Press Releases

Infantryman Who Entered U.S. Army from Puerto Rico Brings Old San Juan Vibe to Niagara Street Salon

BUFFALO, NY — Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) presented Buffalo small business owner Efrain Burgos with the military service medals he earned while serving in the United States Army over 40 years ago.  

“It is an honor to pay tribute to U.S. Army Specialist Efrain Burgos for the bravery and sacrifices he extended over four decades ago,” said Congressman Kennedy, a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. “I salute his selfless service to this country and am grateful for his continued work as a dedicated small business owner serving as an economic driver and community hub within the City of Buffalo.”

"I joined the Army to protect our country and defend our freedoms, and I am grateful to Congressman Kennedy for honoring my military service," said Efrain Burgos, recipient of five military service medals.

Efrain Burgos was born in Rochester, New York to parents Francisco Burgos and Marquiades Maldonado, and raised in Humacao, Puerto Rico. He enlisted in the United States Army from San Juan, Puerto Rico after graduating high school in 1979. 

Initially stationed at the former Fort Benning, now Fort Moore, in Georgia, he was later deployed to Germany where he served as a mortar gunner assigned to the U.S. Army’s 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry. Army Specialist Burgos completed four years of service in the United States Army before his honorable discharge in 1983.

Following his discharge, Burgos moved to Buffalo, enlisted in beauty school and went to work in local shops before opening a hair salon of his own in 1987 on Niagara Street in Buffalo’s Hispanic Heritage District. In 2023 he received an Erie County grant supporting a mural project on his building paying tribute to Old San Juan. The mural celebrates Roberto Clemente, a philanthropist and the first Caribbean and Latino baseball player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

In a ceremony at Burgos’ place of business, Congressman Kennedy presented Specialist Burgos with the military service medals he earned while serving in the United States Army. He received the Army Good Conduct Medal for exemplary conduct during three years of active enlisted service with the U.S. Army, including one year during wartime. He received the Army Service Ribbon, which is awarded to members of the Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard for successful completion of initial entry training. He received the Overseas Service Ribbon, which is awarded to U.S. service members who have served active duty outside the United States. He received the Expert Badge with Hand Grenade bar, which is awarded to soldiers who have successfully completed a weapons qualification course. The expert badge shows that he demonstrated his ability at a very high level. Finally, he received the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle bar, which is awarded to a soldier who successfully completed rifle training. 

Veterans and military families in need of assistance with benefits or military service medals are encouraged to contact Congressman Kennedy’s office at 716-852-3501 (Buffalo) or 716-282-1274 (Niagara Falls).

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