I wanted to share some first impressions of what will be a very interesting week of virtual American Legion New York Boy’s State. Every year a very dedicate, hard working group of primarily Legionnaires volunteer to make NY Boy’s State happen. Seeing all the “old hands” and the “new faces” is always a highlight of … Continue reading
Category Archives: Current Boys State Posts
New York Boy’s State 2021 – Here we go!
We are days away from kicking off what will hopefully be the first and last virtual Boy’s State for New York’s American Legion Department. Although it’s disappointing not to be in person, we will make the best of it. There won’t be the flurry of activities, the marching and sports and music and other activities … Continue reading
Lessons Learned -Richard Marko – Class of 2008
My first year as a county counselor I was a little nervous about having an increased level of responsibility for the first time as Boy’s State. One thing that calmed my nerves was meeting the Marine that would be assisting me that year. Sgt Marko brought the professional demeanor of a solid NCO, but he … Continue reading
Return On Investment – Larry Waterman – Class of 1976
In the beginning it’s all about change. It seems the younger we are, the more we are surrounded by change. Younger folks embrace change, and are comfortable with change. “Growing up” is indeed a definition of personal change. Situations change, but often we miss the opportunity to look at the change within us. Boy’s State … Continue reading
Young Gun – Gunnar Haberl – Class of 2014
I’m going to start this post with a little introduction. In 2014 I was the County Counselor of Spafford and during that year there was some concern that we were a few Counselors short in the program. I was short a city counselor and after meeting my junior counselor I thought what the heck, let’s … Continue reading
Dan Fletcher – Class of 1985
I attended Boys State in 1985. I was selected by my American Legion with another boy (actually they announced it on the schools public address system and we were they only two to show up), we had a breakfast at the Williamson American Legion with our sponsors and off we went. At the time, Boys … Continue reading
Boy’s State…never heard of it
I never went to Boy’s State. In fact in the Spring of 2008 I heard it mentioned for the first time. I was/am the Army ROTC enrollment officer at Clarkson University. My job is to find likely candidates to enter Army ROTC, a program that trains college students to become Army Officers. I’m usually looking … Continue reading
New York American Legion Boy’s State 2020
If this was a normal year I’d be arriving at SUNY Morrisville this weekend to prepare for the arrival of 900+ young men who would be coming to participate in the New York American Legion Boy’s State program, just as I have for the last 12 years . As we all know the pandemic has … Continue reading
2020 Boys’ State Cancelled
With the coronavirus state of emergency, The American Legion Department of New York has decided to cancel the 2020 Boys’ State program. “The continuing outbreak of the coronavirus and the dramatic increases in cases throughout New York State, plus the recent increases in the severity of cases in our youth, has forced us to put … Continue reading
Today is the Last Day of Boys’ State.
All of our boys have done a great job this year, congratulations to all of them. Happy 100th anniversary to the American Legion who has been gracious enough to sponsor Boys’ State for the past 82 years. Thank you to everyone who has helped in making Boys’ State possible. PM – signing off. Continue reading