POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and the Office of Veterans Affairs hosted the County’s first “Honor-A-Veteran” Ceremony today, paying tribute to the late Andrew Peter Doro, a distinguished U.S. Army veteran and cherished member of the Millbrook community. The event, held at Millbrook’s Village Hall, was the first such monthly recognition, which the County Executive will host from April through November, celebrating the lives of local veterans who have passed away and served our country with honor.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Through our new Honor-A-Veteran program, we’re making sure the legacies of our local heroes live on – not just in history books, but in the hearts of the people they served. Andrew Doro embodied the very best of what it means to serve – not just in uniform, but in the way he showed up for his family, his community, and his country every day. Honoring him today is more than just a tribute, but rather a reminder of the lasting impact one person can make through service and strength.”
Born in the Bronx in 1945, Mr. Doro began his military journey in 1966, serving as an Executive Officer for Basic Training at Fort Ord, Calif. In 1967, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he served as a First Lieutenant. For his heroism in combat, Lt. Doro was honored with numerous awards and commendations, including the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge and several marksmanship medals. His bravery and steadfast commitment to his fellow soldiers came at great personal cost, leading to more than 18 months of recovery in an Army hospital due to injury.
After being honorably discharged, Lt. Doro earned advanced degrees in management, education and psychology from St. John’s University. He dedicated his professional life to education, serving in roles such as psychologist, Vice Principal, Executive Director of Special Education and Chairperson of Special Education Committees across various school districts. Lt. Doro also gave back to the veteran community as a crisis intervention counselor for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and he served on the board of directors of a veteran outreach center.
Lt. Doro later founded Millbrook Support Services Inc., where he served as Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, the company became one of the nation’s fastest-growing Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned healthcare staffing firms.
Lt. Doro passed away April 11, 2024; read Lt. Doro’s obituary online.
Office of Veterans Affairs Director Adam Roche said, “Lt. Doro was a highly honored Army veteran, a brave and respected leader in Vietnam, and a man whose courage needed no explanation. His deep devotion to his community, his loved ones and his faith left a lasting impression on many, and his legacy will continue to resonate throughout Dutchess County for years.”
During today’s ceremony, County Executive Serino and Office of Veterans Affairs Director Adam Roche and members of the Dutchess County Honor-A-Veteran Committee presented Lt. Doro’s family with several honors, including a:
Monthly “Honor-A-Veteran” ceremonies will continue through November, dedicated to honoring deceased veterans for their service to their nation. Future ceremonies will take place at 9 a.m. on or about the third Thursday of each month.
To be eligible for this initiative, veterans must meet the following criteria:
Dutchess County Legislature Majority Leader Deirdre A. Houston said, “Andrew Peter Doro was an unsung hero who we sorely miss in the Millbrook community. As a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, I am thrilled that we are bringing these Honor-A-Vet ceremonies to Dutchess County and I thank everyone involved who made it happen. This was a wonderful honor for the Doro family and I look forward to more of these ceremonies across the county.”
Family, friends and community members are encouraged to nominate a veteran to be recognized through the “Honor-A-Veteran” initiative. Applications for the program are available online at dutchessny.gov/honoraveteran or in person at the Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs, 1335 Route 44 in Pleasant Valley. All submitted applications must be accompanied by a copy of the veteran’s military separation papers (DD-214, WD AGO 53-55, NBG-22 or report of casualty), obituary, and death certificate.
Completed applications can be submitted via email to veterans@dutchessny.gov or returned to the Office of Veterans Affairs in person; members of the Dutchess County Honor-A-Veteran Committee will review each application for consideration. More information is available by calling the County’s Office of Veterans Affairs at 845-486-2060.
