Current and Past Events – Jesse Clipper Post 430

On Saturday, March 29, 2025, I was grateful to be invited to give the Invocation at the Buffalo-Niagara Honor

Flight Breakfast and Orientation, which provides the opportunity for the fifty Veterans, guardians, volunteers,

and support staff to review what it will take to have a safe, enjoyable memorial flight to Washington, DC, as

they tour the sights, honoring all Veterans for their service in defense of our nation.

The individuals gathering today will go on the April 5, 2025 flight. This flight includes two WWII Veterans, Korean,

and Vietnam Veterans.

On February 22, 2022, members of the Jesse Clipper Post were present for the departure on a Buffalo-Niagara

Honor Flight to Washington, DC, for WWII Veteran Johnny Hodges. Johnny Hodges and his daughter

Robin Hodges is a member of our Post.

I have attached a photo of the Post members giving WW II Veteran Johnny Hodges a Royal sendoff and a photo

of volunteer Donna Quigley and me during the Breakfast Orientation on March 29, 2025.

In Unity,

Rev. Eugene Pierce, PC

Dear Legionnaires,

On January 20, 2025, I was honored to be invited by Dr. George Scott, former President of the Colored Musicians Club,

AFL-CIO Local 553, to its 90th Anniversary Celebration at the historic Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center, 341 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202.

The theme was “Celebrating the Life and Legacy, Music & Spoken Word.”

The presenters were magnificent in word and action, including Linda Appleby, Michael Farrow, The William Family, Jalisa Williams,

Omar Overstreet, Sr., Laiya Lane, Miles Shedrick, Omar Overstreet, Jr., Searlait Frazier, Sehrea N’Dayu, Brandon Williamson,

Dr. George Scott, Kimera Lattimore, Aitina Fareed-Cooke, Michael Farrow, Henri Star Muhammad and Yonne Boyles Evan.

This Club was formed in 1918 by our Post’s namesake, Jesse Wallace Clipper, and six others. The Colored Musicians Club is a 501(c3)

nonprofit organization, and would like for you to become a member. You do not have to be a musician; for information,

call (716) 855-9383.

I have attached some of the pictures taken at the celebration.

In Unity,

Rev. Eugene Pierce, PC

Dear Legionnaires,

On Saturday, March 29, 2025, 1st Vice Commander Cheryl Thomas and Judge Advocate Felton

Davis coordinated a review of flags stored in the Venture Forthe Office Building. The review included

an inventory of the flags and their condition in preparation for Memorial Day activities.

The review was successful because of the excellent performance of members of the detail.

Members participating included 1st Vice Commander Cheryl Thomas, Judge Advocate Felton Davis,

Past Commander Rev. Eugene Pierce, Sgt-at-Arms Marvin Prophet, Chaplain Deacon Michael Davis,

Perry Civils, Richard Hill, Roger Moss, William Barber, and Tony Blackmon.

I have attached pictures taken during the detail. PS: Pictures are too large to send in a single email.

In Unity,

Rev. Pierce, PC

Dear Legionnaires,

On February 18, 2025, I was honored to be the Black History Month’s speaker at Venture Forthe Home Health

Care Company for the third year. The Venture Forthe Company is owned by Legionnaire John Dziewit and his wife, Jean.

Having been born in Bay Springs, Mississippi, in 1935 and lived in Laure, Mississippi, from 1942 until relocating

to Buffalo, New York, in 1950; my topics included my Grandfather, James Pickens, born in 1860, five years before

the Emancipation Proclamation, housing for Colored Peoples, lynching, education, the KKK, picking cotton,

medical and dental care, jobs, movie theater for Colored People, public transportation, freedom riders, my family, father,

Baptist Preacher, mother housekeeper, six sisters, three brothers, critical of education, charter and ability, three

siblings earned PhDs, and five, including me, earned Master’s Degrees. I referred to my military experience,

deputy superintendent of the Erie County Correctional Facility until I retired in 1997, and my wife Sharon and I celebrate our

67th Wedding Anniversary on June 15, 2025,

I have attached pictures taken during my presentation.

The first picture is of me speaking. The second one is of

the staff, left/right, Bob, Robin, Jasmine, me, Bonnie, Steve, and Boris.

My American Journey.

Rev. Eugene L. Pierce

Dear Legionnaires,

On February 27, 2025, the Erie County American Legion meeting was conducted at

The Milton J. Brounshidle Post #205, 3354 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore, NY 14217.

