Latest News
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Friday, September 05, 2025
Owego Post 401 Has a Winning Foursome
The first place team from Owego Post 401
The Department’s 33rd Annual Legion Family Golf Tournament was held at Maple Hill Golf Club in Marathon NY on Friday, August 1, 2025.
Department Golf Chairman Auseklis G. Krumins reported that 15 teams participated this year.
“The weather this year was perfect, making for any enjoyable day,” he noted.
This year’s first place team was from Post 401 in Owego, captained by Steve Livermore.
Second place went to Tom Hurlbut’s team from Post 974 in Whitney Point.
Third place went to William Buckley’s team from Post 973 in South Otselic, NY.
Longest drive for men went to Nick Rollins and longest drive for women was hit by Margaret Sweredoski from Post 162 in Lowville, NY. Closest to the pin for men was hit by Marty Drum from Post 1645 in Binghamton, NY.
The prize for Most Honest Team was awarded to Scott Diskin’s team from Post 42 in Chatham, NY. which included Past Department Commander Keith Koster from Saratoga County.
“Congratulations to all Prize winners!” Chairman Krumins said, adding that he hopes to see even more teams participate next year on August 7, 2026 “in this simply fun day of golf for all Legion Family members.”
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Wednesday, September 03, 2025
Sweepstakes Winners
2025 Winners in The American Legion Annual Sweepstakes, announced during the Department of New York Convention:
• Lawrence Clabeaux, Buffalo – $5,000
• Nunzio Esposito, West Seneca – $2,500
• James Beecher, North Babylon – $1,000
• William Marquart, Albany – $500
• Louis Via, Saugerties – $500
• Peter Terrasi, New Windsor – $500
• Clifton Dexter, Knoxville – $500
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Tuesday, August 05, 2025
WWII Vets Helped Kick Off Department Convention
104-year-old Tony Pircio with 20224-2025 Department Commander Keith Koster.
A four-hour marathon session kicked off the 107th Annual Convention of the NYS American Legion on Thursday, July 17 at the Mariott Syracuse Downtown, formerly the Hotel Syracuse.
Highlighting the initial moments was a standing ovation for two centenarians from the Greatest Generation of military men, as outgoing Department Commander Keith Koster introduced 102 year-old Addison Sheckler of Cato and 104 year-old Tony Pircio of Manlius.
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Monday, July 21, 2025
Cicero Team Tops Bowling Tournament
Bowler at 2025 Tournament / photo by Keith Koster
The 2025 New York State American Legion Bowling Tournament was held from April 12 to April 275 in Cicero, N.Y., with Cicero Post 787 serving as host
Thi
s was the 75th anniversary of the state tournament that started in 1949.The team winners are Kevin Smith, Bill Clark, Scott and Kevin Blair of Cicero with a score of 2840.
Doubles Champions were Frank Ross and Bill Christian from Forthill with a score of 1519.
Women’s Singles champion was Sheryl Hendrickson with a score of 713.
Women’s all events champion was Sue Ross with a score of 1460.
Men’s singles Champion was Joe Pitre with a score of 787.
Men’s all events champion was Jake Argaard with a score of 1567.
Next year’s tournament will be at Medina Lanes, 11249 Maple Ridge RD Medina NY 14103.
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Saturday, July 19, 2025
John Miga Elected Commander of NYS American Legion
John R. Miga, a U.S. Army veteran from Dunkirk, N.Y., is the new commander of The American Legion in New York State.His election as state commander culminated the 107th Department of New York Convention held July 17-19 in Syracuse.
During his one-year term, Miga will visit American Legion Posts across the state, bringing to local communities the Legion’s action-oriented message of support for veterans, families and community. In particular, he will champion the “Be the One” campaign to curb veteran suicide.
Miga is a retired representative of Prudential Insurance and Financial Services. In the army, he trained as an infantryman and served at the 38th Parallel in South Korea. He ultimately became an army cook and kitchen supervisor. His service was from October 1966 to October 1968.
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Thursday, July 17, 2025
‘Be the One’ on the mind of convention-goers
Members of the American Legion Family began converging on Syracuse Wednesday, July 16, for the 107th Department Convention – and many came with “Be the One” suicide prevention campaign on the mind.
For example, Past Department Commander Frank Peters spotted a piano in the lobby of the Marriott Syracuse Downtown and began playing some chords, but couldn’t resist holding up a finger symbolizing “Be the One.” Frank is more comfortable on the guitar – he has one in every room of his house – but has been teaching himself how to play the piano.
A trio of Auxiliary members were in the lobby too and were quick to display their support for “Be the One.” The trio included Gwen Benners, past Tioga County president; Angela Collins, Tioga County president, and Angela’s daughter, Adelle, attending her first convention as a fourth generation member.
The effort to curb veteran suicide will continue to be a main push for The American Legion in the coming year, as Dan Wiley, leading candidate for national commander, reported during the opening session of the convention on Thursday.
