OXFORD – On Monday, the American Legion’s top state-level officials traveled to Chenango County as part of an annual visitation to each of New York’s 62 counties.

New York State’s American Legion Department Commander William R. Kearsing, American Legion Department Auxiliary President Karyn Porempski, Sons of the American Legion Detachment Commander David L. Bishop and National Executive Committeeman Richard Keiser were among the roughly 30-member delegation of state, district, county and local post representatives.

They began their tour at the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford, which is one of only five residential care facilities in the state devoted to caring for veterans and their spouses who because of age or medical condition are no longer able to live independently.

“It is our pride, privilege and pleasure to welcome the American Legion family,” said Vets’ Home Administrator Sally Venugopalan, as she expressed her gratitude to the veterans organization for the support its members give to residents of the facility.

During their visit, the legionnaires paid tribute to the veterans in residence, visited with staff and enjoyed a luncheon prepared in their honor. They were also treated to tours of both the existing building and the new facility, to which Venugopalan said she anticipates moving in early November.

During the facility tour, Kearsing and the other dignitaries were treated to a demonstration of a new patient lift system by the home’s physical therapy staff.