Project Updates
Want to know what’s the latest with our progress? This is the page to be.
Latest Update
WKBW Channel 7 News
August 13, 2025
This news segment spotlights the Women of Valor Memorial Project in Strykersville, shedding light on the plan to build the first national memorial honoring women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving. It highlights the collaboration between local veterans’ organizations and the community’s strong support as they navigate zoning approvals and design efforts. Overall, it underscores the project’s significance in honoring female veterans and uniting residents behind this historic tribute.
Project Milestones
Western New York Regional Director Visits Future Memorial Site
Western New York Regional Director Philip Gow, Jr., representing the Office of Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, recently met with committee members and toured the land donated for the future Women of Valor Memorial, Veterans & Community Center in Strykersville, NY.
His visit brought heartfelt encouragement and opened meaningful dialogue about the vision, mission, and long-term impact of this landmark project.
This extraordinary initiative will become the nation’s only National Women of Valor Memorial, dedicated to honoring the legacy of women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Beyond remembrance, the center will provide vital programs, services, and resources to support all veterans and strengthen the surrounding community.
With deep gratitude for those who have served—and a bold commitment to those who continue to serve—the Women of Valor Memorial stands as a beacon of valor, unity, and hope.
August 20, 2025 – ZBA Variance Decision & Next Steps
At their August 19th meeting, the Sheldon Zoning Board of Appeals denied the American Legion’s request to reduce the required road frontage for the Women of Valor Memorial site. While this decision delays construction of the Veterans & Community Center, it does not stop our mission.
The memorial itself will move forward—we will begin work on the driveway and the first phase of the Women of Valor Memorial on the donated nine-acre site in Strykersville. The community will see visible progress as we continue to honor the women who gave their lives in service to our nation.
In the meantime, we remain committed to pursuing the necessary variance for our Veterans & Community Center. Rumors suggest local zoning regulations may change in the near future, and we will continue to seek approval as those developments unfold.
This project will happen. The memorial will be built, the center will rise, and together we will create a national tribute and lasting legacy for our women warriors, veterans, and community.
August 19, 2025 – Upcoming ZBA Public Hearing
The Sheldon Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to consider the American Legion’s request to reduce required road frontage from 200 feet to 105 feet for the Women of Valor Memorial site. The board may render a decision that evening. If approved, the project will proceed to the Planning Board, County Planning Board, and then the Town Board for final approval.
July 30, 2025 – Women of Valor Committee Meeting
Strategy session to review current status, ZBA process, and outreach plans ahead of the August hearing.
July 24, 2025 – Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
The ZBA met to discuss the Legion’s variance request. Legal counsel outlined the multi-step approval process. Because updated site plans were only received in June, the ZBA scheduled a new public hearing for August 19 to allow the community to review changes. The Legion will provide updated plans to nearby residents by certified mail or in person.
June 28, 2025 – Women of Valor Committee Meeting
Brainstorming session to prepare for upcoming ZBA discussions and public outreach.
June 17, 2025 – Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
The ZBA met to review the variance request and entered executive session for legal guidance. Decision was tabled pending further input from the town attorney.
May 21, 2025 – Town Board Meeting
The Town Board discussed the upcoming June 17 ZBA meeting on the Legion’s variance request. Councilman Fontaine reaffirmed opposition to the proposed site to preserve farmland. Resident Ray Swan raised concerns about traffic, property restrictions, and feasibility. Supervisor Becker reviewed the multi-board process that would follow if the variance is approved.
April 22, 2025 – Zoning Board of Appeals Public Hearing
The first public hearing on the variance request was held. Lorne LeMieux emphasized the national significance of the Women of Valor Memorial. Several neighbors voiced concerns about farmland preservation, road frontage, and traffic. No decision was made.
March 18, 2025 – Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
Lorne LeMieux and Lloyd Cox presented the Women of Valor Memorial site plans. The ZBA determined that a variance is required for the property’s limited road frontage and set a public hearing for April 22.
February 19, 2025 – Town Board Meeting
Melissa Weisenburg and Lorne LeMieux presented project plans for the new Legion building and memorial, noting the need for a variance.
February 5, 2025 – Women of Valor Committee Meeting
Committee confirmed that variance paperwork had not yet been filed. Lorne and Melissa planned to attend the February 19 Town Board meeting.
May 27, 2024 – Memorial Day Luncheon
At the Sheldon Town Board Memorial Day Luncheon, Lorne LeMieux announced that 9 acres had been donated to the Legion for a new post and the Women of Valor Memorial project.
