Press Release: L.I. Senators Push to Save Veterans Organizations Crumbling Structures

Friday, March 6, 2015

L.I. Senators Push to Save Veterans Organizations Crumbling Structures

Senators Phil Boyle and Tom Croci Announce Legislation to make Veterans Organizations eligible for grants to save deteriorating facilities 

Bay Shore, NY – As of September 2014, the US Department of Veteran Affairs estimates there are over 892,000 veterans in New York.  Many of these veterans actively participate and depend on their local American Legion, AmVets or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts. Veteran’s organizations serve active service members and veterans with numerous types of community outreach.

Since the elimination of member initiative grants, veterans groups such as American Legion and VFW posts have had significant difficulty raising funds to provide needed maintenance to their facilities. These organizations receive support primarily through local fundraising efforts. This lack of financial support makes it very difficult to provide much needed outreach services to aging members and to those returning from tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. It continues to be a challenge to balance operating costs while attempting to raise the necessary funds for capital improvements on their facilities. 

The state and municipal facilities program provides much needed capital funding to state and municipally owned properties including but, not limited to, school districts, public libraries and New York’s public and independent colleges and universities. With capital improvements, these posts can continue providing valuable services to our brave men and women and their families who have served or are currently serving overseas. 

 “I am often hearing from veterans that their posts have leaky roofs and other needed repairs,” said Senator Phil Boyle. “It is our responsibility to ensure that they receive the necessary funding for capital improvements and to continue doing the work that they do to assist those who have risked their lives to defend our freedoms.”

"Veterans posts are integral in the lives of our veterans, their families, and our communities," said Senator Tom Croci.  "Improving these facilities contributes to the overall quality of life in a community."

Tom Wagner, American Legion Past County Commander, said, “We are in desperate need of money to support our organization. Many of the American Legions, including our own, are in dire need of repairs. This legislation would make it possible to restore and renovate our building for the safety of our members and those that use the post.”

Sabrina Lacy, Commander VFW Post 6431, said, “As veterans we are always helping each other through the programs that we have at our VFW halls. This legislation will guarantee that veterans always have a place to go for the support that they need.” Lacy continued, “I would like to especially thank Senator Phil Boyle and Senator Tom Croci for supporting the veterans of Suffolk County.”

For additional information, contact Senator Boyle’s District Office at (631) 665-2311.  Media inquiries should be directed to Senator Boyle’s Communications Office, Krista McNally at the District Office or call or text (631) 332-6753 - email at mcnally@nysenate.gov.