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

Legion Year 25 – 26 Newsletter No. 2

紐約華裔美國退伍軍人會會務簡訊

October, 2025

Dear Legionnaires 親愛的會友:

We truly hope you had an enjoyable, safe, and healthy summer, filled with time to relax, recharge, and make great memories with family and friends.

At this year’s New York Department Convention, New York County was once again recognized for its outstanding achievement in membership, finishing first across the entire department. The County received several awards and was honored with front-row seating during the convention. We’re proud to share that Lt. Kimlau Post 1291 played a major role in this success by reaching 100% membership for the year, recruiting
28 new members. While we are proud of our recruiting efforts, we also recognize, as every successful American Legion post does, that retaining members is just as important as bringing in new ones. Sustaining an engaged and active membership is critical to our mission.

Over the past decade, the makeup of Kimlau Post has undergone significant changes. Once made up primarily of WWII veterans, our membership has transitioned through the Vietnam generation to now include many Gulf War veterans. In tandem with this shift, our Post has evolved from a neighborhoodgathering space into a regional hub, drawing members from all five boroughs and the greater metropolitan area. The cultural character of the Post has naturally changed with time. Mah-jong games, once a daily
fixture, are now only a memory. Afternoon coffee gatherings are still enjoyed by a few regulars, but we know that for many of our newer members, who live farther away or work full-time these traditional forms of connection no longer suffice.

Recognizing this, we’ve been working actively to supplement our core programming, such as the Memorial
Day Parade, 9/11 Remembrance, Veterans Day Parade, Thanksgiving and Christmas luncheons, and our
annual scholarship ceremony, with new, flexible opportunities for social connection and camaraderie. We’re
excited to announce the successful launch of a new initiative focused on strengthening bonds among members: Post 1291’s Social Engagement Initiative. Special thanks to Vice Commander Bo Chen, along
with Aaron and Julia Burleson, for organizing this important milestone event. On August 3rd, we held our
first event, a casual “Meet and greet” at the Post Auditorium. This gathering brought together over 20
Legionnaires for an afternoon of refreshments, conversation, and community-building. The goal was simple: create a relaxed space for members to get to know one another and foster a deeper sense of fellowship.
Attendees enjoyed light refreshments; including pizza, salad, fruit, drinks, and dessert, while engaging in discussions that included: Self-introductions and military experiences, navigating the transition from service to civilian life, contacts and resources for veteran benefits, suggestions and feedback for future events. As part of our ongoing commitment to member engagement, we plan to host at least one social event per month going forward. These will be announced at least a month in advance to allow for planning. On days when general post meetings are held, social events may be scheduled to coincide, encouraging greater participation.

The 107th New York Department Convention was held in Syracuse. Convention delegates unanimously
elected U. S. Army veteran John R. Miga of American Legion Dunkirk Memorial Post 62, 8 th District in
Dunkirk to lead the Department of New York in 2025-2026. Commander Miga is a retired representative of
Prudential Insurance and Financial Services. In the army, he trained as an infantryman and served at the
38th Parallel in South Korea. He will visit American Legion Posts across the state, bringing to local
communities the Legion’s action-oriented message of support for veterans, families and community. In
particular, he will champion the “Be the One” campaign to curb veteran suicide.

Air Force veteran and retired Kansas judge Dan K. Wiley was elected the 2025-2026 National Commander
of The American Legion on August 28 at the organization’s 106th National Convention in Tampa. In his
acceptance remarks, Wiley pledged to continue advancing the Legion’s Be the One suicide prevention initiative, calling it a personal mission shaped by his own journey through depression. “Be the One is a passionate mission for me,” Wiley said. “Taking care of one another is who we are.” He urged the Legion Family to embrace his theme of “Better Together,” emphasizing teamwork among posts, Auxiliary units, Sons of The American Legion, and Riders chapters. A lifelong Legionnaire, Wiley is a member of Post 23 in Leavenworth, Kansas, and has served as both department commander and National Executive Committeeman. He pledged to “have the backs” of veterans, just as the Legion has stood with service members since 1919.