Media Coverage
October 2, 2025 – Herald Courier
Wyoming Hook and Ladder supports memorial effort
July 31, 2025 – Herald Courier
Strykersville to have first national memorial to women veterans
June 28, 2025 – The Daily News
Big honor for little Post: Sheldon Java Vets Club Inc. encourages community to be a part of history
December 5, 2024 – Herald Courier
Memorial Service held in Strykersville for fallen soldier
November 27, 2024 – Herald Courier
Six Star Legion Post #637 plans national memorial
Concept Designs
From the Architect…
The new veteran center and national memorial will be a place of honor and remembrance, featuring a circular drive that leads to a beautifully landscaped memorial park with monuments at its heart. Visitors will be greeted by a covered drop-off entry, ensuring easy access to the facility. Inside, the building will host a variety of amenities, including a retail store for memorabilia, a refreshment area, and a grand ballroom/event room. Offices for the Amvets, American Legion, Sons of the American Legion, and the Auxiliary will provide space for vital administrative work and community engagement.
The facility will also boast a fully equipped kitchen, a private bar, and a large patio adjacent to the event room, perfect for gatherings and celebrations. Outdoors, an expansive pavilion will be available for events and recreational activities, providing ample space for the community to come together in support and celebration of our veterans. This thoughtfully designed center aims to foster a sense of community, honor the sacrifices of our service members, and offer a welcoming environment for all who visit.
Friends of the Women of Valor Memorial letter to the editor of the Arcade Herald
Delays, Influence, and Determination: The Battle to Honor Our Fallen Women Warriors
To the Editor,
The Women of Valor Memorial and Veterans & Community Center, planned for Strykersville, deserves the full attention and support of our community. This project will establish the first national memorial specifically honoring women who died while in military service—whether in combat, from illness or accident, or while actively fulfilling their duties. Based on Department of Defense data and historical records, an estimated 1,200 to 1,800 women have made this ultimate sacrifice. They deserve to be remembered with dignity.
This project also includes a Veterans Center and a Community Center, designed to serve the people of Wyoming County and beyond. The Veterans Center will provide meeting and office space for the Amvets, American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion, along with a private, members-only lounge and club area for veterans. And, if the town permits, a Community Center , which will be open to the public, offering educational programming, community events, and intergenerational activities. This is more than a memorial—it’s a place of remembrance, support, and unity.
We’re proud that this project is being led jointly by Amvets Post #637 and the American Legion Six-Star Post #637, both of which are working together to make this vision a reality. Notably, Amvets Post #637 is the first in the nation named in honor of a woman: Army Specialist Cari Anne Gasiewicz, who died while serving in Iraq. Her story, and those of so many others, are the reason this project exists.
But sadly, this mission has been caught in red tape—and, we believe, local politics.
The project is currently being held up by two avoidable obstacles:
1. Road Frontage: The donated parcel includes a 115-foot-wide strip of land that connects to the main road and leads into a spacious 9-acre property. This narrow section is intended only for a driveway—all buildings and structures would be located well off the road, within the open acreage at the rear of the site. While this layout is functionally sound and common in rural settings, it falls short of the town’s current 200-foot frontage requirement for new construction. Two neighbors have objected—one of whom has expressed interest in purchasing the property himself. Troubling remarks from some board members have suggested that if our variance is denied, this neighbor’s “checkbook is open.” This raises serious concerns about fairness and transparency.
2. Zoning: The property is currently zoned agricultural. Since we are a nonprofit veterans organization operating a private club (with no public bar or commercial activity), we believe a waiver or dual-use zoning classification should be attainable—yet approval has been delayed without clear justification.
We are not standing still. Our effort was recently featured in The Batavia Daily News, and we are actively ramping up public awareness through community events like the Geneseo Air Show (July 12–13) and the Wyoming County Fair in Pike (August 9–16). We’re also collecting signatures of support from community members, which will be submitted to the Sheldon Town Board.
While our firm intention is to build on the donated land in Strykersville, where this vision was born and continues to grow, we also recognize the importance of being prepared for any outcome. The land has been gifted to serve veterans and the community, and it will not be sold. It remains at the heart of our mission—regardless of political delays or outside interests.
We encourage anyone who wants to learn more to visit www.womenofvalormemorial.org. There, you can explore the project, learn about Specialist Gasiewicz, and—if you’re moved—sign the petition or make a tax-deductible donation to help us bring this vision to life.
We are not giving up. But we hope our town chooses to be part of something bigger than politics—a legacy of honor that will serve our community and outlive all of us.
Sincerely,
Friends of the Women of Valor Memorial