AUXILIARY COLLEGE OF NY

American Legion Auxiliary College of New York, 

Class of 2011
Cazenovia College - June 3, 4, 5, 2011

The 2011 session of the American Legion Auxiliary college of New York will be held at Cazenovia College in Madison County from June 3 - June 5, 2011. The College will give Auxiliary members an opportunity to take a three-day comprehensive course of study on the American Legion Auxiliary. The College will address many programs and issues facing our organization.

The College will be very structured with little time between classes. Students will work in teams to solve problems they may encounter back home in their own Unit or County. Each team will have an opportunity to present their solutions to the entire college. Attendees will be required to be active participants in all classes in order to graduate. Auxiliary members who expect to profit from the experience and contribute to the future success of our organization are encouraged to apply. Some may have been active members for many years and have significant leadership experience. However, we also want to encourage  newer members to apply!

Upon completion of this college, participants will have not only a better understanding of the mission, goals, and programs of the American Legion Auxiliary, but also the confidence to become active, knowledgeable shapers of its future.


Notes of importance:

 1. The application must be completely filled out (printed or typed) to be considered.
 
2. Only one person per application.
 
 3. Tuition of $200 per student must be included with your application.
 
  4. The tuition of $200 includes two nights lodging in college dormitories (double room) and all meals, from Friday evening through Sunday morning, as well as all program materials.
 
 5.Students must arrive on time, stay on campus, and attend all classes in order to graduate.
 
 6. Application deadline is April 1, 2011. Acceptance notices will be sent out in early May.
 
 7. Tuition may be paid by individuals, Units, Counties, or Districts. Bell Jar or Bingo Funds may be used.
 
 8. After you have been accepted and your tuition has been received, there will be NO REFUNDS for non-attendance. However, a substitute may be submitted for consideration.

WOUNDED WARRIOR THANKSGIVING

American Legion helps make Thanksgiving 

happier for wounded warriors

        WASHINGTON (Nov. 24, 2010) – American Legion teamwork and the generosity of a Connecticut-based non-profit organization are making this Thanksgiving a happier day for a great number of wounded warriors. 
  
      The American Legion has distributed $60 gift checks to 2,000 wounded veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.  The funds were provided by the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes (CSAH), a non-profit organization that identifies itself as “the leading non-governmental provider of emergency financial relief to wounded soldiers from Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom and their families.” 
 
        The Coalition partners with corporate sponsors, individual contributors, and volunteers “to provide a simple and meaningful way for individuals and corporations to help these veterans and their families rebuild their lives.”

        Verna Jones, director of the Legion’s veterans affairs and rehabilitation division in Washington, said the Legion’s involvement began with a call from the Coalition to D.C. headquarters offering gift money for distribution to wounded warriors. “We, in turn, passed the word along to our network of department adjutants, commanders and service officers, asking them to identify veterans who would most benefit from a holiday gift.”  

        National Guard and reserve units, the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) and Walter Reed Army Medical Center were also asked to participate. “The response was overwhelming,” Jones said, “with literally thousands of emails and phone calls pouring in.” 

        The American Legion’s national headquarters in Indianapolis administered the preparation and mailing of the gift checks, each with a letter attached from Roger Chapin, president and founder of CSAH, who explained:  “In 2005, the Coalition started distributing checks and gift cards to severely wounded service members just before special holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

        “These can be especially difficult times for disabled veterans who are struggling to make ends meet,” he continued. “Thanksgiving, in particular, is all about spending time with family, so we wanted these veterans and their loved ones to be able to truly enjoy the occasion and be reminded of how much their sacrifices are appreciated by the American people."
 
        Chapin continued, “We are delighted [that] The American Legion is assisting us in the distribution of the holiday checks. This will make them appreciated even more since our veterans hold the Legion in such high regard.” 

 Chapin says, as of this season, 10,000 deserving disabled servicemen and women will have been awarded holiday checks or gift cards worth collectively more than $2.3 million.

A SOLDIER IS A HERO

This is a reminder of what we should be thankful for this Thanksgiving and every day of the year. Hope you enjoy it.

Check out the presentation below.

A Soldier Is A Hero

GOD BLESS THE USA

FISHER HOUSE

The Fisher House Program

The Fisher House program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. The program recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and the hardships of military service by meeting a humanitarian need beyond that normally provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.

Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.

There is at least one Fisher House at every major military medical center to assist families in need and to ensure that they are provided with the comforts of home in a supportive environment. Annually, the Fisher House program serves more than 11,000 families, and have made available nearly three million days of lodging to family members since the program originated in 1990. By law, there is no charge for any family to stay at a Fisher House operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs; and Fisher House Foundation uses donations to reimburse the individual Fisher Houses operated by the Army, Navy, and Air Force. No family pays to stay at any Fisher House!

 In addition to constructing new houses, Fisher House Foundation continues to support existing Fisher Houses and help individual military families in need.

Click HERE to find videos on Fisher House.

76 FREEDOM CAR

76 Freedom wraps up successful season
By James V. Carroll - November 15, 2010

Driver Jerick Johnson completes successful 2010 ARCA race season, prepares for 2011 opener at Dayton International Speedway Feb. 12. James V. Carroll

The 2010 ARCA racing season for driver Jerick Johnson and The American Legion/David Law Firm 76 Freedom Car ended much like the way it started — in frustration due to a series of brake and mechanical failures. But overall, Johnson is satisfied and grateful regarding his 2010 season results.

“We competed in a little over half of the 20-race season,” Johnson said. “We qualified for all the televised races except Daytona and ran in two or three short track races. Given those facts, we did pretty well. We finished 18th out of 140 drivers competing in all or part of the races, and we were second to 2010 ARCA series Champion Patrick Sheltra in the Hard Charger competition. The Hard Charger trophy was ours to take right up to the last race, but we came up a bit short.”

Johnson’s opportunity to claim the coveted Hard Charger trophy was during the season-ending race on Oct. 9 at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina. While he only needed to finish 19th or better to claim the trophy, Johnson unfortunately nursed his brakeless car to a 26th place finish.

“Brakes and tires hurt us a lot this season, “Johnson said. “We were in the position to crack the top 10 in a number of races when we blew a tire or lost the ability to brake. Pitting under a green flag run to change a flat tire pretty much ruins your day and losing brakes is even a worse situation.”

Even though Johnson and his crew faced many challenges throughout the racing season, not all of them stopped Johnson in his tracks from finishing in the top 10. For instance, during a weeklong series of races at the quarter-mile track in New Smyrna near Daytona, Fla., Johnson and his crew braced bitter cold temperatures, fog delays and an accident that sent the nose of his car bouncing across the track. Despite these obstacles, the 76 Freedom Car managed an overall 9th place finish for the week.

“I’ve gone around and around a lot of tracks at a lot of places,” Johnson said, “but I have never been in a race halted by fog until New Smyrna. That was a new one. Quite an experience and quite fun though.”

Johnson also had a top 10 finish at the Salem Speedway quarter-mile track in Salem, Ind.
“That (Salem) was a race we didn’t plan to compete in at the beginning of the season,” Johnson said. “We decided at the last moment, and it was a good decision. I’m disappointed we didn’t pull out a few more top 10 finishes.”

ARCA kicks off its 59th year of competition on Feb. 12, 2011, with the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway. The race is 80 laps on the historic 2.5-mile superspeedway oval and will air live on SPEED at 4 p.m. (EST). Until then, Johnson reflects on his success and prepares for a new season.

“The success we have had this season – and every season – would not have been possible without the support of The American Legion family and the David Law Firm,” Johnson said. “We at Team Johnson Motorsports worked hard all season, but the Legion and David Law Firm sponsorship made it possible for us to be competitive and have a legitimate chance at the Hard Charger. For that we are forever grateful and honored.”

Excellent Piece of Work!

THE STATUE

DO YOU  KNOW WHAT THIS IS? 

OR WHERE THIS IS?

This statue currently stands outside the Iraqi  palace, now home to the 4th Infantry division.    It will eventually be shipped home and put in the memorial museum in Fort  Hood , Texas

The statue was created by an Iraqi artist named  Kalat, who for years was   forced by Saddam Hussein to make the many hundreds of bronze busts of Saddam that dotted Baghdad

Kalat was so grateful for the Americans liberation of his country;  he melted 3 of the heads of the  fallen Saddam and made the statue as a memorial to the American soldiers and their fallen warriors

Kalat worked on this memorial night and day for several months.  

