Your American Legion Family at Work!!
10th District Oratorical Contest Held January 21st
West Islip Post 1738 hosted the 10th District Oratorical Contest on Saturday January 21st. The winner was Caitlin Kennedy of Pius V High School in Melvile, representing Suffolk County. The second place winner was Juliet Liu of Syosset HS, representing Nassau. The annual Tenth District Oratorical Contest in New York is conducted under the auspices of the American Legion, Department of New York. It is comprised of two contestants who finished in the top two places in the respective counties of Nassau, Queens, and Suffolk. This competition is part of the national oratorical program sponsored by the American Legion. The top two contestants go on to compete against the top two contestants from Kings (Brooklyn) and Richmond (Staten Island) counties at the zone level. Caitlin Kennedy and Juliet Liu will represent the 10th District at the Zone 2 competition on February 4th at 10 a.m. at the Elmont Memorial Library. The New York State Contest will take place on March 3 at 10:00a.m., in Albany.The National Contest will be held April 13-15 at 10 a.m., in Indianapolis.
(L-R): Judges Carol Hassett, PhD, Howard Ryan, and John C. Cochrane, Jr. Councilman Town of Islip; Contestants: Sidhant Wadhera, Syosset H.S., Danielle Haley, West Babylon Senior H.S., Caitlin Kennedy, Pius V School, Melville, Kimberly Estil, Francis Lewis H.S., Queens, Nina Lukelo, Francis Lewis H.S. Queens, Juliet Liu, Syosset H.S.
(L-R Seated): Contestants: Sidhant Wadhera, Syosset H.S., Danielle Haley, West Babylon Senior H.S., Caitlin Kennedy, Pius V School, Melville, Kimberly Estil, Francis Lewis H.S., Queens, Nina Lukelo, Francis Lewis H.S. Queens, Juliet Liu, Syosset H.S. Queens.
(L-R) Standing): 10th District Adjutant Paul DeVaul, 10th District Vice Commander Harry Ransom, 10th District Oratorical Chairman John D. Digilio, Jr., Suffolk County Commander Tom Bergin, Past Commander West Islip Post Frank Larkin, Department Vice Commander Ray Jankowsi, Queens County Oratorical Chairman Philip Sica.
***************************************************************************************************
Suffolk County Oratorical Contest Held at Joseph Loeffler Post
Five Suffolk County HIgh School students competed for Oratorical Honors on January 14th at Joseph Loeffler Post 1006.
First place winner was Caitlin Kennedy of Pius V in Melville.
Second place was awarded to Danielle Haley of West Babylon High School.
Thanks go to our JudgesSalvatore Guadagnino, Roberta Palumbo and Diane Larkin
County Commander Thomas Bergin Congratulates 1st Place Winner Caitlin Kennedy of Pius V School in Melville
Contestants L-R: Warren Estrada, Robert Honor, Joanna Marrone, Caitlin Kennedy, Danielle Haley
L-R: SC Commander Tom Bergin, 10th D Chaplain Paul DeVaul, 2nd Place Winner Danielle Haley, 1st Division Vice Commander Joe Regina, Joseph Loeffler Post Commander Joe Sawtelle, Past County Commander Bob Brueggeman and Department Vice Commander Ray Jankowski .
********************************************************************************************************
Blue Star Mothers Offered Meeting Space
Representatives of the Blue Star Mothers of America Long Island Chapter #6 were our guests at the County meeting at the William Merritt Hallock Post in Ronkonkama on January 6th. They were introduced by Nassau County American Legion Commander Andrew Booth, who explained that they needed a meeting place in Suffolk County for six months this year. They have been meeting at the Long island Airpower Museum in East Farmingdale. Several Posts stepped up to offer their premises to the Blue Star Mothers. The Nassau County Organization will also be providing meeting space for the Mothers for six months each year.
Blue Star Mothers L-R: Lisa Ryan, Leslie DeMarco, and Cynthia Ventura (also a Gold Star Mother)
Blue Star Mothers with Suffolk County Commander Thomas Bergin (standing) and Nassau County Commander Andrew Booth.
Veterans Plaza In Copiague Gets New Sign
A ribbon cutting ceremony on December 9, 2011 marked the dedication of a new sign at Veterans Plaza. This was made possible through special Veteran funding from Legislator Wayne Horsley
Participants included Leg Horsley third form left, County Vice Commander Joe Regina (4th from right) County Americanism Chairman Bob Romano to Joe's left and Rick Iverson, 1st Division Sgt at Arms.
Department Commanders Dinner November 6
Babylon Post 94
Standing Left to Right: 10th DC Tom Stone, PCC Bob Smith, Teri DeVaul, 10th D Chaplain Paul DeVaul, NY Det. Cmdr Doc Gibbs,
Dept Vice Cmdr Ray Jankowski, PCC Bob Bruggemann, County Sgt at Arms Bill Farley and PDVC Art Lauffer.
Seated Left to Right: Dept Commander Mike Bowen, Commander' Aide Gabe Mui and Suffolk County Commander Tom Bergin.
Standing: Sons Detachment Commander Doc Greg Gibbs.
