WARRIOR'S FAMILY ASSISTANCE

American Legion Auxiliary, Dept. of NY
WARRIOR'S FAMILY ASSISTANCE

What is the Warrior's Family Assistance Program?

The Warrior's Family Assistance is a new program, developed and introduced by the Department of New York American Legion Auxiliary, to come to the direct aid of our veterans and their families.

This program offers financial assistance for eligible veterans and their families. There is money, available to assist in covering the costs of maintaining basic family needs such as meeting the costs of shelter, food, utilities, and health expenses - helping to keep a stable home environment. Funding can include, but is not limited to, family living expenses including rent, mortgage payment and utility bills; medical expenses; child care for working parents; insurance premiums and assistance with necessary home repairs.

It is not necessary to be a member of the American Legion or American Legion Auxiliary to apply. Cash assistance is in the form of a grant and does not have to be paid back.

The program has been established to lend assistance as quickly as possible. In order to expedite the grant process, the American Legion Auxiliary will lend assistance by contacting you directly, assisting if necessary and making certain that the application is complete, before it is evaluated. Grants are not based on income levels, but rather on the needs of the family requesting assistance. Upon the completion of local review, grant eligibility is finalized by a panel of three.

We want to help you! If you know of a veteran's family or a military family in need of assistance, tell them about the Warrior's Family Assistance Program.

Who is eligible?

Any veteran that has served honorably within the last four years, or is currently serving in one of the Armed Forces and is a resident of New York State.

Administration

All applications will be considered and assistance will be based solely on the family's needs.. Applications will be approved by a committee of 3 department chairmen. The Finance Chairman will authorize payment.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Application may be requested by:
1. Contacting any member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
2. Contacting the Department of NY American Legion Auxiliary Headquarters
Website: www.deptny.org
Phone: In NY State call toll free 1-800-421-6348, all other areas call 518-463-1162
Address: Department of New York, American Legion Auxiliary
112 State St., Suite 1310, Albany, NY 12207

Once a request has been received, a review panel designated for that location will be contacting the applicant to assist with the process:
1. All documentation must be completed.
2. Income and expenses must be documented
3. Requests for payment of outstanding expenses must include photocopies of the past due or disconnection notice.

For more information, contact your local American Legion Auxiliary unit.

RECENT DEATHS

January 7, 2010 - William "Bill" Wilkinson, 71, member Sons of the American Legion, Fuller-Taylor Squadron 915, Central Square, NY

January 13, 2010 - James P. Smith, 89, WWII Navy veteran, member Wm. S. Monaghan Post 268, Oswego, NY.

January 27, 2010 - Charles A. 'Mustard' Lass, 79, Korea Army veteran, member Wm. S. Monaghan Post 268, Oswego, NY.

Interested in everything military? Check out this site:

http://www.military.com

STATE BOWLING TOURNAMENT

The 61st Annual NY State Dept. approved American Legion handicapped bowling tournament will be held on weekends with opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. Sat. April 24, 2010. All Posts should have their applications. They MUST be sent in BY APRIL 1, 2010.

The tournament will be held at Broadway Lanes, 359 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828. Phone is 518-747-2161. Sponsoring Post is Hudson Falls Post #574, 72 Pearl Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839. Phone is 518-747-9891.

See your local Post to obtain applications and other information.

ANNUAL DISTRICT DINNER MEETING

TO: Past and Present 5th District Legion Officers
Past and Present 5th District Auxiliary Officers
Past and Present 5th District Sons of the American Legion Officers

The Annual Dinner Meeting of the Fifth District Commanders Club, including spouse or friend is scheduled for Sunday May 2, 2010 at Lowville Memorial Post 162, Lowville, NY. Cash bar at 1:00 PM; Dinner will be served at 2:00 PM at a cost of $12.00 each.

Menu is Pork/Turkey w/dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, toss salad, coleslaw, fruit salad, roll w/butter, coffee/tea and dessert.