To the  left of the kneeling soldier is a  small Iraqi girl giving the soldier comfort  as he mourns the loss of his comrade in arms.

Do you know why we don't hear about this in  the news?   Because it is heart warming and praise worthy.   
 
The media avoids it because it does not have the  shock effect.   But we can do something about it.  
   
We can pass this along to as many people as we can in honor of all our brave military who are making  a difference.

And please pass this on!

RING OF FREEDOM

Let us remember and be thankful for our veterans - young men and women who are placing their lives on the line for our freedoms. 


To view the video of Oliver North speaking on Veterans Day, click HERE


Pray for our troops and let them know we are thinking about them and caring about them, even after they return from their duty stations. 

Remember their lives are affected by the battle scenes that they have viewed and had to take part in over there. It is difficult for us to imagine what their lives are like on the front lines and even other places. 


When they return home, make them welcome and bring them into your post as a guest, invite them to become a member of the largest wartime veterans group in the world. 


Tell them of the many programs that The American Legion offers to them and their families to make their lives better, more manageable and enjoyable.


God bless them and keep them safe.

VETERANS DAY 2010

NOVEMBER 11th, EVERY YEAR..........
 

We need to show more sympathy for these people.
    * They travel miles in the heat.
    * They risk their lives crossing a border.
    * They don't get paid enough wages.
    * They do jobs that others won't do or are afraid to do.
    * They live in crowded conditions among a people who speak a different language.
    * They rarely see their families, and they face adversity all day ~ every day.

 I'm not talking about illegal immigrants ~

I'm talking about our troops! 

Doesn't it seem strange that many Democrats and Republicans are willing to lavish all kinds of social benefits on illegals, but don't support our troops, and are even threatening to defund them?

 Please pass this on; this is worth the short time it takes to read it & forward it.

Happy Veterans Day - 

If you love your freedom, thank a Veteran today!

If they are alive, thank them.  If not, remember them...

4TROOPS Visits Indianapolis

4TROOPS tours Legion

Click here for article.

4TROOPS

NEW YORK MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN

This is our day, a day to reminisce and be grateful for the opportunity that we were able to serve this great country of ours. 

We are not alike in many ways, however we have a common bond in that we will always be connected through our service to our God and our Country.  We will emulate our founding fathers of The American Legion as we are "Serving America's Veterans Every Day".   Have a Great Veterans Day, you deserve it, you served.  "Just Ask" a Veteran to join today, they want to belong" All you have to do is "Just Ask!"

 

 

 

For God, Country our Veterans and their Families,

 

W. Michael Bowen, DMC, NY

 

Please forward this to your contacts.

 

Thank you for your service and God Bless!

HONORING OUR VETERANS

KISS on USO tour

 Can't think of a better way to observe Veterans Day.  

I always thought Gene Simmons & the band "KISS" were strange, but it seems I have been wrong.
This was filmed in Iraq at a USO tour of a US Marine Base.  Play it and spread it to every single person you know. 


Click to view music video here.

OKLAHOMA OUTLAWS HONORED

MLB World Series honors Oklahoma players

The American Legion - November 8, 2010

 

 For Legion Baseball team Midwest City, Okla., “Outlaws” Post 170, Oct. 27 meant more than the opening game of the Major League Baseball World Series in San Francisco. Prior to the San Francisco Giants defeating the Texas Rangers 11-7 at AT&T Park, the Outlaws were recognized in front of 43,000 baseball fans and Major- Leaguers for winning the 2010 American Legion World Series in Spokane, Wash.

The Legion’s relationship with the MLB dates back to 1926 – the year MLB began recognizing the Legion Baseball national championship team prior to Game 1 of the World Series. Since then the recognition has continued, and this year the spotlight was on the Outlaws.

As the team’s players and coaches stood on the field to be honored, Hall of Famer and former Legion player Frank Robinson presented the team with a World Series Champion plaque and even held the championship flag alongside the players. Other former Legion baseball players watched from the sidelines, including Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner and catcher/first baseman Gerald “Buster” Posey.

After the game, the team enjoyed San Francisco’s famous sites such as Fisherman’s Wharf and the cable cars.

CHILD WELFARE FOUNDATION

 November 4, 2010


Child Welfare Foundation

100% Per Capita Banner Program
The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation is continuing the incentive program for the award year 2010-2011.

