OXFORD – The American Legion’s top state level officials traveled to Chenango County last week to tour the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford as part of their annual visitation to Chenango County.
New York State’s American Legion Department Commander Edward Bertrand, American Legion Auxiliary Department President Susan Britton and Sons of the American Legion Department Commander Gary Denmon of the S.A.L. Detachment of New York were among the 30 representatives from the veterans organization in attendance.
They were welcomed with open arms at the NYS Vets’ Home, where they received a tour of the existing facility, learned about the new building currently under construction and enjoyed a luncheon in their honor.
NYS Veterans’ Home Administrator Sally Venugopalan said she looks forward to the visit each year.
“The American Legion family have been outstanding,” said Venugopalan. “They have been generous with their time, generous with their money and generous with volunteering for programs.”
Because of construction setbacks, members of the contingent were not able to tour the future state-of-the-art facility. They did, however, get to view plans of the project and hear about the building’s features from Venugopalan. The facility, which was designed with the input of both residents and staff, will house each of the Vets’ Home’s 242 residents in private rooms when it is completed.
Britton, in particular, had been looking forward to a tour of the new facility. The Auxiliary’s previous department president, Carol Johnson, had raised money for a Freedom Room which will benefit dementia patients, explained Britton.
According to Volunteer Guild President Frank Konopka, donations made by the American Legion, Auxiliary and S.A.L. have funded a number of programs and purchases for the residents of the Vets Home. They continue to raise money for a variety of projects including the purchase of lifts and chairs for the new building.
“Each commander has a project,” said Sixth district S.A.L. Detachment Commander John Knapp. He presented Konopka with a check for $875 after the luncheon; money he had raised for the purchase of a new P.A. system at the residential facility.
The officials travel to all of New York’s 62 counties and visit each of the state’s five veterans homes as part of the annual visitation. “The purpose is to show dignitaries what is being done for veterans and their families,” said Konopka, who is also an American Legion member.
The visitation is also for the benefit of local members, said the volunteer. “It is an opportunity for the ‘bluecaps’ to see what legionnaires are doing at the state and national levels,” explained Konopka, referencing the different colors of caps worn by members of local posts.
The days events were planned by Chenango County’s American Legion Commander Hank Burnor and Bruce Whitney, who serves as both the District’s Vice-Commander and County Treasurer.
“We’ve been treated royally,” said Britton.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to see New York and help the veterans,” said Terry Bertrand, wife of the Department Commander. She was among several spouses that participated in the tour.
Among the visiting dignitaries was Paul Mitras, a member of the American Legion’s National Executive Committee. “I enjoyed my visit with the residents,” said Mitras.
Following the luncheon, the American Legion dignitaries left the NYS Vets’ Home in a motorcade escorted by the American Legion Riders from the Warren Eaton Post #189 in Norwich. The next stop on their route was the Chenango County Historical Museum, where they received a tour.
The day’s agenda concluded with a testimonial dinner at the Warren Eaton Post.