Dress is casual and you must RSVP by April 19, 2010 along with check made payable to:
Susan K. Koch
Watson Road
Copenhagen, NY 13626

To all members of the District Commanders Club: dues of $5 are now due. Please mail them to:
Michael E. Michalski
P.O. Box 376
Brantingham Lake, NY 13312

VOLUNTEERS SEND VETERANS A MESSAGE

Volunteers send veterans a message

Syracuse Post Standard, Syracuse, NY
January 25, 2010

To the editor:

Proud American military men and women are serving and sacrificing for freedom around the world. Many veterans are coming to the Department of Veterans Affairs with specific needs and challenges that require the hearts and hands of VA volunteers.

The Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center invites citizens young and old to join us in honoring our veterans and learning more about volunteer programs during the National Salute to Veteran Patients Feb. 8-14.

You can join our volunteer program or find out more during National Salute week. Our VA volunteers remind veterans every day that their sacrifices are not forgotten.

Every citizen can make a positive difference in the life of a veteran patient. Visits from community groups do much to lift the spirits of our patients. I invite every member of our community to participate in some way. Call our Voluntary Service office at 315-425-4317 to schedule a visit and learn how to jion the VA’s National Salute to Veteran Patients.

Robert Hawes, manager
VA Voluntary Service
Syracuse VA Medical Center

HEADING TO IRAQ

Herkimer Evening Telegram (NY)
Heading to Iraq, soldier leaves flag

Friends and family watch as Lt. Kevin March donates an American flag to Larry Spencer, commander at the Ilion American Legion.

By Stephanie Sorrell-White
Evening Telegram
Mon Jan 25, 2010

As Lt. Kevin March prepared to ship out to Iraq, he took the time to leave a memento with his military comrades.

During a ceremony in front of the Ilion American Legion on Saturday, March presented an American flag to Commander Larry Spencer. He obtained the flag - which was flown over Camp Taji in Iraq on Veteran’s Day - from his battalion commander.

“I did it out of respect for the past guys, legion members and the soldiers that fought in all the wars,” said March, noting particularly those who served from Herkimer County.

March is an Army engineer with the 705th Military Police Battalion. He said he decided to join just over two years ago when he was inspired by his 21-year-old son Bryan - who is currently stationed in Afghanistan.

March said he was glad to have the opportunity to serve the whole nation now as part of his first overseas tour.

Since he will be gone for about a year, he will miss the graduation of his 17-year-old twin daughters - Shannon and Alexis - from Ilion Jr./Sr. High School.

“It’s a huge milestone for my daughters. Unfortunately, where I am in my life, I don’t have the possibility of seeing it,” he said.

March - a 1983 graduate from Ilion High School - said he is hoping the school will be able to transfer a live feed to his unit so he can watch his daughters graduate.

“We’re sad he’s leaving, but it’s for good intentions” said Shannon March.

On Sunday, March returned to where he is stationed in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. His unit is due to ship out on Thursday.

Spencer said March has become a good friend over the 20 years he’s known him.

“I’m a two-time Vietnam vet and it always makes me proud,” he said. “Very proud to have people like him.”

PLEASE SEND INFO

Please read and heed.....

I received an email from a man in England who found a dog-tag and a ring while metal detecting. The name is David R. McEwen, the service number indicates he is from Oswego County. We believe he may have lived in Phoenix at one time and is deceased. However there may have been six children Donald & Berton McEwen, Karen Sabin, Patricia Murray, Donna & Barbara McEwen.

If anyone has any information, please contact Oswego County Veterans' office at 315-591-9100

Thanks, Donna Kestner

SPRING EVENTS

Sun. Mar. 28: PALM SUNDAY.

Sun. April 4: EASTER SUNDAY.

Wed. April 14: NATIONAL COMMANDER'S VISITATION TO 5TH DISTRICT.

Tue. April 20: OSWEGO CO. SONS OF LEGION MEETS at Hastings-Gorski Squadron 1128, Williamstown at 7 PM for the purpose of nominations of officers for 2010-2011.

