Latest News

• Tuesday, March 13, 2018

  American Legion ‘Storms the Hill’ to Talk Veteran’s Issues

  ALBANY – Combating veteran suicide is a top priority for The American Legion Department of New York, legionnaires told legislators March 13 at an annual legislative breakfast and in visits to Assembly and Senate offices.

  

  Dr. Frank Bourke. Photos by Robert Stronach

  Prior to “storming the Hill” with a veteran’s message, as Department Commander Rena Nessler charged the Legion Family, she and Rehabilitation Field Coordinator R. Michael Suter recognized Dr. Frank Bourke for his ground-breaking clinical trials in treating post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

  They presented him with a check for $25,000 for his Corning, NY-based Research and Recognition Project.

  Using the RTM (Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories) Protocol, the project conducted a pilot study and three replication studies to verity the more than 90 percent success rate.

  

  R. Michael Suter and Commander Rena Nessler presented a $25,000 check to Dr. Frank Bourke for his work with treating PTSD.

  “We really have a treatment for PTSD that works,” Dr. Bourke told the breakfast attendees.

  “Over 90 percent” of the veterans they treated no longer have “PTSD or the symptoms.”

  As one veteran who was treated put it: “You still have the memories. You lose the pain” associated with traumatic experiences.

  The next step, Dr. Bourke noted, is to train counselors to reach more veterans across the state and country.

  

  Assemblyman DenDekker and Senator Croci.

  Also addressing the Legion legislative breakfast were Sen. Thomas D. Croci, chairman of the Senate veterans, homeland security and military affairs committee, and Assemblyman Michael DenDekker, chairman of the Assembly veterans affairs committee.

  Senator Croci thanked the American Legion for bringing priority veteran’s issues to the attention of the Legislature and the governor’s office. “It makes our job easier.”

  He said the state budget would maintain the level of support for veteran’s causes, and perhaps go further.

  

  Department Adjutant James Casey talks veterans’ concerns with Sen. Thomas Croci.

  Referring to himself and colleagues such as Assemblyman DenDekker, “Our philosophy is, when it comes to veterans in the State of New York, politics stop at the door.”

  In fact, he said he would like to see more veterans live, work and raise families in New York.

  “This should be the most veteran-friendly state in the country.”

  

  Herkimer County Adjutant Les Crossett (left) and Boys State Executive Director John Murphy (right) talked veteran’s issues with Sen. James Seward.

  

  Assemblywoman Pam Hunter, chair of the subcommittee on women veterans, breakfasted with Lewis County Commander Lee Hinkleman and Department Law and Order Chairman David Riley.

  

  Sen. Catharine Young chats with New York American Legion Press Association Executive Director Lynda Pixley and Erie County Adjutant James Bojanowski on their way into the legislative breakfast.

  

  Legislative Chair Frank LaMarsh briefs legionnaires on priority legislative issues, such as veteran suicide, alternative PTSD therapies, veteran property tax exemptions, a homeless veterans’ study.