Latest News
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Tuesday, December 01, 2020
Scholarship in Memory of PNC Richard Pedro
The Department of New York is offering a $1,000 scholarship in memory of Past National Commander Richard M. Pedro, who was also a past department commander and long-time department adjutant.
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Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Willingness to Go in Harm’s Way Sets Veterans Apart
Veterans proudly carry a huge American flag during a previous Veterans Day parade in New York City.
By Commander Michael McDermott,
Department of New YorkWe honor our fallen on Memorial Day.
Veterans Day, however, is for ALL who served.
I was privileged to know a World War II vet who received two Bronze Stars and three Purple Hearts after landing in Normandy and then fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. I also was privileged to know a Vietnam-era vet who served in the Army Reserve but never saw combat.
There is no such thing as insignificant military service.
It is why The American Legion only requires a single day of honorable military service to join our ranks. We understand that it isn’t just the sacrifice and service that are important, but the WILLINGNESS to defend our freedoms, the WILLINGNESS to offer one’s life in defense of this nation that sets veterans apart.
So please show your appreciation for veterans. Tell veterans that you love them and that you are grateful for their service.
Veterans Day is an important but symbolic way of saying thanks.
I invite you to join The American Legion is showing appreciation EVERY DAY.
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Wednesday, November 04, 2020
Jr. Shooting Sports Season Starts Nov. 20
League and Championship Matches to Take Place at Local Posts
With the COVID-19 pandemic having lingering impact, the New York State American Legion Junior Shooting competition will take place entirely at local American Legion Posts, Jr. Shooting Chair Lawrence Behling announced.
“All matches will be fired at your American Legion Post this year for the NYS American Legion League, including the NYS Championship, due to the virus,” Behling noted in a letter to team coaches.
The season begins Nov. 20. Registration forms and team rosters should be submitted via email by Nov. 7 (or as soon as possible).
Teams still on standdown need to register and submit their information, he said, so that score keepers can track them as soon as they can start their matches.
There are only five matches this year against other teams. All individual shooters must fire all five matches to be able to shoot in the NYS League Championship.
“We understand that the nature of the virus has changed many things that we do, and can still change things that we are doing in the NYS League this year,” Behling said. “So this will affect the amount of time you have to work with your teams. We had a two-week reporting period for scores for matches, but we are changing this to a three-week reporting period with the exception of a virus-related forced shutdown for 14 days. If there is a virus shutdown, you must report to the score keeper so he can reset your match times for your team.”
He noted: “The NYS League Championship will be fired at your own range this year, with match targets being mailed to you for the championship. Targets must have a witness this year.”
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Thursday, October 29, 2020
SU’s Veterans Institute to receive American Legion’s Patriot Award
By The American LegionOn Nov. 17 via a virtual streaming ceremony, The American Legion will present its Patriot Award to Dr. Mike Haynie and Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families. To view the ceremony at 10 a.m. ET Nov. 17, click here.
The Patriot Award is given by The American Legion to recognize great deeds and exemplary acts of service; previous recipients include former Indiana Gov. and Purdue University President Mitch Daniels, former Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert M. Gates, Vietnam War U.S. Army combat nurse Diane Carlson Evans and South Korean multinational electronics leader Samsung.
Following the presentation of the award, American Legion Past National Commander Fang Wong and Dr. Haynie, IVMF’s founder and Syracuse University’s Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives & Innovation, are scheduled to discuss topics including higher education for veterans, training for transitioning veterans and the challenges associated with being newly disenfranchised from service. To submit a question in advance for the discussion, click here.
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Legion posts affected by COVID can apply for $1,000 grant
Legion Family members in Cortland County deliver food to first responders.
The American Legion
Public health mandates in response to the coronavirus included stay-at-home orders and business closures. Those mandates financially impacted American Legion posts nationwide as member and community outreach efforts were limited, resulting in a loss of revenue.
To provide some relief during these challenging times, financial grants are now available for eligible American Legion posts.
Resolution No. 36, Mission Blue Post Assistance Program, will provide $1,000 grants to posts that are in good standing with their respective department. These funds must be used exclusively to pay current or past due rent, mortgage, utilities and insurance.
The American Legion National Executive Committee approved Resolution No. 36 Oct. 14, during its annual Fall Meetings. Funds for the approved grants will be provided through The American Legion National Emergency Fund (NEF). Application is available here.
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Wednesday, October 28, 2020
New Temporary Financial Assistance Application
The American Legion’s Committee on Children and Youth has announced a new Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) application to help children in need.
Read this Children and Youth eBulletin for details.
Here is the new TFA Application.
