American Legion dignitaries visit Oxford Vets’ Home
OXFORD – The American Legion’s top state-level officials traveled to Chenango County last Thursday as part of an annual visitation to each of New York’s 62 counties.
New York State’s American Legion Department Commander V. James Troiola, American Legion Department Auxiliary President Nancy Kurk, Sons of the American Legion Detachment Commander John B. Rogers and National Executive Committeeman Richard Keiser were among the roughly 40 member delegation of state, district, county and local post representatives.
The group’s first stop was the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford, where they had the chance to tour the new 220,000 square foot state-of-the art facility.
It wasn’t the facility, however, which attracted the most accolades. This honor was reserved for the veterans in residence, to whom the legionnaires paid tribute during their tour. Members of the volunteer organization thanked each of the residents they encountered for their years of service, often pausing to hand them a pin and listen to their stories.
There were emotional moments, such as when former Johnson City Mayor Frank Sweet shared his memories of Pearl Harbor.
“I’ll never forget,” the Air Force veteran said, recalling the sight of Japanese planes flying over on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941.
As members of the delegation thanked Sweet for his service, the veteran had his own praise for the legionnaires.
“At least someone cares,” he said.
59-year old Viet Nam Army Veteran Kevin McKenna also spoke with members of the delegation.
“I’d still do everything all over again,” he said, about his service to his country.
McKenna is the third member of his family to call the Oxford facility home. Both of his parents were at one time residents of the old Vets’ Home, which has been slated for demolition.
“It’s like a fantasy world,” he said, of the new building. “It’s beautiful.”
Many of the veterans they spoke with were also members of the American Legion, such as World War II Veteran Charles Downin. During his 40 years as an active member of the Sidney post, Downin was instrumental in establishing a van service to transport disabled veterans back and forth to Albany. The service still runs five days a week, he said, and transports approximately 650 passengers a year.
Following the tour, the delegation enjoyed a luncheon prepared in their honor and shared their thoughts about the tour.
“I am truly inspired by what we saw today,” said Troiola, praising the residents, the facility and the Vets’ Home’s dedicated staff.
Vets’ Home Administrator Sally Venugopalan also had words of thanks, as she expressed her gratitude to the veterans organization for the support its members give to residents of the facility.
The day-long event concluded with a dinner at the Lt. Warren E. Eaton American Legion Post 189 in Norwich.
New York State’s American Legion Department Commander V. James Troiola, American Legion Department Auxiliary President Nancy Kurk, Sons of the American Legion Detachment Commander John B. Rogers and National Executive Committeeman Richard Keiser were among the roughly 40 member delegation of state, district, county and local post representatives.
The group’s first stop was the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford, where they had the chance to tour the new 220,000 square foot state-of-the art facility.
It wasn’t the facility, however, which attracted the most accolades. This honor was reserved for the veterans in residence, to whom the legionnaires paid tribute during their tour. Members of the volunteer organization thanked each of the residents they encountered for their years of service, often pausing to hand them a pin and listen to their stories.
There were emotional moments, such as when former Johnson City Mayor Frank Sweet shared his memories of Pearl Harbor.
“I’ll never forget,” the Air Force veteran said, recalling the sight of Japanese planes flying over on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941.
As members of the delegation thanked Sweet for his service, the veteran had his own praise for the legionnaires.
“At least someone cares,” he said.
59-year old Viet Nam Army Veteran Kevin McKenna also spoke with members of the delegation.
“I’d still do everything all over again,” he said, about his service to his country.
McKenna is the third member of his family to call the Oxford facility home. Both of his parents were at one time residents of the old Vets’ Home, which has been slated for demolition.
“It’s like a fantasy world,” he said, of the new building. “It’s beautiful.”
Many of the veterans they spoke with were also members of the American Legion, such as World War II Veteran Charles Downin. During his 40 years as an active member of the Sidney post, Downin was instrumental in establishing a van service to transport disabled veterans back and forth to Albany. The service still runs five days a week, he said, and transports approximately 650 passengers a year.
Following the tour, the delegation enjoyed a luncheon prepared in their honor and shared their thoughts about the tour.
“I am truly inspired by what we saw today,” said Troiola, praising the residents, the facility and the Vets’ Home’s dedicated staff.
Vets’ Home Administrator Sally Venugopalan also had words of thanks, as she expressed her gratitude to the veterans organization for the support its members give to residents of the facility.
The day-long event concluded with a dinner at the Lt. Warren E. Eaton American Legion Post 189 in Norwich.
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