Each post, unit, squadron or salon donating at least one dollar for each member during the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation’s award year will receive a beautiful banner/streamer.  The banner/streamer is suitable for display in your meeting room or it may be attached to your organization colors.

For more information or Banner Request Form contact Bob Caudell at rcaudell@legion.org or 317-630-1202.

With your help, the Foundation will continue working “for the betterment of all children.”

  

NY Commander V. Jim Troiola Visits - Part 3

The evening festivities began with a social hour at 6:00 PM at Raymond-Faulkner-Cook Post 858 in Cleveland, NY. Before going inside, there was a beautiful red sunset over Oneida Lake.

The members of the post presented the Department of New York Commander V. James Troiola with a memorial brick engraved with his name and year of service which will be installed in their memorial walk in front of the post home.

Commander Troiola holds his "special" brick.

Inside the post tables were set up with colorful arrangements  and the head table had several floral arrangements as seen in the following pictures.

Legionnaires mingled and chatted as they awaited the dinner proper.

 

Past District President Betty Rowlee (currently Oswego Co. Membership Chairman) welcomes Karen St. Hilaire from Onondaga County as they discuss membership problems and solutions .

 

Oswego County Auxiliary President Elaine Johnson at the head table.

 

One of the honorees of the day was Corky Winn Senior who is a 65-year member of Raymond-Faulkner-Cook Post 858 in Cleveland, NY. He was a very active member in the past.

 

Part of the head table.

 

Left end of head table.

Auxiliary dignitaries at the head table.

 Commander Rogers described the sons agenda for the year.

County president introduces 5th District President Carolyn Farnsworth.

5th District President Carolyn Farnsworth introduced the Department of NY Auxiliary President Nancy Kurk. 

American Legion Commander Troiola listens as Dept. President Nancy Kurk gives her speech on the programs of the American Legion Auxiliary for the year of 2010 - 2011.

Oswego County Commander Richard Palmer introduces the 5th District Commander Jamie Brassard for the purpose of an introduction.

5th District American Legion Commander Jamie Brassard introduces 5th and 6th District Vice Commander Michael Michalski for the purpose of an introduction.

Department Vice Commander Michalski introduces NY Commander V. James Troiola for his presentation to those attending the dinner.

Department Commander Troiola gives his report on the projects of the American Legion for the coming year.

A plaque was presented to Dept. President Nancy Kurk from Oswego County President Elaine Johnson which read: "All My Friends Are FLAKES!" This brought a great smile to Nancy's face as well as the Department Commander.

Many posts presented checks for the Commander's project which is the National Emergency Fund of The American Legion. Funds are used to help Legionnaires in the case of storms, and other emergencies.

A fine meal was enjoyed by all including ham, roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, tossed salad, dessert and beverage. There was plenty of tasty food and everyone thanked the kitchen staff for their fine meal.

VETERANS DAY 2010

National Commander Jimmie L. Foster

Who we celebrate on Veterans Day

By Jimmie L. Foster

On Nov. 11, our country will honor its veterans as it does every year, with parades, ceremonies, speeches and patriotic music.  Schools will welcome us into their classrooms and ask us to tell our stories, and everywhere we go young and old alike will clasp our hands and say, “Thank you for serving.”  We are blessed to live in a grateful nation.

We also live in an incredibly diverse nation.  Our veteran population – just over 23 million and counting – reflects that.  As Americans seek out those in their communities who wore the uniform to recognize them this Veterans Day, they’ll find that women and minorities are serving in the military in greater numbers than ever before.

 According to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, about 2,600,000 living U.S. veterans – 11 percent – are black.  Another 1,824,000 – 8 percent – are women.  Smaller percentages include Hispanics (5.8 percent), Asian/Pacific Islanders (1.5 percent) American Indian/Alaska natives (0.8 percent) and “other” (1.3 percent).  These numbers are always changing, but together, they’re about 29 percent of America’s veterans, or about 6,700,000.  We’re no longer Sgt. Rock’s army.

Addressing The American Legion’s 92nd National Convention in Milwaukee, I expressed my desire to see more of this diversity in our own ranks – not because our organization is a promoter of diversity for diversity’s sake, but because from its inception, the Legion has always maintained that a veteran is a veteran.  From Frank Buckles, the last living World War I veteran, to Dawn Halfaker, who lost an arm in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom and now serves on The American Legion small Business Task Force, we all share a common bond, regardless of our gender or race.

