Latest News

Thursday, May 22, 2025

NYS Expands Veterans Tuition Award

Effective July 1, 2025, both combat veterans and non-combat veterans (at least four years on active duty) will be eligible for the New York State Veterans Tuition Award.

Previously, only combat veterans could apply for the tuition assistance.

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Thursday, May 15, 2025

Blood Drive at Department Convention

The American Legion Department of New York will host a blood drive during the Department Convention in July at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown.
Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Commander’s Memorial Day Message

Our Heroes Are Sons and Daughters, Too

By Keith J. Koster
Department of New York Commander

Originally May 30th was Decoration Day and Congress changed the recognition to the last Monday of May and renamed this day to “Memorial Day”. American Legion Posts across New York will be holding recognition events, marching in parades, and preforming ceremonies. We take this obligation serious to remembering our fallen heroes and comrades. It is our solemn obligation to teach and educate our communities & youth that Memorial day is not a Day of Celebration. It is a day we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us free. We also remember the Gold Star families and share in their grief. Many of us remember a family member or friend who has gone on to join Post everlasting. It is our duty as Legionnaires to honor those who have gone before us. We understand the sacrifices of those who went before us through the Chaple of the Four Chaplains, the memorials in our hometowns and hamlets.

This year I will be remembering and honoring two New Yorker’s and their families we had the privilege to meet in our travels. These two individuals are both Medal of Honor recipients — Micheal P. Murphy & Jason Dunham. Micheal Murphy was from Long Island and a United States Navy Seal. Micheal was killed June 28, 2005, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan during Operation Red Wings. Jason Dunham was a corporal in the United States Marine Corps from Scio, NY in Allegany County. He served with 3rd Battalion 7th Marines during the Iraq War. Durham used his helmet & body to cover a live grenade to save his fellow Marines. Dunham died eight days later on April 22,2004.

To us as Americans and Veterans these individual men are both heroes but to their parents, they were their sons. When we remember our fallen this Memorial Day, let us remember them as heroes but also sons and daughters that have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. While there may be no words we can offer the families, let our actions on Memorial show our respect for those we have lost.

Thank you for all you do to recognize our fallen heroes. God Bless you, God Bless America and may God watch over our Gold Star Families.
Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Spring issue of Legion New York Mag is available

The spring issue of Legion New York Magazine includes coverage of the Mid-Winter Conference with articles and photos. The commander announces a $50.000 grant and presents the Service Officer of the Year Award.

In addition:

• meet the Department Oratorical champion and finalists.
• see how a craft show spreads the “Be the One” message.
• legionnaires support the “honor our heroes” act.
• legionnaire receives Empore Award.

Spring 2025 Legion New York
Monday, April 28, 2025

Consolidated Post Report Form (2024-2025) Is On the Resources Page

The Consolidatd Post Report Form for the 2024-2025 year can be found on the Resources Page.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Albany County Sponsors Event for Women Vets

On the 31^st of May, Albany County Veterans Service Bureau is hosting an event that is aimed at engaging, inspiring, & motivating female veterans, to pursue professional development and personal growth.

It is open to women Veterans, active duty, guard, reserve, and supportive organizations.

“You will be able to learn about organizations in the area and their programming,” noted Bureau Director Scott Leslie.

“We’re prepared to host up to 200 female Veterans at the Celtic Hall in Colonie, NY. Please register using this link if you’d like to attend. Register here!”

“We’ll have light snacks and coffee available in the morning, yoga, lunch, and a dedicated time for neighboring counties to discuss their best practices with the PFC Dwyer program.

Please see the schedule below or on the registration page.

8:30 Doors Open
9:00 Breakfast
9:00 – 9:45 Yoga (Please bring your own mat)
10:00 – 12:00 Meet and Greet with other Veterans and explore organizations that are tabling.
11:00 – 11:30 PFC Dwyer Discussion
1130 – Lunch
12:00 – 15:00 Conferenc

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