Latest News

• Friday, May 26, 2023

  Ensuring That the Ultimate Sacrifice Is Not in Vain

  

  By David R. Riley Sr.
  Department Commander

  We do not forget.

  We do not forget those who died for their country so that others can enjoy freedom.

  We do not forget the Gold Star families who mourn loved ones for the rest of their lives.

  The American Legion Family has a special obligation to honor and remember all of our country’s fallen heroes. We remember them not just on Memorial Day, but through our daily commitment to ensure that America remains a place worthy of such sacrifice.

  We honor these heroes by supporting those who are currently serving in our armed forces. Military service comes with inherent dangers. Earlier this year, we lost nine young soldiers when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed near Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

  The men and women who died for our freedom represent the diverse patchwork that is the United States of America. They came from every ethnicity and background. In short, they looked like anyone of us.

  Their one common characteristic is that they all took an oath to be ready to put themselves in harm’s way for their country.

  We remember. We remember to ensure that their sacrifices are not in vain and that future generations understand the importance of service and sacrifice.

  We remember.

• Wednesday, May 24, 2023

  Department Commander Reacts to ‘Hoax’

  The claim that homeless veterans were booted from hotels is apparently a hoax, American Legion Deparatment of New York Commander David R. Riley Sr. said.

  He pointed to a follow-up story in the New York Post reporting that a veterans’ advocate lied about vets being displaced to make room for migrants and that hotels confirmed no one was displaced.

  “We are glad that no veterans were displaced,” Riley said. “We reacted strongly after the initial news report. It’s unfortunate that everyone was misled.”

  He added that The American Legion remains committed to “the men and women who served our country and especially to finding ways to help our struggling veterans.”

   

• Thursday, May 18, 2023

  Bowling Tournament Results Available

  Results for the 73rd annual Department Bowling Tournament are available here. The tournament took place over the weekends from April 22 to May 7.

  Jake Sladish bowled a 3-game total of 756, grabbing the $300 first place prize in the men’s singles division while Sheryl Henrickson took the $300 first place prize in the women’s singles division, with a 3-game total of 601 and a handicapped total of 781.

  In the doubles competition, G. Pitre and A. White won the $400 first place prize with a 3-game total of 1269 and a handicapped total of 1410.

  In the team contest, Post 401 Team #3 grabbed the title and a prize of $480. The 3-game total was 2047 and the handicapped total was 2719.

• Saturday, May 13, 2023

  Department Commander Condemns Displacing Struggling Veterans

  
  New York State’s American Legion commander condemned displacing homeless veterans from hotels to make room for migrants coming from New York City.

  “These veterans served their country, taking an oath to put themselves in harm’s way if need be,” said David R. Riley Sr., American Legion Department of New York commander. “They deserve better. We owe them. Our country, our state, our citizens owe them.”

  Riley said he was reacting to a report in the New York Post about a number of upstate hotels in the Newburgh and Middletown areas giving the boot to struggling veterans to make room for migrants.