Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Legion Opposes Military Retiree Cost-of-Living Cut

ALBANY -- The American Legion strongly opposes a cost-of-living cut for military retirees in the budget bill passed by the House and sent to the Senate last week, New York State American Legion Commander Kenneth Governor said.


Monday, December 16, 2013

Legion Rider Joins Wreath Tribute

Carlos Varon renders salute
BROOKLYN -- As Civil Air Patrol cadets and officers laid wreaths on veterans graves across New York State Saturday (Dec. 14), members of the American Legion Family were often there with them.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Wayland Legion Sends 88 Boxes Overseas

Boxes for Troops
 WAYLAND -- Theodore R. Van Tassel American Legion Post 402 in Wayland sent 88 care packages to soldiers and airmen overseas as part of its annual Hometown Heroes holiday spirit project involving the Wayland community and local 4-H members.

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Legionnaires Remember Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor Day
ALBANY -- Joseph E. Zaloga Post 1520 in Albany was one of a number of American Legion Posts across the state to remember Dec. 7, 1941 -- a date which President Franklin D. Roosevelt said "will live in infamy."

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Sen. Larkin Pins Department Commander

 Duing his visitation to Orange County Nov. 17, Department Commander Kenneth Governor met with State Sen. William J. Larkin Jr., a leader in the successful campaign to create the Purple Heart postage stamp. Larkin, an Army combat veteran, removed a Purple Heart Supporter pin from his lapel and pinned it on Governor. Photo by Doug Malin

Monday, November 18, 2013

Dept. Commander Honors Mahopac Post

MAHOPAC -- New York State American Legion Commander Kenneth Governor brought a message of "Service First" to the Legion Family in the Putnam County Thursday, Nov. 14, and honored Mahopac American Legion Post 1080 for its efforts to provide tornado relief.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Department Leaders Honor Legionnaires, Boy

Legion leaders
K. Governor, B. Corker, J. Chang.
New York State American Legion leaders honored several people in their visitation swing along the Southern Tier and the New York City area, including long-time Legionnaires and a 12-year-old Long Island boy who rescued a child from drowning.

Friday, October 25, 2013

National Commander Salutes WWII Vet

Elmer Moje
Elmer Moje
NORTH TONAWANDA -- American Legion National Commander Daniel M. Dellinger honored a 100-year-old World War II veteran during an official visit to western New York Friday (Oct. 25). Speaking at a dinner at Stephen S. Sikora Post 1322 in North Tonawanda, Dellinger joined New York State American Legion Commander Kenneth Governor in presenting the Department Commander's Award of Excellence to Elmer B. Moje, a 100-year-old World War II army veteran who served in Africa and Europe.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Child Welfare Foundation Awards $644,000

Child Welfare Foundation emblem
INDIANAPOLIS -- The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, in its 59th year, has awarded $644,005 to 21 non-profit organizations, including two in New York. These grants, determined during the annual meeting of the Board of Directors on October 13, support worthwhile youth-serving projects and assist in getting information to the public and specific target groups.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Legionnaire Testifies on Suicide Epidemic

Barbara Beebe
Barbara Beebe
ALBANY -- Legionnaire Barbara Beebe told the New York State Assembly hearing Oct. 8 that she was there to speak on behalf of those who can no longer speak for themselves -- the rapidly growing number of veterans who are dying at their own hands.

"Suicide is an epidemic," said Beebe, an Air Force veteran, wife of an Air Force veteran, former Broome County American Legion commander, and immediate past commander of the Department of New York's 6th District.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Legion Leaders Get Taste of Combat Training

Leaders don combat gear
Donning combat gear
FORT DRUM -- New York American Legion leaders got a taste of the 10th Mountain Division's unique combat training at Fort Drum during their visit to Jefferson County Oct. 5.

They took a ride in a Humvee IED simulator.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

NY Dept. Offers to Cover Death Benefits for Fallen

Ken Governor
Commander Governor
ALBANY -- The New York State American Legion is offering to help cover death benefits for Empire State families of fallen service members that were suspended during the government shutdown, announced Kenneth Governor, commander of The American Legion's Department of New York.

"We will advance families the money they need to bring their loved one home and laid to rest," Governor said. That would include family travel expenses and burial costs.

