COMMANDER'S VISIT

Department Commander W. Michael Bowen made his official visitation to Oswego County on Monday, October 17th, 2011. Traveling with the New York Commander of The American Legion was NY Auxiliary President Ann Geer and Detachment Commander of the Sons of the American Legion Dr. Greg K. Gibbs.

NY Department American Legion

Commander W. Michael Bowen

Commander Bowen is a lifelong resident of Waterloo, NY. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1967 at the age of 17. He served from 1967 until 1971 in Europe and the Mediterranean area. He is a 42-year life member of Warner-Van Riper Post 435, Waterloo, NY.

He is self-employed and the owner of a local general contracting business. Mike and his wife Patty have four children: Jonathan, Brandi, Lori, and Jenny Sue, one grandchild Brandan Michael and three step grandchildren: Alex, Ian, and Brett.

Commander Bowen has served as Commander of Warner-Van Riper Post 435, Commander of Seneca County, Commander of the 7th District, Department Vice Commander and Membership Chairman. At the national level, he served as Consultant to the National Membership and Post Activities Committee.

Department of NY American Legion

Auxiliary President Ann Geer

Ann joined Joyce-Bell Unit 578 in Otsego County in 1981 through the eligibility of her husband Stephen, a Viet Nam era veteran. She went on to serve as the Unit President for 6 years.

Ann was elected Otsego County President and served in that capacity from 1988 to 1990, and again in 1994 through 1996.

At the District level, Ann served as District Membership Chairman, District Chaplain and Color Guard captain. In 2003 she was elected Sixth District President.

In 2005 Ann chaired the Department Education Committee, receiving the National Award for Outstanding Department Education Program and in 2007 she was asked to chair the National Security Committee receiving the National Award that year for the Outstanding Department National Security Program.

Ann has lived in Unadilla for 30 years and is active in the community. She is a founding member of the Recreation Commission, which established a community athletic field. She has two grown children: Peter, a computer program designer residing in Brockport, and David, an artist living in Unadilla.

Detachment of NY Sons of

the American Legion Commander

Dr. Greg K. Gibbs

Dr. Greg K. Gibbs is a twelve year member of the Hamburg Squadron #527 in Erie County, NY. Doc gets his eligibility through his deceased father Richard C. Gibbs who served honorably in the US Marine Corps during the World War II Pacific Campaign, serving in combat on Iwo Jima, Tinian and Saipan.

Greg has served at the squadron level including a four-year stint as Commander and served as Erie County Commander for one term and as 8th District Commander for two years. He helped begin the District 7 & 8 Sons ROTC Scholarship Award named in memoriam for Past Eighth District Commander William P. O'Connell. The scholarchip is now in its sixth year.

At the Detachment level, Gibbs has served as the Chairman of the Legislative Commission helping to organize On-the-Hill Days in Albany and Washington and as a Member of the Training and Development Committee, while also serving as the Sons VAVS Representative for the VA Hospital in Buffalo. Doc received a national award for Outstanding Service from National Commander Paul Morin. 

A 2011 graduate of American Legion College, he was one of the first Sons to attend. Doc is supported by his wife Pam and his two children, Kristen and Kirt. Kristen in active in the local Auxiliary and Kirt is also a Sons member. In his daily life, he is employed as a professor at St. Bonaventure University in Western New York and holds a Ph.D. degree.

 

Master of Ceremonies was past County Commander James R. Ellis, currently serving as 5th District American Legion Sergeant-at-Arms. He led those present in a salute to the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer was given and the POW/MIA remembrance prayer was read. After the introduction of the head table, dinner was served.

Chairman of the day's activities was John Young, Oswego County Vice Commander.

Programs were produced by past County Commander David Potter II.

DEPT. SAL COMMANDER

New York State
Detachment Commander
Dr. Greg K. Gibbs

Dr. Greg K. Gibbs is a twelve year member of the Sons of The American Legion. He is a member of the Hamburg Squadron #527 in Erie County, New York.

