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Click here for a listing of Detachment Officers Click here to visit the National Sons of The American Website
DAVID L. DOWNEY He has served the SONS in many capacities over the years as Squadron Vice Commander,Squadron Commander, St. LawrenceCountyAdjutant,St.Lawrence County Commander, 4th District Vice Commander, On the Detachment level, David has served as: Children and Youth Chairman, Boys State Chairman, and as Vice Commander Dave was the recipient of a Special Award of Recognition presented by the National Commander of the Sons of The American Legion at the 28th Annual National Convention held in Anaheim, California on September 4, 1999 for his outstanding work in organizing a Walk-a-Thon which raised nearly $6,000 for the WWII Memorial. He has also been a member of the Boys State staff for the past two years and hopes to continue in that capacity in the future. Dave’s brother Steve is a Legionnaire; daughters Leanne and Michelle, along with his fiancée Linda are members of The American Legion Auxiliary. His mother Jessie is a life member of Unit #79 in Massena. Elected to serve as Detachment Commander on July 20, 2001 at the 27th Annual Detachment Convention held in Rochester, Dave is looking forward to another banner year in membership for the SONS along with continued strong support from the Squadrons for all of the programs and activities of The American
Commanders Message
As for our membership this year, we hope to easily surpass the 20,000 mark…maybe even 21,000. Nearly everyone should be able to enlist at least one new member into our ranks this year. Carry a membership application with you at all times and don’t hesitate to ask your friends. You’d be surprised how many potential members you already know. You can support the entire American Legion Family by also carrying Legion and Auxiliary membership blanks with you. Let’s all push for a banner year in membership! Being a program of The American Legion, the SONS should always provide their full support to the parent organization and to all of the ideals in which it stands for. I am asking for your support for two projects this year. The first is the Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard, a group consisting of nearly 100 veterans volunteering their time in six different rotating Guard units. The Honor Guard provides for solemn ceremonial during the burial services for our veterans at the National Cemetery. They are in need of financial aid for uniforms and equipment. The second project that I am asking for your support for is The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation. As you may know, the SONS are the largest contributor to the Fund, having donated nearly $250,000 nationwide last year. Here in New York we can do much better than we have in the past. All Squadrons are being asked to donate at least $1 per member this year to this very important program. Your donations can be mailed to: Sons of The American Legion Detachment of New York Suite 400 112 State Street Albany, NY 12207 *Please make note on the memo line if you have a preference for your donation. As I travel to the various counties across the State this year, I look forward to meeting with my fellow SONS. I am pleased to have this opportunity to serve in the greatest organization in this land. I wish each and every one of you a tremendous year in the fulfillment of your goals in support of The American Legion Family! For God and Country, David L. Downey Commander
Commander’s Project Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard The Saratoga National Cemetery is a 373-acre facility that opened in 1999 to serve 225,000 veterans and their families living in upstate New York and western New England. The Cemetery is the 116th facility within the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration. Over 175,000 burial plots will be available at the site. An Honor Guard consisting of nearly 100 volunteer veterans working in six rotating units dedicate their time in order to provide a dignified ceremonial earned by our departed veterans. The Guard is in need of financial aid for uniforms, equipment, and associated costs in support of their efforts.
The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation originated in 1954 as a repository of funds from Legionnaires and other Americans wishing to contribute to causes benefiting all children in our country. The goal of the Foundation is to inform all Americans about organizations that contribute to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual welfare of children and youth. Since it’s inception, millions of dollars have been awarded in grants to various deserving not-for-profit organizations. The Sons of The American Legion are once again the leading contributors to the Child Welfare Foundation, having donated nearly $250,000 last year. All Squadrons are urged to donate at least $1 per each of its members this year! Visit the Official Site of The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation at: www.cwf-inc.org
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