Oneida County American Legion held its annual convention on Saturday, June 10, 2023, electing officers for 2023-2024, hearing words of praise from government leaders, announcing scholarships, recognizing the good work of local Legion Posts, and honoring outstanding police officers.

Hosted at Utica Post 229, the convention elected Michael Wakefield of Sauquoit as county commander.

“We have to do more with membership,” Wakefield said. “That’s my theme for the year.”

Wakefield served as the county’s second vice commander this past year as well as commander of Edward L. Clonan Post 1000 in Chadwicks. He served in the U.S. Army from 1987 to 1990 and was called back to active duty for Desert Storm. Following that he served in the National Guard for six years. He worked as a tank turret mechanic, and that army skill followed him to his civilian job as a diesel mechanic for the Oneida County Department of Public Works.

Government Leaders Salute Veterans

Several government leaders expressed their support for veterans’ causes and praised American Legion members for continuing to serve in ways that benefit the community. They included:

- Congressman Bandon Williams, who expressed his best wishes via a live phone call broadcast over the facility’s PA system.

- A representative of Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon brought greetings and best wishes from the state legislator.

- Sheriff Rob Maciol, who spoke of his dad’s service as a World War II marine and praised the service of American Legion members.

- State Sen. Joe Griffo, who noted: “You all answered the call to serve with bravery… As the sheriff said, each of you do what is necessary to keep our community great.” He added: “We’re going to continue to fight on your behalf because you fought for us.”

- Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente echoed that sentiment, pointing to the county’s recently announced veteran suicide prevention program.

Newly Installed Slate of Officers

The newly installed Oneida County American Legion officers for 2023-2024 are:

Commander: Michael Wakefield, Edward L. Clonan Post 1000, Chadwicks.

First Vice Commander: Connery Zaleski, Utica Post 229, Utica.

Second Vice Commander: Kayleigh Gallup, Sylvan Beach Post 1153, Sylvan Beach.

Adjutant: David R. Riley Sr., Henry P. Smith Post 24, Rome.

Treasurer: William Park, Sherill Post 230, Sherill.

Chaplain: Roger Perry, Lee Legion Post 1794, Lee Center.

Historian: Frank Carletta, Henry P. Smith Post 24, Rome.

Sgt.-at-Arms: Doug Martin, Lee Post 1794. Lee Center.

Judge Advocate: Mikel Buczkowski, Leon P. Roberts Post 161, Holland Patent.

Executive Board:

- Edward Jackson, immediate past county commander, Utica Post 229, Utica.

- Robert Stronach, Utica Post 229.

- William Sequinn, Utica Post 229.

- Donald Gerling, Charles J. Love Post 406, Boonville.

- Lucy Burgard, Lee Legion Post 1794, Lee Center.