Local Veterans Organizations Receive State Aid
State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/I/C - Mount Hope) distributed $56,000 in State Aid to assist area veterans with a variety of projects designed to upgrade and/or maintain their Posts’ facilities. The area Posts that received funding are Mamkating Post #1266, American Legion Guntown Post #1554, the American Legion, George Smith Post #1607, VFW Post #8645 in New Paltz, the American Legion Cook-Taylor Post 111, and the American Legion Rose Sheely Post #1034.
"These veterans organizations are the backbone of our communities. Their members have selflessly served our country and they continue to support our troops here and abroad," stated Senator Bonacic.
The American Legion Rose Sheely Post #1034 is using the $3,000 in aid secured by Senator Bonacic to provide appropriate markers for veterans who are buried in the Shawangunk cemeteries. Currently, there are no markers for their graves. According to Eagle Scout John Byrne of Wallkill, who has volunteered for this project, there are 300 veterans buried without any grave markers.
Other funding secured will be used to make necessary upgrades and maintanence to facilities and was distributed as follows:
American Legion Cook-Taylor Post #111 $13,000
VFW Post #8645 $15,000
American Legion George Smith Post #1607 $ 5,000
American Legion Guntown Post #1554 $10,000
Mamakating Post #1266 $10,000
"It is with great pride that I was able to secure this funding for our area’s veterans groups. The maintenance of the physical structures is in the best interests of all of our residents. By providing State support, localities will not have to rely on our already overburdened taxpayers to upgrade and maintain these important community structures," concluded Senator Bonacic.