American Legion

Press release:

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit #576 of Le Roy has selected five local High School Juniors girls to attend this year's New York Girls State the week of July 3rd at SUNY Brockport.

Madison Spink, Maureen Klaiber, and Allie Ingles of Le Roy High School have been selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) New York Girls State. Selected as alternates are Carol Graves and Isabelle Blankenship of Pavilion High School.   As part of the premier ALA program, the girls will study local, county, and state government processes during this five-day nonpartisan political learning experience.

The Girls were selected to attend Girls State based on selection criteria through the Auxiliary unit and/or high school, which includes being in the top 1/3 of her class, along with consideration given to scholastic achievements, leadership, character, honesty and physical fitness. 

Representing Genesee County
Maureen Klaiber, a Junior at Le Roy High School, is the daughter of Kurt and Kate Klaiber.  She is involved in the National Honor Society, school musicals, Marching Band,  DECA, Mock Trial, Math team, and the tennis team. She has also received honors in multiple honor bands for her skills as a vocalist, percussionist, and pianist, along with recognition from the Stars of Tomorrow theater program.

Representing LeRoy Unit #576
Allie Ingles a Junior at Le Roy High School, is the daughter of  Tom and Shannon Ingles.  She participates in National Honor Society, Math team, Secretary of Student Council, Mock Trial, Metagenomics, plays and earned many honors as part of the LeRoy High School Varsity Volleyball Team and plays Varsity Tennis.  Allies is also an active member of the Jr American Legion Auxiliary for Unit #576, as well be active in the community volunteering on several service projects.

Madison Spink a Junior at Le Roy High School is the daughter of Derek and Sarah Spink.  She participates in National Honor Society, Knowledgeable Knights, Emerging Knights, Math team, Mock Trial and plays on the Le Roy High School Varsity Softball team. Outside of school is active with the Batavia Youth Bureau, Rotary Inner Act, and Our Lady of Mercy Church.

ALA Girls State attendees, known as “citizens,” receive special instruction in parliamentary procedure and organize themselves into two mock political parties. The young women then campaign, hold rallies, debate, and ultimately vote to elect city, county, and state officials. Once elected to office, delegates are sworn in and perform their prescribed duties. Attendees not elected to office are given appointments and visit the offices of those elected to share their viewpoints as citizens.

Every spring, approximately 25,000 young women across the country are selected to attend ALA Girls State programs in their respective states. Two outstanding citizens from each of the 50 ALA Girls State programs are then chosen to represent their state as “senators” at ALA Girls Nation held in Washington, D.C. in July.

Congratulations Girls.

Botts-Fiorito Post #576, American Legion, LeRoy, would like to announce with great pride and pleasure, Ed Henry as its selection for the 2021 “LeRoyan of the Year Award.” The award recognizes people who demonstrate the following qualifications and attributes:

• The man, woman, or child who exemplifies the true spirit of Americanism, its ideals, love of the flag, and country, regardless of race, creed, or color.
• Good citizenship – by carrying out these principles, often beyond that expected of him or her.
• Service to the community – signified by excellence in the life of purpose and accomplishment.

Ed, a longtime resident of LeRoy, currently lives in Williamsville, NY with his wife, Karen. He’s a member of the LeRoy High School Class of 1976 and earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education at nearby SUNY Brockport in 1980 and 1983, respectively.  Ed is now retired after 38 years at Eastman Kodak.

Ed started his long list of volunteering for the LeRoy Jr.-Sr. High School by doing Stats for the Varsity Football team, and started the Leroyfootball.com website.  Currently you can often see Ed at many sporting events of LeRoy Jr-Sr. High School photographing, from football, basketball, wrestling, softball, baseball, track, and cheerleading.  You can then find all those pictures on the “Le Roy Oatkan Knights Football” Facebook page (with some 850 members), the “Le Roy Oatkan Knights Basketball” Facebook page, and the “LeRoy N.Y. Then and Now” Facebook page (with some 6000 members), which he started and maintains.  Ed is also active with the LeRoy Sports Hall of Fame where he actively manages it website. 

Ed opened his a garage to athletes for off-season weight training, offering supervised lifting sessions 4 days a week.  He helped the athletes learn to stay on task, help one another, mature and give back to the LeRoy community. In seeing a need in the new weight room at school donated dumbbells, kettlebells, and standalone and safe modular equipment to the LeRoy Jr. Sr. High School to improve its weight room. 

Ed’s digital footprint is seen by thousands every time he posts positive stories, images, and videos of the high school students and community.

