May 2012 • First Call 1

Chris Urban, Commander May 2012 Jack LaPaglia, Membership

First Call!The American Legion Utica Post 229

Utica Post 229 • 409 Herkimer Rd., Utica, NY 13502 • 315.793.9377 • www.uticapost229.org

Post Meetings are first Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. (optional dinner at 6:15)

Award of Commendation recipient Sgt. Anthony Martino, left, and Of-ficer of the Year Mark Rahn pose with Police Chief Mark Williams at Utica Post 229. See Page 4.

May 289:30 a.m.

Coffee and Doughnuts, Utica Post 229.

10:30 a.m.Buses leave post for

wreath-laying.10:45 a.m.

Wreath-laying at six sites, starting at Oneida Square.

Return to post for lunch.2 p.m.

Parade, Genesee Street (Oneida Square to Parkway)

MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE

InsideCommander’s Call 2Eagle Scout Project 2Chaplain’s Corner 3 Slate of Officers 6Candies for Troops 7Auxiliary 7

POSt SALutES tOP COPS

LEgIONBASEBALL StARtSJuNE 3

The Utica Post 229 Baseball Team kicks off the season Sunday, June 3, with an 11 a.m. game at Murname Field.

See the season schedule on back cover.

The Post is also fielding a junior team.

More information to come.

MAY1 Bingo, 6:30 pm2 Bloodmobile, noon-53 POST ELECTIONS Monthly Dinner, 6:15 Post Meeting, 7:30 pm Auxiliary, 7:30 pm5 Installation Dinner8 Bingo, 6:30 pm14 Vietnam Vets of Am., 115 Bingo, 6:30 pm19 DAV, noon 22 Bingo, 6:30 pm28 Memorial Day29 Bingo, 6:30 pm

MEEt thE gRAND MARShALS

Memorial Day Parade Chair Paul Wojcik announces the grand mar-shals for this year’s parade on Monday, May 28 -- Korean War vets Tom O’Toole (left) and Cal Anacker. See Page 2.

SCOut WANtS tO LANDSCAPE POSt 229 FOR EAgLE PROJECt

The Executive Board in April ap-proved a Boy Scout’s proposed Eagle Scout Project to landscape the front of the Post’s property.

The Scout, Danny Criggers of Troop 115, plans to raise money, and recruit workers and a landscaper.

(See Commander Chris Urban’s column on Page 2 for how to sup-port the Scout’s vision to beautify the Post.)

First Call • May 20122

Commander’s Call

Chris urban

Randy Prutzman, and Jim Nagy. These guys did a fabulous job and the Bar really looks great; they also had some fun, a few laughs, and they completed the job in less than two hours.

SOMETIME soon we will be repainting the restrooms and the Banquet Room; if you would like to participate, please contact Joanne Powers and let her know you are interested in helping.

WE hAVE an Eagle Scout candidate who has volunteered to landscape the front face of the Post

BRAVO ZULU TO PAINTERS

Last month I had to submit my First Call input before repainting the Bar was completed. As a result, last month I gave only one BRAVO ZULU (to Joanne Powers for being the driver behind the project) because the actual painters hadn’t gathered to complete the job. Now I can properly recognize each of the vol-unteer painters.

BRAVO ZULU to Larry Weible, Dave Val-entine, Danny Greenwell, Jeff Badger, Steve O’Toole,

Quota: 659Paid to date: 571 Percentage: 88 %

(the side facing herkimer Road) as his Eagle Scout Project. Part of his project involves raising the funds to complete this project.

If you would like to contribute, please stop by the Post to make a donation or mail a dona-tion to the Post (you can make the check payable to Utica Post 229 and put the word “landscaping” in the check’s “note” line); we will make sure the Eagle Scout candidate gets you dona-tion and your name.

For God and Country...

kOREAN WAR VEtS ARE gRAND MARShALSThe American Legion’s

Utica Post 229, sponsor of the Memorial Day Parade, has named two Korean War veterans as the grand mar-shals for this year’s parade to be held Monday, May 28 in Utica.

“The grand marshals are Thomas O’Toole and Calvin Anacher,” Parade Chair Paul Wojcik announced.

Both men reside in Utica and are long-time members of Utica Post 229. O’Toole has been a Legion member for 28 years, and Anacker, for 58 years.

Thomas O’Toole, then an Army sergeant, saw action as a tank commander in the area known as the Punch-bowl, a basin surrounded on

three sides by mountains. he served with the 224th Infantry Regiment, part of the 40th Infantry Divi-sion -- which suffered 1,880 casualties in Korea, including 376 killed in action, 1,457 wounded, and 47 who died of wounds. O’Toole received the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantry-man Badge, United Nations

Service Medal and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.

