The Albany County Legislature’s Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham, Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham, Legislators Frank Commisso, Tim Lane, Maggie Alix, Susan Laurilliard, and Patrice Lockhart, along with County Executive Daniel P. McCoy, and Director of the County’s Veterans Services Bureau Scott Leslie were honored to support 10 Albany County organizations with 2025 Veteran Service Organizations awards during a ceremony at the American Legion Legnard-Curtain Post 927 on Thursday, leading into Memorial Day.
Each awardee received $15,000:
American Legion Legnard-Curtain Post 927
American Legion Helderberg Post 977
American Legion Blanchard Currey Post 1040
American Legion Voorheesville Post 1493
American Legion North Albany Post 1610
Sheehy Palmer VFW Post 6776
Boyd Hilton VFW Post 7062
Wigand VFW Post 8444
Robert L Weininger VFW Post 8692
Unitas Memorial Veterans Association
More photos are available here.
Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham said: “All of the VFWs and American Legion Posts represented here are far more than just buildings or meeting halls — they are vital pillars in our communities and sanctuaries for our nation's heroes. Each provides a safe space where veterans can connect, share their experiences, and support one another because the transition from military life back to civilian life may be the most difficult part of serving this country. Our VFWs and American Legion Posts create a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and understanding that many veterans deeply miss after their time in uniform and that only fellow service members can provide. Beyond this, all of the organizations with us today help service members access the benefits, healthcare, and education they have earned and that we have promised them as a nation.”
Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham said: “As a daughter of a veteran and the mother of the first African American and the first woman to lead American Legion Post 1610 in North Albany this is a very special day for me and my family. Organizations like VFWs and American Legion Posts provide safe havens for veterans to be among friends, even when they don’t know anyone in the building. There is a kinship of the uniform – even in all of its different shades of blue, green, black – that is unique to the armed services. So, today, I give thanks to all of the organizations here for cultivating and maintaining those kind spaces and providing the services and programs that all of our veterans from throughout Albany County need and love.”
Albany County Legislature Democratic Majority Leader Dennis Feeney said: “These organizations are the backbone of our veterans’ support network, delivering critical resources and programs that make a real difference in the lives of those who served. We’re proud to invest in their continued impact across Albany County.”
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said: “Albany County is home to over 20,000 Veterans that our Veterans Service Bureau assists each year. While I’m incredibly proud of the services and programs we offer, I also know that real, lasting change happens through partnerships. These grants are about giving our Veterans service organizations the tools and resources they need to keep making a difference. It’s also a statement that their work matters, and we’re going to keep showing up for them like they’ve shown up for our Veterans.”
