Elmont native ships out

Elmont resident Peter A. LaTorre, will be graduating from Marine Corps basic training at Paris Island on Jan. 29. LaTorre is following in the line of his father and grandfather, both of whom saw active combat overseas. Peter’s father Louie LaTorre Jr. fought in both Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom while Peter’s grandfather, Louie M. LaTorre Sr. was a Vietnam veteran. He passed away in 2009.

After graduating from Sewanhaka High School last June, Peter joined the Marines. He shipped off to Paris Island, South Carolina on Nov. 3 to start basic training.

“It’s an honor to see my son do something for his country and to follow in our footsteps,” said Peter’s father, Louie. The Marines are in his blood, Louie said. Peter spent countless hours listening to war stories from his grandfather. It was obvious to Louie that Peter would join after high school.

“It’s an honor to know that a kid from Elmont and Sewanhaka made good,” he said.

After his graduation on Jan. 29, Private First Class LaTorre will be relocated to North Carolina where he will begin work as an infantryman.