Latest News
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Thursday, July 18, 2024
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.
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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.
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Monday, July 08, 2024
Membership Impact Report for June 2024
Check out the June Membership Impact Report.
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Thursday, June 06, 2024
Legion Membership Impact Report – May 2024
Check out the latest American Legion Membership Impact Report.
MAY24 Impact Report
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Wednesday, June 05, 2024
Boys’ State Handbook and Schedule Now Available
Check out the Boys’ State page for all documents and materials needed for the 2024 session at SUNY Morrisvile.
The latest to be added are:
Items to Bring to Morrisville REVISED
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Thursday, May 23, 2024
Department Bowling Tournament Final Results
Here are final results for the Annual New York State American Legion Family Bowling Tournament, which took place over several weekends (May 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 2024) at Ripics Carousel Lanes in Binghamton. The tournament was hosted by JP Mangan Post 1194.American Legion 2024 All Events
American Legion 2024 Team, Doubles, and Singles