This is not a new development.  Women were welcomed into the Legion before they had the right to vote in the United States.  One of our founders, Hamilton Fish, is probably best known as the commander of the first all-black U.S. combat unit shipped overseas in World War I – the Harlem Hellfighters, who in 191 days of duty at the front didn’t have any men captured or ground lost.  Two of the country’s most prominent civil-rights voices, Earl Dickerson and Corneal Davis, were among the first black veterans to join the newly formed American Legion and organize posts for black soldiers.

If you honorably served our country during wartime, you have a home in the Legion, period.  We know, and cherish, a camaraderie rarely found elsewhere in society – a camaraderie that is colorblind and, increasingly, genderblind.  The oath we swore was the same.  The commitment we made; the discipline we endured; the joy and pride we felt serving something greater than ourselves.
  
On this Veterans Day, let us thank God for the gift of freedom made possible by those who served our nation with honor, courage and commitment in our armed forces during all wars that enabled so many of them to earn that coveted title of an “American veteran.” 

NY Commander V. Jim Troiola Visits - Part 2

The Fort Brewerton blockhouse was reconstructed recently and holds may antiques and models of sailing ships plus other items. 

Going up the brick walk to the entry.

Guide explains some of the history of the Fort Brewerton Blockhouse to the dignitaries who are visiting our county. Pictured is the guide, 5th District Commander Jamie Brassard, Department of NY American Legion Commander V. James Troiola and the Department Commander's Aide who travels with him on visitations.

National Executive Committeeman Richard Keiser and NY American Legion Photographer Doug Malin examine the antiques inside the blockhouse.

 

There were several model sailing ships and boats on display.

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed the brief tour of the Fort Brewerton Blockhouse and the West Monroe Historical Society. After the afternoon of activities, the evening meal and speeches follow. Watch for the next blog.

NY Commander V. Jim Troiola Visits - Part 1

On Monday, November 1st, Department Commander V. James Troiola visited Oswego County with Department Auxiliary President Nancy Kurk and Detachment Commander of the Sons of the American Legion John Rogers. It was a cold, cloudy, gray day but no one complained too much.


Oswego County Commander Richard Palmer and other county officers met Commander Troiola at Fuller-Taylor Post 915 in Central Square at 11:00 AM. The Auxiliary Unit of the Post prepared a delicious luncheon of baked ziti with corn, rolls and dessert. 

Across the road from the post home is an Eagle scout project that is the pride of all the members. Despite a few sprinkles of rain, the group visited the site where a crew is busy installing permanent lighting for the flags.

From the left are 5th District Commander Jamie Brassard from Jefferson County; Herb Pelton, Commander of Fuller-Taylor Post 915, Central Square; Department Commander V. James Troiola; Oswego County Commander Richard Palmer from Parish Post 601 and at the right is John Rogers, the NY State Detachment Commander of the Sons of the American Legion.

Then we motored to the Memorial Wall on the shores of Oneida Lake, a tribute funded by the local American Legion and the VFW which lists the names of all veterans from the area. It is an impressive site. The Cleveland American Legion Post 858 Color Guard was posted at the wall when we arrived from Central Square.

 

From the wall, we motored back to West Monroe to visit the West Monroe Historical Society housed in an ample building with many antiques and unusual items inside.

Pictured on either side of Department Commander Jim Troiola are the caretakers of the society with 5th District Commander Jamie Brassard standing by. Both persons were knew the history of the items within the museum. It was an interesting tour.

Oswego Co. Aux. President Elaine Johnson

One item of particular interest was a working loom for weaving rag rugs and the state commander was offered a chance to try his hand at weaving a rug. Of course there was not time enough to complete a rug but he did work the loom for a while to see how it worked. Then he held up a completed rug to show what it would have looked like.

An unusual item at the society is a rolled up mural painted on material which has been restored and is a reflection on the agriculture in the local area.

There is a tractor behind the commander on the mural and the driver is a woman.

The wood stove sure gave off some nice heat on this damp, chilly day. Nothing like a warm wood fire.



From the museum we made a short trip to the Fort Brewerton Blockhouse a couple of miles down the road. There were lots of artifacts and antiques there also.