Latest News

• Tuesday, August 05, 2025

  WWII Vets Helped Kick Off Department Convention

  

  104-year-old Tony Pircio with 20224-2025 Department Commander Keith Koster.

  A four-hour marathon session kicked off the 107th Annual Convention of the NYS American Legion on Thursday, July 17 at the Mariott Syracuse Downtown, formerly the Hotel Syracuse.

   Highlighting the initial moments was a standing ovation for two centenarians from the Greatest Generation of military men, as outgoing Department Commander Keith Koster introduced 102 year-old Addison  Sheckler of Cato and 104 year-old Tony Pircio of Manlius.

  

  102-year-old Addison Sheckler

  Sheckler was a master sergeant and technical expert on a U.S. Army Signal Corps team in Normandy following the D-Day Invasion of France in June of 1944.

  Pircio was a captain who served in the 8th Air Force with the 7th Photo Reconnaissance Group in the Army Air Corps.  He served in both England and Northern France from 1941 to 1946.

  Koster, who served in the U.S. Navy, shared a story about the time he met Sheckler during his travels around the state. The commander asked Sheckler if he would pose for a picture with “this Navy guy.”  Sheckler  said, “NO”. However, having his wife with him, the commander re-phrased the question asking if it would be okay to take a picture all together with his “beautiful wife”. Sheckler replied, “Bring her over here!” She approached and he looked into her eyes and asked, “What the hell did you do marrying him?”

  Welcome from Civic Leaders

  In welcoming the Legion to the City of Syracuse, Mayor Ben Walsh acknowledged that  both his grandfathers had served in U.S. Army and had been public servants, as was his father. They “always reinforced that there is no more noble and honorable calling than serving in the US military.”  In jointly proclaiming, with the county executive, July 14-19 as “American Legion Recognition Week” in Syracuse and Onondaga County, he also reflected on the fact that the city is experiencing a comeback, as is the hotel where the convention was being held, which had been vacant for many years and fallen into disrepair. (The Marriott Syracuse Downtown was restored to its original 1924 glory in 2016 and was recently awarded the AAA Four Diamond Award.)

  State Assemblyman William B. Magnarelli, from District 129, is a Syracuse native and chair of veterans committee and long-time advocate for military causes. He said that the Legionnaires have come to a city with a “deep and proud military history,” contributing to every major conflict in modern American history. Syracuse has been a hub as a home to defense manufacturing during the two world wars, of production of radar technology and the home to the NY Air National Guard’s 174th Attack Wing.

  He grew up in a “very Italian home and a lot of Italian relatives” and remembers “sitting and listening to men who had come back from WWII and had served all over.” There was a sense of patriotism, he said. “I honor you folks for keeping that going.” In closing, he invited attendees to return to Syracuse and re-connect on Saturday, November 8, when the city honors and thanks veterans for their military service during the 18th Annual Central NY Veteran’s Parade and Expo at the NYS fairgrounds.

  

  Fr Sweeney

  Memorial Service

  A brief memorial service followed as Fr. Robert Sweeney, chaplain emeritus, remembered in prayer Legionnaires who had died during the past year. His closing prayer reminded the Legionnaires, “For those whom we remember, may we pledge ourselves to continue what the American Legion was formed for and what the American Legion does.”

  Commander’s Report

  2024-2025 Department Commander Keith Koster, opened his brief remarks by stating that it was an “honor to be standing here … to reaffirm our commitment to service, to country and to one another.” He thanked all the delegates and alternates for their presence, for the “time, dedication and energy (they) bring to this important work.” This convention, he said, is not only a time for business. “It is a time for reflection, camaraderie and looking ahead with purpose.” He added his appreciation for the City of Syracuse and all that it has to offer and closed by asking the Legionnaires to “make this a meaningful and productive convention, one that honors our legacy and inspires our future.”

  Treasurer’s Report

  Catherine Erwin, department treasurer, reported that the Finance Committee met that week and approved the 2025-26 budget. She indicated that despite declining membership and constantly rising costs, the Department of New York remains in “sound financial condition.”

  National Commander Candidate Reminds Legionnaires to “Be the one”

  Veteran suicide is a problem of significant concern and Dan Wiley, leading candidate for national commander, focused on the message to “Be the One” to reach out and help a struggling vet as he addressed the convention July 17.

  

  Dan Wiley

  Conduct buddy checks and save a life, he exhorted the Legionnaires. “We must continue the conversation; show you care and listen to our hurting veterans.” Contact them, especially during the holiday season, he said. He encouraged attendees to take Columbia protocol training. “Go to BeTheOne.org to get more information on the training, and take it more than once!” It will help anyone know what do if someone is thinking about suicide, he said. “We must reduce the stigma. It’s ok not to be OK.” He cited startling statistics that 50% who have crisis in general don’t get help; but, more startling is the fact that 75% of veterans don’t seek help. He added, “Don’t assume that leadership has it all together;” reach out to them as well.

  ‘Wiley’s secondary mission theme is “Better Together.” In his travels, he has noticed that the successful posts are the ones who have everyone working together – veterans, Auxiliaries, and Sons of the Legion.