Dues, Speakers, Awards Highlight 2nd Day

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.

Convention Opens with Resolutions, Top Awards

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.

Press Association to Honor Legion Family Editors

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

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.

'Taps' a National Song, Thanks to Legionnaire

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

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.

Koutz Talks of Helping Vets and Wounded Warriors

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.