American Legion Fights for Veterans’ Benefits
SARATOGA SPRINGS >> Frank J. Peters spent four years in the Navy, including combat zone service, following the October 1983 Beirut Barracks Bombing that killed 241 U.S. servicemen.Today, as The American Legions statewide commander, hes fighting to ensure that troops in harms way have the equipment and training they need, and get the benefits they deserve upon their return home.
Peters, 53, of Staten Island, visited Saratoga County on Thursday, which included a tour of the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs, followed by an evening dinner at Mohawk Post 1450 in Halfmoon.
He was accompanied by Auxiliary President Diane Gerber, also of Staten Island, and Sons of The American Legion state Commander Chuck Depo of West Chazy.
The GI Bill was one of the greatest pieces of social legislation ever passed for veterans, Peters said. A lot of people thought American couldnt afford it. But it made it possible for veterans after World War II to get an education and accomplish great things. Thats why they call them the Greatest Generation. They built this society.
His grandfather, Joseph Chociemski, was a World War II Army veteran who became commander of Gold Star Post 1365 in Staten Island. One of Peters greatest thrills was following in his grandfathers footsteps by commanding the same post, en route to becoming state leader.
Peters served aboard the carrier USS Independence, which supported ground troops during the 1983 Invasion of Grenada before heading to Lebanon after the Beirut bombing.
The familys military heritage has continued with Peters daughter, Mary Margaret, who graduated from the Navys Nuclear Power Training Unit in West Milton. She is now an electricians mate aboard the USS Ronald Reagan, where she works on the Nimitz-class supercarriers nuclear power plant.
My wife, Mary, and I were here for her graduation, Peters said. Were real proud of her. She is a Legionnaire, too.
The American Legion was established in 1919 to help U.S. troops coming home from World War I, who had few if any benefits. The GI Bill wasnt adopted until World War II. The Legion is specifically designed to help veterans that have served during wartime including anyone who has served, at home or abroad, during the Global War on Terror that began with the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
One of Peters main goals is educating veterans on their eligibility to join the Legion, and how it helps them by lobbying for continued veterans benefits. The organization has 2.4 million members worldwide; however, Peters said its important for younger veterans to join to make sure the Legion always has a strong voice for advocacy.
Touring the military museum, led by Director Courtney Burns, Peters paused to learn about the New York Army National Guards role during World War I and World War II. Memories came flooding back as he viewed a display pertaining to Sept. 11, 2001.
Peters, a retired Staten Island Ferry captain, was en route to Manhattan when the first plane struck the World Trade Center shortly before 9 a.m. that day.
I saw the explosion through the building, he said. I was one of the first people to report what happened to the Coast Guard.
He was docked at Whitehall Street in Manhattan when the second plane hit.
A lot of people started running back to the ferry right after that, Peters said.
After taking the passengers back to Staten Island, he spent the rest of the day shuttling emergency personnel wherever they were needed. The scene of the World Trade Centers collapse is forever etched in his mind.
I saw the first building drop in its place, he said.
Personally witnessing the sacrifice Americans have made, overseas and at home has strengthened his resolve to help U.S. service members as Legion commander.
Everybody who serves helps the cause, he said.
Tags: Veterans News
