NY Legion Commander Has Pet Peeve

New York Department leaders are making visitations around the state, sharing their vision and passion with local Legion Family members. Here's an example of such a visit -- to the 5th District's Oneida County.

Cmdr. Tim Van Patten

NEW HARTFORD -- New York Department Commander Timothy S. Van Patten has a pet peeve -- people who don't have the right perception of the Legion.

"Every once in a while someone will say, 'Do you guys do anything but sit around the bar telling war stories?'"

During a visit to Oneida County Sept. 29, Van Patten told a packed banquet hall at New Hartford Post 1376 what he says to such a question.

Buffalo's McKeever Post Donates Van to VA

Officers and members of David McKeever Post 64 in South Buffalo presented the keys to a new van to the VA Western New York Healthcare System in a ceremony this week at the Buffalo VA Medical Center.

The van will be used by the Disabled American Veterans Volunteer Transportation Network, which drives veterans to and from VA medical facilities.

Mineola Post Inducts First Woman Veteran

Yuri Karaz and Carl Marchese

MINEOLA -- Word got around that Yuri Karasz was a veteran, so when Carl Marchese met her, he made a deal: If he became commander of Mineola American Legion Post 349, she would become the first female member in the post's 90-year history, reports MineolaPatch.com.

He did, and she did, being formally inducted in an August ceremony at the village hall. State Sen. Jack M. Martins and local VFW Commander Manny Grilo were there to congratulate Karaz, a former army captain and West Point graduate.