The highlights included:

Summary of the visit to Erie County by Department Commander Keith J. Koster and his team.

The dinner honoring the Department Commander and his team on February 14, 2025.

The Jesse Clipper Post #430, with 50 members, has reached 92.59% of its goal of 54 members.

Judge Advocate Felton Davis, Chairman of The Erie County Scouting Committee, reminded

members that the deadline is March 1, 2025, to submit names of candidates for the Eagle

Scout of the year $10,000 Scholarship.

I have attached a picture of my wife, Sharon, Department Commander Keith J. Koster, and me at the Department Dinner,

and Judge Advocate Felton Davis, giving his report regarding the Eagle Scout Scholarship.

In Unity,

Rev. Eugene Pierce, PC

Dear Legionnaires,

On Saturday, February 2, 2025, members of our Post attended Elder Howard Patton’s Historic Pastoral Installation Program. The installation program was conducted at The Oldmark New Covenant Church because of the remodeling at The House of Prayer. The program included Invocation by Me, a song by his 16-year-old daughter Dawn, and remarks by his wife, First Lady Davette, and Pastor Elder Patton. The members attending were Richard Hill and his wife Bertha, 1st Vice Commander. Cheryl Thomas, Minister Paulette Woods, Donald Paulk, Charles Everhart, and me. I did the Invocation, and Charles Everhart sang. “My soul is anchored in the Lord.” Please congratulate Pastor Elder Patton on his calling the Shepherd The House of Prayer, flock. I have attached a photo taken after the program.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Eugene Pierce, PC

Dear Members of the American Legion Jesse Clipper Post 430,

I am writing to thank you so much for your presence at my Pastoral Installation this past Saturday. It was truly an honor to have you join us for this special occasion, and your support added to the joy and significance of the day.

Your commitment to service and dedication to our community is truly inspiring, and I deeply appreciate the time you took to be part of this milestone in my ministry. Your presence was a blessing and a testament to the strong bonds of faith, service, and fellowship that unite us.

Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and dedication to uplifting those around you. I look forward to our continued work together in service to both our congregation and our community in the days ahead.

May God bless you abundantly in all that you do.

With gratitude and appreciation,

Pastor Howard Patton III, MCT, MBA

Past Commander

Dear Legionnaires,

I am excited to let you know that members of The Cpl. Jesse W. Clipper, African American Veterans Center

Planning Committee, including Terry Alford, Executive Director of Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor, Developer James Pitts, and Craig Steger, former Grant Writer at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, will reflect on the Vision Statement that Commander Dr. Kanasha Blue created.

Their presentation will be made during our Post meeting at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Bennett-Wells Post 1780, 1356 E. Delavan Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14215.

Please be there; we need your input as we proceed with this project.

I have attached a copy of Dr. Kanasha Blue’s Vision Statement.

Dr.-Kanasha-Blues-Vision-Statement-Cpl.-Jesse-W-Clipper-African-American-Veterans-Center

Hello Fellow Legionnaires,

It is with great honor that I submit this email and attached pictures to recognize our member, Legionnaire Dr. Neufeld. Past Commander Rev. Pierce and I coordinated with Commander Themis Smyrnioudis of the American Legion Sykesville Memorial Post 223, located in Sykesville, MD, to present the Jesse Clipper Achievement Plaque on our behalf. This was the last award issued during my tenure, but due to Dr. Neufeld’s relocation, it took some effort to present it.

Legionnaire Dr. Neufeld relocated to that area but remains a member of Jesse Clipper 430 and continues to do the work he committed to. Commander Smyrnioudis and the members of that post presented the plaque with honor and distinction during their regular monthly meeting and we are forever grateful to them. This information was submitted to the Erie County American Legion monthly newsletter for print.

Thank you —
Pastor Howard Patton III, MCT, MBAPast Commander

Jesse Clipper Post #430

Dear Legionnaires,

On December 28, 2024, Dr. Kanasha Blue, Commander Jesse Clipper Post 430, received a request from The Honorable April N. M. Baskin, State Senator of New York’s 63rd District, asked her to request that the American Legion Posts in her District present the colors at her Swearing-in Ceremony. The Posts include Matthew Glab Post 1477, Francis J. Donavan Post 1626, Gabriel A. Rodriguez Post 1928, Bennett-Wells Post 1780, and Jesse Clipper Post 430. The Swearing-In-Ceremony will be conducted at the Buffalo History Museum on January 4, 2025. I was honored that Commander Dr. Blue asked me to coordinate this Unit. We answered our call to duty in a military manner. The Joint Color Guard Unit performed exemplary, receiving praise from Senator Baskin and several audience members.

