Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced that legislation he authored to create a unique license plate specifically reserved for New York State veterans that are members of the national American Veterans (AmVets) organization was signed into law today (Ch. 105 of 2017).

AmVets is a veteran service organization that unites veterans from all walks of life. With more than 250,000 members, AmVets is also the largest and oldest veteran service organization in the country that supports and assists the men and women, who are currently serving or have served, in the U.S. Armed Forces from World War II until now, including the National Guard and Reserves.

Santabarbara, who served in the U.S. Army Reserve and is now a member of the State Assembly’s Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, began working with local AmVets Post 35 from his hometown of Rotterdam to author the bill recognizing many of New York’s nearly 900,000 veterans who continue to serve their communities though AmVets. “From helping fellow veterans and service members access the benefits they’ve earned to awarding scholarships to students from military families and veterans furthering their education, AmVets members are doing extraordinary work,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara. “It’s important that we not only acknowledge their sacrifices in service to our nation, but also acknowledge the good they continue to do in our communities. These unique plates will also serve as a daily reminder to remember the brave men and women who serve our country – not just on holidays, but every day.”

“So many veterans in New York State continue to serve their communities through AmVets, and this bill lets us display our unending patriotism and the pride we have in this organization," said Doug VanIderstyne, U.S. Air Force Veteran and past Commander of AmVets Post 35, Rotterdam, NY.

“New York already offers custom license plates for professions, hobbies, causes and various service organizations, it’s only right that we have one for members of AmVets that have served our country and continue to serve their communities,” said Fred Whelan, U.S. Navy Veteran and member of local AmVets Post 35, Rotterdam, NY.