Seated L-R: Det. Sgt at Arms Greg Falco, Det Cmd Aide Roy Mezzapelle and Kristen Gibbs the Dept Cmdr's daughter.
Dept Cmdr Mike Bowen with members of Sgt. John Sardiello Auxiliary Unit 1634
L-R: Carolyne Opray, Kate Regina, Sue Regina, Cathy Iverson, Jeannette Smith and Maryann Romano
Department Commander Mike Bowen entertains the troops with his accordian
********************************************************************************************
Local Elected Officials Attending American Legion
Legislative Breakfast October 16
NYS Assembly:
Philip Boyle
Al Graf
Bob Sweeney
Islip Town Council Candidates:
Anthony Senft
John Cochrane
Steven Fletteson
Candidate for Supreme Court Judge:
Hon Joseph Santorelli
Aide to State Sen Carl Marcellino:
Angel Rivera
Congressman:
Tim Bishop
Aide to Congressman Bishop Jared Fischedick
Chairman Islip Republican Party:
Frank Tantone
Vice Chair Islip Republican Party:
John Schettino
Suffolk County Legislator:
Tom Cilmi
Candidates for Suffolk County Executive:
Angie Carpenter ( Suffolk County Treasurer )
Steve Bellone ( Member of Babylon Post 94 & Babylon Town Supervisor
**********************************************************************
Suffolk County Legislature Proclaims September 16
American Legion Day
Suffolk County Commander Tom Bergin addressing Suffolk County Legislature
L-R Leg. Wayne Horsley, 10th D Adjutant paul DeVaul, SCAL Cmdr Tom Bergin,
SC Vice Commander Joe Regina,SC Historian Bob Romano, Leg Steve Stern
****************************************************
Town of Babylon MIA POW Vigil
September 9-10, 2011
2nd and 10th District Membership Workshop
Williston Post 144 August 14, 2011
A great Sunday morning turnout for the membership workshop Greenlawn's Dennis Madden is presented the Top Ten Membership Award from Commander Bowen
10th DC Stone accepts membership challenge from 2nd DC Peters Soon to be National Commander Fang Wong Addresses the group
*********************************
Dedication of Combat Wounded Veterans Monument
Calverton National CemeteryJune 18, 2011
Post 1839 Vice Cmdr Bob Romano; SAL Squadron 1634 Cmdr James Majorana Auxiliary Unit 1634 MaryAnn Romano
******************************
Scenes from Suffolk County Convention June 11, 2011
Babylon Post 94
Convention Delegates
County Chaplain Bergin Leads us in prayer
Charles Spencer Awarded Americanism Honor Post Everlasting Ceremony
Bowling Awards Boy Scout of The Year
Poster and Essay Contest Winners
Law and Order
Membership Awards
Newly Elected Officers 2011-2012
*********************************************************************************
Memorial Day Long Island National Cemetery
L-R Greenlawn Cmdr Bob Santo, County Cmdr Bob Bruggemann, SC Auxiliary President Carole Bruggemann,
Gold Star Mother Eileen Bopp and Gold Star dad Paul Bopp. Their son lost his life in the USS Iowa explosion
Patriot Guard Rider places roses on grave of recently interred KIA
Past Auxiliary President Joanna VonSydewitz and her granddaughter
Place of Rest of Jacob Fletcher. Jacob's Mom Dorine founded Jacob's Light Foundation which has shipped over
300,000 pounds of needed items to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan
Calverton National Cemetery
10th D Chaplain Paul DeVaul presenting the history of the Memorial Day Poppy
SCAL Cmdr Bob Bruggemann and Auxiliary President Carole Bruggemann.
Also William Ness, Patricia Bianculi and Joe Themann
10th D Chaplain Paul DeVaul and New York State Senator Lee Zeldin
Rusy Bohm Post 411
American Legion Post 411 in Islip, NY is doing an outstanding job for the community once again.
At the recent street fest in Islip, NY, Post 411 was at their booth handing out Poppies in memory of our fallen military personnel. Members were also seen distributing poppies in other parts of the street fair.
The Post and it’s members should be commended for their dedication to both the American Legion and the community.
Post 411 Poppy table at the Islip Street Fair
********************************************************************************
Memorial Day Ceremony May 28th at Islandia Monument
Members of Herold Tierney Post 1039 and William-Merrritt Hallock Post 155
Join to Honor Our War Dead
Firing Squad Prepares to Fire a Gun Salute
*******************************************************************************************************************************
Sgt. John Sardiello Post 1634 West Babylon Memorial Day Parade
Sgt. John Sardiello Post 1634 Color Guard
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1634
Troop 1634 Boy Scouts of America
Cub Scout Pack 1634
*********************************************************************************************************************************
10th District Chaplain Paul DeVaul Visits the American Airpower Museum
Our ever roving Chaplain and Past County Commander checks out the sights
at the annual Memorial Day Weekend Fly-In
The Padre in front of "FifI" the only flyable B-29 in the world.
Paul takes the opportunity to press the flesh with Congressman Peter King
Paul checks out some of the other fuselages at the show.
*******************************************************************
Law and Order Night at Sgt. John Sardiello Post 1634 April 28, 2011
Honorees
Patrolman Michael Donlon, Suffolk County Police Department 1st Precinct
Firefighter Michael Vergano Jr., West Babylon Fire Department
Firefighter Kevin Smith, Deer Park Fire Departmeny
***************************************************************************************************
Chaplain DeVaul Swears in Korean War Veterans Officers
5/10/ 2011 10th District Chaplain Paul R. De Vaul had the honor of being asked to formally swear in the officers of the Korean War Veterans Central Suffolk Chapter at their installation. The installation took place at the John R. Cacioppo American Legion Post in Medford. Salvatore Scarlato was installed as the president of the chapter and was recently elected Department President of the Korean War Veterans.
After waiting decades, a flyboy gets his medals
by Andrew Benjamin, Chronicle Contributor
05/05/2011
A huge surprise was awaiting 88-year-old Pat Ammirati of Howard Beach. A veteran of World War II, Ammirati had been medically discharged from the military 67 years ago — and had since been trying to get the medals owed to him for so many decades.
On Saturday, Ammirati finally received the accolades he had earned as a young man fighting in the deadliest military conflict in history that claimed some 60 million lives. His family had gotten news that Ammirati would finally be awarded his medals and decided to have them presented to him as a surprise at a family birthday party at Core Sports Technology in Plainview LI on Saturday.
| as an air gunner in World War II from Paul DeVaul, left. PHOTO BY ANDREW BENJAMIN |
Paul De Vaul, the American Legion 10th District chaplain in Brentwood, Suffolk County, presented the awards to Ammirati in a framed case. Among the accolades Ammirati received were the Air Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. “I feel so great about it,” said De Vaul about delivering the medals to Ammirati. The thankful vet was nearly at a loss for words over getting his recognition. “I feel all choked up about it,” he said. Just as he had done while fighting in the war, Ammirati waged a battle to get his medals. An air gunner in the war , he took part in air bombing campaigns all over Europe with the 15th Air Force as part of the U.S. Army Air Forces, forerunner of the U.S. Air Force. He was medically discharged on March 15, 1944. His discharge papers had stated he was to be awarded medals for his service. “I knew I had medals coming to me, but it seemed like no one did anything for it,” Ammirati said. In the years following his discharge, with no news about his medals, he contacted three state senators, the Veterans Administration and the American Legion. “It seemed like no one could do anything for me,” he said.
It wasn’t until he spoke last year to a friend, who had some pull with the Broad Channel American Legion Post 1404, that there seemed to be any movement with the medals that Ammirati had become unsure as to whether he would ever see in his lifetime He handed over his discharge papers and the proper authorities started working on his medals. “It’s something that I’ve been looking forward to a long time,” Ammirati said. “What else can I say?” His family was joyful for him as well. “I’m happy for him,” said Pat Nolan of Howard Beach, his oldest daughter. “It’s something he deserves.” As for what he will do with the medals, Ammirati said he wants to pass them on to his youngest grandchild, who is 19. He also had some advice for other veterans who never received earned decorations. “Try every person you can possibly think of — state senator, head of American Legion, one of those places that has a powerful kick behind to get your medals,” he said.”
American Legion Auxiliary Sgt. John Sardiello Unit 1634
Secures Donation of Mattresses for Veterans Shelter from Sleepy's
Recently, the veterans at the Homeless Center of Suffolk County United Veterans in Yaphank were the beneficiary of six mattress sets donated by Sleepy's and secured by West Babylon's Sgt John Sardiello's American Legion Auxiliary.
A very special thanks to Auxiliary member Norma Stevens for her help.
And thank you, Sleepy's !!
Nassau County 50th Military Ball
Thomas Stewart Manor Hall
L-R: QCC Bob Candoleo, NCC Frank Colon, Jr.,10th DC John Severea, SCC Bob Bruggemann
10th DC John Severa and John DiGiglio
NCC Frank Colon and John DiGiglio reviewing procession of flags. Over 25 post color guards took part.
1st Division Donation to America's Vet Dogs
L-R Wells B. Jones, CEO The Guide Dog Foundation; Rick Iverson, 1st Division Sgt at Arms; Joe Regina, Suffolk County Vice Commander 1st Division; Bob Santo, Commander Greenlawn Post 1244; Bob Romano, 1st Division Adjutant.
On February 13th, the 1st Division donated $500 to America's VetDogs a division of The Guide Dog Foundation.
The organization provides guide dogs, service dogs and military therapy dogs to veterans at no cost.
The comprehensive program includes training for both the veteran and the dog.
***************************************************************************************
Annual Back To God Ceremony at St. Ann's
The annual Back to God Service honoring the "Four Chaplains" was held on Sunday, February 13th by the Suffolk County American Legion at St. Ann's Episcopal Church in Sayville. The Four Chaplains of the USS. Dorchester perished after giving up their life jackets while assisting Army troops aboard the doomed troop transport, torpedoed in the North Atlantic in 1 February, 1943.Their names were Lieutenants George Fox. Alexander Goode, Clark V Poling, and John P. Washington. A reception followed at the Smith-Wever American Legion Post #651
*******************************************************************************************************