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• Thursday, July 18, 2024

  Erie County’s Balbierz Honored for Publicity-Generating Outreach

  

  Ted Balbierz addresses the convention after receiving the Department Public Relations Award.

  NIAGARA FALLS — Legionnaire Ted Balbierz of Milton J. Brounshidle Post 205 in Kenmore is known for his outreach efforts to the community, which have generated a stream of positive publicity for The American Legion.

  That’s why he is receiving the Department of New York Award for Public Relations Excellence, Media and Communications Chair Robert Stronach announced on the second day of the 106th Annual Department Convention.

  “It started when he was commander of Brounshidle Post 205 and continued during the 2023-2024 year as Erie County commander,” Stronach said.

  One of the standout projects as Post commander was providing 100 boxes of groceries for a new food pantry that was helping families with children during the pandemic. He also made sure articles were published in the local newspaper as he reinvigorated his Post.

  Among the efforts as Erie County commander, Balbierz:

  — raised $6,000 for a local telethon that primarily supports a Children’s Hospital.

  — reached out to disenfranchised Posts and reenergized their involvement in the County and created a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion position.

  — worked with a local Homeless Veterans Housing Group, with the Department of New York awarding a $15,000 grant for new bedding.

• NY State Legion Honors Outstanding Police, First Responders

  NIAGARA FALLS (106th American Legion Department of New York Convention) — Law-and-Order Chair Cynthia Nelson kicked off her presentation July 17 by announcing the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. He is New York State Forest Ranger Nathaniel Laymon.

  On Jan. 6, 2024, Laymon rescued a fisherman who had fallen through the ice, and then, with a rope tied to him, plunged into the icy water to find a second fisherman who had gone under. He pulled the unconscious man to shore where EMTs worked on him and transported the victim to the hospital, where he later died.

  Next was Firefighter of the Year. That honor went to Sunset Bay Fire Chief Robert Weiskerger, who, while manning a hose, refused to leave a burning building with the roof collapsing until a fellow firefighter was able to escape. Both men were on fire as they exited the structure, with Weiskerger sustaining first and second degree burns on his right shoulder and arm, and the other firefighter, first degree burns to his right arm.

  Then South Jefferson Rescue Squad was the subject of two recognitions. First, Paramedic Christopher Singleton was named EMT of the Year for his efforts to provide and coordinate Emergency Medical Services training, including securing grants for equipment and resources. He hosts an annual “Spring Fling” that enables EMS personnel from across the state to receive training. In addition to serving as the squad’s assistant chief, Singleton is Jefferson County EMS training and education coordinator.

  

  Debbie Singleton, rescue squad exec. director

  Second, South Jefferson was named Emergency Squad of the Year. The squad, with 58 members, responded to 1,134 calls in 2023, provided 300 hours of in-house training, and pilots multiple initiatives. One initiative is a paramedicine program where designated EMS personnel can visit patient homes for wellness checks.

  The next award, Corrections Officer of the Year, went to Officer Keri Genthner of Chautauqua County Corrections Department. Nelson noted that Genthner “routinely displays acts of bravery and heroism,” saving an inmate from a knife attack as well as several inmates from suicide attempts and another from a drug overdose.

  The final two awards went to Town of Tonawanda Police Department and Lakewood Fire Department for being selected as Law Enforcement Department of the Year and Fire Department of the Year, respectively.

  

  Tonawanda Police Chief James P. Stauffiger

  Last year Tonawanda police answered 60,000 calls and were reaccredited for five years by the New York State Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation Council. Out of over 500 departments, Tonawanda is one of only 168 departments to receive the accreditation. Tonawanda Police Chief James P. Stauffiger accepted the award on behalf of the department.

  With 46 active firefighters, the Lakewood department responds to over 1,100 calls a year and holds regular drills and training, including supporting its new EMS service. A contingent of seven members accepted the award on behalf of the FD.

