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Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Reports, Awards on Final Day of Convention
On the final day of the convention on July 22, before the proceedings culminated in the election of 2023-2024 leadership, several awards and reports were presented.
SAL COMMANDER
Detachment Commander Peter DeAngelis
National SAL Commander J.R.Hall with outgoing Detachment Commander Timothy Van Patten II at left.
Before introducing new Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Detachment Commander Peter DeAngelis, outgoing Detachment Commander Timothy Van Patten II reported on the Sons impact. The previous year, 27 percent of squadrons submitted consolidated reports showing that between donations and volunteer hours, the Sons had an economic impact of $2.7 million. This past year 47 percent of squadrons reported over $761,000 in donations and over 192,000 volunteer hours, for a total impact of over $6.8 million.
“Imagine what the impact will be when we hit 100 percent reporting!” he said.
He also noted that SAL membership in New York stood at 30,075.
Van Patten presented a goodie bag of mementoes to outgoing Department Commander David Riley. One of them was special – a U.S. flag that saw duty in Beirut, at the Honor Flight visit to Washington, D.C., at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City and at Boys State.
SAL National Executive Committeeman J. Bruce Ruthven introduced the incoming National SAL Commander, J.R. Hall from Maryland
When he received a standing ovation, he quipped: “You shouldn’t be standing for me. We should be stand for you.”
CADET OF YEAR
Cadet of the Year: Cadet Capt. Isaac Deng (center)
Department JROTC Co-Advisor Jeffrey Cipolla introduced the Cadet of the Year – Cadet Capt. Isaac Deng from Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn. Isaac is in the Honor Society, active in student government and engaged in community service, Cipolla noted. He also plans to continue in ROTC in college.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Emily Brushafer (2nd from right)
Incoming Department Commander Timothy Collmer and 2022-23 Department Commander David R. Riley Sr. presented an American Legion achievement award to Special Olympics swimming champion Emily Brushafer for being the top fundraiser in the Rochester Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics.
When Emily stepped up to the podium, her words to Legionnaires were brief but heartfelt: “Thank you for your service.”
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Saturday, July 22, 2023
Tim Collmer Elected Commander of NYS American Legion
Newluy elected Department Commander Timothy Collmer addresses the 105th Convention, with outgoing Commander David Riley Sr. at right.
TARRYTOWN, N.Y., July 22, 2023 – U.S. Army veteran Timothy J. Collmer of Nunda, N.Y., is the new state commander of the American Legion. His election as Department of New York commander capped the 105th Annual Department Convention, held here July 20-22. During his one-year term, Collmer visits counties across the state to share the American Legion message of veteran advocacy and community involvement.
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3 New Legion Grants Aimed at Stemming Vet Suicide, Homelessness
David Riley Sr.
TARRYTOWN, N.Y., July 22, 2023 – The American Legion in New York State continued its effort to stem veteran suicide and homelessness by awarding $210,000 in grants to organizations helping veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or who are at risk of homelessness.
The grants were announced during the 105th Annual Convention of the American Legion Department of New York, held here July 20-22, 2023.
Outgoing Department Commander David R. Riley Sr. described the grants as follows:
— $100,000 to Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga for equine therapy for veterans suffering from PTSD.
— $75,000 to Trybe Ecotherapy of Rochester for nature-based clinical therapy sessions for veterans.
— $35,000 to Hicks Strong of Clifton Park for its National Military Mental Health and “Hug Mug” programs.
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Friday, July 21, 2023
A Time for Joy and Tears on 2nd Day of Convention
Dana Verissimo with Lucy.
Lucy, a 7-year-old Bernese Mountain service dog, sat on the floor in the front row of the 105th Department Convention, attentively gazing up at the podium where her master, Dana Verissimo, was receiving not one, but two honors.
Veterans Service Committee Chair Eilene Fisher was introducing Verissimo as the John Sampson Service Officer of the Year. And committee member Patrick Rourke was presenting Dana with the Meritorious Service Award. Both were commending Verissimo for outstanding service to veterans as an assistant service officer with Westchester County Veterans Service Agency.
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Awards Highlight Opening Day of 105th Convention
TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — The 105th Annual Convention of the American Legion Department of New York got off to a colorful and meaningful start Thursday, July 20, at the Westchester Marriott.The Department Color Guard advanced the colors as the entire assembly of hundreds of veterans rendered salutes.
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Tuesday, July 11, 2023
2023 Boys Staters Produce Orientation Video
The student video team at the 2023 Boys State of New York produced an orientation video to introduce prospective attendees to the annual week-long, citizenship and leadership program held near the end of June at SUNY Morrisville.
The 2023 video production team, called the Packmules, consisted of:
William Bulger, director
Jadon Kowaleski, 0171
John Kunz, 0175
Johnathan Finewood, 0132
Devin Li, 0350
Ethan Gilfus, 0545For more info on Boys State of New York, see our Boys State page.
