National Commander Salutes WWII Vet

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.

Child Welfare Foundation Awards $644,000

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.

Legionnaire Testifies on Suicide Epidemic

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.

Legion Leaders Get Taste of Combat Training

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.

NY Dept. Offers to Cover Death Benefits for Fallen

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

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.

NY Leaders Visit Mexico High School, Phoenix Post

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

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.

Dept. Commander Honors Alexandria Bay Post

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.

NY Commander Visits Ft. Drum, Urges Congress

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

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.

Commander Hails Sitrin for Wounded Warrior Work

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.