If you are wondering what Ed does in his spare time, he is very active working at the Machpelah Cemetery in LeRoy. He can be found March through November, cleaning the 25 acres of the cemetery, this involves leaf blowing, raking, pitchforking, weed-whacking, branch removal, and the subsequent dumping of this tremendous amount of debris. He has utilized family, friends, and high school athletes to help in these cleaning projects, teaching youngsters to show respect for the lost lives and to freely give back to the community. 

Ed is also a valued helper and supporter of the LeRoy Historical Society, busily scanning and shooting photos from the Society’s archives (LeRoy Gazette and LeRoy in 1940 collection) to create retro features to share with LeRoyans around the globe.

To honor Ed, the 52nd annual LeRoyan of the Year Award Dinner will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021. Social hour is at 6:00 PM with dinner served at 6:45 PM, at the American Legion at 53 West Main St, LeRoy.

A limited number of tickets will be available starting on Oct 1, 2021, at the American Legion after 4:00 PM, at Mickel’s Nickels at 80 Lake Street, LeRoy, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Mon - Sat. or by calling Joan 585-721-7801. The cost is $25.00 per ticket (check or cash only).
 

Press release:

The Le Roy American Legion, Botts-Fiorito Post 576 is seeking nominees for selection as the 2021 “LeRoyan of the Year Award”.  This year will mark the 52nd year in which the Award has been presented.

The award is sponsored as part of the four pillars of the American Legion”Americanism” program and recognizes people who demonstrate the following qualities:

• A man or woman who exemplifies the true spirit of Americanism, its ideals, love of flag and country, regardless of race, color or creed;
• Good citizenship by carrying out these principles, often beyond what is expected;
• Service to the community, signified by excellence in a life of purpose and accomplishments.

The deadline for submission of nominations is Saturday, September 11th, 2021

Award Banquet will be held Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.

Submitted photo and press release:

The New York State American Legion Boys State program will be held June 27^th to July 2nd at Morrisville State College, Morrisville.

The American Legion Boys State is a unique summertime educational program for boys entering their senior year of high school.

The program focuses on participation and personal experience in a model state, complete with governmental bodies and elected public officials. It is designed to mirror the structure and operation of state government while providing training in practical citizenship, leadership and character through a non-partisan lens. 

The American Legion Boys State program consists of classroom work, lectures and hands-on activities that promote learning by doing. Each participant is known as a “citizen” and becomes an integral part of the process assuming specific responsibilities as an elected or appointed official.

The American Legion Posts, local businesses, or other civic organizations pay the delegates' enrollment fees. 

The Genesee County American Legion Committee is proud to be sponsoring the following 2019 Boys State delegates:

• Zachary Anderson -- Batavia High School
• Zeshan Armstrong -- Batavia High School
• Aiden Cornelius -- Oakfield-Alabama High School
• Grantham Gilligan -- Le Roy High School
• Zachary Hannon -- Byron Bergen High School
• Jake Hill -- Le Roy High School
• Ryan Manges -- Oakfield-Alabama High School
• Alexander Pratz -- Oakfield-Alabama High School
• Dylan Rykert -- Oakfield-Alabama High School
• Gavin Schmidt -- Batavia High School
• Cameron Smith -- Le Roy High School
• Keith Szczepanski -- Notre Dame High School
• Charles Urbanczyk -- Pavilion High School

About The American Legion 

The American Legion is the largest wartime veterans service organization with nearly 2 million members in 12,875 posts in communities across America. Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.

Glenn S. Loomis Post 332, Batavia American Legion, celebrated its 100th Anniversary on Saturday in Centennial Park.

On Saturday, Botts-Fiorito American Legion Post #576, hosted the American Warrior Festival, organized by Dan Clor, leader of the rock band Weapon-X. The party included a cornhole tournament, open bowling, and later in the night, live rock-'n'-roll.

Press release:

As a result of Gov. Cuomo and the State Senate failing to include the New York State American Legion Boys State program in their individual budget proposals, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has taken action.

Hawley, along with more than 40 other lawmakers, have signed onto a letter calling for the program’s full restoration that will be sent to legislative leaders and the governor ahead of the April 1 budget deadline.

The Boys State program melds aspiring high school seniors with American Legion counselors and active duty Marines during a weeklong training seminar at SUNY Morrisville.

The students engage in physical fitness, teamwork building and leadership training exercises while also learning the intricacies of state government.

“This is a unique program that brings together active service members, veterans and high school students eager to become future leaders and active in civic affairs,” Hawley said, “including $150,000 in a budget that is expected to total over $175 billion is a small investment we can make to help the future leaders of New York grow and excel.