• NY State Legion Announces Top Scouting Awards

  

  Eagle Scout of the Year Zachary Zibella with Scouting Chair Jean Williams and Department Commander Timothy Collmer.

  NIAGARA FALLS (106th American Legion Department of New York Convention) — Scouting Chair Jean Williams announced that Zachary Zibella is Eagle Scout of the Year and presented him with a $2,000 check during the opening day of the convention. He is with Troop 102 sponsored by Hudson Post 184, Columbia County, 3rd District.

  She also announced:

  • The Adult Scouter of the Year is Mary Lou Frederick. She is from Monroe County in the 7th District.

  • The Cub Scout Pack of the Year is Pack 4012, sponsored by Adirondack Post 70 from Saratoga County in the 4th District.

  • The Scout Troop of the Year is Troop 4070, also sponsored by Adirondack Post 70 from Saratoga County.

• Dept. of New York Honors Legionnaire of Year

  

  Legionnaire of the Year Michael Jones receives plaque from Department Commander Timothy Collmer. At left is Legionnaire of the Year Committee Chair Joseph Goonan.

  NIAGARA FALLS (106th American Legion Department of New York Convention) — Awards and recognition dominated the convention’s opening day, July 17, and one of the highlights was the awarding of Legionnaire of the Year.

  The honor went to Michael Jones of Arcade American Legion Post 737 (Wyoming County, 8th District). The Navy veteran served in Vietnam, then in a NATO exercise and finally with Navy Recruiting Command in Western New York; and that was before he joined the Army Reserve.

  Award Chair Joseph Goonan said Jones helped revived the Post, served as commander, and coordinated food deliveries during the pandemic.

• Despite Storms, No Dampened Spirits as 106th Convention Opens

  

  Color Guard advances the colors to help open the 106th Department Convention

  NIAGARA FALLS — A number of the delegates and Legion Family members making their way to Niagara Falls on Tuesday (July 16) were delayed and hampered by severe thunderstorms traveling across the state, but it didn’t dampen their spirits as the106th Department Convention kicked off Wednesday morning (July 17).

  Smiles and greetings of camaraderie accompanied attendees as they walked across a sun-dappled street under a canopy of trees along the convention center boulevard.

  Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino said he was proud to welcome Legionnaires, especially for what they stand for – God, country and community – and expressed gratitude for American Legion Baseball because he got to play Legion ball as a youth.

  

  PDC Gary Schacher honors PDC Bob Morrill

  After the opening ceremonies of presenting the colors, giving an invocation and remembering POWs and MIAs, Past Department Commander Gary Schacher took to the podium and surprised Past Department Commander Robert Morrill with kudos and a commendation for dedication to The American Legion from the Post to the national levels for over half a century.

  Two past national commanders brought messages to the delegates.

  PNC V. James Troiola noted that the Legion’s focus on one priority – the “Be the One” suicide prevention effort – has made a difference in saving lives and in recruiting. “It’s a mission, not a program,” he said. “It’s here to stay.” He saw “Be the One” as an extension of the “buddy check” program where Post members check on other members to see how they’re doing.

  He also stated that even small Legion Posts can demonstrate the power of perseverance and become beacons for their communities – as the eight-member East Palestine, Ohio Post did after a train carrying hazardous materials derailed and created a toxic zone. The small Post became the distribution center for water and other supplies for residents.

  Troiola encouraged the Department to help small posts with recruiting especially if they are doing something good.

  Then PDC Fang Wong, representing the Legion’s Veterans and Children’s Foundation, presented an award to the Department of New York for achieving the $100,000-plus donation level. The foundation, established in 2019 as the 501(c)(3) nonprofit successor to the American Legion Endowment Fund, feeds and houses children of military personnel and veterans facing urgent, unexpected hardships. It prevents eviction, keeps the power on and fulfills basic needs to hold a family together through difficult times.

  Awards and recognition dominated the convention’s opening day.

• Monday, July 08, 2024

  Membership Impact Report for June 2024

  Check out the June Membership Impact Report.

  

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