The American Legion is organized into 55 departments with one operating in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico and the Philippines.  The New York State American Legion is divided into 10 Districts with Ontario County being one of eight (8) counties (Cayuga, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Yates) that comprise the 7th District. Each department may also accommodate American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Riders programs.

Meetings: General meetings for Post 256 members are on the 2nd Tuesdays of each month at 7:00 pm in the Banquet Hall.
Dues: Annual dues are $50. (for 2026 dues)
Application: [General Membership]

BACKGROUND: The current location of American Legion Post 256 at 454 N. Main Street in Canandaigua NY was built in 1961 on the same site as the McKechnie building. Post 256 has persevered through the years thanks to the many dedicated members and volunteers. We are now 450 members strong and still growing. We are a diverse group of patriotic and proud men and women dedicated to supporting our fellow veterans of past wars and conflicts as well as our active duty men and women, and their families. Legion members volunteer and sponsor numerous community projects. For more information about Post 256 and to learn how you can help, please review our website pages. Call (585) 394-3790 to request a tour of our facility, or send us a message at post256@alny256.com. We look forward to hearing from you! 

POST 256 OFFICERS                                                 

Commander                  Mike Kloppel                     

1st Vice Commander   Matt Parsons               

2nd Vice Commander  Vacant                              

3rd Vice Commander   Frank Solome                 

Finance Officer             Larry Gamba                      

Adjutant                        Heather Schuessler          

Judge Advocate           Frank Solome                    

Chaplain                       Calvin Nichols

Sergeant-at-Arms        Vacant  

POST 256 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

President                   Larry Gamba (Term expires Oct '25)

Board Member          Rodrick Bray (Term expires Oct '27) 

Secretary                   Matt Parsons (Term expires Oct '27)

Treasurer                   Frank Solome (Term expires Oct '25)

 Board Member         Ted Fafinski (Term expires Oct '25)

 Board Member         John McKelvey (Term expires Oct '27)

Meetings: As a committee of the American Legion, the SAL Squadron meets on the 1st Tuesday of every month at 6:15 pm, in the Banquet Hall.
Dues: Annual $30;   $20 / Dual & Junior members
Application: [SAL Membership Application] (male descendants)
Administration: Administration of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron is conducted by the Officers of the organization, elected at the May meeting each year. Officer positions include Commander, Vice Commander, Finance Officer, Adjutant, Advisor, Historian, Chaplin, Sergeant at Arms.
While The Post and Auxiliary have distinct and separate identities, the Sons of the American Legion is a “Committee” of the Legion Post. The Sons has its own Constitution, membership, finances, and projects. However the Sons Organization (Squadron) is monitored by the Post, and must report its activities, finances, and membership to the Post. To join the Sons of American Legion at Post 256, mail the SAL Membership Application to:
American Legion Post 256
454 North Main Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
Attn: SAL Membership

Call (585) 394-3790 or send us a message at post256@alny256.com with any questions.

Commander                   Bob Buck              

1st Vice Commander    Lon Sanford        

2nd Vice Commander   Tim Buck                                         

Adjutant                         Vacant                             

Treasurer                       Brian Degaught                              

Historian                        Vacant                            

Chaplain                        Rick Philipson

Sergeant-at-Arms        Patrick Mirabella
 

Meetings: Auxiliary meetings assemble for one hour in the Banquet Hall on the 3rd Tuesday at 6:30 pm. No meetings in July & August.
Annual Dues: $35/Seniors; $15/Juniors
Application: [Auxiliary Membership Application] 

American Legion Auxiliary has almost 1 million members from all walks of life. The Auxiliary administers hundreds of volunteer programs, gives tens of thousands of hours to its communities and to veterans, and raises millions of dollars to support its own programs, as well as other worthwhile charities familiar to Americans. It is all accomplished with volunteers.

While originally organized to assist The American Legion, the Auxiliary has achieved its own unique identity while working side-by-side with the veterans who belong to The American Legion. Like the Legion, the Auxiliary’s interests have broadened to encompass the entire community.

Many of our local programs are geared toward enriching the lives of veterans in the Canandaigua area, especially those in the VA hospital, group homes and nursing homes. For them we host a Holiday Party around Christmas time and a summer picnic, monthly dinners at the Veterans Club on Foster Street and monthly dinners at the Post Home. The Poppy Program just before Memorial Day is a major fundraiser for these programs, as well as our monthly 75 Club Raffle. 

We annually sponsor a delegate to the Empire Girls State and award two scholarships to Canandaigua Academy seniors.  We send CARE packages to overseas troops in areas of conflict and send manufacturers coupons to military families to use in the commissary and exchange.  We donate money to many local health care facilities, hospices, and charitable organizations.  These donations are supported by our annual Craft Show and Bake Sale in early November.

The American Legion Auxiliary is the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization. Through its nearly 10,500 units located in every state and some foreign countries, the Auxiliary embodies the spirit of America that has prevailed through war and peace. Along with The American Legion, it solidly stands behind America and her ideals

Post 256 welcomes all men, women and girls who wish to show their support for the American Legion as a member of our local Auxiliary. To join the Post 256 American Legion Auxiliary refer to the Auxiliary application above;  or for more information, call (585) 394-3790 or send us a message at auxiliary@alny256.com. 

Auxiliary Officers

President                   Barbara Kloppel

1st Vice President    Vacant 

2nd Vice President   Deborah Skivington 

Secretary                  Erika Murdaugh
Treasurer                  Debbie Callon
Chaplain                    Deanna McKelvey
Membership              Patty Schultz
Sergeant at Arms     Barbara Hill 

Meetings: General meetings for Legion Riders - 256 members are on the 2nd Tuesday of every month (except November and January) at 6:00 pm in the Banquet Hall.
Dues: Annual dues are $12.00
Application: [Riders Membership application]​
Qualifications to join:  In order to be a member of the Legion Riders, you need to be a current member of any Post of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion.   You will need your current Legion membership ID card, motorcycle driver’s license, current copy of your motorcycle insurance card, motorcycle registration and annual dues of $12.00. 

Rider Officers

Director                   Robert Buck Jr

Assistant Director  Rick Philipson

Secretary                 Vacant

Treasurer                 Deidra Buck

Sergeant at Arms    Dave Meath 

Road Captain          Mathew Mirabela  

Chaplain                 Tom Burlingame