Doc gets his eligibility through his deceased father Richard C. Gibbs who served honorably in the United States Marine Corps during the World War II Pacific Campaign, serving in combat battles on Iwo Jima, Tinian and Saipan.

Gibbs has served in several offices at the squadron level including a four year stint as commander. He helped to reorganize his county squadron and served as Erie County Commander for one term.

While serving as the 8th District Commander for two years he helped begin the District 7&8 Sons ROTC Scholarship Award named in memoriam for Past Eighth District Commander William P. O’Connell. The scholarship is now in its sixth year.

At the Detachment level Gibbs has served as the Chairman of the Legislative Commission for four years helping organize On-the-Hill Days in Albany and Washington. He has been on the Member Training and Development Committee for the past two years while also serving as the Sons VAVS Representative for the VA Hospital in Buffalo for several years as well.

Doc received a national award at the 2007 State SAL Convention for Outstanding Service to the American Legion Education Program from National Legion Commander Paul Morin.

For several years, under various Erie County Legion Commanders, Gibbs helped to run the American Legion Oratorical Contest serving as co-chairman.

He received a certificate of commendation from the National Guard for the Sons effort for their role in an Erie County Legion Family Project this year. Under the direction of Erie County Legion Commander Raymond Caso, over $40,000 worth of food, clothing, toys and donations were collected. Those donations went directly to the families of 500 currently serving military members.

As a 2011graduate from American Legion College he was one of the very first Sons to ever attend.

Gibbs has also been a member of the Southern Tier Legion Riders out of Orchard Park Post #567 for the past four years. He is a member of the local Moose Lodge, the Masons, and Rotary International. Gibbs has served the local community through his ham radio involvement and is a member of the American Legion Amateur Radio Club under the call sign N2PWS.

Doc is supported by his wife Pam and his 2 children, Kristen and Kirt. Kristen is active in the local Auxiliary and Kirt is also a Sons member.

In his daily life, he is employed as a professor at St. Bonaventure University in Western New York and holds a Ph.D. degree.

Commander's Project
National Emergency Fund
You may present your check directly to Commander Gibbs when he visits your County, or you may wish to mail your contribution to:
SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION DETACHMENT OF NY
112 STATE ST.
SUITE 1300
ALBANY, NY 12207

Make Checks Payable to:
Sons of The American Legion Detachment of New York
and note on memo line NEF or Commander's Project

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.

NATIONAL SONS OF LEGION COMMANDER

David Dew Elected Commander

Sons have elected David Dew of Plano, Texas, Harding Blaine Squadron 321 as their newest National Commander at the thirty-ninth National Convention of the Sons of The American Legion, held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, August 27 - 29, 2010. A thirty year member of the Sons of The American Legion, Dew and his wife of seventeen years, Charlie, have four children and six grandchildren - all members of The Legion Family.


David’s membership and service to the Sons of The American Legion spans over thirty years of continuous service for God and Country. He is a Charter and Life member of Harding Blaine Squadron 321, located in Plano, Texas.

David’s eligibility in the Sons of The American Legion is through his father, Hal Ray Dew, who proudly served in the United States Air Force during Korean War.

The American Legion Family is a great part of David’s life. His wife of seventeen years, Charlie, is a member of Unit #321, has served as President Department of Texas and is serving on the Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Committee at the National level. They have four children and six grandchildren, all of which are members of the American Legion Family.

David is retired after twenty-five years as a contractor in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

David has always been active in the programs and activities of the Sons of The American Legion. Service to God, Country and America’s veterans has always been the forefront of David’s years of membership in the Sons. He is not only a Charter member of his Squadron, but was instrumental in starting his District and Divison within the Detachment of Texas. Veterans have always been and will always be his main focus, because without our Veterans there would be no Sons of The American Legion or even an America as we know it.

David also believes in educating our children about America. If children are not taught patriotism at home then we must move forward within the schools to promote the programs of the American Legion.

