NATIONAL COMMANDER VISITATION

NATIONAL COMMANDER FANG WONG

 from New York

VISITS THE 5th DISTRICT

AMERICAN LEGION

NATIONAL COMMANDER FANG WONG makes his visitation to the 5th District American Legion on Wednesday, APRIL 11, 2012 at Decarlo Staffo IAW Post 8, Loomis
Street Extension, Little Falls, NY. 

The reception will be at 6:00 pm with dinner to follow at 7:00 pm. Menu consists of: Beef Tip or Chicken Marsali with trimmings. Cost of the meal is $25 each and reservations should be made as soon as possible due to limited seating. 

Reservations should go to: 

JOHN MURPHY

128 GOULD ROAD

NEWPORT, NY 13416

Telephone: 315-845-8139

E-mail is: drsjem@prodigy.com

Telephone for Italian American War Post 8 is 315-823-1635.

Overnight accommodations may be made at:

KNIGHTS INN

20 Albany Street

Little Falls, NY

Phone is: 315-823-4954.

A luncheon will be served at Herkimer American Legion Post #38, 204 South Washington St, Herkimer at 12 noon. There will be a press conference at 1 PM. After that, 5th District Commander Walter Will escorts the National Commander and other dignitaries on a tour of the Curtin Dairy Farm facility located in Cassville, NY, arriving at the farm between 2:00 and 2:30 pm.

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.

VETERANS DAY IN APRIL

LaFargeville School honors veterans during National Commander Jimmie Foster's visitation to the 5th District of New York at Watertown.


PROUD TO HONOR THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED AND ARE SERVING

National Commander Jimmie Foster from Alaska

Click HERE for brief video of the program by the local TV station.


Last November, LaFargeville Central School was still under construction and was unable to commemorate Veteran's Day. This week on Military Matters, we go to the school for a Veteran's Day ceremony in April in conjunction with the National Commander Jimmie Foster’s visitation to the 5th District American Legion on April 13, 2011. The school has a small enrollment of 600 strong, pre-k to 12 building.

NATIONAL COMMANDER VISITATION

5th DISTRICT VISIT

The National Commander Jimmie Foster will be making the 5th District Visitation and Dinner on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 in Watertown, NY.

The commander will be staying at the Best Western Carriage House with dinner being hosted in the hotel banquet room. A cash bar reception will begin at 6:00 P.M. with dinner being served at 7:00 P.M. sharp. Cost of the dinner is $25.00 per person with your choice of either:

Herb Crusted Chicken or

Roasted Pork Loin

Bruschetta

House Salad

Green Beans Almondine

Fresh Baked Dinner Rolls & Butter

Coffee, hot tea and Decaf

Chocolate Cake w/whipped cream

Reservations for dinner choice along with Guest Name and payment must be received by James Brassard, 41735 Clear Lake Road, Theresa, NY 13691 no later than 15 March 2011. No reservations after that day. Make checks payable to Jefferson County American Legion. Tickets will be given out at the door.


A block of rooms have been set aside for the Legion at the Best Western. The cost of the rooms is Single $84.00 ; Double $94.00 which includes breakfast. Make your reservations by calling (315) 782-8000 no later than 14 days prior to this event. You will need a copy of your tax exempt form when you check in.

Booster sheets should be available at your Post to get names for the Program Book to help defray costs. Each name will cost $1.00 and please PRINT so that the typist can read them and print the correct spelling of your names.


We hope that you will attend this event and greet the National Commander. Each County Commander and Post Commander, County Auxiliary Presidents and Unit Presidents, Sons of the Legion Commanders as well should feel obligated to attend this celebration. Even though money is very tight this year, remember that you can use Bell Jar funds for this. Let's make the Commander glad that he came to the 5th District of New York.

James Brassard, Distinguished Guest Chairman
(315) 486-1490

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.

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.