THELIBERTY
Sons of The American Legion
Sons of The American Legion
1304 Park Blvd.
1304 PARK BLVD.
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 4
Detachment of New York
WWW.SONSDNY.ORG
www.sonsdny.org
Detachment of NewYork
SONS #
=SAMERICAN
LEGION
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TROY, NY 12180
(518) 463-2215
Troy, NY 12180
(518) 463-2215
Spring 2024 Edition
SPRING 2024 EDITION
COMMANDER’S MESSAGE…by Peter J. DeAngelis, Jr.
Commanders Message
Spring 2024
Commanders Message
Spring 2024
My Fellow Sons,
My Fellow Sons,
| hope you
I hope you had a pleasant winter
pleasant winter
and you are enjoying the beginning of
a beautiful spring.
and you are enjoying the beginning of
a beautiful spring.
After the midwinter conference,
After the midwinter conference, it
was back to traveling to visit every-
one in the seventh and eighth dis-
tricts. It was wonderful seeing you all
and |want to thank you for the hospi-
was back to traveling to visit every-
one in the seventh and eighth dis-
tricts. It was wonderful seeing you all
and I want to thank you for the hospi-
tality.
tality.
the end of January, I attended
At the end of January, | attended
the Washington Conference as your
Detachment Commander with our
the Washington Conference
your
Detachment Commander with our
legislative team from New York.
legislative team from New York.
We laid a wreath at the Korean War
laid a wreath at the Korean War
Memorial and at the World War II
memorial. It was great to go back to
Memorial and
memorial.
World War II
great to go back to
Arlington Cemetery, and see the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier again
Arlington Cemetery, and see
Tomb of the U 1known Soldier again
wire reece CO
with National Commander JR Hall
laying a wreath at the tomb. We also
ander JR Hall
laying
wreath at
tomb. We also
visited our congressmen and
visited our congressmen and dis-
cussed legislation affecting our veter-
atieera t–iclatinn affecting our veter-
ans.
ans.
It was an honor to attend the New
was an ?–:+-: -» attend the New
Yorn Ureorii! nals and banquet
voouons at onc uesmond in Albany
York Oratorical finals and banquet
weekend at the Desmond in Albany
the first week in March. It feels good
to see our youth excelling academi-
cally and know that our future is in
good hands with them leading us.
At the end of March, I attended the
see our youth excelling academi-
cally and know that our future is in
good hands with them leading
the
of March, | attended the
Unofficial Gathering of the Eastern
Regional Vice Commander John
Cook in Dover, New Hampshire. It
was my first time ever visiting
Hampshire and yes, of course it
snowed while we were there. In April
the National Commanders visitations
Unofficial Gathering of the Eastern
Regional Vice Commander John
Cook in Dover, New Hampshire. It
was my first time ever visiting New
Hampshire and yes, of course it
snowed while we were there. In April
the National Commanders visitations
were upon us so I attended the 5th
district then the next night, the 3/4
district ending up in Queens, New
York for the 1,9,2&10th districts ban-
were upon us so | attended the 5th
district then the next night, the 3/4
district ending up in Queens, New
York for the 1,9,2&10th districts ban-
the first week in March. It feels good
on a tour of the Naval Academy, and
then a wonderful banquet dinner that
evening.
I just arrived back from Indianapolis,
Indiana, our National Headquarters
for our Son’s Spring National Execu-
tive Committee meeting. It was a very
productive weekend hearing all the
reports of the great work
are do-
ing out there.
ona tour of the Naval Academy, and
then a wonderful banquet dinner that
evening.
|just arrived back from Indianapolis,
Indiana, our National Headquarters
for our Son’s Spring National Execu-
tive Committee meeting. It was a very
productive weekend hearing all the
reports of the great work we are do-
ing out there.
I want to thank you all for consist-
| want to thank you all for consist-
ently making our target dates in
membership. We are looking good
ently making our target dates in
membership.
are looking good
and | hope by May 15 we will be at
100% with your help.
and I hope by May 15 we will be at
100% with your help.
|am looking forward to seeing some
I am looking forward to seeing some
quet. After the National Commanders work I am very proud of you all and I
quet. After the National Commanders
dinner in Queens, New York, | left the
dinner to head for Baltimore, Mary-
dinner in Queens, New York, I left the
dinner to head for Baltimore, Mary-
land to attend National Commander
JR Hall’s homecoming, where I went
land to attend National Commander
JR Hall’s homecoming, where | went
Peter J. DeAngelis, Jr.
