Run Eddie Run?  Maybe....

The Following Was Posted On Eddie VanStine's FB Page Monday Night:  

Lots of questions over the last week especially in the season of politics...
Let me clear the air, friends.
Over the past few months, I’ve had dozens of people — from local leaders to close friends — ask me, “Eddie, when are you running for County Legislature?” or “Why not run for mayor?” or “You’ve got what it takes to lead — what are you waiting for?”
I take every one of those questions as a huge compliment. Truly. It means a lot that people believe in me enough to ask. But here’s my honest answer:
I’m not ready… because I know enough to know I’m not ready.
I’m 37 years old. I’ve got the bull by the horns, sure. But I’m still learning, still growing, and still embracing every single moment of this journey. I absolutely love what I do as your public information guy here in Steuben County. It’s more than a job — it’s a mission. A calling. And right now, it’s exactly where I need to be.
I come from a long line of leaders. My family history is full of men and women who stood tall when it mattered most — in business, in service, in the military, in community. That legacy has given me perspective, and yes, it’s given me training and character that not everyone gets. But I don’t wear it as a badge of ego. I wear it as a reminder: impact doesn’t always require a title.
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." – Mahatma Gandhi
My impact today is making sure that you — the people of Steuben County and all of Upstate New York — get the truth, the facts, and the heart behind every message. That’s where I serve best right now. That’s where I’m most useful. And when you’re doing what you’re meant to do — you don’t rush the next chapter. You honor the one you're in.
To the legislators, senators, Congressman.., to the friends, to the encouragers: I hear you. And I promise — when the time is right, when I feel that spark deep in my soul — you’ll be the first to know. Whether it’s legislator, senator, or congressman… maybe one day. But for now?
I’m Eddie. I’m the guy who shows up. I’m the guy who listens. I’m the guy who lifts others up. And I’m exactly where I belong.
> "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." – Ecclesiastes 3:1
So please, let me do me. Let me serve you the best way I know how — with honesty, energy, integrity, and heart. I’m not chasing titles. I’m chasing truth, progress, and the power of positivity.
My roots are deep in Steuben County. My love for this place and its people is endless. And my future? Well… it’s coming. But let’s honor the now. Together.
> "Success isn’t about what position you hold — it’s about the difference you make while holding it." – Unknown
Let’s keep moving forward, together. Progress, purpose, and positivity — that’s the Eddie way.
Go Bills.
With gratitude and grit,
Eddie
 

Memorial Day Events Today

It’s Memorial Day and today, there will be numerous events locally in Avoca at 10am and Savona at 11am.  Here in Bath, there will be a Memorial Day Ceremony at 10am at the Bath National Cemetery.  Staff Sergeant Lindsey will speak and patriotic music will be performed by the Haverling High School Band.  Veterans, military families, and the public are invited to join as officials do the laying of the wreath, have a moment of silence, and hear the playing of Taps.

(PHOTO FROM THE FINGER LAKES VA)

 

O'Mara's Memorial Day Thoughts

Republican State Senator Tom O’Mara says the first memorial day took place in Seneca County, in Waterloo, around the time of the Civil War.  "Several years ago, asked about the importance of Memorial Day, the director of both the Woodlawn and Bath National Cemeteries, Duane Mendenhall, shared this reflection, “Every single freedom and liberty we enjoy can be traced back to a battlefield…How can words suffice to honor our fallen veterans? We honor them by remembering they loved America. Most of all they valued life by bravely readying themselves to die in service of this country."

Throughout generations of Americans on Memorial Day, many words have been shared to honor the memory – and the service and sacrifice – of our fallen heroes.

From President Ronald Reagan, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."

From President John F. Kennedy, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them."

From President Franklin D. Roosevelt, “In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved."

From President Abraham Lincoln, at Gettysburg, “We here highly resolve these dead shall not have died in vain; that the nation shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

And from President Donald Trump, “To every family member of the fallen, I want you know that the legacy of those you lost does not fade with time but grows only more powerful. Our fallen heroes have not only written our history, they've shaped our destiny.”

 

More College Opportunities For Veterans

Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul says she’ expanded the New York State Veterans Tuition Award for veterans.  The governor says this will now allow veterans who served at least four years on active-duty to qualify for full-tuition awards, even if they did not serve in combat or a specific combat theater. These changes take effect on July 1^st.