Edward Jackson wasn’t feeling well and went to a hospital emergency room on the morning of the Oneida County Convention on June 11, but it didn’t stop the Legionnaires from not only electing Ed as Oneida County commander but also honoring him as Legionnaire of the Year.

The new county commander was released from the ER and made it to the tail end of the convention. The first thing he did was to thank and honor outgoing County Commander Lucy Burgard with the special gift of a clock and plaque.

In addition to the election of 2022-2023 officers, the 103rd County Convention spotlighted awards and heard from various community leaders who thanked veterans for their past and continuing service.

The guest speakers included State Sen. Joseph A. Griffo, Assemblyman Brian D. Miller, and Oneida County Executive Anthony J Picente, Jr., all of whom thanked veterans for their sacrifices. Sheriff Rob Maciol noted that he was moved by the memorial service for Legionnaires who died in the past year because it brought him back to hearing his father’s name at the county convention nine years ago.

The final speaker, Sitrin Military Program Director Jackie Warmuth, expressed her gratitude for the American Legion’s on-going support of Sitrin’s free rehab program for veterans.

County Auxiliary Incoming President Peggy Martin reported reaching 99.12 percent of their membership goal, with the County Auxiliary being in first place in the Department of New York.