Cal Anacker served in the Army and initially took part in Operation Blue Jay at Thule, Greenland in 1951, hauling supplies, cargo and materials needed to extend the airstrips there to accom-modate heavy bombers and jet fighters. After attending leadership school, he was promoted to platoon sergeant.

Anacker then was assigned to train troops before taking part in Operation SUNAC (Support of North Atlantic Construction), where he and his troops hauled supplies and materials to construct radar sites and extend airstrips in Newfoundland, Labrador, Baffin Island and Greenland.

Wojcik noted that this year’s parade begins at 2 p.m. May 28 and is co-sponsored by the City of Utica.

Groups interested in par-ticipating in the parade may contact Wojcik at 315-735-7938, or Committee Secre-tary-Treasurer Joe Fraccola at 315-794-5296. Interested parties may also contact them via email at parade@utica-post229.org.

Tom O’Toole Cal Anacker

DAV SERVICE VAN At POSt IN JuLY

The DAV Service Van will be at Utica Post 229 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11.

A national service officer will be on hand to help veterans file or check on claims with the Veterans Admin-istration, reports Past Post Commander Frank Cassella, who is the DAV’s New York De-partment commander.

membership

May 2012 • First Call 3

In honor of Memorial DayEach year we give this tributeOut of thankfulness and loveFor your loyalty and courageVirtues that set you above.We’ll never forget you gave

your allThat others can be freeYou paid the ultimate

earthly price.Immortal you we ever be

We walk the byways, streets of town

Country lanes, through parksAt ease, at peace possibly becauseOf missions you embarked.

When there is no setting sunAnd tides stretch out o’er the

landNo birds to fly, no songs to sing

Then we’ll come and take your hand.

For now we won’t forgetAn emptiness your parting left

You gave your life for freedoms call

In God’s eyes you’re ever blessed

REST IN PEACE Michael A. Lorento

MAY NOTABLESMay 1 May DayMay 12 Internat’l Nurse DayMay 13 MOThERS DAYMay 28 MEMORIAL DAY

Chaplain’scorner

Paul Wojcik

POSt MEEtINgS

EXECutIVE BOARD

June 7May 3

May 17 June 21

The Memorial Day ob-servance in Utica features morning wreath-laying at six monuments and an afternoon parade up Genesee Street.

The wreath-laying ceremo-nies start at 10:45 a.m. at the Soldiers and Sailors Monu-ment on Oneida Square. The wreath-laying then moves, in order, to: the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the Parkway, the POW-MIA Monument on the Parkway, the World War I/World War II/Korean War Monument on the Parkway, the Purple heart Park in West Utica, and the All Veterans Me-morial at Utica’s Main Post Office on Pitcher Street.

A Memorial Day Parade, up Genesee Street from Oneida Square to the Park-way, caps off the day’s events, starting at 2 p.m.

Sponsored by Utica Post 229 and the City of Utica, the parade is organized by a committee representing vari-

ous veterans’ organizations and chaired by Utica Post’s Paul Wojcik.

Coffee and doughnuts will be available at the post that morning, and, for those members needing a ride to the wreath-laying, buses will leave the post at 10:30.

In addition to numerous veterans groups and elected officials, Wojcik said, the parade typically features Utica Police and Fire De-partments, New York State Police, Oneida County Sheriff ’s Department, several volunteer fire departments, Gold Star Mothers, Centro Bus, the Shriners’ Ziyara Zanies Motor Clowns, the Navy Jr. ROTC cadets from both Proctor and Notre Dame high Schools, POW/MIA floats, U.S. Army and National Guard contingents, Boy Scouts of America, the American Red Cross, La Banda Rosa, and school marching bands.

The parade committee members and their veterans affiliations are:

• Paul Wojcik, chair, Utica Post 229 and Oneida County Veterans Council.

• Joe Fraccola, secretary-treasurer, Central NY Chap-ter 490/Military Order of the Purple heart, and Vietnam Veterans of America/Utica Chapter 944.

• Carl Yeomans, parade co-ordinator, AmVets Post 6001.

• John Ryan, Oneida Coun-ty Voiture 92 of the 40 & 8.

• Vince Zaleski, Utica Post 229.

• Stan Bogdan, Walter Skiba Post #20 P.L.A.V. (Polish Legion of American Veterans)

• Dan Pieloch, Walter Skiba Post #20 P.L.A.V.

• Sean McGuirl, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6001.

• Jim George, Utica Post 229.

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE, WREAthSThe Memorial Day Parade will feature marching bands like this one that performed last year.

First Call • May 20124

Utica Post 229 American Legion declared two Utica cops as Police Officers of the Year, and presented an Award of Commendation to a third Utica Police Department officer, during the Post’s an-nual Law and Order Awards Ceremony Thursday night, April 5.

