John Babtisto Fiore

John Baptisto Fiore, a Vietnam veteran and Port Washington leader who dedicated much of his life to honoring fellow vets, died on New Year’s Eve at 73 after complications from surgery.

Born Mar. 5, 1949, Fiore grew up in Bayside, Queens, and went to Aviation High School. He was a light weapons infantryman while serving in Vietnam in 1969.

Fiore took part in 45 helicopter combat assaults during his service. This earned him the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Combat Medal and National Defense Medal.

Fiore worked in the automotive industry after returning home. Known as “Padre” by his peers, he was a frequent attendee at Sons of Italy events and served as a chaplain with various VFW and American Legion groups.

Fiore was the commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1819 in Port Washington and Nassau County VFW Council head. He had overseen the ongoing renovation of his post funded with grants from the Dejana Family Foundation. He also sold poppies and solicited donations for the post’s relief fund.

Fiore was a member of the American Legion’s William A. Leonard Post 422. He previously served as Queens County vice commander and chaplain, as well as 10th district chaplain and county commander for 2021-22. He also served as senior vice commander of VFW District 10, which encompassed Nassau and Suffolk County.

A son, John Fiore; two sisters, Ann and Grace; and several nieces and nephews survive Fiore. One can make donations in his memory to Henderson-Marino VFW Post 1819.

 

VFW Post 1819The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) is a nonprofit veterans service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces.

We trace our roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service. Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves. 

In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations that would eventually band together and become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. Today, membership stands at more than 1.6 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary.

Our voice was instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, development of the national cemetery system, in the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, we won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America's active duty service members, and members of the guard and reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. We were the driving force behind the Veterans Access and Accountability Act of 2014, and continually fight for improved VA medical centers services for women veterans.

Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, in 2005 the VFW became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010. And in 2015, we became the first supporter of the National Desert Storm War Memorial which is planned for construction at our nation's capital.

We have many programs and services that work to support veterans, service members and their families, as well as communities worldwide.

Our Core Values:Flags

  • Always put the interests of our members first
  • Treat donors as partners in our cause
  • Promote patriotism
  • Honor military service
  • Ensure the care of veterans and their families
  • Serve our communities
  • Promote a positive image of the VFW
  • Respect the diversity of veteran opinions

 

VFW

 

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