State legion officials visit Oxford

OXFORD – The American Legion’s top state level officials traveled to Chenango County last week to tour the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford as part of their annual visitation to Chenango County.

New York State’s American Legion Department Commander Edward Bertrand, American Legion Auxiliary Department President Susan Britton and Sons of the American Legion Department Commander Gary Denmon of the S.A.L. Detachment of New York were among the 30 representatives from the veterans organization in attendance.

They were welcomed with open arms at the NYS Vets’ Home, where they received a tour of the existing facility, learned about the new building currently under construction and enjoyed a luncheon in their honor.

NYS Veterans’ Home Administrator Sally Venugopalan said she looks forward to the visit each year.

“The American Legion family have been outstanding,” said Venugopalan. “They have been generous with their time, generous with their money and generous with volunteering for programs.”

Because of construction setbacks, members of the contingent were not able to tour the future state-of-the-art facility. They did, however, get to view plans of the project and hear about the building’s features from Venugopalan. The facility, which was designed with the input of both residents and staff, will house each of the Vets’ Home’s 242 residents in private rooms when it is completed.

Britton, in particular, had been looking forward to a tour of the new facility. The Auxiliary’s previous department president, Carol Johnson, had raised money for a Freedom Room which will benefit dementia patients, explained Britton.