NY Legion Expresses Outrage at Threat to Vets

Ken Governor
ALBANY -- The New York State American Legion is urging veterans to contact members of Congress "to register outrage for not working hard enough to avoid harming our government, our men and women in uniform, our veterans, their families, and our nation," said Kenneth Governor, commander of The American Legion's Department of New York. "The government shutdown is not only a threat to national security, with the way it is being applied, but also a cruel and absurd threat to veterans and families," Governor said rom The American Legion's New York headquarters in Albany.


Monday, October 7, 2013

NY Leaders Visit Mexico High School, Phoenix Post

T-Shirts
Post 418 Commander Ron Smithers
& Auxiliary President Anna Goettel
present "Support Our Troops" t-shirts.
When New York's American Legion leaders visited Oswego County Oct. 5, they were treated to some Marine JROTC drilling at Mexico Academy and Central School, a glimpse of the War of Independence in a scenic mural, and a reminder to "Support Our Troops" during lunch at Horning-Fournier American Legion Post 418 in Phoenix.

Mattydale Color Guard Gets Award of Excellence

Color Guard
Ken Governor poses with Color Guard. Photo by Ed Lupian.
SYRACUSE -- New York State American Legion Commander Kenneth Governor honored Mattydale Post 1832 Color Guard and spoke of "a change in the air" during his visit with the Legion Family in Onondaga County Oct. 6.

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Dept. Commander Honors Alexandria Bay Post

Black River Post Sign
BLACK RIVER  -- New York State American Legion Commander Kenneth Governor brought his message of "Service First" to the local Legion Family in his visit to Jefferson County Oct. 4. It's about reinvigorating the core mission to serve men and women in uniform, veterans and families, community and nation, he said during dinner at William C. Dexter American Legion Post 673 in Black River.

Friday, October 4, 2013

NY Commander Visits Ft. Drum, Urges Congress

Ken Governor at Fort Drum
NY Legion Commander Ken Governor at Ft. Drum
FORT DRUM -- New York State American Legion Commander Kenneth Governor visited Fort Drum near Watertown Friday and called on Congress to put a priority on protecting "our men and women in uniform and their families" from the effects of the government shutdown due to the budget impasse.

Croghan Color Guard Gets Award of Excellence

Color Guard honorees
CROGHAN --  New York State American Legion Commander Kenneth Governor brought his message of "Service First" to the local Legion Family in his visit to Lewis County Thursday, and took the opportunity to honor a Color Guard Unit here.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Commander Hails Sitrin for Wounded Warrior Work

Commander with Sitrin honorees
Commander Governor with Sitrin's
Rosmary Bonacci (l) and Stephanie
Gorczynski. Photo by Doug Malin.

Gold Star Mother, Legionnaire Honored

 ROME/UTICA -- New York State American Legion Commander Kenneth Governor honored Sitrin Health Care for its work with wounded warriors during his official visit to Oneida County on Wednesday. He also honored Gold Star Mother Mary Wheeler and the Utica Chapter of the American Gold Star Mothers for unwaivering support of veterans. While visiting Herkimer County the previous day, the commander honored Edward Falk of Newport for 60 years of dedication to veterans and community.

Monday, September 30, 2013

Legion: Shutdown Must Not Harm Defense

Ken Governor
Ken Governor
ALBANY -- National security, and the readiness and welfare of the U.S. military cannot be diminished in the event of a federal government shutdown, New York State American Legion Commander Kenneth Governor said Sept. 30.

He joined National Legion Commander Daniel M. Dellinger in addressing "the politcal impasse" that threatens to shut down the U.S. government. "We must avoid compromising the readiness and welfare of our military and their support personnel," said Governor.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Legion Leaders Look to Future

NY Legion Leaders
Cmdr Governor, Pres Corker, and
Cmdr Chang. Doug Malin Photo.
MECHANICVILLE -- More than 140 people welcomed state American Legion officials to Saratoga County during a recent annual dinner hosted by Post 91 of Mechanicville, the Saratogian reported Sept. 28. The officials included state Commander Kenneth Governor, auxiliary President Barbara Corker  and Sons of The American Legion Commander John P. Chang.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Military Museum Impresses Legion Leaders