Wed. April 21: OSWEGO CO. LEGION MEETS at Homer Russell Smith Post 587, Fulton - 8 PM.

Sat. May 1: OSWEGO COUNTY AUXILIARY MEETS at Cleveland Unit 858 - 10 AM.

Sun. May 2: PAST DISTRICT COMMANDER/PRESIDENT ANNUAL DINNER MEETING - at Lowville Memorial Post 162 - 1:00 PM. (See separate item for details)

Sat. May 15: ARMED FORCES DAY.

Tue. May 18: OSWEGO CO. SONS OF LEGION MEETS at Horning-Fournier Squadron 418, Phoenix at 7 PM for the purpose of election of officers for 2010-2011.

Wed. May 19: OSWEGO CO. LEGION MEETS at Horning-Fournier Post 418, Phoenix - 8 PM.

Mon. May 31: MEMORIAL DAY.

Sat. June 5: OSWEGO COUNTY AUXILIARY MEETS at Horning-Fournier Unit 418, Phoenix - 10 AM.

Tue. June 15: OSWEGO CO. SONS OF AMERICAN LEGION MEETS at Raymond-Faulkner-Cook Squadron 858, Cleveland at 7 PM for the purpose of installation of officers for 2010-2011.

Wed. June 16: OSWEGO CO. LEGION MEETS at Russell-Tryon Post 1435, Altmar. Picnic at 6 PM with meeting to follow at 8 PM. Bring your item to cook on BBQ and a dish to pass. Let's make it a family affair.

EMPIRE GIRLS STATE

EMPIRE GIRLS STATE

Oswego County American Legion Auxiliary units are looking for girls 16 to 17 years old in high schools in our county that might be interested in the study of government for a week Sunday June 27th through July 3rd, 2010. We have nine high schools in Oswego County, some of which have never sent a girl to Girls State.

This is a study perspective of the practical government operations and to emphasize the integral part that individuals have within a democratic government. This program which has been accredited by the New York State Board of Regents for inclusion in the National Proram on Non-Collegiate Sponsored Instruction (National PPONS), it a non-partisan attempt to teach the love of "God and Country" to American youth.

Qualified high school juniors are selected to participate in a week-long educational experience with hands-on workshops on government. Students will participate in the creation and execution of either a flag lowering or raising ceremony. The citizens will also receive information on some of the programs that are important components of our organization.

Students have the opportunity to earn three (3) college credits while completing their high school senior year. The Department of New York American Legion Auxiliary is the only department to offer this program to its citizens.

Home schooled students are also eligible for Empire Girls State. You may call 315-592-7093 or 315-529-1576 (cell) if you have questions.

We will meet at Fuller-Taylor American Legion Post 915 on route 49 in Central Square on Sunday, March 14, 2010 for interviews of interested candidates from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. There will be a committee to speak with the girls. We will choose 3 candidates and 3 alternates to attend if the candidates are unable to fulfill their obligation.

We would like to have at least one girl from each Oswego County high school. I must have the names and telephone numbers of girls to be interviewed by March 10, 2010.

For more information, contact Betty Rowlee, Girls State Chairman, 100 Myers Road, Oswego, NY 13126. Telephone: 315-592-7093 or 315-529-1576 (cell). E-mail: rowleedel@gmail.com

SICK CALL

BILL BANDERA - - -

Just received word that Department Vice Commander for the 5th & 6th Districts is very ill. Bill Bandera is in the hospital at Lourdes, room 1605.

He has lung cancer, congestive heart failure, and kidneys apparently aren’t working well.

Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

VIETNAM WALL NAMES

The following was e-mailed to me by a veteran from Raymond-Faulkner-Cook Post 858, Cleveland, NY.

Fellow VET's, especially Viet Nam era Veterans. Someone sent me the link

below which is a virtual wall of all those lost during the Viet Nam war with

the names, bio's and other information on our lost comrades. It is a very

interesting link, and those us who served in that timeframe and lost friends

or family can look them up on this site. Pass it on to other veterans who

you think would like this. First click on a state......then when it opens

.........a city....then name.......then ...........it should show you a

picture of the person or at least his bio and medals...... ......

