ABOUT US
ADVOCATING FOR VETERANS SINCE 1919
Founded by an Act of Congress after World War I, The American Legion fiercely advocates for the unique needs of every generation of veterans, service members, and their families who pledge to protect our nation. Today, we are committed to destigmatizing mental health support, offering peer-to-peer resources, and empowering everyone to "Be The One" in the fight to prevent veteran suicide.
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​The American Legion is the nation's largest and most inclusive Congressionally chartered veterans service organization representing the interests of all honorably discharged veterans. With more than 1.6 million members nationwide in 12,000 Posts, we are veterans serving veterans. Our mission is to enhance and safeguard the entitlements of our members and to improve the quality of life for them, their families and the communities where we live through leadership, advocacy and services.
FOUNDING HISTORY OF
MONTGOMERY POST 429
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Montgomery Post 429 of The American Legion was officially chartered on September 16, 1919, just months after the national organization was founded. The charter was issued by the National Executive Committee from the Temporary Headquarters at 19 West 44th Street, New York, NY.
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The post was established under the name "Montgomery", in honor of the town’s legacy and the local veterans who served with distinction. From the beginning, Post 429 upheld the core principles of The American Legion: service to veterans, community, and nation.
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The Post was named Montgomery in honor of Richard Montgomery, a Major General in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Montgomery was best known for leading the 1775 invasion of Quebec. He died on 31 December 1775 during the siege of Quebec City. From its beginnings, Post 429 has upheld the core principals of the American Legion - service to veterans, community and nation.
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To be known as Montgomery Post of Rhinebeck, New York, to be known as Montgomery Post No. 429, Department of New York, and this instrument unless revoked in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of said organization shall be conclusive evidence of the lawful existence thereof.
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By the acceptance of this Charter, the said Post acknowledges irrevocable jurisdiction and declares itself to be in all things subject to the Constitutions of The American Legion and of the Department of New York, and the rules, regulations, orders and laws promulgated in pursuance thereof; and further the Post pledges itself through its members to uphold, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, to maintain law and order, to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism, and to preserve the memories and incidents of association in the Great Wars.
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It is a civilian organization – membership therein does not affect or increase liability for military or police service.
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This Charter is given under the hand and seal of the National Commander, duly attested by the National Adjutant, at Indianapolis, Indiana this 26th day of August, 1922, and countersigned by the Department Commander and Department Adjutant for the Department of New York, this 5th day of September, 1922.
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CHAIN OF COMMAND
Commander
John Imperato
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1st Vice Commander
Ros Hassett​
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2nd Vice Commander
Warren Sigrist
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3rd Vice Commander
Gary M Kish
Treasurer
Jim Closs
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Adjutant
Jessica Smith
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Chaplain
Pete Sipperley
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Sgt. at Arms
Tom Weckesser
VETERAN RESOURCES / SERVICES
Veteran Resources
There are a wide range of resources for veterans, including healthcare, financial assistance, employment support, and mental health services. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers various benefits and programs, and there are national and local organizations dedicated to supporting veterans.
