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• Friday, July 19, 2024

  More Awards in Spotlight on Final Day

  

  Leah Murphy from Evans Mills Ambulance receives award from Chair Thomas Rielly, Vice Chair William Haines and 2023-2024 Commander Tim Collmer

  

  Anne Merill and Deanna Genito from Carthage Savings and Loan Association.

  Employers of Veterans Receive Awards

  NIAGARA FALLS — Recognition of companies that employ veterans highlighted the final day of the 106th Annual Department Convention prior to the election of commander, vice commanders and treasurer for the 2024-2025 year.

  Employment Committee Chair Thomas Rielly announced four honorees.

  Zimowski Food Specialties of Chadwicks received the Small Employer of Veterans Award. The small business distributes food throughout Oneida County, supports events at Edward L. Clonan Post 1000 in Chadwicks, and employs two veterans, Rielly noted. Clonan Post Commander Michael Wakefield nominated Zimowski Food for the award.

  Carthage Savings and Loan Association received the Employer of Older Workers Award. Thirty percent of its workforce are 55 or older, with its latest hire a veteran, Rielly said, adding: “This employer is proud to be the ‘hometown bank’ for 10th Mountain Division soldiers and spouses.” The bank was nominated for the award by Janice M. Gravely of Carthage Bassette-Baxter Post 789.

  Evans Mills Ambulance Squad also received the Small Employer of Veterans Award. The combined volunteer/paid rescue squad operates around the clock, seven days a week, Rielly said, noting that over 50 percent of the 45 drivers, EMTs and paramedics are prior military. In addition, the squad partners with Fort Drum to provide hands-on training for transitioning soldiers who want their EMT certification. Bassette-Baxter Post 789 nominated the agency.

  The final honoree, also nominated by Bassette-Baxter Post 789, is Caskinette Lotin K. Motor Company (Ford), which received the Medium Employer of Veterans Award. Nine of its 70 employees are veterans, plus military spouses are also among the workforce. In addition, Rielly noted, “This company loans vehicles and drivers…at no cost for key veterans-sponsored events.”

  History Books and Legion Riders

  In other happenings on the final day:

  • new Department Historian David Lockhart announced winners of the annual history book contest. In the Post category, M.J. Brounshidle Post 205 won first place honors while John B. Lyman Post 904 took second place. In the county and district categories, Erie County and 7th District were awarded first place.

  • Department of New York American Legion Riders Director Steve Oliver urged Posts and Chapters to submit “Consolidated Post Reports” and make sure Rider activity is included in order to better document all that the Legion Riders do. He reported over 50,000 volunteer hours and 150,000 miles of activity.