In the months between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, "Operation Evaluation" will take place in Erie County. State Assemblyman Michael Kearns says it's a survey that will help determine what upgrades outdated VFW and American Legion posts need to better serve veterans. Past Erie County American Legion Commander Jim Bojanowski says posts get their primary funding from member dues.
"We have enough money to cover our basic needs and necessities. But this infrastructure issue of capital improvements, much needed capital improvements, are the things that get put on the back burner," Bojanowski said.
Kearns is asking all veterans organizations in Erie County to take part in the post evaluation process.
"For those who have always answered the call under the most trying situations, we need to answer the call in helping all our veterans and their posts. We need to pay tribute to our veterans and say thank you for their sacrifice and service," Kearns said.
Kearns says identifying the needs will establish a clear fundraising goal.