Convention Elects Marion Stark as Commander,
Honors Legionnaires and First Responders
CHADWICKS -- The Oneida County American Legion Convention on June 13 began with solemnity as the colors were presented and saluted.
It ended with cheers and rousing applause as Marion Stark was unanimously elected and installed as the 2026-2027 county commander. She served as county first vice commander as well as commander of Leon R. Roberts Post 161 in Holland Patent. After graduating from Holland Patent High School, she served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Other newly elected officers included Betty Williams of Kelley-Phillips Post 569 in Oriskany Falls as first vice commander and William Park of Sherrill Post 230 as finance officer.
In addition, the convention honored Legionnaires and first responders. They included:
• Senior Legionnaire o the Year: Russell Proper Jr. of Lee Post 1794 in Lee Center.
• Legionnaire of the Year: Ken Shilkret of Helmuth Ingalls Post 232 in Clinton.
• Charles Steere Award recipient: Richard Roberts of Leon R. Roberts Post 161 in Holland Patent.
• Firefighter of the Year: Lawrence Tambourine of Lake Delta Fire Department.
• Fire Departments of the Year: joint honors for Vienna, Sylvan Beach and North Bay fire departments.
107TH COUNTY CONVENTION
One of the first actions of the 107th county convention was a memorial service, with County Chaplain Roger Perry praying for veterans who died over the past yea. The peel of a bell was the sole sound to break the silent reverence as representatives from each post read aloud the names of their deceased members.
Outgoing County Commander Michael Wakefield welcomed delegates and special guests to the convention, held at his home post, Edward L. Clonon Post 1000 in Chadwicks. Before asking County Adjutant David Riley Sr. to take the roll call and before introducing political leaders, he expressed heart-felt gratitude to his post members, the auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion (SAL) for their support of his unprecedented three terms as county commander.
The memorial service, noted Assemblyman Brian Miller, reminded him of a World War I veteran he had met as a youngster — Joe Berthold, a member of the “last man’s club” at Utica Post 229.
“We used to walk down the road to his house, and his wife would make cookies, and... he would tell us about his experiences in World War I, the Legion and all that.”
World War I “was a long time ago,” and now Vietnam veterans are beginning to fade along with those who fought in World War II and Korea, he said.
“I just want to thank you for everything you did, your service, and, Michael, thank you for the three years (as county commander).”
The memorial service also touched Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, who noted that she was present a couple of years ago, when “you honored my dad,” who had been a member of Whitestown Post. “As I listened this morning,” she said, she realized the veterans of Oneida County represented “thousands of years of service” as well as of “welcoming other veterans home.”
“And that's what the American Legion does. And I have to say that's just one piece,” especially with the Legion’s involvement in the community and with youth.
Pointing to the nation’s 250th birthday, State Sen. Joseph Griffo said, “our community has always been home to defenders of democracy,” going back to the Battle of Oriskany.
“And each and every one of you have an important role in that, because not only did you serve our country with valor and courage, you also continue to do it in our community.”
Griffo drew cheers and applause when he noted that the 2026-2027 state budget restores $100,000 in funding for American Legion Boys State and another $100,000 for American Legion Auxiliary’s Girls State.
THE LEGION FAMILY
County Auxiliary President Kara Smith Young addressed the gathered Legionnaires, emphasizing the impact of the Legion Family and lauding how the Legion, the Auxiliary and the Sons support one another.
She pointed to such successful endeavors as the Auxiliary’s Children an Youth program, which “was able to raise over $1,000 for the ‘Sleep in Heavenly Peace’ local chapter.” She added: “Our membership chair continued to use creativity to inspire recruiting and retention, and we are currently sitting at approximately 97% for our membership.”
She then introduced Julianne Barton, third vice president for the Department of New York, who spoke about the county’s Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation program
“I'm proud to announce that we provided over 300 gifts for the veterans that are in assisted living facilities and nursing homes throughout the county. They ranged from snippers, cpandy bars, to TV players, to sweatsuits, anything they requested.”
The junior Auxiliary members in the county also made Valentine's cards and Christmas cards for those veterans, she said.
County SAL Commander Pete Chambrone offered a few thoughts for incoming leaders of the Legion Family.
“Lead with your heart. Make your mark and make it your own. Try something new. Not every idea will be a home run. So fail fast, correct course. and make the organization better than you found it.”
Richard Abel, a SAL detachment vice commander for New York, noted that Detachment Commander Joseph Guidice Jr. “came up this little acronym” for the Sons of the American Legion. “SAL stood for, in his words, service and legacy…Without the legacy, without the family, which has been emphasized throughout today, we’re nothing, and you guys are everything to us. We’re here for you.”