Detachment Commander
Peter J. DeAngelis, Jr.
Detachment Commander
of you at our American Legion Family
hHomecoming at Vernon Downs the
weekend of May 17 to the 19th. In
closing | hope you’re all getting very
excited about our very own Bill Clan-
cy as trailing candidate for National
Sons Commander 2025- 2026. And
our Detachment Convention in Niaga-
ra Falls in July. Keep up the great
work | am very proud of you all and |
will see you all soon.
of you at our American Legion Family
hHomecoming at Vernon Downs the
weekend of May
to
19th. In
closing I hope you’re all getting very
excited about our very own Bill Clan-
cy as trailing candidate for National
Sons Commander 2025- 2026. And
our Detachment Convention in Niaga-
ra Falls in July. Keep up the great
will see you all soon.
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 4 ||
DETACHMENT OF NEW YORK NEWSLETTER
PAGE 2
FROM THE ADJUTANT’S DESK…by Robert Avery
Greetings fellow members,
Since most Squadrons have their annual elections in the month of May, you are once again
reminded to complete your Officer Certification Form (OCF). The OCF needs to be filed with
Detachment HQ every year immediately after your election of Officers, even if the Officers re-
main the same! Of all the forms requested by the Detachment organization, this is one of the
most important one. This provides for essential information so that Squadrons can be con-
tacted and be informed of programs, events, and other items throughout the year. Another
important report to be completed by all Squadrons is the Consolidated Squadron Report
(CSR). The key is to report on the activities your squadron participated in from June 1st to
May 31st. Finally, the annual Squadron Data Report (SDR) is necessary to inform Detach-
ment and National Headquarters of pertinent information regarding your squadron and,
most importantly, membership dues and renewal information. Complete an annual SDR even
if your squadron information has not changed. These forms are all available on-line at our
website:
https://sonsoftheamericanlegionny.com/documents-and-forms/
All Squadrons are asked to support Bill Clancy for National Commander of the Sons of The
American. This is a big endeavor and the support of all SONS here in New York is appreciated.
You can make your checks payable to “American Legion Bill Clancy SAL Fund” Your donation
can be mailed directly to HQ; The American Legion – 1304 Park Boulevard Troy NY 12180.
Thank you for your support!
For The Good of The American Legion Family,
R.J. Avery
Detachment Adjutant – NY
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 4
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 wasa 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 Clancy ALA
Richard O’Keefe PDC
Doug Malin, PDC
Jim ‘Ness” Nessler
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
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.
VOLUME 13 ISSUE
DETACHMENT OF NEW YORK NEWSLETTER
NEC Report…by Dennis George, NEC
Greeting Fellow Sons,
A few quick notes:
- I attended the Spring NEC Meeting on May 2-5, 2024.
a. As the Lead NEC Liaison to the Member Training & Development Committee (MT&D), I
attended the Pilot program of SAL University (SAL U), which consisted of 1 ½ days of specific
training for future leaders of our organization. Trailing Candidate Joe Guidice was a gradu-
ate of the program.
b. Commander Peter DeAngelis and Leading Candidate Gaither Espy completed NMI 3 and
graduated from the final NMI Program.
c. The New York Team of Trailing Candidate for National Commander Bill Clancy Hospitality
Area set up and ran a Welcome Hospitality Room for our candidate, which was highly suc-
cessful. - This is reminder to use Voter’s Voice to submit support of Veteran Programs to our law-
makers, as a program of The American Legion 3. We are approaching the time of year when
we are posting flags at veteran’s resting areas. Do a count of how many flags are posted and
register the amount on the website:
www.flyingflagsforheroes.com. Photos, with Son’s Covers, are welcome. Let New York be
well represented on the National scene.
For God & Country,
Dennis George
NEC
PAGE 4
SSA MERICAN
LEGION
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 4
DETACHMENT OF NEW YORK NEWSLETTER
Americanism…by Herman Downer
Fellow Sons,
The Preamble of our organization states, “to foster and perpetuate a true spirit of Americanism”. But
what does that mean? According to The American Legion “True Americanism is an ideology that is contin-
ually nurtured within one’s soul through individual daily actions, thoughts and beliefs in what their respon-
sibilities are to be, blessed to live in one nation, under God with liberty and justice for all”. According to
President Theodore Roosevelt “Americanism is a question of spirit, conviction, and purpose, not of creed”.
