2022 September Newsletter


American Legion Lt. B. R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291

Legion Year 22 – 23 Newsletter No. 2

紐約華裔美國退伍軍人會會務簡訊

www.ltkimlau.com

September, 2022

 

 

Dear Legionnaires 親愛的會友:

We sincerely hope that you are enjoying your summer and that you and your families are safe and healthy. During the last few months, we have experienced some normalcy in our daily lives and hopefully the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us. Our Post has been fully operational since last July and we are now looking forward to your participation again. We will continue to be vigilant on the health and safety of our members and follow the directive of the government and observe CDC guidelines.

 

Commander’s Message:

BE THE ONE is the theme that has been proclaimed at the national level of the American Legion and must be supported by all of the members. It is vital that we assume personal responsibility in recognizing difficulties among our comrades and assist them in finding appropriate counseling and other services, to deal with health, financial, and other issues which may be adversely affecting them and leading them towards suicidal thoughts.

Each of us must BE THE ONE to save a buddy from the tragedy of needlessly taking his/her own life when they have done so much to serve and protect their country when they answered the call to service.

In keeping with our tradition of providing a forum for candidates running for elective office, we have hosted candidates for Congress, the State Senate and Assembly, and the New York City Council in the most recent primary election season. Each of them spoke to our members in attendance and answered questions regarding their positions on the issues and their priorities should they be elected.

Thanks must go to Mimi Wang and David Lam as chairs of the annual picnic committee for organizing a delightful bus tour to New Jersey on July 30, 2022 which stopped at the Grounds for Sculpture, Robbinsville Hindu Temple, and Princeton University. A full busload of our members and guests enjoyed a wonderful excursion that included a bountiful Chinese buffet lunch at a restaurant along the route.

The 103rd National Convention of the American Legion was held in Milwaukee, WI from August 26-September 1, 2022 and New York’s own Vincent James “Jim” Troiola was elected National Commander for legion year 2022-23. Our Post was well represented by our commander, three vice-commanders, adjutant, treasurer, sergeant-at-arms, and past post commanders.

High-ranking public officials made presentations and awards were given to individuals who rendered extraordinary service to their nation, state, and local communities. The events concluded with the election of a full slate of national officers.

Best wishes to the Legion family for a Happy Moon festival and I look forward to working with everyone as we hopefully begin a healthy and productive Legion year.

By Commander Hon. Randall Eng

 

 

Congratulations to two of our members who received high accolades and well deserved recognition during the summer. In early July, Past Commander Mimi Wang was chosen and inducted to the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame by New York State Senator Brain Kavanagh. Mimi became the first female veteran from our Post to receive the recognition for her lifelong service to our country and the veterans. She currently is the chief of Nutrition and Food Services at the New York Harbor Veterans Administration Healthcare System. She continues to devote her personal time to assist Veterans to obtain Veteran Administration benefits including medical, housing and nursing home care.

During the New York Department Convention held on July 13 to 16 in Binghamton, Adjutant Gabe Mui received the 2022 Legionnaire of the Year award. Gabe said he was deeply honored and humbled to receive the award. In his acceptance remarks, Gabe thanked his comrades of the Kimlau Post for their strong support over the years and his mentor, Chairman Peter Woo for the opportunity, which inspired him to serve. He also said it meant a lot to be recognized by the New York Department for doing work that he is so passionate about.

David R. Riley Sr. of Henry P. Smith Post 24, Rome, Oneida County, and 5th District was elected Department Commander of the Legion for 2022-2023. Commander Riley is an U.S. Air Force veteran and served in key roles at all level of the American Legion. Commander Riley designated the Department of New York Temporary Financial Assistance Program, Operation Comfort Warrior and Be the One as his special projects for 2022-2023.

As Commander Eng mentioned, Past Department Commander Vincent James “Jim” Troiola, a U. S. Navy veteran, of William E. DeBevoise Jr. Post 1682 in Orange County, New York, was elected National Commander of 2022-2023 at the 103rd National Convention held at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Commander Troiola emphasized his platform and No. 1 priority for this year is to tackle the toughest challenge facing veterans: veteran suicide. He asked every one of us to “Be the One” to begin thinking and acting to save a life. He laid out a multifaceted approach to tackle veteran suicides that includes: destigmatizing asking for mental help support; providing peer to peer support and resources; creating safe spaces for veterans to be open about their struggle and to “Be the One” help end veteran suicide.

It has been twenty-one years since the unforgettably tragic day that took nearly 3,000 lives on September 11, 2001. Many continue to suffer and our Post will not let it be forgotten by continuing to host a candlelight remembrance at the Kimlau Square to pay tribute to the thousands who perished and honor the heroes who bravely risked their lives to save others. This year we had to adjust our schedule for the remembrance services as the New York Department Commander visitation was on the same day beginning at 5:00 pm. The remembrance was conducted by Commander Randall Eng and attended by the Department Family Leadership; Commander David R. Riley, Sr; Auxiliary President Nancy Babis, Detachment Commander Tim Van Patten II, New York State Senator John Liu, New York City Councilman Christopher Marte, CCBA President Raymond Tsang, Lin Sing Association President Kenny Leung, Ning Yung Association President Kenny Ng, Retired Appellate Court Judge Hon. Doris Ling Cohn, Alternate National Executive Committeeman Tim Van Patten Sr., Department Vice Commander Colleen McCarthy, 1st District Commander Peter Del-Debbio, New York County Commander Jack Stein and many others. All guest speakers spoke about their personal experiences and most of them still have lingering effects of this horrific event. Both Commander Eng and Vice Commander Sean Tse spoke about how the Chinatown community had been deeply impacted and faced many challenges in its recovery. Sean also said that the recent economic downturn, COVID-19 pandemic, alarming rise in anti-Asian discrimination and the pending congestion pricing will definitely add even more pressure to the community’s survival.

希望本會各會員及家人暑假快樂及平安健康。我們正經歷了一段漫長的時間逐慚在新冠疫情下步向回覆正常日常生活。本會於去年七月起恢復正常運作及期望各會員參加本會各項活動。為確保本會會員的安全,我們會繼續遵守美國疫情管制處及紐約市政府的指示。

 

主席報告

「自當重任」是美國退伍軍人總會今年最看重的施政方針,並呼籲全體會員儘力協助及支持。我們要承擔個人責任,切心了解同胞們遇到不論是財務或健康問題,幫助他們找到適當解決辦法,如不及時處理這些困難可能導致他們有不堪設想效果的輕生念頭。

我們每一個人都要做到「自當重任」去拯救這些曾為保護國家服務的同胞,免致他們一念之差而自輕其生的悲劇。

今年適逢美國各階層的選舉期間,本會亦按照以往原則提供公職參選人發表意見的機會,讓本會參與交談的會員更明瞭這些參選人的從政立場,從而自作選擇,盡公民權利投票給認可的參選人。

非常感謝郊遊委員會主任王咪咪及林善群籌備在七月三十日的巴士一日遊。遊覽景點包括雕塑公園,普林斯頓大學及印度神廟,午餐在一中餐廳享用豐富的自助餐。各人盡興而歸。

第一百零三屆美國退伍軍人總會年會在二零二二年八月二十六日至九月一日在威斯康星州、密爾沃基市舉行,來自紐約的文森特、詹姆斯 “詹” 特羅奧拉獲選為二零二二至二三年全國主席。本會由主席,三位副主席,幹事,財政,糾察及前任主席代表參加年會。國會及地方官員分別祝賀及致詞,軍人會亦向一些傑出貢獻的人士頒獎。年會在總會職員選舉及宣誓後結束。

最後祝各會員及家人中秋快樂,身體健康。

主席伍元天啟。

 

 

七月十三日至十六日在紐約上州賓漢頓舉行的紐約州年會中,本會梅本立幹事獲頒二零二二年度紐約退伍軍人獎。梅本立幹說他感到非常榮幸及州總會錯愛。在他致答謝詞時他感謝本會同胞多年來的極大支持,更感謝伍覺良董事長的提攜及鼓勵以服務本會為己任。他感到非常振奮因做自己喜愛及熱衷的服務而得到紐約州退伍軍人的認可。

來自第五區、奧奈達縣、羅馬市的大衛、拉利在今年紐約州退伍軍人會年會中獲選二零二二至二零二三年度紐約州美國退伍軍人總會主席,拉利主席股役空軍,他在退伍軍人會歷任各階層重要職務。拉利主席宣布他今年服務主題繼有「增加受災難退伍軍人補助基金,慰勞參戰受傷英雄及宣揚全國總會主題「自當重任」。

在伍元天主在上述說的來自紐約州的文森特、詹姆斯 “詹” 特羅奧拉在威斯康星州密爾沃基市舉行的一百零三屆全國退伍軍人年會中獲選為二零二二至二三年全國主席。特羅奧拉主席強調今年退伍軍人會施政第一要務是解決退伍軍人輕生的念頭,所以他呼籲我們每一個人都要盡己所能,擔負「自當重任」以思考及行動來拯救這些退伍軍人。他提出了解決退伍軍人輕生問題的幾個方法包括;令那些有輕生念頭的退伍軍人不畏被輕視而尋求心理幫助,提供及加強同胞間的支持及資源,讓他們感受到尊嚴和理解輕生念頭需要求助。他鼓勵我們必須擔負「自當重任」以防止此類悲劇發生。

今年是九一一恐襲二十一年,近三千人在這恐襲事件中殉命,本會依往年一樣在劉錦忠烈坊舉辦燭光追掉會銘記二十一年前這一項令人永遠不會遺忘及悲慘事件,並向數千名遇難及那些英勇冒著生命危險拯救他人的英雄致敬。今年的燭光追掉會因紐約州退伍軍人總會主席團巡視紐約縣是在同一日舉行,只有將燭光追掉會提前到五時開始,燭光追掉會由本會伍元天主席主持,參加社區人士眾多,州參議員劉醇逸,市議員馬替,中華公所主席曾偉康,聯成公所主席梁漢本,台山寧陽公所主席伍健平,前紐約高等法院凌德麗法官等,紐約州退伍軍人總會主席大衛、拉利,婦女會主席南施、巴比斯,子弟部主席添、範彭頓,紐約州副主席,第一區主席及紐約縣主席等。所有演講嘉賓都談到了他們對這悲慘事件的個人經歷,而且他們仍然感受到這可怕恐襲遺留下深刻的印象。伍元天主席及副主席謝國寶兩人均指出紐約華埠深受恐襲後的影響,在恢復過程中面臨諸多困難。謝國寶說最近經濟衰退,新冠疫情持續,仇亞歧視事件不斷發生,而在明年實施的擁堵費肯定會給華埠的生存帶來更大的壓力。

  1. Post Activities 會務

The following motions were approved during the June 26, 2022 General Meeting:

本年六月二十六日第一次會員大會通過下列各項議案:

  1. Approved the Lt. Kimlau Post 1291 2022-2023 budget plan.

通過本會二零二二至二零二三年度預算。

  1. Approve new members of the “Post Scholarship Committee” (Howard Chin, Wayne Hom and Sean Tse) for the LY 2022-2025 term.

通過本會獎學金委員會新成員 – 陳煥寧、譚超然、謝國寶,三人任期為二零二二至二零二五年。

  1. Approved new members of the “Post Compliance Committee” (Mimi Wang, Frank Gee and Thomas Ong) for the LY 2022-2025 term.

                  通過本會順從法令委員會新成員 – 王咪咪、朱灼輝、鄧燦業,三人任期為二零二二至二零二五年。

  1. Approved to appoint Retired Judge, Honorable Randall Eng as the Post Judge Advocate Consultant for LY 2022-2023.

通過委任伍元天法官為本會本年度評議顧問。

  1.       Approved to appoint Robert E. Lee, Esq. as the Post Legal Consultant for LY 2022-2023.

通過委任李羅伯特為本會本年度法律顧問。

  1. Approved a one-time $25.00 2022 transportation reimbursement for meetings and functions to all members with over 15 years of good standing membership status with the Lt. Kimlau Post (as determined by Post records as of June 2022). Deadline to claim the special reimbursement is December 31, 2022.

通過本年度會員出席會議車馬費,凡會員入會超過十五年者(以本會記錄為準),每人二十五元。此車馬費必須於本年十二月三十一日前領取,逾時作廢。(詳情請參閱本期附件)

  1. Approve to participate in the LMHA July 4th Parade.

通過本會參加下城美國國慶日遊行。

  1. Approve to host the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at 5:00 pm to integrate the Department Commander Visitation on the same day.

通過二零二二年“紀念九、一一”儀式下午五時舉行。

  1. Approve a task force composed of staff members and Past Commanders to find a suitable subsidy of a Legion polo shirt with Post name and number.

通過由行政小組和前任主席組成的委員會負責設計及決定合適補助本會新短袖有領會衫。

 

  1. News/Announcement/Gossip

 

The 2022-2023 Membership cards have arrived and ready for pick up.  Members can remit the $25.00 membership dues by mail or in person. Members’ eligible (fifteen or more continuous membership years) for the Post 2022 Transportation Reimbursement can substitute this payment for annual dues and should consult the attached notice for additional information.

二零二二至二零二三年會員證已經開始分發(辦公時間,每日下午二時至四時),各會友請將二十五元會費以郵寄方式或親臨本會繳交。適合條件領取二零二二年會員出席會議車馬費會友可用車馬費代繳會費。

  1. Taps 仙逝會員

We are sad to report the following legionnaires have passed on to the Commander of us all post everlasting.

May Our Comrades Rest In Peace!

Harry Lum   林 英 儀)  (Jul 22)

   Fredrick Lee   李 卓 常  (Jul 22)

Harry Key    (Jul 22)

   Arthur Tom   譚 龍 慶  (Aug 22)

Bing Foon Ng   伍 炳 垣  (Aug 22)

   Sam Oliver Sue   蕭 玉 堅  (Aug 22)

  1. New/Transfer Members 新入會會員

There were one new member approved by the last General meetings

去年第四次會員大會及本年第一次會員大會通過接納下列四位新入會會員:

William Grodnick       (Gulf – Army)

   Joshua Cheung       (Gulf – Air Force)

Pohngean Loo     盧 保 賢  (Gulf – Navy)

   Shuang Wei       (Gulf – Army)

Please join us to welcome the above new members.  Hope to see all of you in future functions.

我們歡迎上述新會友加入我們的行列,更希望他們多參加本會各項活動。

We hope the above information will be of interest to you and we hope to hear from you soon.  Let us know what we can do for you.  Until we meet again, stay well!

我們希望這份簡訊,對你有所幫助,更希望在不久的將來,能得到你參予本會各種活動的回應。假如我們有任何可以為你服務之處,務請隨時提出意見。

 

 

 

THE STAFF   本會行政小組仝人敬啟

Randall Eng 伍元天

Sean Tse 謝國寶, Kenneth Wong 黃建中, Thomas Ong 鄧燦業

Gabe B. Mui 梅本立, Mark Eng 伍顯宗

David Lam 林善群, Howard Chin 陳煥寧