Ken Governor and Barbara Corker
Cmdr Governor and Pres. Corker
SARATOGA SPRINGS -- State American Legion Commander Kenneth Governor, state Auxiliary President Barbara Corker and Sons of The American Legion state Commander John P. Chang saw the importance of keeping history alive as they toured the New York State Military Museum Sept. 26  during a day-long trip to Saratoga County.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Military Skills Should Be Transferable,
Commander Tells North Country

Ken Governor
The American Legion is advocating for the state to recognize military experience in specialized skills so it would be easier for trained veterans to receive state professional and vocational licenses, New York State American Legion Commander Ken Governor said on his swing through the North County making county visitations.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Dept. Commander Honors Legionnaire, Post

STATEN ISLAND -- Ninety-year-old Louis Guerierro of Staten Island and American Legion Gold Star Post 1365 on Staten Island are being honored with the Department Commander's Award of Excellence for their service to veterans and community.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Commander on 9-11: America Will Prevail

 Helping Children Left Behind A Tribute to Fallen Warriors


Ken Governor
Cmdr Governor
speaks at Intrepid.

Doug Malin photo
Twelve years after terrorist attacks left the nation "stunned and wounded in a way not known since the shock of Pearl Harbor," America and its military "remain resolute in both purpose and focus to the pledge that our president made at the time -- we will not tire; we will not falter; we will not fail," New York State's American Legion Commander Kenneth Governor said at a 9/11 observance Wednesday aboard the USS Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City.

"On this day, we not only honor the victims who perished" on Sept. 11, 2001, "but we also recognize our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who demonstrate our nation's resolve," with "many giving their own lives in service to our country."

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

NY Congratulates New National Commander

Ken Governor and Dan Dellinger
New York Department Commander Ken Governor (left) congratulates new National Commander Dan Dellinger of Virginia after his election at the National Convention in Houston.

Saturday, August 31, 2013

NY Has Best Americanism Program

Americanism Trophy presentation
Photo by Doug Malin
The American Legion in New York State is being honored as having the best overall Americanism Program in The American Legion, particularly for service to youth and in starting a flag education program. The Department of New York won the Daniel J. O'Connor Americanism Trophy, presented Aug. 28 at the National American Legion Convention in Houston.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Post 703 Gets Grant to Survey Battle Site

Fort Ann battle poster
FORT ANN -- Raymond W. Harvey American Legion Post 703 in the Washington County town of Fort Anne is getting a nearly $48,000 grant from the National Park Service to start the process of mapping and preserving a Revolutionary War site in eastern New York¸ the Glens Falls Post-Star reports.

3 Posts Receive Top Awards for Hurricane Relief

Ken Governor
Dept. Cmdr. Governor
Three New York State American Legion Posts received National Emergency Post Excellence Awards for going "above and beyond to provide assistance to their community" in the aftermath of last fall's Hurricane Sandy, announced New York Department Commander Kenneth Governor of North Greenbush.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Post 1443 Treats Soldiers to Barbecue

Soldiers at BBQ
GREENWOOD LAKE — Members of the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division were treated to a barbecue feast and enjoyed a variety of games, thanks to Greenwood Lake American Legion Arthur Finnegan Post 1443, the Warwick Advertiser reported.

Monday, August 12, 2013

West Seneca Falls in Final Game

CAMDEN, NJ -- West Seneca carried its New York State championship banner to the final game Monday in the Mid-Atlantic American Legion Baseball Tournament, losing to Brooklawn, NJ, with a score of 9 to 6. Brooklawn heads to its third straight American Legion World Series in Shelby, NC.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

NY's Champs Advance in Regionals

Mid-Atlantic Tournament logo
BROOKLAWN, NJ -- The New York champion baseball team -- West Seneca Post 735 -- triumphed over New Castle, DE, 6 to 1, Sunday in the Mid-Atlantic American Legion Baseball Tournament.

The team advances to the final day of play on Monday, Aug. 12, needing to win two games to grab the regional title and advance to the American Legion World Series.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

West Seneca Takes 2nd Regional Win

CAMDEN, NJ -- West Seneca Post 735 grabbed a second win in the Mid Atlantic American Legion Baseball Tournament Aug. 10, defeating South Charleston, WV, 10-5.

