The newly-formed American Legion Post in Farmingdale is well underway and post officers were recently elected and sworn in by Nassau County Commander John Marino. The Hugh C. Newman III Memorial Post 449 was named after a lifelong Farmingdale resident who was a highly decorated Vietnam veteran and firefighter. Marino said that while deciding what to name the post, Farmingdale Village Mayor suggested Newman's name as he was well-known and respected in the community. Newman also worked at SUNY Farmingdale and was a life member of the Farmingdale Fire Department, in which he was very active.

"I thought it would be a nice honor for him," Trudden said. "He was very dedicated to the town too; he was very active in the Methodist Church."

Post members have been meeting in Farmingdale Village Hall the second Tuesday of the month. This meeting site is temporary, as Marino noted that Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto has been assisting post members to find a permanent location for the post hall. Marino further noted that he is grateful to the supervisor for his continuous efforts in forming the new post and recently honored him with a plaque in recognition of his dedication to both the post and the community.

Residents interested in joining the post are invited to come down to one of the meetings at village hall and may call John Marion at 249-4878 or John Tipping at 822-9355 for more information.

The post recently installed a new slate of officers, including Commander Jim Cotwell, First Vice Commander Harry Newton, Third Vice Commander Daniel Gomez, Adjust Arthur Pirozzi Jr., Sgt-at-Arms Marco A. Walker Sr. and Chaplin Joe Roche.

According to Marino, the post currently has 61 members and is continuing to grow. Marino invites more veterans to join the post, which is not restricted to just residents of Farmingdale but to anybody interested. In fact, Marino noted recently that those interested in joining the post included residents from communities such as Massapequa, Bellmore and Amityville.

Those eligible to join the Legion must have served during the following dates: World War II (Dec. 7, 1941 to Dec. 31, 1945); Korean War (June 25, 1950 to Jan. 31, 1955); Vietnam War (Feb. 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975); Lebanon and Grenada Action (Aug. 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984); Panama Action (Dec. 20, 1989 to Jan. 31, 1990); Persian Gulf Action (Aug. 2, 1990 to present day).

Mayor Trudden said he was pleased the American Legion has decided to start a new post in Farmingdale. He said that he looks forward to having the new Legion members march in upcoming village parades.

"I'm proud that they chose Farmingdale to start their post and we're happy to have them," Trudden said. "We'll work with them as a village to provide them with whatever they need. We'll certainly be there for them."