Eilene Fisher, director of the Schoharie County Veterans Service Agency, received dual honors at the New York State American Legion Convention held July 14-16 in Binghamton.
Ms. Fisher received the Meritorious Service Award and then became the first recipient of the newly named John B. Sampson Service Officer of the Year Award.
Vicki Sampson had the honor of presenting the award, named after her late husband, who was 2016-2017 Department Commander.
“I am honored and humbled, especially to receive the award from John’s wife,” Ms. Fisher said, noting she had the honor of working with the past department commander.
Patrick Rourk, 2021-2022 chairman of the Veterans Services Committee for the American Legion Department of New York, cited the volume, quality and complexity of claims Ms. Fisher submits to the Department of Veterans Affairs on behalf of veterans.
He also praised her for her community outreach and inter-agency collaboration.
“The Schoharie County Veterans Service Agency, under Eilene Fisher’s direction, has been a leading county agency in regard to the volume of claims submitted in proportion to the population served,” he said.
In addition, he noted, she hosts veteran service fairs in Schoharie County to help educate veterans on available services and benefits, and works with local schools to assist with Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day programs.
Ms. Fisher also was an active member of Congressman Antonio Delgado’s Veterans’ Committee, where she advocated for veteran programs and initiatives. She “works with numerous county agencies, such as Department of Social Services, to increase the department’s visibility to serve the county’s veterans,” and she “works with community partners such as SCCAP, Catholic Charities, Veterans Community and Housing Coalition, and Veterans Miracle Center to support veterans’ needs,” Mr. Rourk added.
Ms. Fisher was trained and accredited as a service officer by The American Legion.
She is a 17-year Legion member herself, and has served in leadership positions on the post, county, district and state levels, most recently serving as a Department of New York vice commander.