On Wednesday, Sept. 8, the Manhasset Post 304 of the American Legion held its first meeting with the newly elected Officers for the Fiscal Year 2004-2005. The agenda for the evening included the Post's sponsored youth Boys State Program, Boy Scouts of America Troop No. 97, as well as the adoption by the Post of an Army unit scheduled for deployment to Iraq.

After the opening ceremony and welcoming of Legionnaires and guests, Commander James R. Russell requested Third Vice Commander Ronald G. Linn to give his report. The Manhasset Post had adopted the 301st Area Support Group (301st ASG), a unit of the 77th Regional Readiness Command (77th RRC), committing to support the troops in Iraq as well as their families here in the States. Vice Commander Linn invited Colonel David Fitzgerald to speak to the Legionnaires. Colonel Fitzgerald has recently assumed command of the 301st ASG, a brigade-level command. He discussed the real needs and requirements of soldiers overseas as well as the beneficial morale effects of having the Post support the 301st ASG, which is headquartered here in the New York area. While training is currently being completed at Fort Totten, further training is scheduled in New Jersey before they deploy to the Middle East. The men and women shipping out are as one team with one intent and one focus - "to help the Iraqi people." At the end of his presentation, Colonel Fitzgerald presented the commander and vice commanders with a pin of the 77th RRC.

Vice Commander Ronald G. Linn then introduced Frank Koegl, director of the Family Readiness Program for the 77th RRC, who itemized the many support facilities, options, and offices/agencies available to the military families including entitlements and benefits. He presented various events and activities, that with participation by the Post, would support and assist the families of the 301st ASG.

The inclusion of Post-sponsored youth programs at the first meeting of the year serves to emphasize the importance that the Post attaches to youth and the community. Second Vice Commander Anthony W. Buzzitta introduced the three young men who were sponsored by the Post and attended the Boys State Program this past June: Adam Care and Michael Gavalakis both representing Manhasset High School and Daniel Vogel representing the Post-sponsored BSA Troop 97. The Boys State Program allows young men to become acquainted with the responsibilities and obligations as well as the rights and privileges and duty associated with citizenship. The one week program provides education and experience at various levels of government providing an invaluable experience for those participating. All three young men agreed that it was a "great experience," expressed admiration for discipline especially as administered by the US Marines, participated in the caucuses, enjoyed the presentations and demonstrations especially by the SWAT teams, were very enthusiastic in running for offices and being elected, and welcomed the opportunity to practice being a lobbyist. The three young men were most impressed by the distinguished group of students and representatives participating in the Boys State Program and their appreciation of the various approaches, perspectives and ideas that they learned from their experience.

Vice Commander Anthony W. Buzzitta then introduced the Scoutmaster of the Post-sponsored Troop 97, Joseph Vogel. Mr. Vogel thanked the American Legion Manhasset Post for all their continued support. He reported that the troop presently has 56 Scouts and 36 adult leaders. They schedule indoor and outdoor programs year round on a monthly basis, with one activity per month such as hiking, overnight camping or a special trip; for example, last February a visit to the USS Massachusetts. They also plan a summer camp program each year selecting different sites with the appropriate training programs and skills with which to assist the Scouts in meeting their level of requirements. Scoutmaster Vogel noted in finishing his presentation that three young men had achieved the Eagle rank in the past year, an additional four were currently eligible for the Eagle rank at the next Court of Honor and that Troop 97 had swept, this past year, the awards sponsored by the Nassau County American Legion on Scouting for "Scout of the Year," "Scouter of the Year' and "Eagle Scout of the Year."

The newly elected officers for the fiscal year 2004-2005 include: Commander James R. Russell; First Vice Commander John F. Keitz; Second Vice Commander Anthony W. Buzzitta; Third Vice Commander Ronald G. Linn; Adjutant Felix G. Andrews; Treasurer Joseph Labella; Chaplain William G. Martin; Historian Richard E. Miller; and Sgt.-At-Arms Richard H. Coyle.

The newly elected officers and committee chairman made short reports. Adjutant Felix G. Andrews read the minutes from the previous meeting (in June) which were approved. William A. Baxter reported on the status of the repairs of the Legion parking lot and on the agenda for the next meeting which includes a presentation regarding the Army Corp. of Engineers "Accomplishments in Iraq." He also informed the Legionnaires that the application forms for the new Korean Service Medal are available.

Commander James R. Russell thanked the guests and visitors for joining the Legionnaires for the evening. Light refreshments were provided by the House Committee under the direction of William A. Baxter with John R. Vachris and Thomas J. Buzzitta.