Click here: The Virtual Wall® - Home of Record Index


or cut and copy the link below:

http://www.virtualwall.org/iStates.htm

MEMBERSHIP

Oswego Auxiliary Unit @ 100%

Wm. S. Monaghan Auxiliary Unit 268 has just attained over 100% of their goal. Many congratulations are due for the hard work of Unit President ELAINE JOHNSON and her membership chairman DONNA REEVES.

They signed up new members and renewed many old members..

They made their Unit 268 the first in Oswego County to attain their goal with 156 members paid. Goal was 154 with result at 101.3%.

County membership chairman Betty Rowlee congratulated them on their accomplishment.

BE MY VALENTINE

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER DANCE

Raymond-Faulkner-Cook American Legion Post # 858 in Cleveland is sponsoring a very special event for Saturday, February 13th - Valentine’s Day.The event is being repeated for a second year by request, as it was a smashing success last year. Here’s your chance to wow that special someone with a wonderful evening of great food and dance for a good cause. All proceeds from this fund raiser will be donated to the Village of Cleveland Spirit Committee’s “911 Memorial Fund”. The Spirit Committee is raising money for a gazebo to honor the victims as well as the first responders on that fateful day.

The evening will begin with hors d’oeuvres at 6:30PM followed by a roast beef and roast pork buffet dinner at 7:00PM. The American Legion Post # 858 Auxiliary will be the caterers. The dinner will include dessert, coffee, and “Sweetheart Punch”. Cost for the evening will be $20 per person.

“The Fabulous Locknutz” will begin playing music for enjoyment and dancing at 8:00PM and continue until midnight. This well respected local band specializes in classic rock and blues. Their “playlist” includes music of many decades starting in the 50’s.

A “Valentine Gift Basket” will be raffled off to benefit the same cause. Many area businesses have been generous in their donations for this luxurious prize, including Apron Strings by Lenore, Belladerma Spa, Bernhards Bay Country Store, Oneida Lake Artisans, Square Deal Discount Liquors, and Unique Woodworks.

Tickets for the dinner dance will be “advance sale” only and may be obtained by stopping in at the American Legion, State Route 49, Cleveland or phoning Spirit Committee member Sherry Kaderli at 675-8871. Please plan on joining us for an unforgettable experience!

GI BILL AUTHOR

Wichita Eagle (KS)
Mon, Jan. 11, 2010

Topeka lawyer, WWI vet authored GI Bill
BY BECCY TANNER

This is one in a series of vignettes celebrating history. The series' name comes from the state motto, Ad astra per aspera: "To the stars through difficulties."

A lawyer from Topeka, Harry Colmery was often listened to and consulted by the nation’s presidents.

He defended the “Birdman of Alcatraz” and at one time headed the American Legion.

But he is best known for helping to draft the GI Bill in longhand on hotel stationery in 1943 while staying at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C.

The bill forever changed the quality of life for many Americans, providing many returning World War II servicemen loans for homes, businesses and education.

Colmery was born Dec. 11, 1890, in Braddock, Pa. He received his bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College in 1913 and in 1916 earned his law degree at the University of Pittsburgh.
At Oberlin, he paid for his education by working in a section gang and as a clerk for the Union Railroad Co. While studying to become a lawyer, he taught at the Carnegie Institute of Technology.

Colmery then served in the Army during World War I. He moved to Topeka in 1919. From 1936 to 1937, Colmery served as the national commander of the American Legion. He also served as a delegate to the national Republican convention in 1936 when Alf Landon was nominated for president.

