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• Tuesday, July 25, 2023

  Reports, Awards on Final Day of Convention

  On the final day of the convention on July 22, before the proceedings culminated in the election of 2023-2024 leadership, several awards and reports were presented.

  SAL COMMANDER

  

  Detachment Commander Peter DeAngelis

  

  National SAL Commander J.R.Hall with outgoing Detachment Commander Timothy Van Patten II at left.

  Before introducing new Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Detachment Commander Peter DeAngelis, outgoing Detachment Commander Timothy Van Patten II reported on the Sons impact. The previous year, 27 percent of squadrons submitted consolidated reports showing that between donations and volunteer hours, the Sons had an economic impact of $2.7 million. This past year 47 percent of squadrons reported over $761,000 in donations and over 192,000 volunteer hours, for a total impact of over $6.8 million.

  “Imagine what the impact will be when we hit 100 percent reporting!” he said.

  He also noted that SAL membership in New York stood at 30,075.

  Van Patten presented a goodie bag of mementoes to outgoing Department Commander David Riley. One of them was special – a U.S. flag that saw duty in Beirut, at the Honor Flight visit to Washington, D.C., at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City and at Boys State.

  SAL National Executive Committeeman J. Bruce Ruthven introduced the incoming National SAL Commander, J.R. Hall from Maryland

  When he received a standing ovation, he quipped: “You shouldn’t be standing for me. We should be stand for you.”

  CADET OF YEAR

  

  Cadet of the Year: Cadet Capt. Isaac Deng (center)

  Department JROTC Co-Advisor Jeffrey Cipolla introduced the Cadet of the Year – Cadet Capt. Isaac Deng from Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn. Isaac is in the Honor Society, active in student government and engaged in community service, Cipolla noted. He also plans to continue in ROTC in college.

  SPECIAL OLYMPICS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

  

  Emily Brushafer (2nd from right)

  Incoming Department Commander Timothy Collmer and 2022-23 Department Commander David R. Riley Sr. presented an American Legion achievement award to Special Olympics swimming champion Emily Brushafer for being the top fundraiser in the Rochester Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics.

  When Emily stepped up to the podium, her words to Legionnaires were brief but heartfelt: “Thank you for your service.”