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.

Legion Rider Joins Wreath Tribute

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.

Wayland Legion Sends 88 Boxes Overseas

 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.

Legionnaires Remember Pearl Harbor

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."

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

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.

Department Leaders Honor Legionnaires, Boy

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.

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.

Legion: Shutdown Must Not Harm Defense

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.

Legion Leaders Look to Future

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.

Military Museum Impresses Legion Leaders

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.

Military Skills Should Be Transferable, Commander Tells North Country

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.

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.

Commander on 9-11: America Will Prevail

 Helping Children Left Behind A Tribute to Fallen Warriors

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."

NY Congratulates New National Commander

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

NY Has Best Americanism Program

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.

Post 703 Gets Grant to Survey Battle Site

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

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.

Post 1443 Treats Soldiers to Barbecue

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.

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.

NY's Champs Advance in Regionals

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.

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.

NY Champs Lose Regional Opener

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.

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

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.

Field Narrows As Teams Advance in Tourney

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.

Wounded Warriors Have a Few Words for Players

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

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.

Casey Succeeds Pedro As NY Dept. Adjutant

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

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.

Ken Governor Elected Dept. Commander

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.

Storm Clouds Loom Over Legion 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

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.

Erie Co. Legion to Send Kids of Deployed to Camp

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.

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.