American Legion in Genesee & Orleans host state Legion leaders in testimonial dinner

Photos by Ginny Kropf: James Wells, commander of the Butts-Clark American Legion Post in Medina, points out elements at a table during a POW/MIA remembrance ceremony to begin the annual testimonial dinner for Orleans and Genesee counties. Reading the meaning of each element is David Rumsey, master of ceremonies and 1st vice commander of Genesee County.

BATAVIA – American Legion posts in Genesee and Orleans counties welcomed department officers to the annual testimonial dinner Feb. 11 at Batavia Downs.

Master of ceremonies David Rumsey welcomed guests and assisted Jim Wells, commander of the Butts-Clark American Legion in Medina, in a POW/MIA ceremony.

The deaths were acknowledged of two Genesee County Legion members, Robert Elkins and Dave Henry.

Gaither Espey, a member of Sons of the American Revolution, told of the founding of the organization in 1932. He also shared his joy at visiting the New York State Veterans’ Home in Batavia and having the opportunity to sit down and talk with a 102-year-old veteran. He also urged people to make donations to the SAR’s National Emergency Fund. Membership to SAR reached 397,243 in 2024, he said. Nationally, they saw a 104% increase in members. Currently, Genesee County is at 69.6% of its membership goal, while Orleans County has reached 94.57%.

(Left) Cathleen Fox, president of the Orleans County American Legion Auxiliary, presents a gift to Gaither Espey, Department Detachment commander of SAR. (Right) Eileen Banker, representing Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, and Skip Draper, representing Senator Rob Ortt, present proclamations to Gaither Espey, Department Detachment commander. Also presenting a proclamation was Gregg Torrey on behalf of State Senator George Borrello.

Kimberly Quick of Albany, Auxiliary Department president, was introduced as a member and volunteer who has served in many capacities.

Sharon DeBottis, Genesee County Auxiliary president, is also liaison to the VA in Batavia. Her women’s auxiliary is sponsoring a Creative Arts Festival and looking for donations to the Legion Auxiliary Emergency Fund. They aided 16 veterans last year. She said national membership is at 85 percent and Genesee County is at 82.66 percent.

Following introductions of the rest of the head table, Department Commander Keith Koster shared his message to the membership.

Those at the head table of the State Department Officers’ Testimonial Dinner at Batavia Downs included, from left, Kimberly Quick, Auxiliary Department president; Sharon DeBottis, Genesee County Auxiliary president; Cathleen Fox, Orleans County Auxiliary president; Pattie Galley, 8th District Auxiliary president; Gaither Esprey, Department Detachment commander; Daryl Verstreate, Detachment vice commander 7th and 8th District; Joshua Spinler, 8th District Detachment commander; and Patty Woodworth, Orleans County Auxiliary chaplain.

Koster is a native of Schenectady, residing in Saratoga Springs with his wife of 39 years, Cindy. The couple has two children and two grandchildren. He is a graduate of Shenendehowa High School and went on to earn a bachelor science in applied arts and sciences at Rochester Institute of Technology.

A United States Navy veteran and cancer survivor, Koster has climbed all 46 Adirondack peaks to commemorate the American Legion Centennial in 2019. His election concluded the 106th Annual Department Convention on July 17-19, 2024 at the Niagara Falls Convention Center.

While in the Navy, Koster served as an electronic warfare technician aboard the USS Suribaci during the 1980s. His service included deployment to the Mediterranean.

After his honorable discharge, he joined Xerox Corporation as a technician and became an area service manager, retiring in 2021 after 33 years.

Also at the head table, from left, were Gary Bassett, Botts-Fiorito Post #576 chaplain Gary Bassett; Holly Trueman, Department vice commander 7th and 8th District; Timothy Van Patten Sr., National Executive Committee; Joseph Rich, 8th District commander; Peter Huth, Orleans County commander; Ryan Ditacchio, Genesee County commander; Department commander Keith Koster; and master of ceremonies David Rumsey, 1st vice commander of Genesee County.

A dedicated member of the American Legion, he has been a member of the Adirondack Post 70 in Saratoga Springs for more than 26 years, serving in a variety of positions, including post commander. Koster also served as commander on the county and district levels before serving a term as department vice commander. His Legion involvement extends to the national level, where he has served on four committees.

In 2021, State Senator Daphne Jordan inducted him into the Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.

Besides spending time with his family, he enjoys mountaineering, pickleball and ballroom dancing.

He shared two special projects he is passionate about – the Department of New York Temporary Financial Assistance Program and “Be the One” suicide prevention.

He also noted that all three state American Legion leaders are from Saratoga County, the first time that has occurred.

Koster urged posts to have more women’s events, and praised the Legion’s Boys’ and Girls’ State programs.

Photos courtesy of Dave Lockhart/photographer for the Legion’s State Department: (Left) Rachael Spearance from Sheret American Legion Auxiliary in Albion, presents a monetary gift to Auxiliary Department president Kimberly Quick during the Department Officers testimonial dinner at Batavia Downs. (Right) The American Legion’s State Department Commander Keith Koster of Saratoga Springs shared his goals for the organization during the annual testimonial dinner.