MENG AWARDS FEDERAL FUNDING TO AMERICAN LEGION IN FOREST HILLS

QUEENS, NY - As Queens prepares to mark Veterans Day this Monday, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), New York's senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced today that she awarded $300,000 to the American Legion Continental Post #1424 in Forest Hills.

For more than 60 years, the facility located at 107-15 Metropolitan Avenue has provided services and support to veterans in Forest Hills and the surrounding neighborhoods, and it serves as a place for local veterans and their families to gather. It has also hosted many local community events, nonprofit organizations and charitable fundraisers. In addition, Post #1424 has served as a staging ground and ceremony site for the annual Forest Hills Memorial Day Parade.

The money that Meng secured will help the Forest Hills American Legion make needed repairs and upgrades to its building. These renovations include fixing warped floors, exposed wiring, cracked walls and ceilings and improving access to its kitchen and bathroom for those with disabilities.

"The American Legion Continental Post #1424 in Forest Hills has done tremendous work for local veterans and the community," said Congresswoman Meng. "Its members deserve a location that is up to date and in a state of good repair, and this federal funding that I fought to obtain will ensure that this building receives the upgrades and renovations it deserves. We can never thank our veterans enough for the sacrifices they have made to our nation. We need to always be there for them, and that is why assisting veterans has constantly been a top priority of mine. I look forward to these repairs helping to better serve area veterans and the community."

"The veterans of Post #1424 are truly grateful to Congresswoman Meng for providing this critical funding," said Michael Arcati, the Commander of American Legion Continental Post #1424. "The funds will greatly improve our space and allow it to continue to serve as a haven for local veterans and community service space for the next generation."

The Forest Hills American Legion Continental Post #1424 is part of the national American Legion that was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919, and includes posts throughout New York and the nation.

The House Appropriations Committee that Meng sits on is responsible for funding the federal government's programs and activities.