Latest News
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Friday, December 20, 2024
‘Be the One’ to Do Good in 2025
Santa Claus hitches a ride on a U.S. Navy helicopter.U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Samantha Jetzer.
Commander’s Holiday Message
I would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays and a healthy & prosperous New Year. Take this time to enjoy your families and friends. “Be The One” to check in with those you know may be alone for the holidays. From the pictures I saw on social media, many of us paid our respect on December 14th as we place wreathes at the National Cemeteries in our area.As I reflect on the year past, we have moved our great organization forward. A donation to Homeward Bound in Franklin County for $100,000 to help veterans with PTSD and TBI in a camp setting. Another $100,000 donation to Tunnels to Towers (T2T) on Veterans Day in NYC to help with homeless veterans through their programs. We learned in the military that we could not do our missions alone and it takes everyone to achieve our mission. The same is true working with partners that serve the same mission as the American Legion helping our veterans.
We continue to give back every day in our communities through Toys for Tots drives, Christmas parties for youth in the community and many other wonderful acts of kindness. In this time of giving consider National Emergency Fund (NEF) to help our brothers and sisters still impacted down south from hurricanes this year, along with Child Wellness Fund (CWF) and “Be The One” campaigns.
Our visitations this year have had an impact on the entire traveling leadership team. We have seen the best the American Legion has to offer in the counties we have visited. We look forward to the remaining visits in 2025. I know New York will not disappoint. Continue the great work you are doing in your communities.
I look forward to seeing everyone at Mid-Winter in Albany. If you have never been, consider coming and going to some of the wonderful meetings to learn and share information. Meet legionnaires from all over New York. Have a little fun and meet the leading candidate for commander in 2025-2026.
While we have many achievements in 2024, our biggest challenge in 2025 will be membership. January will be retention month and I am asking for your help to reach out to every member that has not renewed. Work Post 0001 members and transfer them into your Post. Reach out to the membership chair or Department Vice Commanders if you require help with membership.
In closing thank you to all Department of New York American Legion Family members for all you have done in 2024 and all that you will do in 2025. Please keep our deployed veterans and their families in your prayers during this holiday season.
Best Wishes during the Holidays,
Keith J Koster
Department Commander -
Thursday, December 19, 2024
SAL sponsors bowling with Albany VA vets
The Sons of the American Legion from Blanchard-Currey Post 1040 in Delmar takes patients at Albany’s Stratton VA Medical Center bowling at Del Lanes in order to, as the Albany VA Facebook page put it, “show our veterans that they are loved and honored for their service.”
SAL member Joe Benoit poses with VA Recreational Therapy Supervisor Michele Ferrauilo, along with patients and other community members as they celebrate the monthly “Bowling with Veterans.”
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Legion Brings Holiday Cheer to Vets at the NYC VA Hospital
Displaying the “Be the One” symbol, Legionnaires bring holiday cheer to the VA Hospital in New York City,
Department Commander Keith Koster and Sons of the American Legion Detachment Commander Gaither E. Espey joined the New York County Legion for its annual sponsored tree lighting and holiday festivities at the VA Hospital on East 23rd Street in New York City.
The event took place Dec. 12, reports Department Vice Commander Rod Roderick, with the county committee donating $1,500 and the SAL donating $1,850
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Wednesday, December 04, 2024
Membership Impact Report for November 2024
Check out The American Legion’s Membership Impact Report for November.
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Saturday, November 23, 2024
Check out the latest Legion New York Magazine (Autumn 2024)
The autumn issue of Legion New York Magazine puts the spotlight on the annual Department Convention, with a bevy of candid photos and an extensive report on awards and recognition.You will also find stories or feature articles on:
• New York’s Boys State program and the Marines.
• $100,000 grant to Homeward Bound Adirondacks
• Legion Baseball champions (senior and junior divisions).
• the Department Commander’s 9/11 Day of Service aboard the USS Intrepid.
• the Band of the Tonawandas taking the national title – again.
• NY team at national membership workshop.
• Harlem Post honoring its namesake, General Young.
• a parade for a World War II veteran.
• Legionnaire Mayfield inducted into Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.
• Legionnaire Gravely named Army Reserve ambassador.
• Rockville Centre Post donates $8,000. -
Sunday, November 17, 2024
Dept of NY donates $100,000 to Tunnel to Towers
Department of New York Commander Keith Koster felt it couldn’t be a more fitting Veterans Day tribute than to join an estimated 20,000 marchers in New York City’s annual parade and at the same time present a $100,000 donation to Tunnel to Towers to benefit wounded veterans and families who lost a parent in combat. Commander Koster and Adjutant James Casey made the check presentation.The donation was the latest in a series of grants the Department of New York has awarded to agencies and organizations that help veterans.
Video clip of the presentation