The American Legion Family is a great part of David’s life; his Detachment, Division, District, Squadron, Post, Unit and Department of Texas has endorsed David L. Dew for the high office of National Commander of The Sons of The American Legion.

“BY THEIR SIDE WITH HONOR AND PRIDE”  

STATE CONVENTION

2010 - 2011
DEPARTMENT COMMANDER

 V. James Troiola

Jim lives in Nanuet with his wife Saveria. They have two daughters Laura and Jeanette.

He served on active duty with the US Navy from 1968-1974 assigned to the U.S.S. Nitro AE-23 in the Mediterranean and Guantanamo Bay.

Jim worked as a Car Dealer Service Manager Specialist for 40 years, and is currently the owner of an automotive training consultant company.

Jim is a member of the William E. DeBevoise Jr. Post 1682 in New City, Rockland County, 9th District.

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Auxiliary President Elected

Nancy G. Kurk

OSWEGO COUNTY COMMANDER

OLDEST LIVING OSWEGO COUNTY COMMANDER

It was my great pleasure to install our oldest living past Oswego County Commander in his position as 2nd Vice Commander of Post 587 in Fulton recently. 

Homer Russell Smith Post 587 Commander

John Young (left) presents John McGraw with

his 60-year Membership Certificate

John McGraw received his 60-year continuous membership certificate from the national organization and was honored locally as Veteran of the Year. 

He served as Oswego County Commander in 1958 and still wears his Oswego County American Legion cap. We are proud of him in our county and wish him well in the coming year.

PAST DISTRICT COMMANDER

Charles L. Butler, 5th District Commander 1991 has passed away. Here is the obit.

It’s official: Legion wins Pepsi contest

The people voted and the troops won. PepsiCo has officially announced that The American Legion's Operation Comfort Warriors will be awarded a $250,000 grant from the soft drink giant after finishing first in voting during February's Refresh Everything Project.
Internet voters were able to choose which of 729 competing charities would receive grants of $5,000, $25,000, $50,000 or $250,000. The top three finishers in the $250,000 category are receiving the grants.

"There are so many people to thank, I don't know where to begin," American Legion National Commander Clarence Hill said. "First, I want to thank Pepsi and its charitable Global Giving Foundation. Then I want to thank The American Legion members, American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Riders who supported us by spreading the word and voting. In fact, I want to thank everybody who voted for Operation Comfort Warriors. This was truly a national grassroots effort. Most of all, I want to thank our troops, who go into harm's way for us every day. It is their sacrifice that makes it possible for us to enjoy the freedoms we all share."

Since December 2008, the American Legion family has raised funds for Operation Comfort Warriors, a program dedicated to meeting the needs of wounded military personnel, providing them with comfort items not usually supplied by the government. OCW ensures that patients at U.S. military hospitals and warrior transition units are given items like sweat suits, DVDs, puzzles, electronic devices, books, calling cards and more. The American Legion pays all administrative costs for the program, meaning 100 percent of the donations, including the grant money, will go directly to purchasing items for the troops.

For more on Operation Comfort Warriors, visit www.legion.org/ocw.

ATTENTION CHAPLAINS

ATTENTION ALL POST CHAPLAINS

The Oswego County Chaplain Al Breezee is trying to identify all the veterans that are living in nursing homes and assisted living homes in the county. We are trying to obtain this information to set up a schedule to visit them and show them that someone cares for them.


This committee consists of: Jim Jones, Chaplain, Post 915;
Al Breezee, Oswego County Legion Chaplain;
Herb Pelton, Commander, Legion Post 915.


We would like to urge each Post to form a committee to visit these veterans on a regular schedule so they will feel that we care. Please send us a letter listing the forgotten ones.


Please send names and addresses to:

Herb Pelton

613 Little Canada Road

Central Square, NY 13036

Phone is: 315-676-3280

E-mail is: golfclubsetal78@hotmail.com

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

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.”