An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
HomeMediaNews

Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, visits the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station June 8, 2024.

News


 

50th annual Western New York Armed Forces Week celebration

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joseph McKee
  • 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station --  The 50th Anniversary of the Western New York Armed Forces Week began Sunday May 2, 2010 with an opening day ceremony wherein the eight Western New York counties began a week-long recognition, saluting veterans past and present.
The United States Coast Guard had the honor of hosting this annual event. Opening ceremonies began with a presentation of Color Guards from all over the Western New York area and the American Legion Band of the Tonawanda's, Post 264 at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park.
There was a special presentation and plaque recognizing WWII United States Coast Guard veteran and Buffalo native, Lt. Thomas James Eugene (Jimmy) Crotty. Lt. Crotty was the only member of the U.S. Coast Guard to die in a Japanese prisoner of war camp in Cabanatuan, Philippines in July 1942. Crotty was a South Buffalo native, attended South Park High School and was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church on Abbott Road in South Buffalo. Members of the Crotty family where present for this memorable ceremony. United States Coast Guard Sector Buffalo Commander Captain Robert Burchell made the presentation.
The week concluded with a formal ball held at the Connecticut Street Armory.