Legionnaires attending left/right front row Staff Sergeant Francisco Cordero (active duty), Post 1928, Jose Orto, Post 1928, Dr. Kanasha Blue, Commander, Post 430, Elder Howard Patton, Erie County Vice Commander, Past Post Commander, Post 430, Pedro H. Montanez, Post 1928, Rev. Eugene Pierce, Past Commander, Post 430, 2nd row Bernie Romanowski, Commander, Post 1477, Ken Fritz, Post 1626, Johnny Sanabria, Commander, Post 1928, Dave Kerling, Post 1626, *Henry Jernigan, Commander, Post 1780, Jerry Kowalski, Erie County Vice Commander, Commander, Post 1626.

*Joint Color Guard Unit-Members

I’ve attached pictures taken at the Ceremony.

In Unity,

Rev. Eugene Pierce, PC, Jesse Clipper Post 430

Dear Legionnaires,

On December 27, 2024, I was honored to attend Congressman Tim Kennedy’s press conference with other veterans regarding his Bill “The Honoring Our Heroes Act 2024.” This Bill would allow families of veterans who passed away before November 1, 1990, to request a government-issued headstone or grave marker from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Although Jesse Clipper Post No. 430 Commander Dr. Kanasha Blue submitted a strong letter of support; she was working and could not attend the press conference. Congressman Kennedy will place Dr. Blue’s letter in the Congressional Record.

I’ve attached a picture of Congressman Kennedy and Legionnaires taken after the press conference. Left/right, Henry Jernigan Commander, Bennett-Wells Post No. 1780, Rev. Eugene L. Pierce Past Commander, Jesse Clipper Post No. 430, James Bojanowski Adjutant, Erie County Committee, Congressman Kennedy, Dr. Long, Ted Balbierz, Past County Commander, and Johnny Sanabria Commander, Gabriel A. Rodriguez Post No. 1928.

Dear Legionnaires,
On December 21, 2024, Post members Barbara Miller-Williams, Robin Hodges, Rev. Mark Blue, and I attended the Annual Crystal Ball at the Statler Hotel. The Ball was magnificent, celebrating 50 years. The food was delicious and plentiful. George Scott’s Big band performed in the lobby.
Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes of the NYS Assembly was honored for her
services to the Buffalo community and the State of New York.
I’ve attached pictures taken at the Ball.
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
In Unity,
Rev. Eugene Pierce, PC

Dear Legionnaires,

On November 15, 2024, members of our Post, including Past Commander Minister Paulette Wood, Compliance Officer Donald Paulk, and I, were honored and delighted to accept Mrs. Theresa Roland’s invitation to participate in The Empire Home School Group Program honoring veterans. The program occurred at The Well Church, 2784 Seneca Street, West Seneca, New York.

I spoke of visiting the grave of Cpl. Jesse W. Clipper on November 23, 2017. Jesse W. Clipper, our Post’s namesake, is buried in B Row: 28, Grave 6 of the Olse-Aisne American Cemetery, 02130 Seringes-et Nesles, France, seventy miles South of Paris. Cpl. Clipper and 6,012 soldiers and marines lost their lives while defending the highway to Paris.

Past Commander Paulette Woods recalled the story of her father, WWII Hero T/Sgt E5 Paul Woods whose duty in the Pacific Command led to the liberation of Australia from the Japanese forces. Sergeant Woods went to be with the Lord on November 21, 2023, at 100. He was the father of fifteen children.

Legionnaire Donald Paulk, a US Marine Corps veteran, played taps.

It was great meeting US Air Force Chief Sergeant Major (CSM) Brad Schumacher, who will continue with the program honoring veterans.

The attached pictures include one of Mrs. Roland, three of her outstanding ten children, and me.

In Unity,

Rev. Eugene Pierce, PC

Dear Legionnaires,

On November 9, 2024, The Quilts of Valor Foundation conducted its Awards Ceremony at the Frank E. Merriweather Library,
1324 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14208. The Quilts of Valor Foundation’s mission is to cover service members and veterans
touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.

Among those awarded quilts included members of our Post, Dr. Kanasha Blue, Cheryl Thomas, and I. Sandy McIsaac have been approved
to a recipient and will receive her Quilt of Valor at the next ceremony.

An appreciation goes out to Legionnaire Reggie Garner of the Bennett-Wells Post No. 1780 for organizing the ceremony.

