Sons of The American Legion
Sons of The American Legion
1304 Park Blvd.
1304 PARK BLVD.
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3
Detachment of New York
Detachment
NewYork
WWW.SONSDNY.ORG
SONS #
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TRoy, NY 12180
(518) 463-2215
Troy, NY 12180
(518) 463-2215
www.sonsdny.org
Mid-Wunter 2024 Edition
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COMMANDER’S MESSAGE…by Peter J. DeAngelis,Jr.
COMMANDER’S MESSAGE…by Peter J. DeAngelis, Jr.
Commanders Message
Mid Winter 2024
Commanders Message
Mid Winter 2024
Happy New Year to All!
New Year to All!
I hope you all had a won-
| hope you all had
won-
derful holiday season with
your families and friends.
derful holiday season with
your families and friends.
It’s been so much fun and a
great time seeing a lot of you
It’s been so much fun anda
great time seeing a
of you
as Department Commander
Tim , Auxiliary President Ka-
ren, and I travel throughout
the great state of New York.
I am looking forward to con-
tinuing the third district visit-
ation going right into our
-Winter Conference, and also
seeing the Seventh and
Eighth Districts later in the
York.
|am looking forward to con-
tinuing the third district visit-
ation going right into our
-vinmer Conterence, and also
seeing the Seventh and
Fiohth Nistricts later in the
months of January and Febru-
075
ary.
ate
OY Sanuary and Febru-
as Department Commander
Tim , Auxiliary President Ka-
ren, and | travel throughout
the great state
In membership, as of De-
In membership, as of De-
cember 28 we have exceeded
our goal for January at
cember 28 we have exceeded
our goal for January at
64.79% with 19,868 members
paid so far for the 2024 year.
Nationally we are in good
shape and in 23rd Place.
I am looking forward to see-
ing you all at the Mid-Winter
64.79% with 19,868 members
paid so far for the 2024 year.
Nationally we are
good
Conference.
shape and
23rd Place.
|am looking forward to see-
you all at the Mid-Winter
Conference.
I am very happy to see a lot
lam very happy to see
of participation in our mem-
ber development programs
with the leadership class and
the adjutant classes.
participation in our mem-
ber development programs
with the leadership class and
the adjutant classes.
In closing I just want to let
In closing | just want to
you know how proud I am of
everybody and all the hard
work we are doing and to
you know how proud |am
everybody and all the hard
work we are doing and to
thank you for supporting my
thank you for supporting my
“Work Mode” theme along
with myTusten Youth
mission project.
“Work Mode” theme along
with my Tusten Youth Com-
mission project.
You guys have definitely ex-
ceeded my expectations!!
You guys have definitely ex-
ceeded myexpectations!!
MID-WUNTER 2024 EDITION
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3
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DETACHMENT OF NEW YORK NEWSLETTER
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PAGE 2
FROM THE ADJUTANT’S DESK…by Robert Avery
Welcome to our Annual Mid-Winter Conference! Please take part in all the educational opportunities, meetings,
and down time with your fellow members of the New York American Legion Family. Our guest this year is the Leading
Candidate for National Vice Commander NE next year, Robert Manzo from Maryland.
The Dec 31, 2023 Year-End National Report has NY with 30,695 total members. YES!! We are are now finally OVER
30,000 members! Thanks to every member in the Detachment of New York! We ended at 102.78% of our goal, or 831
members more than we needed for the 100%. Our Renewal Rate for 2023 was 91.67% which was 8th place in the Na-
tion. We still are the 4th largest Detachment being 724 members behind Ohio. 5th place Michigan is still moving up
with their own membership numbers. They are 4,420 members behind New York, so they have picked up 1,000 or so
members compared to the 2022 final spread.
