Latest News
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Saturday, July 19, 2025
John Miga Elected Commander of NYS American Legion
John R. Miga, a U.S. Army veteran from Dunkirk, N.Y., is the new commander of The American Legion in New York State.His election as state commander culminated the 107th Department of New York Convention held July 17-19 in Syracuse.
During his one-year term, Miga will visit American Legion Posts across the state, bringing to local communities the Legion’s action-oriented message of support for veterans, families and community. In particular, he will champion the “Be the One” campaign to curb veteran suicide.
Miga is a retired representative of Prudential Insurance and Financial Services. In the army, he trained as an infantryman and served at the 38th Parallel in South Korea. He ultimately became an army cook and kitchen supervisor. His service was from October 1966 to October 1968.
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Thursday, July 17, 2025
‘Be the One’ on the mind of convention-goers
Members of the American Legion Family began converging on Syracuse Wednesday, July 16, for the 107th Department Convention – and many came with “Be the One” suicide prevention campaign on the mind.
For example, Past Department Commander Frank Peters spotted a piano in the lobby of the Marriott Syracuse Downtown and began playing some chords, but couldn’t resist holding up a finger symbolizing “Be the One.” Frank is more comfortable on the guitar – he has one in every room of his house – but has been teaching himself how to play the piano.
A trio of Auxiliary members were in the lobby too and were quick to display their support for “Be the One.” The trio included Gwen Benners, past Tioga County president; Angela Collins, Tioga County president, and Angela’s daughter, Adelle, attending her first convention as a fourth generation member.
The effort to curb veteran suicide will continue to be a main push for The American Legion in the coming year, as Dan Wiley, leading candidate for national commander, reported during the opening session of the convention on Thursday.
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Saturday, July 12, 2025
Erie County Youth Elected Boys’ State Governor
Boys State Governor David Brophy holds first bill that he signed after the mock legislature passed the legislation.
David Brophy, a student at Clarence High School, was elected governor of the 2025 session of New York American Legion’s Boys’ State, held June 30 to July 3 at SUNY Morrisville.
The annual Boys’ State immersed some 700 high school juniors in citizenship and leadership by having them run a mock government. The students represented imaginary cities and counties and ran campaigns for political office on the state level. With input from the “citizens”, those elected then passed legislation on various topics and issues. read more »
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Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Check Out May’s Membership Impact Report
The May Impact Report is now available.
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Thursday, May 22, 2025
NYS Expands Veterans Tuition Award
Effective July 1, 2025, both combat veterans and non-combat veterans (at least four years on active duty) will be eligible for the New York State Veterans Tuition Award.
Previously, only combat veterans could apply for the tuition assistance.
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Thursday, May 15, 2025
Blood Drive at Department Convention
The American Legion Department of New York will host a blood drive during the Department Convention in July at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown.
