veterans

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today chided members of the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee for blocking a package of bills that would have provided financial relief for veterans’ groups and their families at recreational facilities.

Hawley, who has served on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee for many years, is also a veteran and hosts an annual trip to Washington, D.C., each September for local veterans and their families – the Patriot Trip.

Hawley served as acting Ranking Republican Member of Tuesday’s committee meeting and insisted that each bill be considered on its own merits so that a vote could be taken on each instead of choosing to "Hold for Consideration" – a legislative action which essentially kills the legislation.

Three of the bills had bipartisan support, yet all were blocked by a vote of 10-8.

The bills blocked by the Assembly Majority include:

• A.858 – directs the state to waive pavilion rental fees in state parks for recognized veterans’ organizations. 
   
• A.3307 – directs the state to waive fees for the use of cabins and cottages for up to 14 days per year for veterans who are blind, non‑ambulatory, an amputee or for any veteran who has been awarded, or is eligible for, an allowance by the federal government toward the purchase of an automobile.
   
• A.4904 – provides that any veteran who holds a federal Golden Access Passport or federal Access Pass issued upon a determination of permanent disability may use state campsites, parks and other public places of recreation free of charge.
   
• A.4993 – permits family members of service members who died on active duty during wartime to utilize all state parks free of charge.

“It continues to baffle me that members of the Downstate majority refuse to repay our brave veterans for their service to our state and nation,” Hawley said. “The costs associated with these measures are miniscule compared to the costs and sacrifices many veterans paid while protecting our freedom – and yet they were all blocked.

"As we witnessed when downstate lawmakers blocked my Gold Star families bill earlier this year, the majority has no issue rewarding illegal individuals with driver’s licenses or prison inmates with pay raises but turn their backs when it comes to our veterans – disgraceful.”

Press release:

The Tops Friendly Market at 390 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia will be among 33 of the full-service grocery stores participating in the Stars for Our Troops initiative June 9-22.

The program welcomes the community to donate their worn and tattered American Flags at select Tops Markets locations for proper retirement. Collection bins will be placed in the Batavia store's vestibule for American flag retirement.

In collaboration with partner veterans organizations, including Honor Flight and local VFWs, embroidered stars will be preserved and presented to local veterans who have defended our flag.

“The respect and gratitude we have for the people who serve and have served in the military is immeasurable, and for that we are forever grateful,” said Kathy Sautter, public and media relations manager for Tops.

"With Flag Day approaching on June 14 and the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, Tops wanted to offer the community this service to not only properly retire their flags, but also know they are in some small way extending their thanks and respect to a veteran through Stars for Our Troops.

“Many people don’t know how or where to retire their aged flags and end up just tucking them away in a garage or attic. This program allows us to not only assist the community with proper retirement, but also gives back to our Veterans in a unique and meaningful way."

When stars are removed and presented to a veteran at local VA hospitals, nursing homes, and placed in Honor Flight care packages the following message is tucked along with each star:

"I am part of our American flag that has flown over the USA. I can no longer fly. The sun and winds caused me to become tattered and torn. Please carry me as a reminder that You are not forgotten.”

Red Osier Landmark Restaurant is the biggest sponsor of the American Warrior Festival series of concerts and so Dan Clor has held an annual party at Red Osier to thank Steve Foster and Tim Adams for their support.

This year, the party was a BBQ using the new smoker acquired by Red Osier.

The appreciation is mutual. The dinner was Friday evening.

Submitted photo and press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley's office:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that his annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., will take place Sept. 19 – 22.

This will mark the 12^th year Hawley has hosted the trip which allows local veterans and their family members to visit a host of famous military memorials in the Washington, D.C., area. The group will be staying in the Bethesda (Md.) Marriott Hotel.

Hawley, serving on the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee since 2006, was influential in expanding college benefits for the spouses and dependents of deceased and disabled veterans earlier this year. 

Please note that only veterans who have never been on the trip before may sign up now. After Aug. 1, veterans who have been on the trip before and those living outside of the 139^th Assembly District may apply. Each veteran can invite one guest.

The approximate cost of the trip is $400 per person and that includes meals, transportation and admission to the memorials. 

