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  • Wednesday, January 22, 2025

    Commander Briefs Media on Veterans’ Issues, Announces $50,000 Grant

    Keith Koster displays "Be the One" banner

    Commander Keith Koster (left) displays the “Be the One” banner while briefing news media on suicide prevention and other veterans’ issues. Assisting him is his aide, David Lockhart.

    Pointing to The American Legion’s major suicide prevention campaign, Department Commandeer Keith Koster said “we must ‘Be the One’” to reach out and spread the word, take the Columbia protocol and help veterans exhibiting signs they might take their own lives.

    That’s how he began a briefing with news media during the 106th Mid-Winter Conference on Saturday, Jan. 18, in Albany.

    He also brought that message to the Saturday evening banquet and again at the Sunday morning general session.

    On the subject of supporting veterans, Koster announced that The American Legion Department of New York Executive Committee approved a grant of $50,000 for Albany’s Veterans Miracle Center. The non-profit organization provides groceries, clothing, household items and other support to veterans and military families in need.

    KeithKoster Mid-Winter press briefing

    Commander Keith Koster

    On the topic of women veterans, he told media that female vets should get better respect. Male veterans often don caps, shirts and jackets that tout their military service, which attracts attention and expressions of gratitude for their service, as well as opportunities to engage in conversations about how they served. Male and female veterans served side by side. They deserve the same respect, he said, noting that it was a proud moment for women vets when Past National Commander Denise Rohan accepted the Presidential Citizens Medal at the White House this month on behalf of Vietnam War combat nurse Diane Carlson Evans. Afterward, Rohan visited the Vietnam Women’s Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., which Evans had spearheaded.

    On the topic of legislative action, Koster said The American Legion was pushing for a number of bills, but one that he felt strongly about affects members of the U.S. Coast Guard. When there’s a government shutdown, Coasties don’t get paid because the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security, unlike the other branches of the Armed Forces. The American Legion wants legislation to ensure the Coast Guard men and women get paid when a budget impasse in Congress results in a shutdown.

    A DAY OF WORKSHOPS (even dogs that can do math and read)

    Terry Brown

    Military columnist Terry Brown addresses media workshop with his therapy dogs resting near his feet.

    One of the numerous conference workshops offered Saturday was a media session featuring Albany Times-Union military columnist Terry Brown, who himself is a decorated Vietnam combat vet.

    Terry Brown

    Terry Brown

    He gave tips on writing news releases to help publicize the good work of American Legion Posts and also entertained the packed session with the antics of therapy dogs he trains. He asked a couple of Legionnaires to help the two shelties with “math homework.” The Legionnaires told one dog to add two plus two, multiply three by two, and give the square root of 81. The dog counted the answers by tapping a paw on Brown’s hand. Then Brown demonstrated their “reading” ability by holding up a sign with the word “wave” on it. The dogs lifted their paws and waved. The awed crowd gave the shelties a huge round of applause. Brown and his therapy dogs are frequent visitors to nursing homes, hospitals and the Albany International Airport.

    AN EVENING OF MUSIC AND CAMARADERIE

    1Band trombones MidWinter 66 crp 550px

    A few members of the Yankee Doodle Band

    Flute

    Yankee Doodle flautist

    Evening festivities had Legion Family members swaying and tapping to music as the Yankee Doodle Band from Fort Crailo Post 471 in Rensselaer presented a concert of popular and patriotic tunes.

    Then they enjoyed the camaraderie of a banquet, which kicked off with a salute to the nation’s flag and a POW/MIA ceremony. During the meal, animated conversation and laughter resonated in the packed banquet hall. A special guest, Jay Bowen of Colorado who is a candidate for national commander for 2026-2027, spoke briefly about the impact of blue-capped Legionnaires. He noted that his theme as national commander would be “B-POTS” – Be Part of the Solution.

    “If you’re not part of the solution, then you’re part of the problem.”

    Like Commander Koster, he touted the suicide prevention campaign and urged everyone to be part of the solution and ‘Be the One’ to reach out and be involved.

    The banquet concluded with everyone joining hands and singing “God Bless America.”

    SERVICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR

    Service Officer of Year

    Service Officer of the Year Denise DiResta, flanked by Eilene Fisher and Commander Koster.

    The Sunday morning general session featured the announcement of the John B. Sampson Service Officer of the Year. The honor went to Denise DiResta, Warren County director of veterans services. Department Veterans Services Chair Eilene Fisher and Commander Koster presented the award. Fisher cited DiResta’s outstanding years of service to veterans.

    Sweepstakes winners

    The conference came to a close after a drawing to determine the Mid-Winter Sweepstakes winners.

    Thomas J Kernan of Verona Beach took the top prize of $5,000.

    Myron Pringle of Oswego won $2,000.

    Robert Szynkowski of N. Tonawanda garnered $1,000.

    Henry Laquire, Jr of Feura Bush took the $500 prize.

    The following each won $250:

    • Duane White of Brushton.
    • Sheila Glenn of Clayton.
    • Joseph Mattison of Corning.
    • Donald Blair of Highland Mills.