NY Legion Reacts to State of Union, Urges Action

ALBANY (Jan. 29, 2014) -- The American Legion is happy that President Barack Obama, in his fifth State of the Union address, pledged to reduce the disability claims backlog, improve access to health care at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) -- especially mental health care -- and continue to help veterans get jobs.

Cuomo Orders Flags at Half Staff for Pedro

Richard Pedro

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff on Thursday, January 16, 2014, in recognition of Richard M. Pedro and his lifelong dedication to serving Veterans. Mr. Pedro, who led The American Legion Department of New York as adjutant for nearly three decades, passed away in Owego on Jan. 10 at the age of 87.

Webster Legion Helps Visiting Military Wife

Webster Post 942

WEBSTER, N.Y. -- A military wife in need could be headed home this week, thanks to Cottreall-Warner American Legion Post 942 in Webster, WHAM TV 13 reported.

NY Legion Loses Acclaimed Leader

Richard Pedro

ALBANY -- The American Legion's Department of New York lost a nationally acclaimed leader Friday when World War II Navy veteran Richard M. Pedro of Owego, NY died fighting a final battle with illness. He was 87.

Mr. Pedro retired last July after serving at the helm of the Department of New York for nearly three decades as its adjutant, or executive director.

NY Legion Urges Repeal of Military Pension Cut

Kenneth Governor

ALBANY -- With lawmakers in Washington considering restoring the full cost-of-living allowance (COLA) for medically retired service men and women, "now is the time for New York's Congressional delegation to protect all military retirees here in the Empire State," New York State American Legion Commander Kenneth Governor said.