Conley Takes Command of Post 1424
MOHAMED FARGHALY
Mfarghaly@queensledger.com
After years of service to his country, city, and community, Pat Conley has taken on a new mission: leading American Legion Post 1424 in Forest Hills as its newly elected commander.
“I’m happy to do it. I’m going to give it my best. I’m going to devote more time to it, and just to make it better than when I first stepped in,” said Conley, who officially assumes the role this July following a unanimous vote of support from fellow members.
Conley, a Suffolk County native born in September 1960, enlisted in the U.S. Army at just 17. “I saw an opportunity to take advantage of something. I said, let me grab it now, thinking it was the right thing,,” he said of his decision to join the military early. He trained as a 31 Mike radio operator at Fort Gordon and spent nearly three years stationed in Germany with the 26th Signal Battalion, 7th Army.
After completing his military service, Conley went on to a 21-year career with the NYPD, serving in a variety of roles including anti-crime and robbery units. He retired at 44 and has spent the past two decades working at Yerman’s Irish Pub in Glendale, where he developed close ties with the community — and ultimately, with the Legion.
“Being a bartender in the local community, you get involved with a lot of stuff. Hence how I got involved here,” Conley explained. “Approximately 14 years ago, I joined the American Legion here in Forest Hills… and fast forward to 2017… a few of the members came to me. They asked if I could help. At that point, I came back and got more active in the Legion then.”
In 2018, under the previous commander, there were plans to sell the building, but Conley filed an injunction to stop and overturn the sale. He believed that losing the space would have been a major blow to both the community and the organization, potentially leading to its downfall. Although it was a difficult and dark time for the Legion, Conley felt it was important to take a stand to preserve its future. With that chapter now behind them, the focus is on moving forward with a positive outlook.
Conley has been instrumental in revitalizing Post 1424 since 2019. “We’ve completely revitalized the post, not just myself, but the whole board. We have a great team in place,” he said. The group has tackled long-overdue infrastructure issues, raised funds, expanded membership, and transformed the post into a vibrant hub of community activity.
“We got the word out there that there was a new regime in here, and that it wasn’t the same old stale, cigarette-smoking, depressing atmosphere,” he said. “We started having activities — fishing trips, golf outings, ball games through Citi Field… barbecues… and we definitely brought younger members in.”
The annual Memorial Day Parade remains the post’s signature event. “It’s to remember those who gave all and it’s important to the community and the Legion that we interact with the community,” Conley said. “Without strong support from the community and the business community, American Legions wouldn’t exist.”
Conley steps in for outgoing Commander Michael Arcati, who served since 2020 and is stepping back due to new work responsibilities and family commitments. “He’s done a tremendous job. And I think it’s his time,” said Conley. “He’s not going far. He’s staying on the board as a judge advocate.”
Conley’s vision for the post is rooted in outreach, modernization, and continuity. “To make sure I dedicate more time and getting information out to the current members and spending more time on getting a digital newsletter out to members,” he said of his goals. He also wants to expand partnerships with local youth organizations, including the Junior ROTC, Scouts, and Boys and Girls State programs.
Looking ahead, Conley is preparing for the post’s Fourth of July barbecue, an event designed to welcome families and foster engagement. “We encourage members to bring their family, specifically kids and grandkids, to the Legion to see what it’s about,” he said.
Beyond celebrations, the post continues to serve veterans in need. “We do try to provide some financial support, We do referrals to other agencies to see what assistance they can get. Mental health, same thing, we definitely know the referrals where to send them and how to help them.”
Conley’s proudest moment so far has been restoring the post’s appearance and dignity. “The big thing was getting the building lit up, getting it refreshed, getting it look, you know, shining on the avenue.”
His message to the Forest Hills community is clear: “The Legion can and should be a big part of the community, without a strong community involvement, you never have a strong Legion.”
As for why he took the role now, Conley says it’s about setting an example. “To show people that are going to be coming up behind me — and they will — that you can do it.”