Law and Order Chair Paul Wojcik made the presentations.

Officers of the Year are George DeAn-

gelo and Mark Rahn, who confronted a homicide suspect shortly after the 12:30 a.m. crime last year. They were on patrol when the sound of gunshots brought them right to the shooter.

The Award of Commendation went to Sgt. Anthony Martino for integrating computers into law local law enforcement and for his work in helping to catch child predators.

“We want these officers to receive the recognition they deserve, especially when they put their lives on the line,” Wojcik said. “The community should be proud of the top-notch work of the Utica Police Department.”

Police Chief Mark Williams noted that officers seldom come upon an armed suspect fleeing the scene of a homicide and take him into custody. Calling it a dangerous situation, he said Officers DeAngelo and Rahn exhibited bravery and professionalism. “They quickly exited their patrol car and ordered the man to drop the gun,” Chief Williams said. “After a few tense moments, the man dropped the gun and while Officer DeAngelo provided cover, Officer Rahn was able to take the man into custody.” The suspect, Marshall Jackson, was convicted and sen-tenced in March to 25 years to life for the murder, he noted. “The arrest, trial and conviction can be directly attributed to the heroic actions that night of Officers George DeAngleo and Mark Rahn,” the chief said.

Chief Williams also noted that Ser-geant Martino, a 19-year veteran of the department, has put Utica PD in the

Law-and-Order Chair Paul Wojcik presents Officer of Year Award to Mark Rahn (right) with Police Chief Mark Williams looking on.

Mark Rahn

2 COPS NAMED OFFICERS OF thE YEAR FOR CONFRONtINg MuRDER SuSPECt3rd honored for protecting children, digital forensics

George DeAngelo Sgt. Anthony Martino

May 2012 • First Call 5

Family members turn into paparazzi, photographing their hero cops.

limelight as a specialist in computer forensics. Martino created and directs the regional digital forensics labora-tory, the chief said. “The laboratory brings together law enforcement, aca-demic and private partners to address the serious shortage of computer forensic capabilities in our region,” he noted. “Serving federal, state and lo-cal agencies throughout central New York, this innovative laboratory con-cept has become a model for agencies throughout the country.”

In 2003, Sergeant Martino founded the Central New York Computer Crime Coalition, and the Central New York Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). “The local ICAC task force has worked proactively to safeguard children by targeting persons that attempt to sexually exploit minors via the Internet,” Chief Williams said. “These efforts have succeeded in cases such as the arrest of Flay Rood of Utica. After an online case was initiated by Tony, a lengthy investigation by multiple agencies and a prosecution in Oneida County and U.S. federal courts ensued. In 2011, Rood was sentenced to life in prison for sexually abusing multiple children both here and in Florida as well as producing child pornography.”

Since 2004, the chief noted, Martino has been a deputized U.S. Marshal as a participant in the U.S. Secret Service electronic crime task force. “This collaborative agreement between the UPD and the Secret Service has brought the support of a premier federal law enforcement agency to Utica,” Chief Williams said, while also allowing the Secret Service “to take advantage of the specialized technical skills that Tony possesses.”

The awards ceremony followed a dinner attended by Legionnaires, auxiliary members, the families of the honorees, Chief Williams and other members of the Utica PD.

Sgt. Anthony Marino is interviewed by WKTV News Channel 2

Chief Mark Williams is interviewed by WUTR Eye Witness News.

First Call • May 20126

Nominating Committee Chair Frank Cassella pre-sented a list of candidates for office for 2012-2013 at the April membership meeting.

Elections take place at the May 3rd membership meet-ing. The proposed slate of officers are:

• Commander: Chris Urban.• 1st Vice Cmdr: Len Lascala.• 2nd VC: Jim George.• 3rd VC: Bob Stronach.• Adjutant: Anthony Pal-

ladino.• Treasurer: Jim Haggerty.• Chaplain: Paul Wojcik.

NEW MEMBER WELCOMEDLarry Badger was welcomed as a new member during the April general membership meeting by First Vice Com-mander Len Lascala (right) and 2nd Vice Commander Jim George (left).

CANDIDAtES PRESENtED FOR MAY ELECtIONS

Military liaison Pat Dodge reports that the Post should be assigned another deploying platoon to adopt in the near future, and in the interim, she has been able to provide 2,000 candy bars to troops deploy-ing from Fort Drum, thanks to donations from Walgreens.

Pat and Marie Dodge took a ride up to Fort Drum to deliv-er the candy bars to the USO.

“They were extremely grate-ful to get them,” Pat reports. “Although we cannot send chocolate candies overseas to the troops, the USO gives the deploying troops candy to have on the trip over. They said the troops will especially enjoy the variety of candy

Pat Dodge and Paul Wojcik load another box of candy bars for troops deploying from Fort Drum.

