MY FELLOW AMVETS:

This year promises to be a very busy one. We will be moving in many directions hopefully for the better of AMVETS and the Department. With your help we will be able to accomplish many of the positive things that are being looked into throughout the year.

It should be noted the the Racing and Wagering board and the SLA are going to be conducting inspections more frequently in the future. So it is necessary that each of our Posts are in compliance with the rules established by these agencies. This is not just happening to AMVETS but to all organizationsas well. We all must make sure that all of our reports are acurate and recording keeping is up to par. If not you will be in trouble.

So far this year, and it has been busy I managed to visit Post 38 in the Bronx,48 in Ronkonkoma, 18 in Islip, 76 in Bay Shore, 88 in Massapequa, 4 in Massena, 19 in Ogdensburg,1997 in Heuvelton, 45 in Orchard Park, 219 in Boston, 1996 in Jamestown and 13 in Buffalo. All seem to be doing pretty well. I also have had the privlege to visit the Department Of Ohio and the Sugargrove Post in PA.

In September I attended the dedication of a computer operations center for the Homeless in Buffalo. This proves to be a valuable tool in trying to help them get jobs and try to get their life back on track. Good luck to those who are running it and thanks to all of the Amvets who have assisted them in this endeavor.

See the website and follow Where is The Commander to see if I am in your neighborhood.

Our membership is doing well at 8400+ and it could be better. Lets work togetherand increase our membership. We soon will have a new Son's Squadron and 2 AMVET Rider units.

At the SEC this past weekend we had passed through the State Service Foundation a grant to start a career center in the Buffalo area.

CHUCK MARSILLO

Department Commander