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About the VCA


The VCASNY is a federally and state recognized active American Historic Military Command. Founded at the end of the American Revolutionary War for the purpose of preventing another British invasion of New York City, the VCASNY is the oldest military unit in New York State. It was formed in Manhattan on Evacuation Day (New York), November 25, 1790, by Veterans of Washington’s Continental Army Corps of Artillery. The founders met at the City Arms Tavern located off Broadway near Trinity Church, where they established an independent artillery company of exempts, in the event of a return invasion by the British.

The current mission of the VCASNY is to “preserve the military heritage of the State of New York and to support military activities in the State of New York upon request”. The VCASNY today serves primarily as a ceremonial unit and during the course of its drill year is invited to participate in numerous New York City parades, civic and patriotic events. Independently or in association with traditional Veterans’ organizations, the VCASNY also serves as honor guard and provides firing parties for military funerals, military anniversaries and other events of military interest.

True to the core beliefs of its founders, most members of the VCA have served or are serving in the military of the United States. Its members have independently served in several wars including WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, and the present GWOT conflicts.

VCASNY members have also served in all of the United States military branches. Many VCA members are serving actively in the military today, including the Regular Army, National Guard, Reserves and the NY (State) Guard.

Drills and practice are held in several locations including Fort Hamilton and Fort Wadsworth. The drill season begins in October with the Columbus Day Parade, and ends with the VCASNY “4th of July” Salute to the Union, where an artillery salute is rendered from its firing battery of 75mm pack howitzers. This practice began on On July 4, 1794, when the VCASNY fired its first federal artillery salute from the Battery in New York City  in celebration of U.S. Independence.

The VCASNY is always looking for new blood to fill its ranks.  If you are interested in enlisting, please contact us at the above “Join the VCA” link.

VCA News

COL Allen Milman

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The Veteran Corps of Artillery mourns the passing of our own Colonel Allen I. Milman on Saturday, October 30, 2021. He was 81 years of age.

COL Milman was a native New Yorker, born in the Highbridge section of the Bronx on October 10, 1940. As a young man, he joined the U.S. Army achieving the National Defense Medal upon completion of Basic Training. Shortly thereafter, he returned to civilian life and pursued a career in construction.  In 1973 while building a hotel in Haiti he met the love of his life, Helga Hackenbruch and soon took her hand in marriage.  In the late 1970’s he began yet another career in advertising.  Advancing to executive positions in the field, he developed a 30-year relationship with the Danish Government. For his work with the Danish Government, various companies and organizations which promoted tourism and international business relations, COL Milman was bestowed with the Knight’s Cross of the Danish Royal Order of The Dannebrog by The Royal Family of the Kingdom of Denmark.

Outside of business ventures, The Boy Scouts of America held a special place in his heart.  For over seventy years he worked tirelessly for America’s youth, rising to the position of Board Member on both the Manhattan and Greater New York councils. COL Milman was also an avid outdoorsman and in the late 1990’s was sought after by the NRA to help promote marksmanship and shooting sports in New York City.  Answering the call, he and others founded The Big Apple Friends of the NRA, which he presided over as President for five years, gaining many charitable contributions.

More recently, COL Milman, whom was never one to fully retire from the business life, found satisfaction bringing his talents to bear working for non-profit organizations including The Red Cross and Salvation Army.

Always a patriot and eager to express his love of country and military, in June of 1987 COL Milman enlisted as a private in the Veteran Corps of Artillery, which became a lifelong passion of service spanning over 34 years. He relished in the history and the traditions of the Corps and sought to expose everyone he met to its legacy. His love of history also led him to become a founding member of the Lower Manhattan Historical Association, which today boasts several public events highlighting the history of New York City and the Veteran Corps of Artillery. He was also instrumental in the development and subsequent awarding of L.M.H.A.’s Annual Alexander Hamilton Achievement Award.

COL Milman’s service to the Corps was invaluable. His enthusiasm for life and the knowledge that every day brought endless opportunities to expose new generations of people to the legacy of the VCA was infectious. From Private to his promotion to full Colonel on no less a date than the 4th of July in 2018, it was befitting for a man with such a love of country and corps!

During his years of service, he held numerous positions within the Corps; among these were Public Affairs Officer, Aide De Camp to the Commandant, Vice Commandant and most recently Chief of Staff. His awards include the Department of The Army’s Commendation Medal, The New York State Military Commendation Medal, The Order of St. Barbara Artillery Medal, and the VCA 30 Year Long and Faithful Service Medal.

COL Milman will long be remembered for his patriotism, love of family and Corps. A husband, comrade and friend, he will be dearly missed. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Helga.

A memorial service is being planned by his wife for some time in January of 2022, at which time military honors will be rendered by the Corps.

On behalf of the Commandant, VCASNY, its officers and enlisted, we wish to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to his family. REQUIEM IN PACE.  

MCLEF Memorial Mass

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MEMORIAL MASS FOR U.S. SERVICE MEMBERS KILLED IN

TERRORIST ATTACK AT KABUL AIRPORT

The Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation, through our devoted Chaplain, Msgr. Robert Ritchie, has arranged for a memorial mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. to honor those 13 heroes for their service and sacrifice.  We invite all who wish to honor our fallen, to attend and invite you to spread the word to all Veterans and patriotic Americans.  We shall gather to show our support and offer prayers of peace for those who gave all and for their families.

UOD:  Class A military, Corps blazer and tie for VCA personnel with pocket crest and rosette or appropriate business attire.

No parking or other accommodations have been identified in connection with this event.

VCASNY wins Best of Show at OMSA 2021

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On 5-8 August 2021, CSM Rogers attended the annual convention of the Orders and Medals Society of America in Wisconsin.  OMSA is a society that collects and researches Medals and Decorations all over the world. This year, CSM Rogers created an exhibit of the medals and decorations of the VCASNY ans MSW1812, and the VCA exhibit was judged “Best of Show.”