The meaning of Americanism varies from person to person. It may mean coaching a little league baseball
game on a summer afternoon or being a Leader for the local scouting troop. Maybe it means doing a blood
drive, or sending Christmas cards to Troops serving overseas. It could mean raising the flag every day and
taking it down at night. Perhaps it means working a polling booth or taking the oath to become an Ameri-
can Citizen. It could mean turning 18 and going to the Post Office to register for Selective Service or going
to the recruiters office and raising your right hand and taking the Oath to Uphold and Defend the Constitu-
tion of the United States of America. Maybe it means teaching flag etiquette to your community or it’s a
group of young college students gathered around the flagpole protecting it from protesters. No one can
tell you what Americanism needs to mean to you, that is for you to decide. For me it’s all of the above and
it’s getting emotional when I hear the National Anthem or when I listen to Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless
the U.S.A.” Whatever it means to you as a member of the Sons of The American Legion, it’s your duty to
show it now more than ever. With the turmoil going on in other countries the United States is turned to by
others for assistance. Whether it’s financial support or military support, America is always there to help.
Just like in the war protests of the 60’s and 70’s we have citizens who don’t agree with decisions our lead-
ers have to make. Americanism is at a low right now, so we need to come together and help build Ameri-
canism in our Communities, State and this Glorious Nation.
For God and Country
Herman Downer, Jr
Detachment Americanism Chairman
PAGE 5
MaeNST
DETACHMENT OF NEW YORK NEWSLETTER
PAGE 6
Public Relations…by Joe Guidice
Fellow Sons,
Just another reminder that our website is undergoing many changes and updates. The website is up and
running and while it is still a work in progress I want to thank our webmaster, Detachment Vice Command-
er (2/10) Joe Belanger for all the hard work he is continuing to put in to continually upgrade and improve
the website. Special Thanks also to our Detachment Adjutant Robert Avery who has also been working dili-
gently to help get all of the necessary forms and documents that we all need updated and useable. Please,
if you see something that needs fixing or updating, or notice something important that is missing please let
me, the webmaster or the adjutant know and we will get to work on it. Again we all thank you for your pa-
tience and support.
For God and Country,
Joe Guidice
Public Relations Chairman
Subscribe to our Website
Follow us on Facebook
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 4 ||
DETACHMENT OF NEW YORK NEWSLETTER
In Memoriam
Past Detachment Commander Albert J. Deichler, Jr. who served in 2006-2007.
|
|
PAGE 7
Past Commander Deichler passed away on April 15, 2024 while recovering
from heart surgery. Our condolences to his family.
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 4
DETACHMENT OF NEW YORK NEWSLETTER
Share The Pride-Build the Pride
PAGE 8
Members of Levittown Squadron 1711 recently at-
tended a Military Ball held in Nassaus County. Pic-
tured are: James Stromo, Finance Officer, Vice
Comm. Peter Roach, PNC Chris Cerullo, Sqdn 1711
Commander James Darcy, 10th Dist, Comm. James
Connolly, Vice Comm. John Farley, Adjutant Dennis
Darcy, Joseph Darcy
Members of Squadron 1682 in New City presented a check to the
Marine Corps League of Rockland County on March 11, 2024. In
addition to their work every December for Toys for Tots, the Ma-
rine Corps. League also run the county’s MASH unit. The
MASH Unit regularly receives donations of handicap assistance
equipment for disabled veterans, and is available for free to mili-
tary veterans of all branches and their families. The Squadron
has now donated over $17,000 to Rockland County-based veter-
ans support organizations since 2017.
On Saturday May 4th Kings County Sons along with Legion
and Auxiliary members did a walk from the McFadden
Bros. Post 1380 to the Michael A. Rawley Jr. Post 1636 where
afterward a BBQ was held for all who attended.
Over $5000.00 was raised for the cause!
The youngest member of Captain Maxson Squadron 634,
Cambridge, NY, 8 Month old Abe Rich getting ready to
attend his 1st
Fabulous 4th
Alex Rich.
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
District meeting with his dad