I’ve attached pictures taken during the ceremony.

In Unity,

Reverend Eugene Pierce, PC

Dear Legionnaires,

On Friday, November 8, 2024, seven Post members helped Cheryl Thomas,
The Co-Chair of the raffle tickets committee. I have excellent news: the raffle
tickets committee received a generous donation of $200.00 from Legionnaire
John Dziewit.

Co-Chair Thomas reported that all 200 tickets have been distributed.

I’ve attached pictures taken of the members present.

In Unity,

Rev. Eugene Pierce, PC

Dear Legionnaires,

On June 1, 2024, I attended the 105th American Legion Erie County Convention held at the Matthew Glab Post No. 1477, 1965 Abbott Rd., Lackawanna, New York, 14218.

During the Convention, I was proud to offer the motion electing our Past Commander, Elder Howard Patton III, to the office of the Erie County Committee Vice Commander.

Present for his installation were his wife, Davette, son, Howard T., and daughter, Daun.

Please join me in congratulating Past Commander Elder Patton II for his election to this office.

I’ve attached pictures taken during the Installation Ceremony.

In Unity,

Rev. Eugen L. Pierce, PC

Good morning Jesse Clipper,

I just wanted to remind you that the Housing Committee is requesting your presence at our proposed new home at Michigan Ave and Sycamore Ave at 1:00 PM today. We are expected to convene for about 30 minutes, you are welcome to bring your lawn chair. We are looking forward to seeing you today at 1 PM as we take this first step towards having a building to call home!

Dr. Kanasha Blue,

First Vice Commander, Jesse Clipper Post 430

Department Visitation Pictures

Click here to link to slideshow

MARCH-2024-Erie-County-Newsletter

Dear Legionnaires,

Post Historian Cheryl Coleman Thomas and I were honored to represent our Post at the American Legion Family Dinner, on February 16, 2024, at Milton J. Brounshidle Post # 205, 334 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore, NY 14217, hosted by The Erie County Committee.Department of New York Commander Timothy J. Collmer, Auxiliary President Karen D. St. Helaire, and SAL Commander Peter J. DeAngelis attended.Attached are two pictures taken during the dinner:1. New York Commander Timothy J. Collmer, representatives of Jesse Clipper Post # 430 and Iroquois Post # 1587.2. New York Commander Timothy J. Collmer, and Post Historian Cheryl Coleman Thomas.In Unity,Rev. Eugene L. Pierce, PC

On December 21, 2023, at the request of Post Commander Elder Howard Patton, Judge Advocate/Erie County Boys State Chairperson Felton Davis and I attended the final meeting of the Erie County Committee for the year, held at the Francis J. Donovan Post No. 1626, Cheektowaga, NY 14225. At the meeting, Judge Advocate presented an overview of his goals as Chairperson of the Erie County Committee’s Boys State Program.
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
In Unity,
Reverend Eugene L. Pierce, PC

Judge Advocate/Erie County Boys State Chairperson Felton Davis

https://em.legion.org/q/1HpESaM4sKM2b341ndvQo/wv

Click for the American Legion Online Update

DECEMBER-2023-Erie-County-Newsletter

***Final Salute to our own WWII veteran***

Dear Fellow Legionnaires,
I have been reminded that the Gabriel A. Rodriguez Post # 1928 has invited members of our Post,
to join them in celebrating Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11, 2023, at noon at the Hispanic
American Veterans Monument in the Naval Park.
A reception will follow at the Puerto Rican Center, 261 Swan St., Buffalo, NY.
In Unity,
Rev. Eugene L. Pierce, PC

With sadness we announce

Dear Fellow Legionnaires,
Legionnaire Charles has informed me that his precious sister Audrey Everhart has passed.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at The True Bethel Baptist
Church, 907 E. Ferry St. Buffalo, NY 14211.
Viewing – 10:00 a.m.
Funeral – 1100 am
Please add The Everett Family to your prayer list.
God bless,
Rev. Eugene L. Pierce, PC

Dear Fellow Legionnaires,
Jeffrey Wilcox, the son of Colonel Howard Wilcox (retired) informed me that his father passed.
On March 8, 2023, Colonel Wilcox donated a 26″X33″ color painting titled “THE WARNING SHOT”
Buffalo Soldiers, to our Post. He also donated several books regarding Buffalo Soldiers.
Please add the Wilcox Family to your prayer list.
God bless,
Rev. Eugene L. Pierce, PC