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.

The three leaders travel together while visiting different parts of the state, including the 11-county 4th District, which stretches from Saratoga County to the Canadian border, with 12,000 members.

Reporter Paul Post quoted Governor: “We must continue to evolve if we’re going to be relevant to today’s veterans. We must reach out to our veterans to let them know their rights and what our great organization has to offer them and their families.”

All three groups — the Legion, auxiliary and Sons — have put priority on helping soldiers returning home from overseas active duty. Some have special medical needs, while others need help finding jobs, going to school or re-connecting with their families.

On another front, the Legion has a National Emergency Fund that helps families of Legion posts affected by natural disasters -- such as when Hurricane Sandy ravaged parts of downstate New York last fall. During his year in office, which began in July, he hopes to raise $50,000 in New York for the national fund.

The auxiliary is specifically focused on a project called Operation Comfort Warrior that helps service members injured in combat. Sons of The American Legion does a great deal on behalf of the Legion’s Child Welfare Fund.

Henry Cornell Post 234 of Ballston Spa was given a special certificate of appreciation for its ongoing support of Saratoga County’s monthly Honoring Our Deceased Veterans Program, held at county offices. Post 234 Commander Lou Cook accepted the award.