National Commander to Visit Central New York

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.

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.

Mid-Winter Conference Candids

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

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.

Arkport Soup Cook-Off Breaks Fundraising Record

ARKPORT, N.Y. — The Arkport American Legion's ninth annual soup cook-off held Jan. 27 at the Legion set a fundraising record, the Hornell Evening Tribune reported Feb. 11. 

Auxiliary member and event committee chair Crystal Henshaw said the cook-off raised $1,250, breaking last year's record of $1,000.

Quilts for Soldiers in Afghanistan

By Bradd Vickers

NORWICH -- It was sad when Karen Kamsoke’s nephew Kurt Buchta, deployed to Afghanistan as a company commander of 71 soldiers, was told about 13 of his soldiers that don’t get anything from home. Kurt asked Karen if she would consider adopting the 13 soldiers by sending packages and letters, etc., and could she possibly make quilts for them. Karen, not thinking of the time frame and work, said “of course.”

Students Help Legion Provide Food for Vets

UTICA -- Thanks to a food drive by the National Honor Society at John F. Kennedy Middle School, the American Legion's Utica Post 229 donated 14 boxes of non-perishable food to the Central New York Veterans Outreach Center in Utica on Nov. 16.

 "The students wanted to help veterans, and we know the Outreach Center works directly with homeless and jobless veterans," noted Utica Post 229 Vice Commander Jim George, who is coordinating a Legion food drive for both the Outreach Center and the Community Food Bank.