AMVET Post 72 member named vet of the year

Jim Mulderig, a member of AMVETS Post 72, has been named Department of New York AMVET of the Year.

A member of the post for 11 years, Mulderig was nominated by the post for the prestigious award, which is chosen by New York Commander Jerry Johnson among the 8,500 AMVETS members.

In the nomination letter, the post wrote, "During those 11 years Jim has helped in the resurgence of AMVETS Post 72."

He is credited with rebuilding the post, which was nearly bankrupt and recording a very low membership.

Mulderig, along with Greg Szarpa, recognized the need for new members. With a membership of 68 and only a few members regularly active, Mulderig went to work recruiting. Currently, Post 72 has 200 members.

An employee at the VA Hospital for more than 25 years, he saw his connection as a way to register members.

"Many of the new members are really helping to make AMVETS Post 72 stand above the other veterans organizations," the nomination letter stated.

Mulderig has been the VAVS representative for the Department of New York Western New York for five years.

He is also credited with taking part in many programs at the VA Hospital that focus on improving the quality of life for veterans. Since retiring in January, Mulderig has continued to visit the veterans homeless facilities and stays active in programs at the VA.

He has also secured funding for the veterans homeless program for computers and equipment needed to seek jobs and housing.

"Jim has done a never-ending job of helping the veterans representing AMVETS. He has made the name of AMVETS very renowned with what he has done," the post said on his behalf.