District 1 VFW Department of New York

06/14/2026

06/11/2026

Good morning from Puerto Rico.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone for an outstanding year. Our achievement of All-American District status, with five posts earning All-State recognition, is a testament to the dedication and hard work, particularly in membership development.

Unfortunately, due to the recent loss of my father in Central Florida, I am unable to attend the State Convention to formally pass the torch to Emmitt Henry, our incoming District 1 Commander.

I appreciate the condolences and prayers received from everyone during this challenging time.

May God bless America and support our troops.

In Comradeship,

Jesse Figueroa
Past District 1 Commander
VFW Department of New York.

05/22/2026

03/20/2026

I’m taking the F Train to Ave X and the B1 Bus to head home later on after the VFW Post 546 Meeting.

03/05/2026

On the morning of Sunday, March 8th, 2026, I will be accompanying VFW Auxiliary Department of New York District 1 President John Horsky along with several members of our VFW and Auxiliary family, to greet VFW Auxiliary National President Lois Callahan at JFK Airport. This marks the beginning of her visit to District 1 from March 8th to 10th. Due to the suspension of the A Train between Euclid Ave in Brooklyn and Lefferts Blvd/Howard Beach-JFK in Queens for weekend track maintenance, my alternative plan involves taking the B8 Bus from my home in Brooklyn to Brookdale Hospital also in Brooklyn, followed by the B15 Bus to JFK Airport, and then the AirTrain-JFK to meet with our VFW and Auxiliary family. District 1 is prepared to extend a genuine New York welcome to our National President.

Este domingo por la mañana, 8 de marzo de 2026, acompañaré al Presidente del Distrito 1 de la Auxiliar del Departamento de Nueva York John Horsky, junto a varios miembros de nuestra familia de la VFW y de la Auxiliar, para recibir a nuestra Presidenta Nacional de la Auxiliar de la VFW Lois Callahan en el Aeropuerto JFK durante su visita del 8 al 10 de marzo. Debido a la suspensión del A Train desde Euclid Ave en Brooklyn hacia Lefferts Blvd/Howard Beach-JFK Airport en Queens por trabajos de vía durante el fin de semana, mi plan alternativo consiste en tomar el autobús B8 desde mi casa en Brooklyn hasta el Brookdale Hospital también en Brooklyn, seguido del autobús B15 al aeropuerto JFK, y luego el AirTrain-JFK para reunirme con nuestra familia de la VFW y de la Auxiliar. El Distrito 1 está preparado para extender una cálida bienvenida neoyorquina a nuestra Presidenta Nacional.

02/23/2026

BLIZZARD WARNING — JOINT SAFETY MESSAGE

From the District 1 Commander, VFW Department of New York

and the District 1 President, VFW Auxiliary Department of New York

Comrades, Auxiliary members, and our VFW families:

A Blizzard Warning is now in effect across New York City, bringing heavy snowfall, high winds, and rapidly worsening travel conditions. As your District leadership, we are issuing this joint message to ensure every veteran, every family member, and every caregiver in District 1 remains safe, informed, and connected.

Transit agencies have already enacted significant storm operations. According to the MTA, subways, buses, the Long Island Rail Road, Metro‑North, and Access‑A‑Ride are all experiencing major service reductions, suspensions, and shutdowns as the storm intensifies mta.info. Members should avoid all non‑essential travel.

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SAFETY GUIDANCE

• Shelter in place unless absolutely necessary to travel.
• Expect limited or halted transit service, including LIRR shutdowns and reduced Metro‑North schedules mta.info.
• Use extreme caution on stairs, sidewalks, and platforms—conditions are icy and visibility is low.
• Keep phones fully charged and ensure you have medications, water, and emergency contacts accessible.
• Check on elderly neighbors, disabled veterans, and anyone who may need assistance.

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BUDDY CHECK — DISTRICT 1

District 1’s strength is our unity.
We ask all Comrades and Auxiliary members to sound off to your Post or Auxiliary leadership to confirm your safety.

If you are experiencing:

• Power outages
• Mobility or medical concerns
• Transportation disruptions
• Difficulty accessing essential supplies
• Any situation requiring support

…please notify your Post or Auxiliary immediately. We will coordinate assistance through our District network and community partners.

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A MESSAGE OF UNITY

In moments like this, our shared mission becomes clear: no one is left behind.
As your Commander along with your Auxiliary President, we stand together—committed to the safety, welfare, and resilience of every member of our District.

Stay warm, stay vigilant, and stay connected.

In Comradeship and Unity,

Jesse Figueroa - District 1 Commander, VFW Department of New York
John Horsky - District 1 President, VFW Auxiliary Department of New York

New York transportation service information, maps, schedules, fares, tolls, and more.

02/23/2026

As of Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, over 7,400 flights were canceled along the East Coast, including significant disruptions between Maine and Virginia due to a major winter storm. Major airports in the region, including Boston (BOS) and Washington D.C. (DCA/IAD), are experiencing widespread cancellations through Monday night.

Flight Cancellation Details (Feb 22-23, 2026):
Widespread Disruptions: Airlines have canceled thousands of flights and waived change fees for travel across the region, from Maine down to Virginia, affecting carriers like Delta, American, and United.
Airport Impact: Significant cancellations are occurring at airports in the Northeast, impacting connections between Portland (PWM) or Bangor (BGR) in Maine and Virginia airports (DCA, IAD, ORF, RIC).
Action Needed: Passengers should check flight status directly with their airline (e.g., FlightAware) or via the FAA website for specific flight numbers.
Refunds: If your flight is canceled, you are entitled to a full refund if you do not accept an alternative flight offered by the airline, notes the Department of Transportation (.gov).

For the most up-to-date list, checking the flight status directly with carriers like American Airlines or Delta for routes connecting PWM/BGR to DCA/IAD/RIC is necessary.