veterans

Submitted photo and press release:

When Lucy Minor stopped by Crossroads House to donate a power wheelchair used by her late husband, Travis, Executive Director Jeff Allen knew there was a value to it far greater than a resale price.

“Some donations are meant to be shared, not sold,” Allen said.

He then reached out to Genesee County Interagency Council, a network of local agencies, which immediately made use of their email network to spread the word.

LeeAnn Mullen contacted Crossroads House to put them in touch with 94-year-old Navy veteran Henry Kisiel, who is contemplating joining Assemblyman Steve Hawley on his 12th Annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., next month.

Kisiel hopes the wheelchair will help overcome some of the logistical obstacles of making the trip.

Assemblyman Hawley joined members of the Minor family who delivered the wheelchair to Kisiel on Monday afternoon.

Kiesel noted that he and Steve’s father served on the Town of Batavia Board together many years ago.

Representative Hawley said that seats are still available for the Sept. 19-22 trip and any veterans interested can inquire by calling Hawley’s office at 585-589-5780.

Pictured are Henry Kisiel in his new chair, along with Steve Hawley, Maddie Minor, Jeff Allen and Mike Minor.

From Senator Charles Schumer:

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced Saturday that the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has awarded a $23,337,281 contract to a company in Victor to begin construction on Phase 1A of the Western New York National Veterans Cemetery in Pembroke.

The nation's newest veterans cemetery will be located at 1232 Indian Falls Road in the Town of Pembroke. The cemetery site was originally 132 acres, then they purchased adjoining 60-acre and 77-acre parcels, closing on those early last year. Phase 1A construction encompasses 65 acres of the cemetery's total 269 acres.

“The awarding of this $23 million contract to Ontario County-based Global Urban Enterprise clears the way for the construction of the long-sought and sorely needed Western New York National Veterans Cemetery to, at long last, get underway," Senator Schumer said.

"Making this cemetery come to reality has been and remains one of my top priorities, and I won’t stop fighting until it comes to fruition."

Phase 1A of construction will create 4,000 gravesites, including roughly 2,500 gravesites for casket interments, and 1,500 in-ground sites for cremated remains.

When it is time to complete the project, Global Urban Enterprise in Victor will partner with Syracuse-based Hueber-Breuer Construction, along with other subcontractors to do the work.

Schumer said the establishment of the Genesee County cemetery is a well-deserved opportunity to honor the more than 96,000 veterans and family members in this region who will have a proper military burial at a site close to their homes, families, and communities they served and defended.

It will be the first and only of its kind in the Buffalo-Rochester area and will save thousands of military families from having to travel more than 100 miles in some cases to visit their loved ones at what is now the closest veterans' cemetery in Bath.

“This contract and the cemetery’s construction soon getting underway helps guarantee Western New York’s military veterans will have a proper burial, at a site close to the homes, families, and the very communities they dedicated their lives to defend and serve,” Schumer said.

According to guidance provided by the VA, the first burials are expected to occur at the cemetery by November/December 2020.

Veterans with a qualifying discharge, their spouses, and eligible dependent children may be buried in a VA national cemetery. Also eligible are military personnel who die on active duty, their spouses and eligible dependents.

Burial benefits available for all eligible veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and a government headstone or marker.

One hundred years ago, in August 1919, the folks of Genesee County dedicated the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, better known as the Upton Monument. To commemorate the centennial of the monument, the Veterans Council and the American Legion conducted a rededication ceremony on Saturday.

(File photo.)

Led by the Joint Veterans Council of Genesee County, local veterans will host a rededication ceremony Saturday morning marking the centennial of the city's gateway monument at the junction of routes 5 and 63 that pays tribute to the Union Army's Emory Upton, the military service of men and women of Genesee County, and its war dead.

It starts at 10:30 a.m. and everyone is welcome.