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
HONORED LEGIONNAIRES
Russell Proper Jr. of Lee Post 1794 in Lee Center is the Senior Legionnaire of the Year and and Ken Shilkret of Helmuth Ingalls Post 232 in Clinton is Legionnaire of the Year, Past County Commander Lucy Burgard announced.
Then, County Sergeant-at-Arms Daryl Merrick presented the Charles Steere Award to Richard Roberts of Leon R. Roberts Post 161 in Holland Patent.
Proper, who is 100 years old this year (born July 18, 1926), served in World War II with the 10th Armored Division and received two battle stars, one for the Eastern Front and one for the Rhine River. He has been a member of Lee Post for 54 years.
Shilkret has been adjutant and treasurer of Post 232. He has been actively involved in local veterans' affairs, helping coordinate recognition for area veterans, including presenting international honors and tracking local military service histories.
Roberts was cited for “going above and beyond to support the post, county, and community.” A U.S. Army vet who served in Vietnam, Roberts has been post commander 10 years and has served as membership chair and a member of the executive board for many years. He has been a member of Post 161 for 43 years.
LAW AND ORDER AWARDS
Patrick and Barbara Evans, respective members of Oriskany Post 1448 and its Auxiliary Unit, are able to celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary this year. thanks to the efforts of three volunteer fire departments. A year ago, firefighters rescued them from a crushed fifth wheel camper. A severe storm toppled a tree on the camper, trapping them and causing life-threatening injuries.
The three volunteer departments – Vienna, Sylvan Beach and North Bay -- were jointly honored as Fire Departments of the Year.
“For over one hour and thirty minutes, the fire crews from all three fire departments worked tirelessly in heavy rain, high winds, thunderstorms and lightning to free the two trapped individuals,” Law and Order Chair Dave Riley Sr. noted. With the help of the Vienna Department of Public Works, which helped secure and cut the tree, they were able to extricate the individuals and turn them over to Vineall Ambulance to transport to SUNY Upstate Hospital where they made a complete recovery.
In addition, Firefighter of the Year Lawrence Tamburrino of Lake Delta Fire Department was cited for “outstanding service rendered to the citizens of Lake Delta.” He has served in many positions, from lieutenant to captain to assistant chief to chief, and has earned certification as an EMT and paramedic.
MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATES
Adjutant and Membership Chair Riley honored Posts that achieved or surpassed their membership goads.
George Glenn Hughes Post 890 was the first to reach 100 percent in the county. It also was first in the small post category (under 200 members). Charles J Love Post 406 was first in the medium-size category (200 to 499 members).
Posts hitting or exceeding their goals:
• George Glenn Hughes Post 890 (100.00%)
• Sherrill Post 230 (104.29%)
• Kelley-Phillips Post 569 (103.61%)
• Leon R Roberts Post 161(100.66%)
• Clark Mills Post #26 (100.00%)
• Charles J Love Post 406 (100.47%)
New Hartford Post 1376 was recognized as the largest post in the county, with 407 members. Both George Glen Hughes Post 890 and Clark Mills Post 26 were honored for achieving their goals for three years in a row. Post with the highest percentage were:
• Small: Sherrill Post 230 (104.29%)
• Medium: Charles J Love Post 406 (100.47%)
AWARDS FOR POST PUBLICATIONS
New Hartford Post 1376 and its editor, Fred Williams, received the Grand Prize in the annual Newsletter of the Year competition.
Taking First Place honors were Lee Legion Post 1794 and editor Lucy Burgard. Second Place honors went to Leon R. Roberts Post 161 and editor Michelle Hubbard.
CLOSING REMARKS
Before the convention came to a close, Commander Stark offered brief remarks.
“Thank you for the trust you've placed in me, to lead the Oneida County American Legion.”
She acknowledged, “with a great deal of pride and pleasure,” the presence of her brother, SAL member Art Stark, and his partner, Bobby Owen, as well as her other brother, Russell, a retired army veteran, who “has been a great advisor,” and who, along with wife Renee, has “given me a great example of love and partnership.”
She also paid tribute to her deceased younger brother, John, and to her parents, Art (who was a proud Marine) and Beverly Stark. “They gave me roots and taught me the value of hard work.”
Commander Stark praised outgoing Commander Wakefield, noting: “You've given me a solid foundation to work with, and with your help. and the help of my more learned and more experienced comrades, we've got a great year ahead of us.”