This year’s membership is moving along and we are currently in 29th place by percentage in the Nation and 7th place
in the NE Region. We have 21,474 paid members and are at 70.03% 10 days prior to the 60% Target Date. That’s over
2,500 members MORE than we had this time last year……so great job gentlemen! Remember the 3 “R’s”………Recruit,
Renew and Reinstate! Just another point on membership, I am convinced that the online renewal site has been as-
sisting in building our membership. Just in my own Squadron we now have over 10% of our members using the online
renewal. The site can be found at Legion.org/SAL-Renew
The BIG “3”
As Adjutant, it is my job to ALWAYS stress the importance of the three (3) forms that your Squadron is required to
submit to Detachment HQ each and every year.
Due by April 15th is the Squadron Data Report (SDR)….. Maintaining your squadron’s current information by com-
pleting an annual Squadron Data Report (SDR) is very important to both the Detachment and National organizations.
It is especially necessary in regards to your membership dues and renewal information. Complete an annual SDR even
if your squadron information has not changed.
Also due by April 15th is the Officer Certification Form (OCF)….. Most every Squadron’s annual election occurs in the
month of May and the OCF needs to be filed with Detachment HQ immediately afterwards. This is required even if
the Officers remain the same!
Due by June 1st is the Consolidated Squadron Report (CSR)…..Of all reports, the Consolidated Squadron Report
(CSR) is perhaps the most critical document a squadron can complete. CSR information is combined with other squad-
rons in creating a final report used by The American Legion, forwarded to the U.S. Congress, and is used to apply and
verify awards at National Convention. It also is the basis for Detachment level awards given at Convention each year.
Not all squadrons participate in every program; leave those fields blank. The key is to report on the activities your
squadron participated in from June 1st to May 31st. The form can also be completed online at mylegion.org.
Thank you in advance for completing all three (3) forms EVERY year!
R.J. Avery
Detachment Adjutant – New York
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3
DETACHMENT OF NEW YORK NEWSLETTER
PAGE 3
William Clancy for SAL National Commander
To: The American Legion Family of New York & Friends
RE: The Election of Bill Clancy as National Commander for
The Sons of The American Legion
Friends All,
Honorary Chairman
Christopher R. Cerullo
PNC
Greg ‘Doc’ Gibbs PNC
Joe Paviglianti PNC by vote
of the National Convention body
Chairman
David W. Lee
Secretary
Robert J. Avery
Hospitality Chairman
PDC Raymond J. Jarvis
Department Consultant
PNVC Robert F. Neville
Serving as SAL Det. Commander of New York in 2018 was the greatest honor
of my life. Traveling our Empire State, visiting so many posts and counties,
making friends and seeing the amazing good works & deeds being done by
The American Legion Family was a privilege.
My message was one of confidence in our organization. Confidence in our
values and steadfast belief that Thinking Big and Being Bold is how we can
achieve growth and spread our message.
With that same spirit in mind and heart | am pursuing the high office of National
Commander of The Sons of The American Legion.
The SAL is hitting an all-time high across the Nation. It’s my concrete belief that
this is perfect timing as our Nation’s Veterans, our American Legion Family,
and indeed our Nation itself needs us more than ever before.
We have to “Be The One” to stop veterans from suicide and living in despair.
We have to inspire our youth to serve their Community, State and Nation. We
need to project the values set forth in our preamble to All Americans.
| plan to carry this message to every Squadron in every corner of our country!
Always in Our Hearts
Bill Clancy Sr. PDVC
Mary Anne ClancyALA
Richard O’Keefe PDC
Doug Malin, PDC
Jim ‘Ness” Nessler
To get there however, | need your support! We need to finance the campaign to
the tune of over $100,000
Please consider a donation or fundraisers from your Post, Squadron, Auxiliary
or Riders Chapter. Perhaps organize something at your county or district level.
Donations can be presented at The Midwinter Conference SAL Meetings, The
Bronx County Midwinter Meet & Greet Room, or mailed to AL Department HQ –
1304 Park Boulevard, Troy NY 12180.
Checks to be made payable to “American Legion Bill Clancy SAL Fund”
| very much appreciate your support and look forward to carrying on for God &
Country.