When Colmery drew up the first drafts of the GI Bill, his key points were educational opportunities, loan guarantees and $200 a week in unemployment pay for those who qualified.
In testimony about the bill to Congress on Jan. 10, 1944, Colmery said:
“The opportunity to earn a competent livelihood for oneself and those dependent upon him is the very cornerstone upon which the other freedoms and liberties depend. It is most important that we restore that opportunity to those who have sacrificed it on our behalf (that) we protect them through the grave periods of both personal and national readjustment.”

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the bill into law on June 22, 1944, and millions of veterans began utilizing the benefits.

In 1959, Colmery once again had a moment of national fame when he was appointed to represent Robert F. Stroud, the “Birdman of Alcatraz.”

In 1975, he received the American Legion Distinguished Service Award. He died in 1979.

The Colmery-O’Neil Veterans Administration Medical Center in Topeka is named in part, for him.

WINTER EVENTS

Sat. Jan. 16: OSWEGO POST 268 MEATLOAF DINNER from 2 PM on. Come on down to. West 4th & Bridge Streets and enjoy.

Mon. Jan. 18: MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY.

Tue. Jan. 19: OSWEGO CO. SONS OF LEGION MEETS at Horning-Fournier Post 418, Phoenix - 7 PM

Wed. Jan 20: OSWEGO CO. LEGION MEETS at Robert Edwards Post 358, Pulaski - 8 PM.

Fri. Jan. 22-23: MID-WINTER CONFERENCE at Albany, NY - for all Legion family members.

Sun. Feb. 7: FOUR CHAPLAINS SUNDAY.

Sun. Feb. 14: BREAKFAST BUFFET at Horning-Fournier Post 418, Phoenix. Full menu starts at 8:00 AM. Stop in before church and enjoy.

Sun. Feb. 14: VALENTINES DAY

Mon. Feb. 15: PRESIDENTS' DAY.

Tue Feb. 16: OSWEGO CO. SONS OF LEGION MEETS at Russell Horning Post 601, Parish - 7 PM.

Wed. Feb. 17: OSWEGO CO. LEGION MEETS at Russell Horning Post 601, Parish - 8 PM.

Sat. Mar. 6: OSWEGO CO. AUXILIARY MEETS at Fuller-Taylor Unit 915, Central Square - 10 AM.

Sun. Mar. 14: DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS... Spring ahead 1 hour!

Tue. Mar. 16: OSWEGO CO. SONS OF LEGION MEETS at Prior-Stock Post 1552 - 7 PM.

Wed. Mar. 17: OSWEGO CO. LEGION MEETS at Hastings-Gorski Post 1128, Williamstown - 8 PM.

Wed. Mar. 17: ST. PATRICK'S DAY. Wearing of the green!

Sun. Mar. 28: PALM SUNDAY.

Sun. April 4: EASTER SUNDAY.

Wed. April 14: NATIONAL COMMANDER'S VISITATION TO 5TH DISTRICT.

Wed. April 21: OSWEGO CO. LEGION MEETS at Homer Russell Smith Post 587, Fulton - 8 PM.


ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

NATIONAL HEALTH CARE REFORM

Please Contact Congress

National Health Care Reform More Info Impact on America’s Veterans and Their Families On August 24, 2009 The American Legion National Executive Committee adopted Resolution 1, The American Legion Policy on VA and National Health Care Reform, ( http://www.legion.org/documents/resolutions/2009p001.pdf ) and Resolution 2, The American Legion Policy on DOD's Medical Health System and National Health Care Reform, ( http://www.legion.org/documents/resolutions/2009p002.pdf ). The goal of these resolutions was to make sure that neither the Department of Defense's or the Department of Veterans Affairs' health care delivery systems were adversely impacted by legislation introduced and passed in each chamber. Very early in the process, The American Legion received assurances from key congressional leaders and the President of the United States that nothing in the national health care reform legislation would adversely impact either the DoD or VA health care systems. Both the House and the Senate have passed their versions of national health care reform legislation. Both bills are literally over 2,000 pages of legislative language. In a review of each bill, it appears neither DoD or VA health care systems will be adversely impacted; however, the current on-going negotiations between House, Senate and the White House are being conducted in "closed sessions" with little to no detailed information being officially released or reported. The American Legion will continue to closely monitor developments and keep The American Legion family informed as specifics are revealed. Clearly, changes to Medicare's reimbursement rates to participating health care providers could possibly have an impact on TRICARE and TRICARE for Life beneficiaries. This is just one of the many provisions The American Legion has publicly expressed concerns over. Another concern deals with any requirement for mandatory public or private health care insurance. Neither TRICARE nor VA health care is an insurance provider, but rather a health care provider. So The American Legion has publicly expressed its concerns with "cookie cutter" approaches in mandating health care insurance coverage with the threat of fines or penalties for noncompliance. Both DoD and VA health care are earned benefits for honorable military service and the thanks of a grateful nation. In keeping with the constitutional intent of the democratic process, the voice of We, the people remains absolutely critical in the representative form of government we enjoy; therefore, you are encouraged to ask your two Senators and your Representative specific questions you may have on the issue of national health care reform as it relates to veterans, servicemembers and their families. Please feel free to share any responses you may receive from your elected officials with The American Legion National Legislative Commission, so we can follow up as necessary. Find your elected officials: http://capwiz.com/legion/dbq/officials/

FREE THROWS FOR VETS

January 4, 2010

Man Aims to Sink 1 Million Free Throws for Vets
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Filed at 9:15 p.m. ET

EPSOM, N.H. (AP) -- A New Hampshire man is raising money for wounded veterans by putting in some long hours at the free-throw line. David Cummings, of Epsom, plans to sink 1 million free throws and raise $1 million for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. He's asking for donations in exchange for making the foul shots.

He started on Veterans Day in 2009 and says he can reach his goal by Veterans Day 2011 by sinking 1,370 shots per day. On one day recently he sank 7,000 shots in ten hours.

Cummings says he keeps a pair of empty sneakers near the basket, symbolizing the men and woman who have died in war.

JANUARY BLOOD DRIVES

JANUARY IS NATIONAL
BLOOD DONOR MONTH

Am I eligible to give blood?

Individuals who are at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate. Whole blood donors can safely donate blood every 56 days. Double red cell donors can safely donate blood every 112 days.

Need more information? You may call Lynn Fox at 464-1229 for appointment; or 1-800-272-4543 for information.

Jan. 5: Dunkin Donuts, 314 s. 2nd St., Fulton
- 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Jan. 6: Believers Chapel, 614 S. 4th St., Fulton
- 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Jan. 8: Dunkin Donuts, 105 Rt. 104, Oswego
- 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Jan. 9: Mexico UM Church, 4372 Church St., Mexico
- 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Jan. 22: American Red Cross, 333 W. 1st St., Oswego
- 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Jan. 26: Dunkin Donuts, 255 W. Seneca St., Oswego
- 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Jan. 27: Dunkin Donuts, 810 W. Broadway St., Fulton
- 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Jan. 27: Oswego Elks Club, 132 W. 5th St., Oswego
- 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Jan. 30: Parish-Hastings Presbyterian Church at Mills & Petrie Memorial Gymnasium, 2938 E. Main St., Parish
- 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Feb. 2: New Haven Community Alliance Church, 4175 S.R. 104, New Haven
- 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Feb. 6: Pennellville Fire Dept, 3 Godfrey Rd., Pennellville
- 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

FUNERAL HONORS

For more information contact: Mr. Eric Durr, 518-786-4581 or (cell) 518-429-5186

All Former New York Service Members Entitled to Funeral Honors

New York Military Forces Honor Guard Will Try Advertising to Get the Word Out


LATHAM, NY (12/28/2009) -- All New Yorkers who have served in the military, even if they never served in combat, are entitled to receive military honors at their funerals, according to Donald E. Roy, director of the New York State Military Forces Honor Guard.

In 2009, the Honor Guard performed honors at over 10,400 funeral services across the state. But too many former Soldiers and their families still don't know they are entitled to basic military honors for any service, not just a 20-year career or combat service, Roy said.

