OXFORD – It is an esteemed privilege for an American Legion (AL) post to be chosen to host the Commander and President of the American Legion Department of New York State while on their “official annual visitation” tour. So when asked to host a dinner reception, the Oxford AL First Vice Commander, Ron Blanford, responded with an enthusiastic, “Yes, we’d be honored!”

The 2011-2012 NYS Department Commander of the AL, W. Michael Bowen, is starting the annual visitation of Chenango County in Oxford at the NYS Veterans’ Home and ending it with dinner at the AL Post #376 Fort Hill on Thursday, Nov. 17. Traveling with Commander Bowen will be SAL Detachment Commander Dr. Greg K. Gibbs, and Department Auxiliary President, Ann Geer. The Commanders and President visit the 62 New York State counties once-a-year. During the official visitation tour, they discuss issues facing veterans and supporting members, listen to their needs and concerns, and fund raise for their particular annual projects.

First Vice Commander Blanford extends this dinner invitation to all the area AL members and hopes to have a large showing at the Fort Hill Legion, Post #376, to welcome and honor their special guests. The dinner menu will be roast pork, dressing, glazed carrots, tossed salad, mashed potatoes and gravy, apple sauce, rolls, and apple or pumpkin pie for dessert - all for $10/pp. A cocktails social hour will be at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m.

Commander Bowen resides in Waterloo, with his wife Patty and their four children. He is a 43-year life member of Warner-Van Riper Post #435. He is the owner of a general contracting business for over 30 years. Mike enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 17 and served from 1967 to 1971 in Europe and the Mediterranean area with the Naval Security Group as a top secret radioman intercept operator. His impressive Legion résumé includes these honors: seventh District A.L. Humanitarian of the Year - 2007; Gold Brigadier 2010; NY Dept. Recruiter of the Year - 2010; and Silver Brigadier 2011.  His project for the year is the American Legion National Emergency Fund.