Commonly referred to as the Upton Monument, for the statue of the colonel of the Fourth Regiment of Artillery, Army Brevit Major General Upton, it is officially known as The Soldiers and Sailors Monument. The actual marker at the base of the bald-eagle-topped pillar is engraved: In Memory of The Soldiers, Sailors and Marines of Genesee County.

Doug Doktor, chairman of the Joint Veterans Council, said that James Neider, of the Glenn S. Loomis American Legion Post 332 in Batavia, will provide a brief historical overview of Upton, one of the nation's foremost military strategists of the 19th century. Then Elijah Monroe, of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln Camp 6 in Rochester, will speak on that organization's instrumental role in fundraising and getting the monument constructed.

There will also be a rifle salute.

The dedication held a hundred years ago took place on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 1919.

According to City of Batavia Historian Larry Barnes, there was a morning footrace from Le Roy to Batavia, followed by the dedication ceremony at which a relation of the Upton family, Col. Upton, served as the keynote speaker. The special occasion was capped off by a grand display of fireworks at the old Genesee County Fairgrounds, where Tops Friendly Market is now on West Main Street.

Proposals for the monument were bandied about as early as the 1870s. But getting it funded and built was not a given. Its price tag of about $15,000 was considered steep. Funds were sought from the county, the city and fundraising campaigns were launched by Batavia City School District Superintendent John Kennedy and Sarah Upton Edwards, sister of Emory Upton.

In 1907, city voters nixed spending $5,000 as their share of the monument's cost. It was not until World War I that action was taken that would finally pave the way for the planned monument to become reality.

In 1917, city fathers managed to get the city's funding share approved by a bit of political maneuvering -- slipping language for the monument expense into a sewer and water appropriations bill.

The architect chosen to design the monument was C. A. Worden, a local company responsible for many monuments at Gettysburg.

Once built, there was controversy as to whether the statue of Emory Upton was based on the actual likeness of the man himself. And the question, some local historians say, has never been wholly resolved.

To read more about Emory Upton from an 1885 biography, click here.

Also, previously: 

• New book corrects the record on Emory Upton's attitude toward the military and the republic
• History Department receives collection of Emory Upton documents
• Emory Upton: No. 5 in What Made Genesee County Famous

(Editor's Note: Publisher Howard Owens had planned to complete a video of the history of the monument in time for tomorrow's rededication. That is no longer possible, but he does hope to finish it very soon.)

Press release:

Representatives from Batavia Downs have announced that Michele Ladd, the founder of National Veteran Resources, will be bringing their 32-foot wrapped RV to the Tanya Tucker Concert this Friday, Aug. 2nd, at Batavia Downs.

The National Veteran Resources website aims to help veterans and first responders get resources for PTSD, suicide prevention, and addiction.

"I wanted to do something for our veterans and first responders that make the ultimate sacrifice for us, so I decided to get 'Boots on The Ground' and try to save lives," Ladd said. "I call this 'Operation 22 to ZERO' based on the fact that 22 veterans a day are dying by suicide."

Ladd said her motivation is her two sons, who are veterans. She has their pictures, along with other military men and women printed on her RV.

During her stops, Ladd meets different veterans and first responders and interviews them on camera. She then posts the videos online, hoping it can help someone else. Ladd also visits organizations across the country to add them to the website for resources.

"It’s real, I don’t edit, it’s raw, we laugh, we cry," Ladd said. "Just in three weeks, I’ve had over 100 family members, widows, veterans, reaching out to me, sharing their stories."

Ladd said she has traveled more than 35,000 miles to raise awareness and will continue her travels as long as the good Lord allows her.

"We are pleased to welcome Michelle to be present at Friday’s concert," said Henry Wojtaszek, president and CEO at Batavia Downs Gaming. "As a veteran myself, I appreciate people who take the time to reach out and help those who have served our country.”

Doors for the Tanya Tucker concert are at 4:30 p.m., with live music, starting at 5.  All VIP and Premium tickets are sold out, but $10 General Admission tickets are available at BataviaConcerts.com or in person at the Lucky Treasures gift shop.

