Latest News
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Saturday, July 22, 2023
Tim Collmer Elected Commander of NYS American Legion
Newluy elected Department Commander Timothy Collmer addresses the 105th Convention, with outgoing Commander David Riley Sr. at right.
TARRYTOWN, N.Y., July 22, 2023 – U.S. Army veteran Timothy J. Collmer of Nunda, N.Y., is the new state commander of the American Legion. His election as Department of New York commander capped the 105th Annual Department Convention, held here July 20-22. During his one-year term, Collmer visits counties across the state to share the American Legion message of veteran advocacy and community involvement.
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3 New Legion Grants Aimed at Stemming Vet Suicide, Homelessness
David Riley Sr.
TARRYTOWN, N.Y., July 22, 2023 – The American Legion in New York State continued its effort to stem veteran suicide and homelessness by awarding $210,000 in grants to organizations helping veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or who are at risk of homelessness.
The grants were announced during the 105th Annual Convention of the American Legion Department of New York, held here July 20-22, 2023.
Outgoing Department Commander David R. Riley Sr. described the grants as follows:
— $100,000 to Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga for equine therapy for veterans suffering from PTSD.
— $75,000 to Trybe Ecotherapy of Rochester for nature-based clinical therapy sessions for veterans.
— $35,000 to Hicks Strong of Clifton Park for its National Military Mental Health and “Hug Mug” programs.
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Friday, July 21, 2023
A Time for Joy and Tears on 2nd Day of Convention
Dana Verissimo with Lucy.
Lucy, a 7-year-old Bernese Mountain service dog, sat on the floor in the front row of the 105th Department Convention, attentively gazing up at the podium where her master, Dana Verissimo, was receiving not one, but two honors.
Veterans Service Committee Chair Eilene Fisher was introducing Verissimo as the John Sampson Service Officer of the Year. And committee member Patrick Rourke was presenting Dana with the Meritorious Service Award. Both were commending Verissimo for outstanding service to veterans as an assistant service officer with Westchester County Veterans Service Agency.
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Awards Highlight Opening Day of 105th Convention
TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — The 105th Annual Convention of the American Legion Department of New York got off to a colorful and meaningful start Thursday, July 20, at the Westchester Marriott.The Department Color Guard advanced the colors as the entire assembly of hundreds of veterans rendered salutes.
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Tuesday, July 11, 2023
2023 Boys Staters Produce Orientation Video
The student video team at the 2023 Boys State of New York produced an orientation video to introduce prospective attendees to the annual week-long, citizenship and leadership program held near the end of June at SUNY Morrisville.
The 2023 video production team, called the Packmules, consisted of:
William Bulger, director
Jadon Kowaleski, 0171
John Kunz, 0175
Johnathan Finewood, 0132
Devin Li, 0350
Ethan Gilfus, 0545For more info on Boys State of New York, see our Boys State page.
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Friday, May 26, 2023
Ensuring That the Ultimate Sacrifice Is Not in Vain
By David R. Riley Sr.
Department CommanderWe do not forget.
We do not forget those who died for their country so that others can enjoy freedom.
We do not forget the Gold Star families who mourn loved ones for the rest of their lives.
The American Legion Family has a special obligation to honor and remember all of our country’s fallen heroes. We remember them not just on Memorial Day, but through our daily commitment to ensure that America remains a place worthy of such sacrifice.
We honor these heroes by supporting those who are currently serving in our armed forces. Military service comes with inherent dangers. Earlier this year, we lost nine young soldiers when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed near Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
The men and women who died for our freedom represent the diverse patchwork that is the United States of America. They came from every ethnicity and background. In short, they looked like anyone of us.
Their one common characteristic is that they all took an oath to be ready to put themselves in harm’s way for their country.
We remember. We remember to ensure that their sacrifices are not in vain and that future generations understand the importance of service and sacrifice.
We remember.