In order to spread that word, the Honor Guard will buy advertising in the obituary section of The Times Union, an Albany-area newspaper, in January to inform former service members and their families of the honors available to them.

Most funeral directors are aware that military honors are entitled to deceased service members. But many family members fail to mention their loved one's military history because they don't think they are eligible for honors due to the fact that they didn't serve in the military long enough, or because they didn't serve in combat, said Roy.

The advertisements will remind families that their loved ones are entitled to these honors regardless of where they served and how long. The ads are being placed in the obituary section because older people tend to read that part of the paper regularly.

"It's very important that we render the appropriate honors to military veterans, no matter if they served in a time of war or peace," said Sgt. Jason A. Daniels, a team leader for the Military Forces Honor Guard with the C Co, 2nd of 108th Infantry Division in Hoosick Falls.

All former service members with an honorable discharge are guaranteed by law at least two Soldiers to provide modified honors that consist of the playing of Taps and the folding of the flag, which is then presented to the next of kin.

These modified honors are offered to the families of veterans at no charge to the family or the funeral home, and allow a grateful nation to pay final tribute to service members who, in times of war and peace, stood strong in defense of the United States of America, Roy said.

"Even if a member of the military served during peacetime and never had the opportunity to venture overseas, it's still very important that we render honors to them," said Daniels, a veteran who served in Iraq. "They were still part of the less than one percent of our country who volunteered and put their lives on the line. They took the same oath that I did."

"There are many veterans whose funerals were held without honors in past years simply because their families didn't know they were available, and it's a shame," said Roy. "The last thing I want is for any Soldier or veteran to go without the honors they deserve," he added.

This is especially important as the World War II generation ages and those veterans die, he emphasized.

REMEMBER - - -
We also have our own local Honor Guard and Firing Squad at Raymond-Faulkner-Cook Post 858 in Cleveland, NY. They are available for funeral details in Oswego County. Please give them at least 2 days notice. You may call Kevin at 675-8871 or Bill at 676-5908. These are dedicated and sincere veterans who offer their services to the next of kin for their fallen veterans. Don't hesitate to call them if you need them.

BENEFIT FOR FIRE VICTIMS

BENEFIT FOR FIRE VICTIMS

THERE WILL BE A BENEFIT spaghetti and meatball dinner at Hastings-Gorski Post 1128 on Vidal Drive in Williamstown on Saturday, JANUARY 30 from 1:00 PM until ? There will be music and other good things going on as well. Please try to attend and help out your fellow veteran.

This is to help the KAINE family who lost their home to a fire on Christmas Eve. They lost everything they had and the home was a total loss. They were insured, that is the good news.

Clara Kaine is the President of the Auxiliary Unit 1128 and her husband was burned quite severely in getting everyone out of the house.

Please keep this family in your prayers.

REMEMBER - SATURDAY JAN. 30 - 1:00 PM - Spaghetti & Meatballs

MEATLOAF DINNER

MEATLOAF DINNER

There will be a MEATLOAF DINNER at Wm. S. Monaghan Post 268, West 4th & Bridge Sts., in Oswego, NY on Saturday, January 16 from 2:00 PM on. This is a benefit to raise funds for a new furnace. Come on down and support this fundraiser.

SAT. JAN. 16, 2010 - 2 PM

SAVE THESE SEALs

New York Daily News

Save These SEALs: Navy Commandos Rate Honors, Not Courts-Martial, For Terror Arrest

January 3, 2010


Three Navy SEALs are facing what appear to be courts-martial to warm the hearts of terrorists around the globe. Defense Secretary Robert Gates must intervene to prevent an injustice that turns the world on its head.

Actually, the SEALs deserve medals. They were members of a team that captured Ahmed Hashim Abed, suspected mastermind of the barbaric murders of four U.S. contractors in Fallujah in 2004.