Press release: 

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that seats are still available for his annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., which 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 newly redesigned Bethesda Marriott Hotel, located near downtown Bethesda, Md., featuring an outdoor pool, fitness center, the new M Club Lounge and multiple dining and drink options on premises. Check in will be on Sept. 19 and check out will be Sept. 22.

Anyone is now permitted to sign up, although priority will still be given to residents of the 139^th Assembly District. The approximate cost of the trip is $400 per person and that includes meals, transportation and admission to the memorials.

**Those planning to visit the White House must sign up before July 30.

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

• White House (Must sign up before July 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

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 the following link: http://vetsdctrip2008.shutterfly.com/.

Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 19-6 held a fundraiser Saturday at VFW Veness Strollo Post 1602 in Batavia.

Subscribe to The Batavian's YouTube channel.

Submitted photo of national country music recording artist JB Aaron will perform a fundraising concert Saturday at the Batavia VFW to help reduce the suicide rate among vets and solidiers.

Information from Western New York Chapter 19-6 of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association:

Did you know that every day in the United States, on average, 22 of our nation's veterans/soldiers take their own life? That number is more than 128,000.

That means that there have been more suicides since the 9/11 attacks, than there have been combined deaths in combat from the Korean War all the way through Operation Iraqi Freedom. This trend has to stop.

To help get these suicides down to zero, "Operation 22-0" -- 0 > 22 -- of the Western New York Chapter 19-6 of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is again hosting a memorial ride and fundraiser tomorrow (July 20) at the VFW Veness Strollo Post 1602 in Batavia.

It will assist our veterans with the help they need to try to get that number down to nothing.

Operation 22-0 is an amazing group of people help vets and their families in any way they can.

You are invited to join them for a day of motorcycling riding, good food, fun and live country music for a good cause.

The day starts out with a motorcycle run. Registration starts at 11 a.m. Kickstands up at noon; ride until 3 p.m. The ride donation is $10 per motorcycle.

Cash bar afterward, and $20 for dinner starting at 4, plus a chance to win a door prize. Food by Babz BBQ includes pulled pork, chicken and side dishes.

The post's banquet and bar area is huge and air-conditioned; a great place to cool off on what is expected to be a scorcher!

Hear live music until 8 p.m.

Rochester's own Worthy Duncan and Josh Shaff will perform, followed by national recording artist JB Aaron, who along with his band the Brethren, donates much of his free time to organizations such as this. Aaron supports and gives back every chance he can.

Please come out and join us as we help those who have helped our country for so many years. They have helped us, now its our turn.

The VFW Veness Strollo Post 1602 is located at 25 Edwards St.

To learn about the history of the motorcycle group, click here.

To visit their Facebook page, click here.

Below is a video produced by Cosmic Video of JB Aaron and the Brethren performing "Cadillac Bound" in June 2018 at the American Warrior Festival at The Ridge in Le Roy.

Press release:

Veterans can get checks to buy farm fresh produce at the Downtown Batavia Public Market this Friday, July 19.

Victor Roberts, Veterans Benefits advisor, NYS Division of Veterans' Affairs, will be at the market at Bank Street and Alva Place from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. to distribute NYS FreshConnect Checks to local veterans.

FreshConnect Veterans Checks are a component of Governor Cuomo's "New York FreshConnect Farmers' Markets" (FreshConnect) program. The program is designed to assist New York farmers by increasing the sale of locally grown food in communities.

FreshConnect checks will be issued as a one-time annual benefit: 10 -- $2 checks ($20 total yearly benefit); one packet per household, per season.

Checks will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 80 veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, current members of the Armed Forces, members of their immediate families, or un-remarried surviving spouses.

"Recipients will not require ID," says Roberts, "but they will need to sign a form accepting the program's rules and regulations."