"Students from every region of the state attend this program and I urge the governor and legislative leaders to restore this funding and keep the Boys State program vibrant and active.”

Botts-Fiorito Post #576, American Legion, Le Roy, would like to announce with great pride and pleasure Robert Boyce as its selection for the 2018 “LeRoyan of the Year Award.”

Robert, or “Bob” as he is known to most, was born in Hamburg and graduated from Hamburg High School. Upon completion of high school, he joined the Army and served in Korea, after which he was honorably discharged. He then continued his education at The University of Buffalo.

Bob came to Le Roy with his family in 1968 to join the Ernest Townsend & Son Insurance Agency, now known as Tompkins Insurance Agencies. He and his wife, Beth, have three children, daughters Ann (Alan) Nordyke, and Tracey (Jim) Carter, and son David Boyce. They also have six grandchildren.

Bob immediately became active in the community by first joining the Le Roy Jaycees. Today, he continues service with the Le Roy Rotary Club, where he has been active for 45 years and served as president in 1975. The R.E.A. Milne Scholarship arm of the Rotary is of special interest to him.

He was president of the Genesee Community College Foundation for three years, was appointed a trustee of GCC by the Genesee County Legislature in 2014, and presently serves as vice-chairman on the Le Roy Republican Committee. Bob is also one of two trustees of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church.

Bob has also been a member of the board of the Le Roy Ambulance Service for 27 years and has been president for the past 13 years. One of his goals for the ambulance service is to make sure it continues to be a viable service in our community with quality pre-hospital care.

To honor Bob, the 50th annual LeRoyan of the Year Award Dinner will be held on Oct. 6. Social hour is at 6 p.m. with dinner served at 6:45 p.m., at the American Legion at 53 W. Main St., Le Roy.  Tickets are available at the American Legion or at Mickel’s Nickels at 80 Lake St. Le Roy. Cost is $25 per ticket.

Press release:

This year's delegates to Boys State from Genesee County school gathered in Le Roy on Thursday for a meet-and-greet at the Botts Fiorito American Legion Post #576.

This year's delegates are: Adam Drake, Byron-Bergen; Jared Fregoe, Byron Bergen; Matthew Grover, Batavia; Zakariah Jantzi, Batavia; Erik Maier, Oakfield-Alabama; Roan Mallaber, Le Roy; Maxin McKenzie, Le Roy; Kyle Mott, Oakfield Alabama; David Pillo, Batavia; Reece Tresco, Le Roy; and  Hagan Triftshauser, Notre Dame. 

Boys State is a program of the American Legion nationally and was founded in 1935 to help educate young men on free, democratic government.

Members of Le Roy the American Legion Botts-Fiorito Post honored Vietnam War veterans at their Legion Hall on National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

More than 60 people attended the service, according to Adjunct Jerry Diskin.

Diskin noted the day honors veterans who generations ago were not necessarily given the respect they deserved upon their return from the war in which more than 500,000 U.S. military personnel served and where 58,200 U.S. servicemen and women lost their lives. U.S. involvement in Vietnam spanned five presidential administrations, from Eisenhower to Ford.

The last combat troops left Vietnam on March 29, 1973.

President Barack Obama proclaimed March 29 Vietnam Veterans Day in 2012. President Donald Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 last year marking March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. 

Photos by Joan Fernaays.

Press release:

The Botts Fiorito American Legion Auxiliary 576 announces that the 2017 Poppy Girl is Ellison Williams, who is a third-grader at Wolcott Street School in Le Roy. She is the daughter of Dave and Mindy Williams, Granddaughter of Dave and Bee Hyde and Jim and Peggy Williams.

She comes to the Auxiliary from a long line of American Legion Members her Great Grandparents were  Hank and Mary Zimmerman. Ellison participates in dance and also enjoys drawing, playing basketball, volleyball and swimming.  

Ellison will be at Tops Market on Saturday with Poppies please stop by to meet her. Also, Poppies will be available at Tops Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 10 a.m.

Press release:

Empire Girls State is an educational Americanism program developed to offer a better perspective of the practical government operations and to emphasize the integral part that individuals have within a democratic government.

This program, which has been accredited by the New York State Board of Regents, is a nonpartisan attempt to teach the love of “God and Country” to America’s youth.
 
This year the program will be held at SUNY Brockport, qualified high school juniors are selected to participate in a weeklong, educational experience with hands-on workshops on government and the political process, designed to create a government from the county to the state level.
 
