Latest News
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Friday, July 19, 2024
Navy Vet Keith Koster Elected Commander of NY State American Legion
Keith Koster poses with Legion flag at Santanoni Peak.
U.S. Navy veteran Keith Koster, a cancer survivor who climbed all 46 Adirondack peaks to commemorate The American Legion Centennial in 2019, is the new commander of the American Legion Department of New York. He serves a one-year term.
His election and that of other top officers for 2024-2025 concluded the 106th Annual Department Convention, held July 17-19 at the Niagara Falls Convention Center.A U. S. Navy veteran, Koster was an electronic warfare technician aboard the USS Suribaci during the 1980s. His service included deployment to the Mediterranean.
After his honorable discharge, Koster eventually joined Xerox Corporation as a technician and became an area service manager, retiring after 33 years in 2021.
He has been a member of Adirondack Post 70 in Saratoga Springs for more than 26 years, serving in a variety of positions, including post commander. Koster also served as commander on the county and district levels before serving a term as department vice commander. His Legion involvement extends to the national level where he serves on four committees.In 2021 State Sen. Daphne Jordan, R-Halfmoon, inducted him into Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.
A native of Schenectady, Koster resides in Saratoga Springs with his wife of 39 years, Cindy. The couple has two children and two grandchildren.
A graduate of Shenendehowa High School, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in applied arts and sciences at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).
Other than his family, in his spare time he enjoys mountaineering, pickleball, and ballroom dancing.
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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.
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Thursday, July 18, 2024
Erie County’s Balbierz Honored for Publicity-Generating Outreach
Ted Balbierz addresses the convention after receiving the Department Public Relations Award.
NIAGARA FALLS — Legionnaire Ted Balbierz of Milton J. Brounshidle Post 205 in Kenmore is known for his outreach efforts to the community, which have generated a stream of positive publicity for The American Legion.
That’s why he is receiving the Department of New York Award for Public Relations Excellence, Media and Communications Chair Robert Stronach announced on the second day of the 106th Annual Department Convention.
“It started when he was commander of Brounshidle Post 205 and continued during the 2023-2024 year as Erie County commander,” Stronach said.
One of the standout projects as Post commander was providing 100 boxes of groceries for a new food pantry that was helping families with children during the pandemic. He also made sure articles were published in the local newspaper as he reinvigorated his Post.
Among the efforts as Erie County commander, Balbierz:
— raised $6,000 for a local telethon that primarily supports a Children’s Hospital.
— reached out to disenfranchised Posts and reenergized their involvement in the County and created a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion position.
— worked with a local Homeless Veterans Housing Group, with the Department of New York awarding a $15,000 grant for new bedding.
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NY State Legion Honors Outstanding Police, First Responders
NIAGARA FALLS (106th American Legion Department of New York Convention) — Law-and-Order Chair Cynthia Nelson kicked off her presentation July 17 by announcing the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. He is New York State Forest Ranger Nathaniel Laymon.On Jan. 6, 2024, Laymon rescued a fisherman who had fallen through the ice, and then, with a rope tied to him, plunged into the icy water to find a second fisherman who had gone under. He pulled the unconscious man to shore where EMTs worked on him and transported the victim to the hospital, where he later died.
Next was Firefighter of the Year. That honor went to Sunset Bay Fire Chief Robert Weiskerger, who, while manning a hose, refused to leave a burning building with the roof collapsing until a fellow firefighter was able to escape. Both men were on fire as they exited the structure, with Weiskerger sustaining first and second degree burns on his right shoulder and arm, and the other firefighter, first degree burns to his right arm.
Then South Jefferson Rescue Squad was the subject of two recognitions. First, Paramedic Christopher Singleton was named EMT of the Year for his efforts to provide and coordinate Emergency Medical Services training, including securing grants for equipment and resources. He hosts an annual “Spring Fling” that enables EMS personnel from across the state to receive training. In addition to serving as the squad’s assistant chief, Singleton is Jefferson County EMS training and education coordinator.
Debbie Singleton, rescue squad exec. director
Second, South Jefferson was named Emergency Squad of the Year. The squad, with 58 members, responded to 1,134 calls in 2023, provided 300 hours of in-house training, and pilots multiple initiatives. One initiative is a paramedicine program where designated EMS personnel can visit patient homes for wellness checks.
The next award, Corrections Officer of the Year, went to Officer Keri Genthner of Chautauqua County Corrections Department. Nelson noted that Genthner “routinely displays acts of bravery and heroism,” saving an inmate from a knife attack as well as several inmates from suicide attempts and another from a drug overdose.
The final two awards went to Town of Tonawanda Police Department and Lakewood Fire Department for being selected as Law Enforcement Department of the Year and Fire Department of the Year, respectively.
Tonawanda Police Chief James P. Stauffiger
Last year Tonawanda police answered 60,000 calls and were reaccredited for five years by the New York State Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation Council. Out of over 500 departments, Tonawanda is one of only 168 departments to receive the accreditation. Tonawanda Police Chief James P. Stauffiger accepted the award on behalf of the department.
With 46 active firefighters, the Lakewood department responds to over 1,100 calls a year and holds regular drills and training, including supporting its new EMS service. A contingent of seven members accepted the award on behalf of the FD.
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NY State Legion Announces Top Scouting Awards
Eagle Scout of the Year Zachary Zibella with Scouting Chair Jean Williams and Department Commander Timothy Collmer.
NIAGARA FALLS (106th American Legion Department of New York Convention) — Scouting Chair Jean Williams announced that Zachary Zibella is Eagle Scout of the Year and presented him with a $2,000 check during the opening day of the convention. He is with Troop 102 sponsored by Hudson Post 184, Columbia County, 3rd District.
She also announced:
• The Adult Scouter of the Year is Mary Lou Frederick. She is from Monroe County in the 7th District.
• The Cub Scout Pack of the Year is Pack 4012, sponsored by Adirondack Post 70 from Saratoga County in the 4th District.
• The Scout Troop of the Year is Troop 4070, also sponsored by Adirondack Post 70 from Saratoga County.
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Dept. of New York Honors Legionnaire of Year
Legionnaire of the Year Michael Jones receives plaque from Department Commander Timothy Collmer. At left is Legionnaire of the Year Committee Chair Joseph Goonan.
NIAGARA FALLS (106th American Legion Department of New York Convention) — Awards and recognition dominated the convention’s opening day, July 17, and one of the highlights was the awarding of Legionnaire of the Year.
The honor went to Michael Jones of Arcade American Legion Post 737 (Wyoming County, 8th District). The Navy veteran served in Vietnam, then in a NATO exercise and finally with Navy Recruiting Command in Western New York; and that was before he joined the Army Reserve.
Award Chair Joseph Goonan said Jones helped revived the Post, served as commander, and coordinated food deliveries during the pandemic.
