State Legion officials visit Oxford
OXFORD – Every year, New York State American Legion officials visit Oxford and the New York State Veterans’ Home.
Twenty-five local legion commanders, along with county and department leaders, were hosted by the veterans’ home for a guided tour of the facility Friday.
The tour also included a brief history of the home given by the Oxford Historical Society.
Department of New York American Legion Commander William Burnett was the guest of honor, accompanied by Auxiliary President Carol Johnson and Department Commander of the Sons of the Legion, Gerald Ketchum. The three respectively represent all members of the American Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion in New York State.
The group inspected the facility and met with residents to hear their requests, complaints and compliments.
“We visit each of the 62 counties in New York each year; one goal of the program is to expand new membership. Only through numbers do we get representatives, national or state to listen to us,” said Burnett.
Burnett is a four year veteran of the United States Air Force and fought in the Vietnam conflict.
“If we can just get people to listen long enough to find out what we represent, and get the veterans coming home to be a part, we’d have no problem in getting more membership. We have total faith that our programs help all veterans,” said Ketchum, whose father fought in World War II.
One current problem the Legion is trying to advocate is awareness of veterans who return home with disabilities.
“We get the details on their needs and coordinate with the community and other groups to help provide the best environment we can for a returning veteran with a disability. Usually once we get the ball rolling, so to speak, people pick it up – but we need the families of these soldiers to come and let us know who they are,” said Burnett.
Past Chenango County Commander Patricia Marso of Oxford brought up the issue of demolishing the old veterans’ home in light of the new $65 million dollar facility being built. She said it would be a waste to not utilize the 30-year-old buildings, suggesting that a transitional housing arrangement for the elderly might be established.
Last year at their national convention in Las Vegas, the American Legion and its affiliates set a goal of raising $50,000 for helping troops get the medical treatment they needed after scandals over military hospitals came to light, said Burnett. Instead of raising $50,000, they raised over $258,000 nationwide.
After their visit to the home, the group attended a dinner sponsored by the Fort Hill Post 376 in Oxford. Guest enjoyed cocktails and a steak dinner.
Twenty-five local legion commanders, along with county and department leaders, were hosted by the veterans’ home for a guided tour of the facility Friday.
The tour also included a brief history of the home given by the Oxford Historical Society.
Department of New York American Legion Commander William Burnett was the guest of honor, accompanied by Auxiliary President Carol Johnson and Department Commander of the Sons of the Legion, Gerald Ketchum. The three respectively represent all members of the American Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion in New York State.
The group inspected the facility and met with residents to hear their requests, complaints and compliments.
“We visit each of the 62 counties in New York each year; one goal of the program is to expand new membership. Only through numbers do we get representatives, national or state to listen to us,” said Burnett.
Burnett is a four year veteran of the United States Air Force and fought in the Vietnam conflict.
“If we can just get people to listen long enough to find out what we represent, and get the veterans coming home to be a part, we’d have no problem in getting more membership. We have total faith that our programs help all veterans,” said Ketchum, whose father fought in World War II.
One current problem the Legion is trying to advocate is awareness of veterans who return home with disabilities.
“We get the details on their needs and coordinate with the community and other groups to help provide the best environment we can for a returning veteran with a disability. Usually once we get the ball rolling, so to speak, people pick it up – but we need the families of these soldiers to come and let us know who they are,” said Burnett.
Past Chenango County Commander Patricia Marso of Oxford brought up the issue of demolishing the old veterans’ home in light of the new $65 million dollar facility being built. She said it would be a waste to not utilize the 30-year-old buildings, suggesting that a transitional housing arrangement for the elderly might be established.
Last year at their national convention in Las Vegas, the American Legion and its affiliates set a goal of raising $50,000 for helping troops get the medical treatment they needed after scandals over military hospitals came to light, said Burnett. Instead of raising $50,000, they raised over $258,000 nationwide.
After their visit to the home, the group attended a dinner sponsored by the Fort Hill Post 376 in Oxford. Guest enjoyed cocktails and a steak dinner.
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