One deserving Le Roy Jr./Sr. High School senior will become the recipient of the Gary Scott Scholarship this Thursday, which will mark the 50th year of commemorating the life of this American hero.  

The namesake scholarship originated five decades ago in memory of Scott, who was a Le Roy native, distinguished ROTC graduate in Syracuse and Army lieutenant.

When Scott was presented with a choice of which branch of the Army he would join, he challenged himself to enter the infantry.

Scott felt this dangerous assignment would be worthwhile because he could prove himself to be an African American role model who created leadership opportunities for others.

Sadly, at age 22, Scott was killed in action during the Vietnam War when he sacrificed his life to save a fellow soldier.   

Scott’s Syracuse University classmates and friends established a scholarship fund at Le Roy High School to honor Scott’s memory and encourage graduates to embody Scott’s ambition, courage and dedication.

“What inspires me to keep this on and have for 50 years is that we want to give back ... to the Le Roy community that’s embraced the Scott family and to give back to the students that receive the award and inspire them,” said Jim Bruen, a founder and lead coordinator of the scholarship fund.

Previous award recipients, Scott’s high school and university classmates, friends and family members are coming from across the country to celebrate Scott’s story together. This year, $8,000 will be awarded to a new scholarship recipient.

To set the 50th year of this scholarship apart, Le Roy Jr./Sr. High School will host a dinner in Scott’s name in the school cafeteria at 5:30 p.m Thursday (June 27).

The scholarship will be presented afterward at the annual awards ceremony, which begins at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

Bruen said, “Seeing the kids that come back that have received this award, it’s a very rewarding night for me and for others. It clearly encourages us to continue to do it.”

Bruen said that he and others who were close to Scott are comforted by the thought that the award recipients will achieve great things in the spirit of the local hero.

“Looking forward, I would like this scholarship to go on for another 50 years," Bruen said. "In order to do that, I would cherish and appreciate funding to the scholarship at the Le Roy High School. That way we can keep the message, the passion and the mission going.”

The scholarship founders are seeking additional support from the Le Roy community in order to fund the award in future years.

Bruen said that past award recipients and prospective donors are welcome to contact the high school for more information about the dinner, award ceremony and the Gary Scott Scholarship.

Le Roy Jr./Sr. High School is located at 9300 South Street Road, Le Roy. Phone is (585) 768-8131. Website is here.

Photos of Gary Scott provided by Rebecca LeClair.

Press release:

Tops Friendly Markets Stars for Our Troops initiative is still underway until June 22.

The program welcomes the community to donate their worn and tattered American Flags at 33 select Tops Markets locations as well as their corporate office for proper retirement.

In Genesee County, the participating Tops location is the Batavia store on West Main Street.

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 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."

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) [center] introduces several veterans of World War II on the Assembly Floor last Friday.

Submitted photo and press release:

Coinciding with the legislature’s celebration of Flag Day and the founding of the Army, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) had the honor of introducing many veterans of World War Two on the Assembly Floor on Friday.

“World War II veterans, ‘The Greatest Generation’ are an elite and special group and it is important to frequently recognize and cherish their role in defending America’s freedom,” Hawley said. “Many of these brave young men and women volunteered, sometimes lying about their age in order to answer the call of duty.

"Their courage and bravery helped shape and preserve American exceptionalism, and it was truly an honor to introduce and meet with them in Albany.”

Hawley, a veteran of the Ohio Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves, is the son of a World War II veteran himself, R. Stephen Hawley, who fought in Burma as part of Merrill’s Marauders.

Hawley also hosts an annual trip to Washington, D.C., each September, the Patriot Trip, joining local veterans and their families on a tour of our nation’s military and political monuments.

A statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley commemorating the founding of the Army.

“For nearly two and a half centuries the U.S. Army has courageously served our country. On June 14, 1775 the Continental Congress established the United Continental Army under the command of General George Washington to serve the United Colonies for a year.