Outgoing National Commander James LaCoursiere Jr. praised the dedication of Legion Family members
nationwide. Setting aside his prepared remarks, the Connecticut Legionnaire spoke from the heart, lauding
members’ compassion in times of crisis and calm. He urged continued focus on pressing challenges such
as suicide prevention, veteran homelessness, and support for post-9/11 veterans. LaCoursiere also
encouraged participation in the USA 250 Challenge, a wellness and service initiative leading up to
America’s semiquincentennial.

Speaking before a full house at the American Legion National Convention in Tampa, Fla., Director of
National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard called on veterans to continue their service to the nation beyond the
battlefield. Gabbard, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and Iraq War veteran, reminded
Legionnaires that unity and leadership are vital in facing today’s challenges. “We face many challenges and
threats across this country,” she said. “These are not partisan issues. We can overcome them when we
stand together as one. And there are no better leaders than those who have borne the battle.” The former
Hawaii congresswoman, the highest-ranking Pacific Islander American in U.S. government history,
emphasized her agency’s mission to deliver intelligence that is accurate, unbiased, and free of political
influence. She urged veterans to honor their oath of service by continuing to lead, unite, and safeguard the
nation’s future.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins delivered a powerful message at The American
Legion National Convention in Tampa, urging veterans to “Be the One” for their brothers and sisters in
arms. “As veterans we are a small population in this country, and if we don’t stand up for each other,
nobody will,” said Collins, stressing the American Legion’s mission to combat veteran and servicemember
suicide. He urged attendees to take personal responsibility by supporting programs such as the Legion’s
Buddy Check and VA’s upcoming National Buddy Check Week. “Count to 17 and say, ‘I will Be the One,’”
he challenged. Collins, who also serves as an Air Force Reserve chaplain, shared updates on the Department of Veterans Affairs’ progress and priorities. He noted that the VA’s claims backlog has dropped from 260,000 in January 2025 to under 150,000, reflecting a stronger focus on veterans over bureaucracy.
Plans include expanding community care under the Mission Act, extending clinic hours for younger veterans
and working families, and strengthening efforts to reduce homelessness. “The VA no longer works for itself,”
Collins declared. “The VA works for America’s veterans.”

Medal of Honor recipient and Legionnaire Dwight Birdwell brought humor, humility, and inspiration to
delegates at The American Legion’s national convention in Tampa. Recalling the White House ceremony in
2022 where President Biden presented him the nation’s highest award for valor, Birdwell said the president jokingly declared him “crazy” after reading his heroic citation, drawing laughter and applause. Birdwell earned the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary actions during the 1968 Tet Offensive in Vietnam, where, despite multiple wounds, he rallied soldiers under fire and helped turn the tide at Tan Son Nhut Airbase. Accepting the award, Birdwell said he views himself only as a custodian for the fallen and their families. 

It has been twenty-four 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 Kimlau Square to pay tribute to the thousands who perished and honor the heroes who bravely risked their lives to save others. Past Commander, Hon. Randall Eng conducted the remembrance ceremony of the 9/11 event. The 9/11 remembrance was attended by the Department of Family Leadership; Commander John Miga; Auxiliary President Maureen Morgan, Detachment Commander Joe Guidice Jr, New York State Assembly-member Grace Lee and Lester Chang, New York City Councilman Christopher Marte, CCBA President, our very own Past Commander Antonio Chuy, Nig Yung Association President Max Ng, New 5th Precinct Captain Michael Lam and many other city and state government officials. All guest speakers spoke about their personal experiences and most of them still have lingering effects of this horrific event.

Have you visited the Lt. Kimlau Post website (www.ltkimlau.com) recently? If you have, you may have noticed its fresh, modern design. A big thank you goes to everyone involved in this project, especially Aaron Burleson, who spearheaded the redesign and introduced many improvements to make the site more user-friendly. We also extend our gratitude to Wayne Hom, the original architect of our website, whose vision laid the foundation for what we have today. The website has become a true source of pride for the Post, and we
are continuing to improve it so that it serves as a central hub of information. From the latest calendar of Post
activities and newsletters to announcements, applications, publications, and even our 80th Anniversary Journal, the website is designed to keep you informed and connected. We encourage you to visit the site often to stay updated on what’s happening at the Post!