Their bodies were mutilated, dragged through the streets, burned and suspended from a bridge. The photographs of the charred corpses dangling above the Euphrates River outraged the world.

SEALs Matthew McCabe, Julio Huertas and Jonathan Keefe were part of a squad that captured Abed on Sept. 1 in a picture-perfect operation. They did not fire a shot, though he was armed with a pistol. But Abed later claimed that one of the SEALS had hit him after he was a prisoner.

Yes, hit him. Not stabbed or shot him; not mutilated his body, not set him on fire, not waterboarded him. Hit him.

"A punch in the gut," is the way a defense lawyer described Abed's accusation.

How can those who opened an official investigation of this trifling matter sleep at night?

McCabe, Huertas and Keefe rejected a proceeding called a captain's mast, where punishment is mild, fearing they would be victimized by politics. Besides, many in the military view the proceedings, conducted under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, as tantamount to an admission of guilt.

So instead of being paid honor due, McCabe has been charged with striking a detainee, dereliction of duty and making a false statement to an investigator. Huertas was charged with dereliction of duty, making a false statement and impeding the investigation. Keefe faces charges of dereliction of duty and making a false statement.

All three have been arraigned, and courts-martial are set for McCabe and Huertas this month and for Keefe in April. They face up to a year in jail, demotion and bad-conduct discharges.

It is bad enough that these men have been subjected to the indignity of formal criminal charges. Even an acquittal at trial would be a travesty. Why must they answer the charges of a terrorist?

McCabe's attorney, Neal Puckett, has said the matter could still be handled within the Navy chain of command, without staining the SEALs' permanent records.

More than 96,000 people have joined Facebook pages supporting the SEALs, and dozens of members of Congress have petitioned Gates to stop the proceedings. That's exactly what he should do. A terrorist has already been permitted to inflict too much damage on these American heroes.

A NEW YEAR

MEMBERSHIP

Good Morning Legionnaires!

The new year is upon us and with it, many new opportunities; let us begin with a resolution on membership in the American Legion.

Remember this! " Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible!"

I would like to tell you a Christmas story, a very true Christmas story about a Legionnaire named Mick.

Mick had set his goals high in the membership program, planning on recruiting 50 new members plus for the 2010 membership year.

On Christmas eve he was in a Radio Shack purchasing some last minute gifts; the teller was a middle aged man who looked like he could be a veteran. Mick asked the gentleman if he had ever served in the military, however, the gentleman answered no, but why would you ask? Mick explained his goal for the American Legion, to which the gentleman replied that his Son would be returning home from a tour of duty in Iraq the first week in January. Mick asked the gentleman if he would like his Son to be a member of the American Legion, and of course he said yes. That was number 21!

Every year on Christmas day Mick and his wife deliver meals to the less fortunate from a local veterans organization. Another veteran whom Mick had known for many years was working there, and had on a Marine core belt buckle. Mick asked him what Legion post did he belong to, and he stated that after Korea he only joined the VFW. Mick offered to sign him up in a local Legion post, and he agreed provided the Mick join the Marine Core League Association. That was number 22!

Over the Christmas Holiday season, Mick traveled to New Orleans to visit relatives. At the airport in New Orleans there was a young women with two small children shopping in a gift store, the young mother had an Army Pin on her lapel. Mick asked if she was a Veteran, and she said no, but her husband was just getting of a plane from his recent tour in Afghanistan. And, the rest is history, that was number 23!

Membership is every Legionnaire's job, just ask a Veteran you know or even a stranger, they all want to belong!

"Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible!"

At our Mid-Winter conference in Albany, there will be a Membership meeting from 7-8 pm Friday evening. Room to be listed in program; you won't want to miss this.

Also, at the closing General Session of the conference, there will be a New Membership Program announced, that will change your post and your thoughts on Membership.

Please be present to receive this important message.

Oh, by the way, say Hi to Mick at the conference, he would be glad to hear your adventures in your membership goals!

For the Good of our Membership and the American Legion, Happy New Year !

W. Michael Bowen, DMC