West Seneca Stays Alive in Regional

CAMDEN, NJ -- New York's champs -- West Seneca Post 735 -- stayed alive in the Mid-Atlantic American Legion Baseball Tournament Aug. 9, downing Funkstown, MD, 8-5.

Friday, August 9, 2013

NY Champs Lose Regional Opener

Legion Baseball Header
West Seneca Post 735 opened the Mid-Atlantic Region American League Baseball tournament at Campbell Field in Brooklawn, N.J., Thursday with a 6-2 loss to Boyertown, Pa. West Seneca must win its game today (Friday)  against Funkstown, Md., a 9-0 loser to host Brooklawn, in order to stay alive in the double elimination eight-team regional, the Buffalo News reported.

Sunday, August 4, 2013

West Seneca Soars to State Championship

UTICA -- The NY State American Legion Baseball Championship goes to West Seneca Post 735. West Seneca soared to success Sunday by beating Rome's Smith Post 24, 10-3, and blanking Plattsburgh's Clinton County team, 6-0, in back-to-back games.

West Seneca, Smith Advance to Semi-Finals

Baseball tournament logo
UTICA — West Seneca and Smith Post advanced to the semi-finals in the New York State American Legion Baseball Tournament Saturday after winning late afternoon and night games, respectively. They play each other Sunday, Aug. 4, and the winner then plays Clinton County for the title.

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Field Narrows As Teams Advance in Tourney

Baseball tournament logo
UTICA -- The field narrowed as teams advanced and were eliminated in Friday's round of games in the New York State American Legion Baseball Tournament. Clinton County beat Melvin Roads, 4-1. West Seneca blanked Melvin Roads, 10-0. Smith Post edged New Hartford, 6-5, keeping its hopes alive after losing to Middletown, 8-4.

Friday, August 2, 2013

Wounded Warriors Have a Few Words for Players

Ball players and wounded warrior
Former Army Sgt Rich Yarosh with
players Mike Knapp and Mike Myers
.
UTICA -- Young American Legion baseball players visited wounded warriors and nursing home veterans Tuesday, July 30, the day before the New York State Legion Baseball Championship Tournament got underway in Utica. State American Legion (Department) Commander Ken Governor joined the youth as they visited Sitrin Health Care Center's Military Rehabilitation Program.

4 Advance in State Baseball Tournament

Middletown Catcher John Cain & Dept Commander Ken Governor
UTICA -- Four teams advanced in the championship round July 31 on the opening day of the New York State American Legion Baseball Tournament at Murnane Field here.

With rain soaking the second day of the tournament, only two games were played in the losers' round.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Casey Succeeds Pedro As NY Dept. Adjutant

James Casey
James Casey
ALBANY -- The American Legion in New York State has a new adjutant for the first time in nearly three decades.

Department of New York Commander Kenneth Governor announced the appointment of James W. Casey of Malverne, NY, to succeed Adjutant Richard M. Pedro, who retired after the recent 95th Department Convention held in Niagara Falls.

As adjutant, Casey will serve as the chief administrative officer, working out of Department Headquarters in Albany.

Lynda Pixley Heads Press Association

Lynda Pixley
Lynda Pixley
NIAGARA FALLS, NY -- The New York American Legion Press Association (NYALPA) elected officers at its annual business luncheon July 19 during the New York Department Convention.

Lynda Pixley of Ransomville was elected president for the 2013-14 year.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Ken Governor Elected Dept. Commander

Dept Commander Ken Governor
Dept. Commander Ken Governor
Kenneth Governor was elected 2013-2014 commander of the Department of New York by unanimous acclamation Saturday, July 20. The installation of Governor and his team concluded the three-day, 95th NY Department Convention, held in Niagara Falls.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Storm Clouds Loom Over Legion Parade

Department Commander in Parade
Dept. Commander Tim Van Patten in Parade.
NIAGARA FALLS -- The American Legion Convention Parade stepped off to sunny skies at 6:30 p.m. Friday in front of Seneca Niagara Casino, but dark storm clouds soon loomed in the sky, sending powerful gusts of wind up against struggling marching units as they made their way down a winding Rainbow Boulevard. Before half the units traversed the route, the parade was stopped, with marchers scattering for shelter.
PARADE PHOTO GALLERY

Dues, Speakers, Awards Highlight 2nd Day

American Legion New York banner
NIAGARA FALLS, July 19 -- The issue of membership dues resurfaced during the second day of the New York Department Convention, with the delegate body overwhelmingly supporting a smaller, $5 increase, effective Jan. 1, 2014.