Following the lead of the New York Department and the National organization in adopting new dress code
guidelines for meetings and conventions, the Post membership has approved a standard dress code for
Post meetings and parades. It is preferred that Legion polo shirts be worn for these events. However, the traditional jacket and tie remain welcome for those who wish to continue wearing them. Members are encouraged to purchase their Legion polos through mylegion.org or contact the Post for assistance with
ordering.

Please be advised that the membership has approved a change to the Post’s operating hours. Beginning immediately, the Post will be closed on Tuesdays and Saturdays. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we adjust our schedule to better meet the needs of our members.

我們衷心希望您及你的家人度過了一個愉快,健康且安全的夏天。

紐約縣今年在紐約州退伍軍人總會年會中再次因會員持續率超過百分一百,在紐約州十區中,排名 第一而獲得表彰,本會亦感到非常自豪,在今年也達到一百分百,增加了二十八位新會員。儘管我
們努力去招募新會員,我們也意識到每一個成功的退伍軍人會,保留會員與招募新會員同樣重要,我們應加強聯繫及鼓勵會員參與本會一切活動。

本會在過去十多年中,會員的組合發生了很大的變動,曾經主要是二次大戰退伍軍人的組織而演變 成為以越戰退伍軍人為主,近期參加本會的會員則多屬於伊拉克戰爭後的年輕一輩。本會亦因此而
由大部分住在鄰近的會員改變到分佈於紐約大都會各區,一向是鄰近會員日常聚會及享受衛生麻將 的會所,年輕的會員因工作或遠距,現今除了幾個會員日常到訪外,往日每天下午熱鬧的情景已經
不再重現。

有鑑於此,本會一直積極努力在本會每年主辦核心活動如國殤日遊行,九一一燭光紀念,退伍軍人 節遊行,感恩節和聖誕節午餐,以及年度獎學金頒獎典禮。以增加年輕一輩會員的興趣本會很高興 推出一個新項目,旨在加強會員之間的聯繫的社交活動。特別感謝副主席陳波,秦月清及亞倫、伯 勒森合力建立這活動,亦已在八月三日在本會伍覺良禮堂舉辦第一次活動,二十多位會員聚首一堂大 家一起享用茶點,在輕鬆的環境下彼此認識, 談軍旅生涯,促進友誼。本會計劃在未來每月舉辦 一次社交活動,將會在活動前提早通知,以鼓勵更多會員參加。

第一百零七屆紐約州總會年會在上州雪城舉行,大會代表一致選出來自上州敦克,第八區敦克退伍 軍人會的約翰、米加擔任二零二五至二零二六年紐約州總會主席,米加主席從事保險及金融業多年
後退休。他服役於陸軍步兵隊伍,曾在南韓三八線守衛。他在任內將會拜訪紐約州各個退伍軍人會,希望能得到他們協助及支持特,繼續倡導「自當重任」行動,以遏止退伍軍人輕生。

當選為一百零六屆全國退伍軍人會主席丹、懷利在佛州坦帕市舉辦的全國年會上表達將繼續維持「自富重任」的承諾為其任內施政方針,這位曾服役於空軍及堪薩斯州退休法官在會上發言,這是一項 國二百五十年的挑戰,注意健康。

美國國家情報總監圖爾西、加巴德在佛州坦帕市舉行的全國退伍軍人會年會上呼籲退伍軍人繼續在 戰鬥之外為國家服務。加巴德是美國陸軍預備役的中校,曾服役於伊拉克戰爭,她提醒參與年會的代
表,退伍軍人們團結及面對當前挑戰。她說我們在全國面臨許多挑戰和威脅,這不是黨派問題,當 我們團結一致定能克服一切。她並強調,經歷過戰鬥的軍人是最好的領導人。這位前夏威夷國會議
員是美國歷史上最高級的太平洋 裔美國人,她強調國家情報局的使命是提供準確,無偏見且不受 政治影響的情報。他敦促退伍軍人繼續擔任領導先驅,團結和保護國家,及履行退伍軍人會的服務
誓言。

