Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam) announced he was re-elected as Commander of AMVETS Post 35 in Rotterdam. In 2012, he helped mobilize a movement to revive the Post, which was the first AMVETS Post in the town.

“It is an honor serving in an organization that has a longstanding tradition of advocating for our veterans and their families. I will remain dedicated to supporting our brave men and women and continue fighting to ensure they receive the benefits and assistance they deserve,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara.

“Assemblyman Santabarbara has served diligently as Commander and we were pleased to re-elect him,” said Douglas VanIderstyne, member of AMVETS Post 35. “Throughout his service he has helped organize great community events to brighten the days and lives of our local heroes. We are excited to see him continue his good work.”

This February, Assemblyman Santabarbara helped organized a “Valentines for Vets” event to give schoolchildren the opportunity to thank veterans for their service through valentine’s cards. Over the holidays, he joined members of AMVETS Post 35 and other local veterans at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center for the “Holiday Cards for Heroes Project.” They delivered hundreds of holiday cards prepared by elementary students to patients and veterans.

Membership in AMVETS is open to anyone who is currently serving, or has honorably served, in the U.S. Armed Forces from World War II to the present, including those in the National Guard and Reserves. Approximately 180,000 veterans are members of AMVETS and the organization has more than 1,150 posts nationally.