Walczyk calls on leadership to renew American Legion fund

WATERTOWN, NY — Assemblyman Mark Walczyk (R,C,I,Ref-Watertown) joined his legislative colleagues to cosign a letter urging the legislative leadership and governor to restore $150,000 to the American Legion Boys State program. This money alleviates the costs of the week-long program, which is hosted by SUNY Morrisville annually, so the college doesn’t have to make any cuts to its normal school budget. Walczyk, a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves, understands the value of this program and stands in solidarity with his brothers and sisters in uniform.

“I understand the importance of this program firsthand, and in fact attended it in 2002,” said Walczyk. “The experience taught me discipline, respect for our armed services and civics. Looking back – Boys State was a major reason why I decided to join the military and get involved in serving my community. This is something I hope to see continue for generations to come.”

Boys State is an American Legion program that teaches high school seniors how to become good citizens and community leaders over a week-long program that includes government officials and active and retired members of the U.S. military. These officials lead students through cooperative mental and physical exercises that provide them with the skills they need to achieve success. The event is hosted by the SUNY Morrisville campus.