BULL Clancy
Bill Clancy, PDC NY
Candidate for National Commander of The Sons of The American Legion
All Correspondence to AL Dept. HQ — 1304 Park Boulevard Troy NY 12180
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3
DETACHMENT OF NEW YORK NEWSLETTER
PAGE 4
Americanism…by Herman Downer
The Detachment Americanism Commission’s mission is to support The American Legion Americanism
Programs and pass the information on to our Squadrons. There are many Americanism Programs in the
Department of New York. They include Scouting, American Legion Baseball, Blood Donor, Boys State, and
Junior Shooting Sports just to name a few.
The Detachment Americanism Commission has our own programs that we want to highlight as well. The
Cerullo Scholarship is open to a Department of New York American Legion Family member in good stand-
ing who is in their senior year of High School, or a graduate enrolled in college. The winner receives a five-
hundred dollar scholarship and is eligible for three renewable scholarships.
There are also two Essay Contests that are held annually. The first contest is open to all New York State
school children in first through fifth grades with the topic “What America Means to Me”. There is one win-
ner from each grade level participating. Each winner receives one hundred dollars. The second contest is
open to all New York State school children in sixth through eighth grades. There will be one winner from
all grade levels participating. The winners will receive three hundred dollars. They have a choice of three
topics to choose from: The United States Bill of Rights, The United States Declaration of Independence,
and the United States Constitution.
The James E. Daly Americanism Award is open to any member the Department of American Legion Fami-
ly in good standing. The recipient is to be nominated for their Outstanding Americanism work in their
Squadron and/or community.
Another new program is from the National Sons of the American Legion called “Flying Flags for Heroes”.
Whenever your squadron participates in placing flags on veteran’s graves, they can be reported to Flying
Flags for Heroes website or even to the Americanism Commission and we can report them. If your Squad-
ron would like any information on a program in your area or how to start a program in your area, please
contact The Detachment Americanism via email dnyamericanism@gmail.com or connect with us through
Facebook “Detachment of New York Americanism Committee”.
For God and Country
Herman Downer, Jr
Detachment Americanism Chairman
AMNS
VOLUME 13 ISSUE
DETACHMENT OF NEW YORK NEWSLETTER
,
Finance…by Michael Rowald
Important Notice from the Finance Commission
The Detachment of NY Expense Voucher Form is to be filled out by those Detachment
officers, Commission and Committee members who are authorized to do so in accordance
with the current approved Expense Authorizations. Forward the voucher form with re-
ceipts to the email address noted on the form within 30 days of the expense. Your typed
signature in the fillable block is acceptable. Email your completed voucher to:
myvoucherpayment@gmail.com
The NEW fillable voucher form is available on our website by following the below link:
New Expense Voucher with Digital Signature
Correct Form
VOUCHER
*”™”NOTE: Forward vour voucher:
PAYEE:
NAME:
:
ns ofTheAmerican Legion
DETACHMENT OF NEWYORK
1304 Park Boulevard Troy,NY 12180
ilcom
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EMAIL ADDRESS.
(CELLPHONE #
NETAMOUNT TO BE
L
Signature
Date
FOR DEPARTMENT / DETACHMENT USE ONLY
BUDGET SUMMARY
AMOUNT
DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT
DATE
:
APPROVEDBy:
L
FOR DEPARTMENT/DETACHMENT USE ONLY
Date
APPROVED BY:
DETACHMENT ADJUTANT
NET AMOUNT TO BEPAID
DETACHMENT FINANCE OFFICER
Date Received at Dept HQ
NET AMOUNT TO BE PADD| $
DATE
DATE
BUDGET SUMMARY
s
AMOUNT
FINANCE
COMMISSION
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DETACHMENT OF NEW YORK NEWSLETTER
Public Relations…by Joe Guidice
Fellow Sons,
Welcome to the Mid-Winter issue of our newsletter! I hope you all enjoy it. This is YOUR newsletter and
in order for it to be successful we need to hear from YOU! I know you’re out there doing great work with
your squadrons, counties, districts, and your committees and commissions. Share your success! We want
to let everyone know what you’re doing. So please send in your photos and articles for the newsletter.
