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Post History
The Con Thien Memorial Post No. 1945 grew out of Incarcerated Veterans who
Formed a group called " Veterans Self Help Program", in 1987. The Post gained its name from a Battle in the Vietnam War, " Battle For The Hill Of Angels " in
Southern Vietnam. A total of 851 American Servicemen, the majority being
U.S. Marines , made the ultimate sacrifice for what they believed in. A charter
Member, Mr. Al Coon, fought in the " Battle for the Hill of Angels ". Mr. Al Coon passed away shortly before his dream came true, from Dioxin Poisoning he acquired in Vietnam some 20 years earlier. The Con Thien Memorial name was given in fond memory of Mr. Al Coon. The deceased former Vice-Commander, and other members of the United States Armed Forces who gave their fullest to God and Country.
This post was granted its charter in 1990, against much resistance. However, under the auspices of our valued advisor, Lieutenant Robert E. Mahoney, a former
American Legion Commander who fought against many odds and obstacles, and our present Staff Advisor, Sgt. Al Jorge, we have managed to overcome many stigmas , while at the same time, making positive differences in the lives of the Incarcerated Veteran, so that other posts and society in general will see and understand the plight of the Incarcerated Veterans. We feel that carrying the title of " Veterans " transends Racial, Geographical, Economic, Political and Religious backrounds.
The Con Thien Memorial Post has erected the only known Memorial for Veterans who have died while being incarcerated here at Arthur Kill, the Memorial Wall along with Flag Pole were built by members of this post, on October 29, 1996, It was
Dedicated by past New York State Vice-Commander, Mr. Royal Lykes.
Our goal is to bring to the attention of our fellow Legionnaires and Society as well, that we have fought under the banner of " Old Glory " and for that, the virtue of our free and Independent Nation, and therefore, We Should Not Be Forgotten.
The post is breathing life back into the very hearts of the Incarcerated Veteran. We
Will not surrender to those who perhaps wish to see us, as Incarcerated Veterans fail.
We are calling on you, our reinforcements, to further strengthen and bolster the bond between the Incarcerated Veterans on the " Inside " and society on the " Outside".
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