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• Friday, January 25, 2019

  Legionnaires Kick off Mid-Winter Conference, Welcome Special Guest from Texas

  

  Past Department Commanders Rena Nessler and Stanley Clark were among those giving an enthusiastic welcome to special guest Paul Dillard (left) of Texas, candidate for 2020-21 national commander

  ALBANY — Paul Dillard of Texas, candidate for 2020-21 national American Legion commander, got an enthusiastic welcome to the Department of New York’s 100th Mid-Winter Conference. [Saratogian covers conference kick-off.]

  The three-day conference got underway Friday evening at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center, with Dillard as a special guest. A Vietnam era Navy veteran, Dillard is the featured speaker at the Saturday evening banquet.

  The conference features seminars and workshops on top Legion policy issues and programs, such as veterans employment, post-traumatic stress, suicide prevention, membership growth, children and youth activities, and community involvement.

  A general session on Sunday features, among other things, a video of Department Commander Gary Schacher’s recent interview with Theodore Roosevelt IV, grandson of one of the Legion’s founders, Theodore Roosevelt Jr. His great grandfather was President Teddy Roosevelt.

  Theodore Roosevelt IV, a Vietnam war Navy SEAL, is honorary chairman of the National American Legion’s 100th Anniversary Celebration. The Legion turns 100 on March 15, 2019.

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  Among Friday night’s sessions was a meeting of American Legion Riders, reporting on the motorcycle enthusiasts’ community outreach and community service efforts.

  

  Legion Riders State Director Bob Wallace.

  

  Legion Riders listen to reports (above/below).

  

  

  

  

  Department Commander Gary Schacher praised the Riders for their outreach.

  

  Commander Gary Schacher.