“The Patriot Trip is one of my favorite events throughout the year,” Hawley said. “This trip was inspired by Mike Paduchak, a World War II veteran, who asked me to come together with local veterans and host a trip to Washington, D.C.

"Through the experiences of my father, veterans I have met during previous year’s trips, and my own service in the military, I have gained a tremendous understanding and admiration for the sacrifices endured by our veterans. It is for these reasons that I continue the Patriot Trip each year and have solidified it as one of the staples of my service to our community.”

If you or a veteran you know want more information about this year’s Patriot Trip XII, please call 585-589-5780 or email carneyj@nyassembly.gov. To view photos from previous years, use this following link.

Attractions Hawley plans to visit this year on the trip include:

White House (**Guests who want to visit the White House must sign up and have a deposit prior to June 30**)

Gettysburg

Capitol

Air Force Memorial

Pentagon/911 Memorial

World War II Memorial

Korean Memorial

Vietnam Memorial

Stephen F, Udvar Hazy Museum

Arlington National Cemetery

Wreath Laying Ceremony at Tomb of the Unknowns

Memorial Day ceremonies in Batavia.

A statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

"Today, I join millions of Americans who honor the sacrifice paid by fallen soldiers and their families. Generation after generation, beginning with the American Revolution, soldiers have stood ready to defend their country, freedoms and civil liberties with their lives.

"As a result of that sacrifice, our nation has been free, prosperous and the envy of the world throughout its history.

“Americans owe a special debt of gratitude to our fallen soldiers and gold star families. I am especially grateful that my colleagues in the state Assembly finally joined an effort I have long championed to grant the dependants of fallen soldiers free college tuition.

"I am also proud to continue the tradition of Patriot trips to Washington, D.C., the annual trip I take with veterans and their families to visit the Capitol of our country, which they fought so hard to protect. 

“As the son of a World War II veteran and a veteran of the military myself, standing up for veterans is a duty I will never overlook. That is why I cherish my position on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee in the Assembly.

"In the coming weeks, I look forward to continuing my fight for legislation to exempt honorably discharged veterans from Thruway tolls, veterans over 85 years old from paying state income tax, and extending state benefits to promote veteran-owned businesses.

“Nevertheless, on this Memorial Day I want to extend a special salute to our fallen soldiers and all of our nation’s Gold Star families. As a nation, we must never forget their extraordinary service and patriotism.”

Submitted photo and press release:

State Senator Mike Ranzenhofer welcomed Thomas E. Feeley, corporal in the Marine Corps and Le Roy resident, to Albany to be inducted into the Veterans’ Hall of Fame it was announced today.

“Tom has dedicated his life to serving our country, through his military career, career in law enforcement and his service with the Le Roy Fire Department," Ranzenhofer said. "It is a privilege to be able to induct him into the Veterans’ Hall of Fame.”

Feeley was a corporal in the Marine Corps from 1990-1993, serving in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Afterward, he served as an elite Embassy Marine at the American Embassy Lusaka, Zambia, and the Consulate General Munich, Germany.

Following his military service, Corporal Feeley began his federal law enforcement career in 1996 in Miami. In 1998, he assisted in the opening of the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia.

After 9-11, he became a Federal Air Marshal in Atlanta, serving from 2002-2006. Corporal Feeley was a Course Developer/Instructor and Branch Chief at the Immigration and Customs Academy from 2006-2008, and was then promoted to Assistant Field Office Director in Salt Lake City, Utah.

In 2017, Feeley joined the Senior Executive Service and became Buffalo Field Office director, covering 48 of the 62 counties in New York State.

“I am honored to be recognized by the Senator," Feeley said. "My entire career and civilian life have been dedicated to public service in one way or another.

"I don’t have a lot of spare time, but I do have some time and I think that’s important. Just giving back to my community is enough for me, to be recognized for it on such a grand scale with my family present was an amazing experience.”

Feeley is a recipient of the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (with two bronze service stars), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon (with one bronze service star), Marine Security Guard Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia and Kuwait).

He also received the Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security’s Meritorious Service Silver Medal in 2016. This award recognizes “exceptional individual leadership that is distinguished by achievements of marked significance” and is the second highest award given by the Secretary.

Feeley is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Le Roy Rotary, Association of Rochester Police and Area Law Enforcement Retirees and Genesee County Criminal Justice Advisory Council. He is also an active member of the Le Roy Fire Department.