This year we will again have our Public Relations table at the Desmond during the Mid -Winter Confer-
ence and we will again be running a “Booster” fundraiser for the Child Welfare Foundation. Last year we
raised $600.00 for CWF in just a few hours! Please consider coming over and volunteering an hour of your
time to help staff the table. This year we’ll be in a new and much more visible location, and we’re hoping to
provide some great info to our visitors on all the great work we do and talk about the value that a Squad-
ron can bring to a post. Come help be part of that message!
One final note: As you all know, our website is undergoing many changes and updates. Our webmaster is
working hard to make sure the site is user-friendly and has all the necessary forms, documents, and infor-
mation that you need. Many of our forms were badly out of date, and our Adjutant has been working dili-
gently along with our webmaster to update those forms and get them uploaded to the website in an easy-
to-find locations. Please bear with us during this time as we continue to improve!
For God and Country,
Joe Guidice
Public Relations Chairman
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PAGE 6
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VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3 |
DETACHMENT OF NEW YORK NEWSLETTER
Wreaths Across America
Submitted by William McCormack, Squadron 1075, Katonah, NY.
On 12/16/23 my family had the great honor to place wreaths for veterans with Wreaths Across America at
Buxton Cemetery in Bedford Hills,NY. Over 50 veterans are buried there ,including twelve American Revolu-
tionary soldiers. Among them is Lt. Cornelius Clark whose house along with the entire town was burned
down by the British.
Why is December 16 significant?
On December 16th, 1773, 250 years ago, The Sons of Liberty carried out the Boston Tea Party in Colonial
Massachusetts. Three activities in the American Colonies occurred prior to the Declaration of Independence
in 1776. The Tea Party was the culmination of resistance to British taxation and control of the colonies. The
American patriots viewed it as a violation of their rights and opposed “taxation without representation”. In
1774, British Parliament responded harshly to what they viewed as treason. They passed laws referred to
collectively as the Intolerable Acts, which blockaded Boston Harbor, prevented commerce, and ended local
self-government in Massachusetts. The Boston Tea Party, and the British response, inspired protests
throughout the 13 colonies and rallied support for the American Revolution.
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PAGE 7
On
“BUXTON
__
Grave of Lt. Cornelius Clark
L-R William & Elizabeth McCormack, Cynthia Nighe
Alex Nighe, Eva , Kevin
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3
DETACHMENT OF NEW YORK NEWSLETTER
Share The Pride-Build the Pride
PAGE 8
The Sixth Ddistrict hosted their annual Christmas give
away for the residents of the New York state veterans home
in Oxford. Saturday December 9’th the sixth district Le-
gionnaires, Sons and Auxiliary members attended. There
were thousands of items for the residents to choose from to
give to their loved ones or for themselves, there was even a
gift-wrapping area where members wrapped the gifts for
the residents. A good time was had by everyone that partic-
ipated and the residents enjoyed being able to shop for the
gifts.
Oriskany Squadron 1448 member Bob Gondek
receiving the award for our Squadron being the
Top Veteran Fundraising Team during the 2023
Great America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk. Bob
raised $1850.00 representing the Team for the
event. He raised $1675.00 in 2022.
Kings County
Candor Squad-
ron 907 hosted
their 8th annual
Holiday parade
on November
25th 2023. This
was their largest
parade to date
Sons of the
American Legion
members gath-
ered at the Mi-
chael A Rawley,
Jr.Post 1636 in
Brooklyn for the
annual Toys For
Tots party on
December 9th.
Have some news or event you’d like to Share??
We want to hear from you!!
Squadron Commanders, County and District Commanders, ALL members of the Sons, please let us know what you are do-
ing and what you have accomplished in pictures and in words. We don’t need long essays, just captions to pictures showing
your members in action. (PLEASE: Send pictures in .JPG or .PNG format, and make them individual image files, not in col-
lage or combined formats). SEND SUBMISSIONS TO PR CHAIRMAN JOE GUIDICE libertysalnyeditor@gmail.com
