987 until his retirement in 2008.

Colon’s community involvement includes an extensive list of memberships: the WNY Hispanic and Friends Organization, the Erie County Youth Board, founding member of Hispanics United of Buffalo, and the originator of the Hispanic American Veterans Memorial at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park. He currently serves as President of the Memorial and as Service Officer of the Gabriel A. Rodriguez American Legion Post 1928. His numerous honors include the City of Buffalo’s Community Service Award for exemplary leadership, and he has acted as Grand Marshal for the Hispanic community’s annual parade.

Today, Colon remains actively involved with activities in the local Hispanic and veteran communities. At present, he assists by packing and distributing food for needy families, seniors, and veterans with the Belle Center on the West Side of Buffalo, West Side Community Services, and the PS #30 Frank A. Sedita School.