2,000 CANDY BARS FOR DEPLOYINg tROOPSAct

Club manager Joanne Powers offers a “Great Big Thank-You” to “all the guys that volunteered to paint the bar room in record time.” The painters included Larry Weible, Dave Valentine, Danny Greenwell, Jeff Badger, Steve O’Toole, Randy Prutzman,

Jim Nagy, and Chris Urban. “They are a great group of gentle-men who always step up and help out when we need them.”

She also offered a special thank-you to Tom O’Toole “for sup-porting all the needs of the Post 365 days a year.”

‘gREAt BIg thANk-YOu’ tO CREW thAt PAINtED BAR AREA

donated to us by the Wal-greens Pharmacy. This is the second time that Walgreens has donated on such a large scale. Please remember who supports us when you’re doing your shopping.”

The JROTC came through Pat when Pat was ready to de-liver the candy to Fort Drum.

“The boxes were heavy,” Pat notes. “A call to the Notre Dame Junior ROTC took care of the problem. Four cadets came right over and loaded the car. They are the best and never let me down. They’re always ready to help with whatever you need. Fine examples of the youth today and the adults of tomorrow.”

• Service Officer: Dave Wilson.

• Judge Advocate: Al Alteri.• Sgt.-at-arms: R. Wayne

Dapre.• Executive Board: Frank

Cassella, Tom O’Toole, Jack LaPaglia, Vin Zaleski, Stew-ard Bailey.

• Scholarship Committee: Jim McGuire, Paul Wojcik, Chris Urban, Vin Zaleski, Jim George, Tom O’Toole, Jim haggerty.

The only office lacking a candidate is that of post historian.

May 2012 • First Call 7

AuxiliaryTheresa Jensen, president

President’s Messagetheresa Jensen

Dear Auxiliary Members,

This is the end of three years as your Unit President.

This was such a great experience that I will always be proud to say Utica Unit # 229 is the “BEST”.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to all you volunteers and Past Presidents who helped me these last three years.

I extend my sincere gratitude to our Legionnaires and Past Commanders and present Commander Chris Urban.

I wish all our mothers a very “happy Mother’s Day“.

On this Memorial Day and everyday remember our veterans who have paid the ultimate sacrifice so we may live free.

Yours in service...

By Rose A. Coniglio

We are making progress -- we now have 201 paid members.

With our quota for 2012 at 219, we are at 91.7 percent of goal. We need 18 new members/renewals to make 100 percent. We’re hoping to reach our goal by June.

If you haven’t paid your $15 dues for 2012, please do so and help us reach our goal. Make checks out to American Legion Auxiliary Unit 229 and send to:

Rose A. Coniglio607 Jay St., Apt. C2Utica, NY 13501Thank you !

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS !• Elizabeth G. Irons• Judith M. Michalowski• Bonnie J. Ryczek• Sarah T. Smith• Patricia A. Walchusky

MembershipAt 91.7%

Crocheting for Wounded Warriors

Chaplain’scorner

gail greco

Today I Smiled

Today I smiled, and all at once

Things didn’t look so bad.Today I shared with

someone else,A little bit of hope I had.

Today I worked with what I had,

And longed for nothing more,And what had seemed like

only weeds,Were flowers at my door.

Today I loved a little more,And complained a little less. And in the giving of myself,

I forgot my weariness.~ author unknown ~

SYMPAThYNancy Nudo

GET WELL SOONJoanna Vogel

Pat Dodge and other volunteers have begun crocheting afghans for wounded warriors at Landsthul hospital in Ger-many. In addition to this batch of four afghans, they were shipping several pairs of slippers,

They got the idea from a project of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Making the the slippers and two afghans was Auxiliary member Ginger Pieloch. Also crocheting an afghan was Lillian Tulpafrom AARP.give Blood

American Red Cross bloodmobile is at Utica Post 229 every first Wednesday of the month from noon to 5.

First Call • May 20128

Utica Post #229The American Legion

409 Herkimer Rd.Utica, NY 13502

First Call is a monthly publication of Utica Post 229 American Legion,

409 herkimer Rd., Utica, NY 13502, whose mission is to serve veterans, members and local communities.

Yearly membership includes First Call, published 10 times a year.

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

-PAID-Utica, NY

Permit No. 566

Since its founding in Paris in 1919, The American Legion has been an advocate for America’s veterans, a friend of the U.S. military, a sponsor of community-based programs for young people and a spokesman for patriotic values.

Editor: Robert Stronach. Send news, announcements and photos to FirstCall@uticapost229.org.

2012 utICA POSt BASEBALL SChEDuLE