Latest News
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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.
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Saturday, July 12, 2025
Erie County Youth Elected Boys’ State Governor
Boys State Governor David Brophy holds first bill that he signed after the mock legislature passed the legislation.
David Brophy, a student at Clarence High School, was elected governor of the 2025 session of New York American Legion’s Boys’ State, held June 30 to July 3 at SUNY Morrisville.
The annual Boys’ State immersed some 700 high school juniors in citizenship and leadership by having them run a mock government. The students represented imaginary cities and counties and ran campaigns for political office on the state level. With input from the “citizens”, those elected then passed legislation on various topics and issues. read more »
