Nessler welcomed by Cusack
TOWN OF KENT – New York State’s first female American Legion commander visited Putnam County on Monday and Rena Nessler liked what she observed.
Nessler, who resides in upstate Geneva with her husband and three children, heard about the Putnam Veterans Memorial and during a visit to the county Veterans Memorial Park in Kent, she and her entourage first realized the majesty of the unique monument.
Nessler not only toured the park and the Putnam Veterans Museum but the Vincent Leibell Veterans Home, the Gold Star Mother’s statue and the Town of Carmel 9-1-1 Memorial in Mahopac before being honored at a dinner in Mahopac.
Nessler is visiting each of New York’s 62 counties this year to “make sure that veterans are being taken care of. We are always lobbying to make sure there is no decrease in benefits.”
She called Putnam a “very special place when it comes to veterans. The county is known around the state for its concern and caring for its vets. It serves as a testament to the veterans’ dedication and keeping the memories of all veterans alive.”
Nessler commended the local American Legion posts countywide for “doing an awesome job since Putnam leads the entire state in American Legion membership.”
Dale Cusack, American Legion adjutant in Putnam, said there are 495 members of the American Legion in the county from Carmel to Cold Spring.
Cusack called it a “great honor to have our department commander visit us each year along with his or her entourage. This year is extra special since Commander Nessler is New York’s first female commander.”
