Late East Elmhurst Marine Honored In Veterans' Hall Of Fame

EAST ELMHURST, QUEENS -- A late East Elmhurst man was honored for his service in both the U.S. Marine Corps and in his community with a spot in the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame.

Alirio Orduña received his posthumous Hall of Fame induction on Tuesday, with his son, Osbert, stepping in to accept an honorary plaque on his behalf. The merit singles out U.S. Armed Forces veterans across the state who've made lasting impressions in both military and civilian life, according to the New York Senate website.

"Mr. Orduña is a perfect example of that," said State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) who presented the award.

Born overseas in 1952, the Columbian native moved to the United States with his siblings at just 16 years old after his parents died.

Orduña enlisted in the Marine Corps just four years later in 1972, where quickly rose through the ranks of corporal and earned a slew of medals for his services, Peralta said.

He took an active role in local politics upon his return home to Elmhurst, becoming a familiar face on Queens Community Board 4.

The marine veteran also launched the New York Military Youth Cadets in Elmhurst to "help children seek their full potential by guiding them into higher education and helping the community," Peralta said.

Orduña was commander of the youth cadets program until he passed away on October 30, 2017.

(Lead Image: Sen. Jose Peralta and Alirio Orduña's son, Osbert, pose with a plaque honoring his late father, who was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame on Tuesday. Photo courtesy of the Office of Senator Jose Peralta)