An invitation from Bob Bialkowski, Batavia City councilman at large:

This is an invitation to all members of the community to participate in this year’s Batavia Memorial Day parade on Memorial Day Monday May 27^th.

The City of Batavia is sponsoring the parade and we are looking forward to another great turnout.

The parade will kick off at 9:45 a.m from the Eastown Plaza on East Main Street and end at the Alva Place parking lot downtown. People can then attend the Veterans Memorial Service at the Memorial site across the street at the Jerome Center.

Any veterans wishing to participate in the parade can just show up at 9:15. Veterans needing a ride in the parade please contact me.

Any groups wishing to participate please let us know as all are welcome. Please keep the theme of respect to all our veteran and first responders.

Let’s show our support to our veterans and first responders! Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy our annual parade.

Thank you,

Bob Bialkowski

585 409-3624

Le Roy Village Mayor Greg Rogers, Poppy Girl 2019 Celeste Vescovi, and Le Roy Town Supervisor Steve Barbeau.

Submitted photo and press release:

The Botts-Fiorito American Legion Post #576 has selected the 2019 Poppy Girl, who will be featured in the upcoming Memorial Day Parade in Le Roy on Monday, May 27.

Little Miss Celeste Vescovi will reign as this year's Poppy Girl. She is a kindergartener at Wolcott Street School in Le Roy.

Celeste is the daughter of Sara and John Vescovi and granddaughter of Barb and John Vescovi and Christa Coulon. Also she is the great-granddaughter of the late Don Vescovi (Clarky), past commander and adjutant of Botts-Fiorito Post 576.

Celeste enjoys dance, bowling and singing, especially karaoke; also reading is a favorite pastime.

You can meet Celeste in Le Roy on Memorial Day -- at the American Legion Post, and distributing traditional red crepe paper poppies at Tops Market (128 W. Main St.).

The symbolic flower is given out by the American Legion Auxiliary to raise money and to commemorate the sacrifice of so may men and women who have died fighting for their country. (To learn more about the American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Program, click here.)

Le Roy's Memorial Day Parade will be held on May 27th, starting at the American Legion (53 W. Main St.) at 10:30 a.m., and ceremonies will follow at 11 o'clock in Trigon Park.

For previous coverage on 2019 Memorial Day plans in Le Roy, click here.

Notice of Memorial Day events in Le Roy from the Botts-Fiorito American Legion Post #576:

Remembering the War Dead:

Memorial Day services will be conducted on Monday, May 27, at two community cemeteries, starting at Machpelah on North Street at 8 a.m., followed by St. Francis, located on the south side of Exchange Street.

The Post Chaplain will conduct the respective services, followed at each location with a volley by the Firing Squad in recognition of the deceased veterans.

Parade Schedule:

• Parade forms at 9:45 a.m. in the American Legion parking lot, 53 W. Main St.;
• Parade “steps off” at 10:30 a.m. SHARPLY, proceeds to Trigon Park.

Ceremonies at Trigon Park:

• Introduction and “Welcome” by the Post Commander, John Graney;
• Invocation reading by the Post Chaplain, Gary Bassett;
• Singing of the “National Anthem” by Mary Brady;
• Introduction of the 2019 “Poppy Girl” -- Celeste Vescovi;
• Memorial Day Guest Speaker: Town Supervisor Steve Barbeau;
• Dedication of Korean War Veterans Bench -- Lynne Belluscio and John Graney;
• Reading of names and placement of flags for veterans who have passed over the past year;
• Placement of wreath on the Monument -- Commander Graney, Auxiliary President Marlene McCumiskey;
• Musical selections by the Le Roy High School Band;
• Closing with the playing of “Taps” and volley by the Firing Squad;
• Benediction and closing by the Post Chaplain;
• Singing of “God Bless America” led by Mary Brady.

As per tradition, all are cordially invited to the American Legion Post Home, 53 W. Main St. for free hot dogs and a soft drink immediately following the ceremonies.

A memorial for Sgt. Duane Arthur Downey, who died March 18, was held at Elmwood Cemetery this afternoon.

