Latest News
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Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Mid-Winter Conference Coming Soon
Crowne Plaza Desmond Hotel, site of Mid-Winter Conference
Mid-Winter conference (Jan. 15-17, 2027) will be here before you know it.
Please share this information with your Post and forward any questions or concerns directly to HQ, ask for Anne or Karissa.On the Mid-Winter webpage are our PRELIMINARY meeting schedule & a REGISTRATION form. The final draft of the meeting schedule will be posted on the website by the end of December.
If your county hosts a Meet & Greet room, please contact Karissa here at HQ, kclairmont@nylegion.org or 518-463-2215, so we can let The Desmond know.
On Friday January 15 from 8 to 10:30 p.m. we will be having a “Pride in Service Reception” (wear something that represents your Branch of Service or one you would like to honor) Your $10.00 Conference registration fee will include this reception (free beer, wine & soda & live music!).
(Guests, Auxiliary & SONS $20.00 registration fee)
Thank you!! & please share this info!
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Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Top Recruiters Can Win Army/Navy Game Tickets
Nov. 13 is the deadline to submit forms for recruiting ten or more members — and have a chance to win two tickets to the Army/Navy Game on Dec. 12.
2026 Army-Navy Tickets Incentive Form FILLABLE (PDF)
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Thursday, October 08, 2026
Past Commander’s Project Raises Over $20,00 for Safety Village
Past Department Commander John Miga presents check for $20,470 to Chautauqua Safety Village officials. From left: Ashley Caruso, Lead Educator; Lisa McLaughlin, Associate Director; Jessica Dayton, Executive Director; John Miga, 2025-26 Department Commander, and Jeffery Levandoski, 2025-26 Chautauqua County American Legion Commander.
2025-2026 Department Commander John Miga, during his visits to 62 counties across New York State, advocated for the Chautauqua Safety Village as one of his Commander’s Projects.
His project raised $20,470.
In presenting a check for that amount to Safety Village officials, he said the donation “will make a huge impact on their mission to promote the well-being of children and community members through a wide range of experiential safety training and services.”
For information about the organization, go to www.chautauquasafetyvillage.com
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Saturday, September 12, 2026
Department of NY Leaders at 9/11 Memorials
National Commander Jay Bowen with Bobby Straub, who is retired from the the NYFD and a member of Theodore Korony Post 253 in the Bronx. (Photos by Gary Schacher)
A contingent from the Department of New York joined National Commander Jay Bowen in New York City Sept. 11 for the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
In the morning the Legionnaires attended the Fireman’s Memorial in Manhattan, where hundreds of firefighters from around the country came to honor 343 firefighters who perished at the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers. The peel of a bell rang out after each name was read. Then New York Fire Department bagpipers played Amazing Grace, followed by a bugler rendering Taps.
“In the afternoon we paid our respects at the 9/11 Reflecting Pool and 9/11 Memorial,” located where the World Trade Center once stood. reported Department Adjutant Gary Schacher.
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Wednesday, September 09, 2026
Message from National Commander Jay Bowen
Newly elected National Commander Jay Bowen offered this message at the 107th National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.As Commander Bowen points out, every color of cap that we wear is temporary except for one…and that’s the blue cap. That is where the work gets done, where we serve our fellow veterans and communities, and where the strength of The American Legion truly begins.
That is an important, and very powerful message!
About Commander Bowen
A retired chief warrant officer three, Bowen worked in radar and missile maintenance on HAWK and Patriot systems. His 20-year Army career included service in Operation Desert Shield.
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Monday, September 07, 2026
Band of the Tonawandas Wins National Concert Band Contest
American Legion Band of the Tonawandas, sponsored by Post 264 in Tonawanda, N.Y. again took the national championship in the 2026 National Convention Concert Band Contest held Aug. 29 at Louisville’s Kentucky International Exposition Center. This marks the band’s 24th national championship.