美國退伍軍人事務部部長道格、柯林斯在全國退伍軍人會年會上呼籲退伍軍人們重視「自當重任」,支援戰友,他說退伍軍人是全國人口中的少數,如果我們不團結一起,互相幫助,那還有誰人來 幫助我們。他並強調美國退伍軍人全國總會致力於打擊退伍軍人及現役軍人輕生問題,他指出美國 退伍軍人總會的「同袍問安」是非常應用的計劃,希望大家承檐這重大責任,他對大家挑戰,由一 數到十七,就 諾我會「自當重任」去協助那些有輕生念頭的退伍軍人。柯林斯部長告訴大會代表,美國退伍軍人事務部已實展退伍軍人優先計劃,將向往累積的退伍軍人申請應得的醫療福利從二 十六萬案件減到十五萬案件之下,這反映出政府對退伍軍人的關注及重視,他說退伍軍人事務部將
繼續提供更多的服務,延長鉁所服務時間,擴大社區護理,努力減少無家可歸的退伍軍人。柯林斯 部長強調美國退伍軍人事務部從今以後不會再只為自身理念工作,而是全力為所有退伍軍人服務。
獲得英勇服役美國最高榮譽勳章的德懷特、比威爾在全美退伍軍人會年會中以幽默及謙遜的口吻說 及他二零二二年當他在白宮領取勳章的趣事,當拜登總統授給他國家最勇敢的榮譽勳章時閱讀他從
軍時的英雄事蹟後開玩笑地稱德懷特為瘋子,引來大會代表們的笑聲及鼓掌。德懷持因在在一九六 八年越戰期間的非凡及英勇行動而獲得榮譽勳章,儘管身受多重的傷害,他仍然在炮火中奮鬥以致 扭轉戰爭局勢。在接受勳章時,他稱當時在戰場的英勇行動,全沒為自己的安危設想,他只是覺得 一定為已陣亡同袍的家屬盡責。

今年是九一一恐襲二十四年,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 光追掉會銘記二十四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。今年燭光追掉會由本會前任主席伍元天法官主持,參加社區人士眾多,州眾議員李榮恩,鄭永佳,市議員馬泰,中華公所主席朱超然,台山寧陽會館主席伍堅石,新五 分局局長林偉斌,副局長張耿明等社區人士,紐約州退伍軍人總會主席,州婦女會主席和州子弟部 主席等。所有演講嘉賓致詞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,指出紐約華埠深受恐襲後的經濟衰退影響,在恢復過程中面臨諸多困難。他
們中的大多數人仍然對這一可怕事件產生了揮之不去的影響。

你如果在近期有上本會網站閱讀,你肯定注意到網站的最新設計,感謝所有參與及協助的會員,特 別感謝亞倫、伯勒森,他全力負責將本會原有的網站引入了很多的改善,使到本會網站更為完美及 現代化,當然我們也非常感謝譚超然,他為本會網站最先設計及奠定了穩固基礎。這個網站向來是 本會會員覺得自豪及資訊的中心樞紐,從本會的活動日曆和會務通訊,新活動公告,申請表,活動照 片及本會每五年出版的紀念特刊,包括近期出版的八十週年紀念特刊。本會網站最主要目標是讓會員 們隨時使用及得到本會資訊,並保持聯繫,希望你經常查閱以獲得更多及最新的本會資訊。

本會在今年六月會員大會通過遵循美國退伍軍人會高層組織已經採用的最新服裝準則,本會即時實 行本會舉辦的遊行活動及參加會議的服裝規定,在這些活動中,建議穿著退伍軍人總會購買的馬球
襯衫。不過本會仍然歡迎希望繼續穿著傳統外套和領帶的會員參與這些活動。本會鼓勵會員透過退 伍軍人總會網站自行購買退伍軍人馬球襯衫,或聯絡本會協助代購。

請注意,會員大會通過調整本會會所開放時間。即日起,本會將於每週二和週六休息。感謝您的理 解與配合,我們調整開放時間,以便完善會員的需求。

1. Post Activities 會務

The following motions were approved during the June 29, 2025 General Meeting:

本年六月二十九日第一次會員大會通過下列各項議案:

a. Approved the Lt. Kimlau Post 1291 2025-2026 budget plan.
通過本會二零二五至二零二六年度預算。

b. Approve new members of the “Post Scholarship Committee” (Howard Chin, Wayne Hom and Sean Tse) for the LY 2025-2028 term. 通過本會獎學金委員會新成員 – 陳煥寧、譚超然、謝國寶,二零二五至二零二八年。

c. Approved new members of the “Post Compliance Committee” (Mini Wang, Frank Gee and Howard Chin) for the LY 2025-2028 term. Thomas Ong to fill the position vacated by Kenneth Wong.
通過本會順從法令委員會新成員 – 王咪咪、朱灼輝、陳煥寧,三人任期為二零二五至二零二 八年。鄧燦業填補黃建中空缺,二零二四至二零二六年。

d. Approved to appoint Robert E. Lee, Esq. as the Post Legal Consultant for LY 2025-2026.
通過委任李羅伯特為本會本年度法律顧問。

e. Approved a one-time $30.00 2025 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 2025). Deadline to claim the special reimbursement is
December 31, 2025.
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),每人三十 元。此車馬費必須於本年十二月三十一日前領取,逾時作廢。

f. Approve to host the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at 5:00 pm to integrate with the Department Commander Visitation on the same day.
通過二零二五年“紀念九、一一”儀式下午五時舉行。

g. Approve to participate in the LMHA July 4 th Parade.
通過本會參加下城美國國慶日遊行。

h. Approve to establish the standard dress code for Post Officers conducting meeting and members participating parades. Members are required to wear American Legion Polo shirt to ensure uniform and dignified appearance.
通過及制定主持會議職員及參加遊行會員穿著美國退伍軍人會出售的馬球衫(Polo Shirt)。

2. News/Announcement/Gossip

The 2025-2026 Membership cards have arrived and ready for pick up. Members can remit the $30.00
membership dues by mail or in person (daily except Tuesday and Saturday). Members’ eligible (fifteen
or more continuous membership years) for the Post 2025 Transportation Reimbursement can substitute
this payment for annual dues.

二零二五至二零二六年會員證已經開始分發(辦公時間,每日下午二時至四時,星期二及星期六除外),各會友請將三十元會費以郵寄方式或親臨本會繳交。適合條件領取二零二五年會員出席會議車馬費會友可用車馬費代繳會費。

3. 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!
Thomas J. Lee 鍾 偉 仁 (May 25)              Glenn Bat (Jun 25)

Yip On Wong 黃 業 安 (Jun 25)                  George Cheung (Aug 25)

Stanley Chin 陳 占 登 (Aug 25)                    Cooly Y. Chung 鍾 如 樞 (Sep 25)

4. New/Transfer Members 新入會會員

There were three 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二十位新入會會員:

Melissa Lee 李茹茵 (Gulf – Air Force)                                           Chris Yu Yan 甄宇健 (Gulf – Army)
Allen Eric Yu 余燕志 (Gulf – Marine)                                              Ming Shun Huang 黃銘舜 (Gulf – Navy)
Allen Haolun Wang 王浩倫 (Gulf – Army)                                      David Ho (Lebanon/Grenada – Army)                  Jade Spurgueon 丹王玉 (Gulf – Air Force)                                    Chiyuan Yang (Gulf – Army)                            Robert Stephan Sikorski (Vietnam – Army)                                  New F. Wong 黃 鳥 (WWII – Army)                      Kenneth Michael Caraglio (Gulf – Army)                                       Allen Huang (Gulf – Army)                                      Christina Lai (Gulf – Air Force)                                                        Yin Yi (Cindy) Tan 陳馨儀 (Gulf – Army)                  Weng F. Chan (Gulf – Navy)                                                              Wang Chan 陳宏 (Gulf – Navy)                                  Janice Luo (Gulf – Army)                                                                  William Shum 沈偉良 (Gulf – Air Force)                  Rambo Lee (Gulf – Army)                                                                  Dong Liang Ruan 阮棟良 (Gulf – Navy)

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

Kenneth Wong黃建中, Bo Chen陳 波, Wilem Wong黃伯聰, Hon Pun Chan陳漢斌  Gabe B. Mui 梅本立, Howard Chin 陳煥寧, Ping Wing Chu朱炳榮, Wan Y. Tam 譚煥瑜

2025 October Newsletter PDF

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