Downey, a former Batavia resident, was active duty in the Army Airborne from 1968 to 1970 and in Vietnam for six months in 1970. He was awarded Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Air Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, M-16 Rifle Sharpshooter Badge.

He earned his Bachelors of Arts degree in Photography from Rochester School of Technology and worked for Kodak and most recently lived in Bethlehem, Ga. 

Press release:

Following statewide and national support for his legislation that would expand MERIT scholarships to protect spouses and dependents of military members who lose their lives in the line of duty and provide them free college tuition and room and board, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is continuing his push for the legislation to become law this year and has launched a national petition to garner support.

“Gold Star families have heard the herald of bipartisan support from state lawmakers in both parties, along with Gov. Cuomo and even President Trump, following the defeat of my bill in committee last week,” Hawley said. “I will continue leading the effort to see that our military receive the benefits they deserve as they carry the tremendous sacrifice of losing a loved one in the line of duty.

"I am confident we can get this legislation passed this year and hopeful that this is the beginning of an era where veterans’ issues transcend political divides and we all can play a part in honoring our brave service members and veterans.”

To sign the petition calling for Hawley’s Gold Star Families Bill to become law please use the link here.

State Democrats defeated Hawley’s proposal (A.2991) in the Assembly’s Higher Education Committee due to the perceived cost it would impose outside of usual March budget negotiations. Assembly Democrats passed a $27 million package giving free college aid to the children of illegal immigrants in late January of this year.

Press release:

New York City politicians on the Assembly’s Higher Education Committee have voted to block legislation, introduced by Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia), offering discounted college tuition, room and board for the dependents of New York military service members who have died in the line of duty. 

The measure, supported by both Democrats and Republicans, would apply to students attending SUNY or CUNY institutions.

“Downstate politicians have no shame in throwing tax dollars at illegal aliens for their college expenses, but when it comes to family members of our nation’s heroes they turn their backs and vote no,” Hawley said. “The priorities of the Assembly Majority become more confusing and hypocritical by the day and to turn their backs on our veterans is disgraceful.

“It’s truly a disservice to this state and, most importantly, our brave veterans that power brokers in Albany kill truly bipartisan legislation with noble causes,” Hawley continued. “Inmates get iPads, parolees get pardons and criminal illegals get lawyers, but the Assembly Majority cries broke when it comes to our valiant veterans – mindboggling.”

The Genesee Country Decorative Painters, founded in Batavia in 1983, painted dozens of totes with patriotic themes as a service project for 2018 and today presented the gifts to the State Veterans Home in Batavia as a gift to veterans at the home.

Each member painted three bags each.

Photo: Diane Fiorentino, Laurie Bellucci, and Maggie Cummings, activity director for the vets home.

Press release:

Join folks from the Genesee County Office for the Aging at 11 a.m. on Tuesday Nov. 27 to learn about volunteer opportunities at the Batavia VA Medical Center, located at 222 Richmond Ave. Information, a tour and light refreshments will be provided.

Enjoy a conversation during recreation activities, escort a patient within the facility, provide clerical support, drive veterans to medical appointments, and more.

Put your skills into purposeful action. Call Courtney Iburi, RSVP coordinator, at (585) 343-1611 with any questions or to RSVP. We will meet at the doors near the parking lot to the west.

Submitted photos and press release:

CVMA 19-6 Broken Arrow chapter donated $1000 in gift cards to the VA PTSD Residential Programs on Monday (Nov. 19) at the Batavia VA. The gift cards to Walmart, Tops and Target will be used to enhance programming for veterans while at the facility.

It gives us so much joy to able to give back with all the help from the folks that contribute to “Vets helping Vets," an organizer said.

Thanks again to all our supporters!

George Botts, Cecelia Cochran, Errol Crittenden, Leo Fiorito, Thomas Illes, Edward Kaine, Percy Luttrell, Patrick Molyneaux, Edgar Murrell, George Ripton, Alvin Smith and John Wilder.

Twelve Le Royans who went to war in the Great War, the War to End All Wars, and who didn't return home.

Today they were honored on the 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day. The day when a treaty calling for the end of hostilities in Europe on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour 1918 went into effect.

A new memorial to Le Roy's 12 who died as a result of the war was dedicated at Trigon Park with prayers, poems, a song, a reading the names of the 12 names, a 21-gun salute, and the playing of taps.