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  • Friday, December 20, 2024

    ‘Be the One’ to Do Good in 2025

    Ssnta on Navy Helicopter

    Santa Claus hitches a ride on a U.S. Navy helicopter.U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Samantha Jetzer.

    Commander’s Holiday Message

    Keith Koster - Be the OneI would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays and a healthy & prosperous New Year. Take this time to enjoy your families and friends. “Be The One” to check in with those you know may be alone for the holidays. From the pictures I saw on social media, many of us paid our respect on December 14th as we place wreathes at the National Cemeteries in our area.

    As I reflect on the year past, we have moved our great organization forward. A donation to Homeward Bound in Franklin County for $100,000 to help veterans with PTSD and TBI in a camp setting. Another $100,000 donation to Tunnels to Towers (T2T) on Veterans Day in NYC to help with homeless veterans through their programs. We learned in the military that we could not do our missions alone and it takes everyone to achieve our mission. The same is true working with partners that serve the same mission as the American Legion helping our veterans.

    We continue to give back every day in our communities through Toys for Tots drives, Christmas parties for youth in the community and many other wonderful acts of kindness. In this time of giving consider National Emergency Fund (NEF) to help our brothers and sisters still impacted down south from hurricanes this year, along with Child Wellness Fund (CWF) and “Be The One” campaigns.

    Our visitations this year have had an impact on the entire traveling leadership team. We have seen the best the American Legion has to offer in the counties we have visited. We look forward to the remaining visits in 2025. I know New York will not disappoint. Continue the great work you are doing in your communities.

    I look forward to seeing everyone at Mid-Winter in Albany. If you have never been, consider coming and going to some of the wonderful meetings to learn and share information. Meet legionnaires from all over New York. Have a little fun and meet the leading candidate for commander in 2025-2026.

    While we have many achievements in 2024, our biggest challenge in 2025 will be membership. January will be retention month and I am asking for your help to reach out to every member that has not renewed. Work Post 0001 members and transfer them into your Post. Reach out to the membership chair or Department Vice Commanders if you require help with membership.

    In closing thank you to all Department of New York American Legion Family members for all you have done in 2024 and all that you will do in 2025. Please keep our deployed veterans and their families in your prayers during this holiday season.

    Best Wishes during the Holidays,

    Keith J Koster
    Department Commander