Several speakers and awards also highlighted the day.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Convention Opens with Resolutions, Top Awards

Convention Banner
NIAGARA FALLS, NY -- The 95th Department Convention opened July 18 with greetings from local officials and then featured resolutions, reports and a number of top awards.


Sunday, June 23, 2013

Press Association to Honor Legion Family Editors

Press Association Logo
The New York American Legion Press Association (NYALPA) will honor Legion Family editors and other communicators during its annual awards luncheon July 19 at the New York Department Convention in Niagara Falls.


Niagara Falls Hosts Department Convention in July

Niagara Falls
The New York Department will hold its 95th Annual Convention in Niagara Falls July 18-20. Formal sessions, voting, speeches and reports all take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings. A convention parade featuring bands and marching units from around the state steps off at 6:30 p.m. Friday.


Thursday, May 2, 2013

'Taps' a National Song, Thanks to Legionnaire

Les Hampton
Les Hampton
BATH, NY — Les Hampton, a member of John P. Eaton Post 746 in Corning, was honored May 1 for his years of work that helped the bugle song “Taps” be designated as a National Song of Remembrance, both the Corning Leader and Elmira Star Gazette reported.

U.S. Rep. Tom Reed, R-Corning, presented Hampton with a copy of the federal legislation that named “Taps” a song of remembrance during a ceremony at Charles E. Wescott American Legion Post 173 in Bath.

LeRoy Post Honors WWII Veterans

World War II veterans
Botts-Fiorito Post 576 in LeRoy hosted a ceremony honoring World War II veterans on April 21. Some 23 WWII vets were in attendance, The Batavian reported. NY Department Commander Timothy S. Van Patten was on hand, along with 8th District Vice Commander John Lang and other distinguished guests, including Congressman Christopher Collins.

Friday, April 12, 2013

Koutz Talks of Helping Vets and Wounded Warriors

James Koutz
James Koutz
The political impact of The American Legion. Practical public relations for growing membership. And giving 100 percent to wounded warriors.

Those were the topics that National Commander James Koutz focused on during his swing through New York State April 10-12. He visited Central New York, the Capital Region and finally New York City.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Erie Co. Legion to Send Kids of Deployed to Camp

Legion Family
EDEN, N.Y. - The Erie County American Legion Family is raising money to send children of deployed service men and women to camp for a week, reported Buffalo TV station WIVB Channel 4.

Friday, March 22, 2013

National Commander to Visit Central New York

James Koutz
James Koutz
HOLLAND PATENT, NY -- American Legion National Commander James Koutz will meet with Central New York veterans on Wednesday, April 10, during a visit to the New York Legion's 5th District.

He will visit Leon R. Roberts Post 161 in Holland Patent, where he will join veterans for lunch and be available to speak to news media. In the evening, Koutz will attend a banquet in his honor at the Beeches Inn and Conference Center in Rome.  During the day he will also tour the Eastern Air Defense Sector (EADS) at Griffiss Airpark in Rome.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Northport Post Plans $1 Million Renovation

NORTHPORT, NY -- Northport American Legion Post 694 is set to undergo a $1 million renovation that would improve accessibility for the aging, The Northport Patch reports. The installation of an elevator, upgrades to the electrical and heating systems, and a new entrance off the parking lot are included in the renovation, Past Commander and Project Chairman Jim Mahoney said.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Mid-Winter Conference Candids

Tim Van Patten
The New York Department's Mid-Winter Conference, held Jan. 25-27 in Albany, attracted hundreds of Legionnaires, Auxiliary members and members of Sons of the American Legion.

Mid-Winter Topic: Plight of Women Vets

Verna Jones
Verna Jones
By Dorolyn Perry
NY American Legion Press Association

Women veterans deserve the same benefits as their male counterparts, and more needs to be done for the homeless woman vet and the wounded female warrior. That was the message that Verna Jones brought to the Auxiliary's Mid-Winter Conference, held Jan. 25-26 in Albany. Jones is director of the American Legion National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission.