Department of NY, VFW Convention Blog

Joan Hamar, Chris Robinson and Al  Klein working on Convention mailer

Convention Chrm. Al enjoying pizza after a hard day’s work.  SecretarY Sandy Haines looks on.

Installation ceremonies were held in Binghamton, New York on Saturday, June 23, 2007 for State VFW Commander Robert Barnhart and State VFW Ladies Auxiliary President Sally Gagnon.

Our State Leadership and Convention Chair had an early wake-up call for a live appearance on WNBF Radio’s First News Morning Show.  Host Roger Neel is at the controls with his back to the camera.  From left to right: Commander Don Doell, Past State Commander and Convention Chair Al Klein and seated, State Auxiliary President Martha Ferens.   Commander Don and President Martha appeared later on WBNG-TV’s Action News “Around the Tiers” segment with noon anchor Kerri O’Hara.

Our Department Commander and Auxiliary President will be guesting on WNBF Radio’s “First News” morning show tomorrow, June 25 around 8:20 am.  Host Roger Neel will conduct the interview.  You can listen live at the WNBF Website:

http://www.wnbf.com

Our publicity chair, Dorolyn Perry, has been working with Boscov’s and local veterans on this for the better part of a month.  Boscov’s display department outdid themselves, and we thought you’d like to see a snapshot of the results.  It is more impressive when you see it live.  But if you can’t, then enjoy the view.  By the way,  the Binghamton,  NY Press and Sun-Bulletin featured our publicity chair in a piece by Valerie Zehl in the June 14, 2007 edition.  (kind of appropriate for Flag Day, No?)

Pvt. Gerald Beach of Camden St. Johnson City, N.Y.   was the first of Johnson City’s 103 WWII dead.  Pvt. Beach was returned nearly three years to the day after he gave his life for his country in Germany.

There are more mementos to see in the display in Boscov’s Water Street window.  We hope visitors will stop by the display and take a moment to remember “The Greatest Generation”. 

Boscov’s Department Store in downtown Binghamton, New York has graciously allowed the Publicity Chairman for the Convention Committee to proceed with a “SALUTE TO WWII VETERANS”.   You will be able to see it in the Water St. window of Boscov’s as you make your way  to the Holiday Inn, Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena and the Regency Hotel.  I have obtained original Army, Navy,  Air Force and Marine uniforms which will be on forms in the window.  The display will feature Purple Hearts, Bronze Stars, Silver Stars and WWII memorabilia such as original  newspapers from that era.  Also included will be pictures of those who received the medals. 

It has been a privilege to converse with these members of the ”Greatest Generation”.  They are leaving us at the rate of 1,500 a day; we need to preserve these memories for future generations.

Comrades and Sisters,

The City of Binghamton and the Southern Tier Counties  Council of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, will host the 88th Annual State Convention of theDepartment of New York June 20-24, 2007.  The headquarters hotel for the VFW Auxiliary is the Holiday Inn Arena and the Binghamton Regency for the VFW.

The Joint opening for both will be Thursday, June 21,2007 with the presentation of VFW and Auxiliary colors and memorial service at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena at 1:00 P. M.

The Commanders and Presidents Banquet will be Thursday, June 21,2007, 7 P.M. at the Regency.

The President’s Luncheon will be Friday, June22, 2007 at the Holiday Inn Area.

The Commander and President reception will be at the Regency, Saturday, June 23, 2007, 5-8 P.M.

Welcome to our blog,  which will give VFW and Auxiliary Members in New York and everywhere else a window on events and happenings during the Department of New York’s Annual Convention.