Latest News
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Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Summer issue of Legion New York Mag
The summer issue of Legion New York magazine, which was distributed at the 108th Department Convention July 16-18, spotlights Legion happenings around the state, such as:a• Legion couple getting to thank rescuers.
• Hopewell Junction Post hosting a 5K for U.S. birthday.
• New York’s oratorical chair in national spotlight.
• Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight.
• National commander visiting New York.
• 10 unclaimed remains getting proper burial.
• Kogutek Scholarships.
• Oliver being inducted into Vets Hall of Fame.
• Owego Post bowling first place.
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Sunday, July 19, 2026
Convention Puts Focus on First Respnders
Northeast Officer of Year Jason Beichner with his family and 2025-2026 Department Commander John Miga.
The 108th Department Convention, held at the Syracuse Marriott Downtown July 16-18, put the focus on the outstanding work of first responders.
In announcing this year’s honorees, Committee Chair Cynthia Nelson said she was “excited to report” that last year’s officer of the year, Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Beichner, “was selected by the National Committee on Law and Order to receive the Northeast Regional Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award.” Beichner was cited for saving the life of a motorcyclist who had a partiallysevered leg in a crash as well as for working with his K9 partner to find missing persons and capture fleeing suspects.This year’s honorees included: read more »
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Saturday, July 18, 2026
Newly Elected State Commander Puts Focus on Youth
“Today’s youth is tomorrow’s future.”
That’s the theme and focus for newly elected New York State American Legion Commander Thomas R. Schreck.
“I will be pushing the youth programs,” noted Schreck, a U.S. Navy veteran whose election as American Legion Department of New York commander culminated the 108th annual Department Convention, held July 16-18 in Syracuse.
He pointed to such Legion programs as Boys State, Girls State, Junior Shooting, Oratorical, and Scholarships.
In particular, “I’m pushing” for the expansion of Boys State, which immerses high school juniors into the governmental and political arenas on the city, county and state levels. read more » -
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Golf Tournament Open to Legion Family
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Wednesday, June 03, 2026
Owego Post 401 Takes Top Honors in NYS American Legion Bowling Tournament
Owego Post 401’s Team #2 took first place in the 76th New York State American Legion Bowling Tournament, held April 16 through May 10, at Medina Lanes in Medina, NY. Team members included Andrew Jackson, Louie Strilgy, Larry Ferguson, and Michael Bidwell.
Top bowlers in other categories were:
• Doubles: J. Marsh and A. Barton.
• Men’s All-Event Singles: Scott O’Neill.
• Men’s Singles: Blair Dury.
• Women’s All-Event Singles: Janelle Marsh.
• Women’s Singles: Janelle Marsh.
For complete results and prizes, go to the Bowling Tournament page.
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Monday, June 01, 2026
House Passes Veteran-Friendly Bills
by The American Legion
Legislation would increase benefits for some disabled veterans, streamline the ability to make healthcare appointments, expand Fisher House eligibility and more.
The House passed six veteran-friendly bills, including five that The American Legion supported via testimony, during the week of May 18. A summary of the bills endorsed by the Legion and previous statements:
• H.R. 6047 the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act, which would increase the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) monthly compensation benefit for service-connected, catastrophically disabled veterans and the surviving families of 100% disabled or deceased veterans. “This legislation works to uplift our most vulnerable veterans and provide an overdue increase in Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for survivors, aptly in time for Memorial Day,” the Legion wrote.
• H.R. 496 Veterans 2nd Amendment Restoration Act. This bill prevents VA from automatically reporting veterans to the FBI’s NICS background check system solely because they require a fiduciary to manage their benefits. Instead, it directs VA to notify the DOJ that past transmittals were improper. “It is a moral injustice for veterans to lose their 2nd Amendment rights because a judge deemed a financial fiduciary was warranted. There is no connection between the ability to manage one’s finances and violent ideations. The American Legion believes that this reporting mechanism violates due process and opposes any legislation that infringes on constitutional rights. We support the rights of veterans who are under a fiduciary, especially when the rights are enshrined in the U.S. Constitution,” Legislative Director Cole Lyle testified during before the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in 2025.
• H.R. 3482 Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act. The bill mandates VA implement an electronic scheduling process to streamline healthcare appointments for veterans. “The American Legion strongly supports H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, as a vital step toward ensuring timely access to quality healthcare for our nation’s veterans,” Lyle testified before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations in 2025.
• H.R. 3726 Fisher House Availability Act of 2025, which expands eligibility for no-cost temporary lodging at Fisher Houses to include active-duty servicemembers and their families. “This bill codifies this directive into law and will help to ensure the Fisher House programs are allowed to help veterans, servicemembers and their families as originally intended. The American Legion supports this legislation through Resolution No. 18: Comprehensive Supports for Caregivers Support Program,” Lyle testified before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health in 2025.
• H.R. 2954 Veterans’ Transition to Trucking Act of 2025. This legislation authorizes the VA Secretary to serve as the single approving authority for multi-state trucking apprenticeship programs, eliminating the need for separate approvals from multiple states. “As an active partner in Task Force Movement, a presidential initiative launched in 2022, The American Legion has supported efforts to clear pathways for veterans to enter the trucking workforce and help stabilize the nation’s logistical infrastructure and supply chain. Streamlining this process will reduce administrative burdens, expand opportunities for veterans, and strengthen the U.S. labor force and transportation industry,” policy analyst Andrew Petrie testified before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity in 2025.
