The American Legion Post 833 recently had some major renovations done at their over one-hundred-year-old post. Post 833, located on Juniper Avenue in Smithtown, chartered in 1920 and named in honor of James Ely Miller, was in need of some significant repairs. This location also serves as the VFW Post 10870.
With the help of Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) and Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-St. James), Commander Bill Coderre and his Post Officers were able to secure a $100,000 grant through the Dormitory Authority State of New York ( DASNY). They used these funds to repair and update the hall, which hosts many meetings, events, and parties for the Post and its surrounding community.
They were also able to repair and update the adjacent offices. To assist in performing even more repairs, Senator Mattera reached out to some local labor organizations for help. Anthony Malizia of Local 138 of the Operating Engineers and Ed Tedla of Local 200 Plumbers Union both signed on to help coordinate the long overdue roof repairs. Knowing his shared appreciation of our Veterans, Anthony started with a call to his cousin John Malizia, who owns A1 Roofing. John was more than happy to sign on as the physical labor for the roof, even after seeing that due to its age and design, it would not be an easy job. Anthony and Ed then went to their respective unions to ask for donation of funds to pay for the materials needed which both memberships generously agreed to support.
A1 Roofing put on the new roof in October to ensure it was done before the winter weather set in.
Commander Bill Corderre expressed his extreme gratitude, as his main concern wasn’t so much for the now, but for the future. The Post provides a myriad of services for those who served and their families and they participate in the community in many ways. It is so much more than a gathering place for Veterans; It is a continuation of their service to our country and to each other.
Senator Mattera invited all involved in this project to the Post last week to give proper thanks to the individuals who stepped up to help as well as the organizations they represent. Of course, those who helped really just wanted to give proper thanks to all those Veterans who served us first.