“Today, we celebrate the 244^th birthday of the Army and in doing so celebrate the heroic sacrifices of all the men and women who have served in defense of our freedom and liberty. Across the nation we recognize and honor the more than 1 million active members of the unified Army and the 180,000 Army soldiers and personnel deployed overseas.

“I am proud to have served in the Ohio Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves, reaching the rank of First Lieutenant, while always remembering my father, a World War Two veteran who fought as a member of Merrill’s Marauders in Burma.

“Loyalty, duty and selfless-service have characterized the Army since its inception. From the beaches of Normandy to the rolling hills of Afghanistan and Iraq, we bear in mind the brave men and women who have generously sacrificed so much for our country. In the spirit of solemn thanksgiving and praise, we wish a happy birthday to the U.S. Army.”

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) and Congressman Peter King (NY-2) reintroduced the "Renovate and Enhance Veterans’ Meeting Halls and Posts (REVAMP) Act."

This legislation will grant organizations access to federal funding for maintenance and improvements to veteran halls and posts.

American Legions and VFW Posts provide a place where veterans can come together to share their stories, get help with VA claims, and get involved in the community,” Congressman Collins said.

“I would like to thank Congressman Peter King for once again joining me in introducing this vital legislation that ensures our veterans have the resources they need to maintain and improve their facilities.”

“Veterans organizations like the VFW and American Legion continually provide and open their facilities to our communities,” Congressman King said. “It is only fair that we provide them with the opportunity to upgrade and repair these facilities to ensure continued use.”

The REVAMP Act allows organizations who are classified by the IRS as 501(c)(19) nonprofit organizations and comprised primarily of past or present members of the Armed Forces and their family members to be eligible for funding through Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).

This legislation uses existing CDBG funding to make veteran organizations eligible for that particular funding and does not add to the deficit.

Text of the legislation can be read here.

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

When President Donald Trump drapes the Medal of Honor -- our nation's highest honor -- around David Bellavia on June 25, the Batavia resident will become the lone living veteran of the Iraq War to receive the honor.

Bellavia, who co-hosts a news talk show on WBEN, wasn't available for comment today. 

Bellavia is already a Silver Star recipient for his single-handed battle against a nest of insurgents during the Second Battle of Fallujah. 

He's also received the Bronze Star, three Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, and the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross.

The Batavian will cover the press conference in Buffalo next week and the award ceremony at the White House on June 25 at the invitation of Bellavia.

Photo: File photo from 2011 when Bellavia announced his first congressional campaign.

Information from David Dumuhosky, commander, Glenn S. Loomis Post 332, Batavia American Legion:

The American Legion is 100 years old this year, and we are inviting the community to help us celebrate!

Tomorrow on June 8th, the place to be to honor this centennial is Centennial Park, of course, in the City of Batavia (located at 151 State St.).

Starting at 11 a.m. and going until 5 p.m., there will be nonstop live music, a variety of food trucks, and vendors and crafters, plus a display by the Military Vehicle Preservation Association.

The Glenn S. Loomis Post 332 -- Batavia American Legion is hosting the event in cooperation with its Ladies Auxiliary and the Marine Corps League Hansen Brothers Detachment 951.

The Alexander Fireman's Band will kick things off, followed by The DSP Jazz Trio, and the Old Hippies.

After that we will have multiple groups up all at once, playing back and forth: the Batavia High School Marching Band, the BHS Brass Band, the BHS Jazz Band, and the Saint Joe's of Batavia Brass Ensemble.

Food trucks attending are: The Red Osier Landmark Restaurant, Center Street Smoke House, Totally Edible, The House of Munch, and Over the Border. Also the organic/vegan Eden Café & Bakeshop will have a food stand.

The forecast looks great -- high of 79 degrees, clear and sunny!

Hope to see you there to have fun, enjoy your hard-won freedom on a beautiful day, and pay tribute to an organization that has helped our nation's veterans and military personnel for a century. God Bless America!

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.”