AmVets Post 513
MONTEZUMA, NY
History of:
Robert F. Stryker Memorial
AmVets Post 513
AmVets Post 513 was formed in August of 2002 and our Charter was received September 30, 2002. At that time, a name for our post was not yet chosen.
During our January, 2003 monthly meeting, William O’Hara, our first Commander, suggested that it was time we name our Post. After doing some research, William asked the Members if they would consider naming it after Robert F. Stryker. Robert was killed in Vietnam, a Medal of Honor recipient AND from our area. After careful consideration and the addition of the word Memorial, the Members voted on and passed that Robert F. Stryker Memorial AmVets Post 513 be our official name.
Next, a committee was formed to approach Jack Stryker, Roberts brother, to ask permission to used his name. Jack gave his blessing, “As long as you do not dishonor my brothers name, you may use it.”
As new members joined the Post, it was brought up at a meeting that it was time to hold a Post naming dedication. This dedication was planned for November 9, 2003 which was also Robert F. Strykers 59th birthday.
On the day
of the dedication, Jack Stryker graciously allowed us the use of all of Roberts Medals
(including the Medal of Honor), pictures and memorabilia that he had in
his possession.
At this
time our Post also took on the responsibility of maintaining Roberts grave
site. 
The bushes were removed, the ground cleaned up and a fence erected so that when people saw it, they knew there was something extra special about that grave.
With the
dedication behind us, it was time to raise money for a new head stone for
Roberts grave. In January of 2004 a committee was formed, letters sent out
and stories put in the newspaper telling of the fundraiser our Post was
having to erect a new head stone for Roberts grave. 
By May of that very
same year we had raised enough money to replace the head stone. On the
Sunday before Memorial Day 2004, we held a Memorial Day service and a
dedication of the headstone at Roberts grave site. Veterans Posts from all
over Cayuga County participated in this event. We were also fortunate to
have a Stryker vehicle and various antique Army vehicles at the
dedication.
Several Veteran Organizations donated money to build a display case to hold Roberts medals and memorabilia with exception of the Medal of Honor which is kept safely in a deposit box and only taken out on special occasions.
Our Post then applied for a grant from the Exxon-Mobil Foundation and the Exxon-Mobil Pipeline Co. but was turned down because we were unable to meet their guidelines. We then approached the Councilors of the Town of Throop and asked them to accept the money on our behalf. They were more than happy to oblige. Exxon-Mobil presented the check to the Supervisor of the Town, who accepted it on our behalf, during a small ceremony held at the Cemetery.
Next we needed electric so the two flag poles could be forever bright. Our Post sought out donations from several electric contractors who were more then happy to donate their time and effort to complete this task. We even had some contractors, who weren’t called, come and help as well.
With the flag poles erected and the lights shining brightly on them, Memorial Day 2005 brought us to our final dedication.
It was then decided that our Memorial Day services be held the Sunday before Memorial Day at the Pine Hill Cemetery, Throop, NY. At Robert Stryker’s grave site to place a wreath on his grave. This day was chosen so not to interfere with other Memorial Day services the County provides.
Words cannot express the thanks that the Members of the Robert F. Stryker Memorial AmVets Post 513 holds for the citizens, businesses, the Class of 1963 and the Veterans clubs of Cayuga County, along with many people from all over the United States, for donating their time, services and money that helped us in our effort so that a “FORGOTTEN HERO” would no longer be forgotten.
A special "Thank You" to the 26th Infantry Regiment Association "Blue Spader's" For all they have done for us.