Department Commander David R. Riley Sr. makes an official visitation to Oneida County on Sunday, Oct. 2, accompanied by Department Auxiliary President Nancy J. Babis and Sons of the American Legion Detachment Commander Timothy S. Van Patten II.
The leaders begin the day with coffee and doughnuts at Smith Post 24 in Rome, where they will meet with Legion Family members. Next they tour facilities at Griffiss Park. They conclude their visit with festivities at Oriskany Post 1448, attended by Legion Family members from Posts, Units and Squadrons from across the county. Social hour starts at 1 p.m. with the program getting underway at 2 p.m. A barbecue dinner follows.
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Commander Riley is the third Oneida County resident to be elected state American Legion commander in the Legion’s 103-year history. Riley served four years in the Air Force from 1978 to 1982. After completing training, he was assigned to K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in upper Michigan as part of the security police force.
A life member of The American Legion, Riley joined Utica Post 229 in 1995 when his son was involved in the Boy Scout Troop sponsored by the Post. He transferred in 2000 to Rome’s Henry P. Smith Post 24, where he served as commander from 2004 to 2006. In addition to many other positions, Riley was 2012-2013 Oneida County commander. He is past chairman of both Membership and Law-and-Order Committees.
Retired from the State Department of Correctional Services (NYSDOCS), Riley is active in a number of veteran’s circles.
Riley is married to the former Laurie Evans. They have four children, David Jr., Lindsay, Katelyn and Kurt (married to Fabiola); and two grandsons, Chase and Apollo.
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Nancy J. Babis is a 62-year member of B. Leo Dolan Unit # 410 in Lockport. Her membership eligibility comes through her mother and father, both WWII veterans (U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy, respectively), and her husband, a Vietnam era Navy vet.
She has served in leadership roles on the unit, county, district and state levels.
Nancy has served the Department of New York as Empire Girls State nurse for four years. She served as Convention Program chair for three years. She served as Department Chaplain in 2017-2018. Nancy served as Department 3rd Vice President chairing the Children and Youth committee in 2018-2019 and was recognized by National receiving a plaque for best Children and Youth program.
As an employee of Lockport Rehab and Health Care Center for over 30 years Nancy has been its Director of Nursing for the last 20 years. She has taught numerous leadership programs for Directors of Nursing and First Line Managers in the Western Region of the state through the Foundation for Quality Care.
Nancy and her late husband John were married for 41 years, and have a daughter, Rene (James) Mount (ALA) and son Phillip Babis (SAL). Her daughter in law Holly Babis is an Air Force veteran and dual member. The family includes five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all proud members of the Legion Family. She also has two step-grandchildren.
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Timothy S. Van Patten II, a member of Alfred J. Jurek Squadron #1672, in Swormville, is a 28-year member of The Sons of The American Legion.
Tim can claim eligibility for membership through his great-grandfather (WWI Navy), his grandfathers (WWII Army), and his father, Timothy S. Van Patten, a Vietnam War Navy vet who is a past department commander and current alternate national executive committeeman.
Tim has held many positions on the squadron, county, and district levels. Tim has served the Detachment as historian and as a vice-commander. He has also served on the Public Relations Committee and has been Convention Chairman for the past few conventions held in Buffalo. Tim also served as the national historian for 2018-2019.
Tim is a graduate of both The New York American Legion Family College as well as The Sons of The American Legion’s National Management Institute.
Tim has spent 30 years working in the entertainment industry in positions ranging from stagehand to being a lighting, audio, and set designer and production manager. Tim has been fortunate enough to tour with acts ranging from musicians to Broadway productions. Most recently Tim has been the stage crew advisor and technical director for Williamsville South High School.
Tim has also worked as an EMT for a commercial ambulance company as well as being a member of a volunteer fire company. He is also certified as a NYS advanced hazardous materials technician and volunteers with the Erie County Hazmat Team.
Additionally, Tim is a first lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol, the Auxiliary of the US Air Force. As a member of that organization, he holds many positions in his Squadron, is the Western New York Group public affairs officer and has served as the New York Wing historian.