COL(R) Patrick Toffler, a monthly donor to Catholic Charities of New York, has lived a life devoted to service — first through the U.S. Army and now through his ongoing generosity to help his neighbors in need across New York.

For him, joining the army came easily.

“My dad, who was a Field Artillery Officer, said the best thing about being an army officer is that he ‘could make something better for a soldier every single day.’ And I thought, ‘Wow, I can do that,’” COL(R) Toffler said.

That same motivation drives his giving today. 

“It is much easier to give money than time. I don’t have time to give, but I can make a small donation,” he shared. “It’s really nothing, but maybe in its small way — along with the many other donations — it is helpful. And it is the least I should do.”

Faith, Family, and Formation

Born in 1947 to a mother in the Red Cross and a father who had fought in WWII and would later defend us in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, COL(R) Toffler grew up surrounded by examples of compassion and duty. He credits his moral compass not to the military alone but to the faith and values instilled by his parents and the Catholic Church. 

“The Army is where I chose to serve, but the Army did not shape my values or my worldview. I was able to live my values in the Army,” he said. “My approach to life was informed by my parents and the teachings of Christ in the Catholic Church.”

A Lifetime of Gratitude and Service

As we honor those who have served our country this Veterans Day, we recognize not only COL(R) Toffler’s military service but also his lifelong dedication to helping others — a reflection of the same values that strengthen families and communities across New York. 

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to have served, and I’m grateful that those I served have set aside a day to recognize all who defended our way of life in the Armed Forces of the United States,” he expressed.

His monthly support of Catholic Charities — no matter the size of the gift — reflects the same principle that guided his service: to make something better for someone every single day.

One moment that has stayed with him from his service occurred in the mid-1970s. He was getting a haircut, and his barber was Vietnamese. He recalled, “We chatted and as I was leaving he shook my hand and said, ‘Thank you for what you and your country did for my country and my people.”

The year was 1974, shortly after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords, which ended direct U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War and freed thousands of prisoners of war. That simple exchange of gratitude continues to remind COL(R) Toffler why honorable service — and compassion — matter.

Giving Back through Faith

Moments like these — of hope, of gratitude, and connection — are what Catholic Charities strives to create each day.  This is possible only because of our supporters.   

When reflecting on how his contributions might make a difference in the lives of those served by Catholic Charities, COL(R) Toffler put it simply: “To realize your vision and accomplish your mission, you need resources.”

From feeding families to providing shelter and assisting those in crisis, Catholic Charities continues its mission to provide help and create hope — one story, one act of kindness at a time.

COL(R) Toffler also offered a message to the Catholic Charities community: “Thank you giving your time to help those in need, demonstrating your love through acts of mercy and kindness.”