These service-oriented high school juniors are both scholar athletes that rank prestigiously at the top of their class. Sponsored by the local Auxiliary Unit #576 of Le Roy are Camryn Arthur, of 8631 North Street Road, Le Roy. Daughter of Robert and Justine Lathan-Arthur, her two older sisters are Casey and Kylynn. Camryn is currently Junior Class President at Le Roy Central and plays both varsity soccer as well as varsity tennis.
 
Attending Pavilion Central High School is Kimberly Davis (alternate), of 11050 River Road Pavilion. Kimberly is the daughter of Dale and Susan Davis and has one older brother, Christopher, and a younger sister, Anna. Kimberly is currently Junior Class Treasurer and plays for her school's soccer, basketball and track varsity teams.
 
This Empire Girls State program creates a mythical 51st state allowing students to learn the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society. These young women work tirelessly throughout the week as their participation allows them a greater understanding of their role within a democracy.
 
With the expertise of the department of Americanism chairman, 360 high school juniors from across the state will also learn proper flag etiquette during their week at Girls State. Students will participate in the creation and execution of either a flag lowering or raising ceremony. The citizens will also receive information on some of the programs that are important components of the organization.

Photos and info submitted by Jerry Diskin.

The American Legion post in Le Roy, Botts-Fiorito Post #576, conducted a flag disposal ceremony Sunday afternoon, burning flags that had been dropped off with the Legion and deemed no longer serviceable.

The ceremony was held at the Northwoods Sportsman Club on Gulf Road with the assistance of the Le Roy Volunteer Fire Department. 

There were approximately 335 flags disposed of in the ceremony, including the giant flag that was replaced on the Orcon Industries building on Lake Road.

The ceremony was conducted by Post Commander Don Schafer. 

The ceremony is based on Public Law 344, passed by the 94th Congress in 1978:

"When the flag is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should not be cast aside or used in any way that might be viewed as disrespectful to the national colors, but should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning or by some other method in harmony with the reverence and respect we owe to the emblem representing our country.”

Above, the 11 students representing Genesee County in Boys State pose at the Botts Fiorito American Legion post in Le Roy during Wednesday evening's meet and greet. They will be heading to Morrisville for a weeklong educational experience starting June 26th. 

American Legion Boys State is an educational program for students to learn and experience government legislation. Each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government.

Boys State has been a program of The American Legion since 1935. 

At American Legion Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical with city, county and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs.

High school juniors are selected by local American Legion Posts to attend the program. Expenses associated with attending this program are paid by the sponsoring American Legion Post.

The high school students representing Genesee County are:

From Sackett-Merrill-White Post #575 -- Brandon Burke, Russel Cunningham, Ryan Richardson, Colin Noeth

From Hiram G. Luhman Post #626 -- Campbell Andersen, Christopher Lemley, Jacob Walton, Caleb Walcott

Botts Fiorito Post #576 -- Joshua Laurie, David Privatera, Jacob Steffenilla

For more information on the Boys State, contact Dennis McCumiskey at the American Legion Post in Le Roy at 585-768-8597.

There is also a Girls State. For more information, click here.

American Legion National Commander Dale Barnett visited Batavia Friday and spoke with veterans at the VA Center.

His Fall Meetings in communities nationwide are aimed at publicizing three things, primarily: the Walk with Veterans campaign to raise awareness about veterans; the VA healthcare system and its value; and role the Amercian Legion plays in fighting for veterans' rights regarding education, jobs, and mental health/reintegration services.

He told the local group that he believes the Veterans Administration is a system worth saving, that it provides greatly needed services for veterans and their families.

Barnett mentioned the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act, which the legion successfully lobbied in favor of, state licensing credits, the expanded GI Bill of Rights and new educational opportunties, including the ability to transfer educational benefits to spouse or children.

"We're fighting for benefits that affect them," he said. "We fight for veterans and their families."

Asked about efforts to shore up declining membership, especially among younger vets, Barnett said education and awareness are key. They can't help fix problem if they aren't aware of them.

Since active duty military personnel and National Guards reservists can't lobby legislators about proposed defense cuts, Barnett said, so it's imperative that newly retired and non-active personnel fill that gap, both for the sake of U.S. safety and preparedness, and the benefits and services at stake.

Asked about the alarming rate of suicides among young veterans, he noted that every day 22 veterans take their life. Barnett said the VA is branching out in its efforts to help self-healing, "with less reliance on narcotics, over-medication that may have occurred in hospitals nationwide."

Plus, they've help develop creative programs to help war-weary vets meld back into society and overcome bad experiences, citing a program that pairs vets with horses in Saratoga and another equine program in Montana. There's also the "Dogs for Heroes" program.

And no one is better suited to understanding the wounds of war better than other veterans, Barnett said.

Photo and information provided by our news partner, WBTA.