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| May 2022
Volume XIV Issue 5
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Editorial by Jerry Donnellan - May 2015
When I was a little kid in Nyack I couldn't wait for the Memorial Day Parade. I had a new bike -- a two-wheeler, and I was going to weave red, white, and blue crepe paper in the spokes and ride at the end of the Memorial parade like the big kids did. By big kids then I meant 11 and 12 year olds. I was all set to go when a cranky old veteran told me that Memorial Day was not about having fun. The world has turned a couple of times since then and now that I'm the cranky old veteran I understand - and I chafe when people wish me a "Happy Memorial Day," but, being now a man of peace, I just smile and nod.
Since World
War II we have steadily drifted away from the meaning of Memorial Day. In 1971 it became the Monday holiday changed from the original 30th of May. This made it open season on shopping and sales and truly commercialized the day. In 1973 the Draft ended, so fewer families understood military service and its cost.
In 1987, the Rockland County Vietnam Vets came together and started the Watchfires. We decided they should be on the traditional Memorial Day and not require a band, fireworks, or an audience other than those who understood. Somebody actually told me they were inconvenienced. It seems to have become a second Fourth of July.
On Memorial Day I saw an ad taken out by one of our local politicians thanking the troops and veterans. Of course that was the small print. The bigger part of the ad was a picture of himself. That's all well and good, but it ain't about troops or veterans.
It's about those who are no longer troops and didn't live
long enough to be veterans. But I guess they can't vote - except maybe in Chicago. That's not to say that the day has to be spent hanging crepe, or acting as if you're at a wake or sitting shiva. But somewhere in the course of the day take the time to remember - and tell the kids.
I've been to war and the short of that is, it's hard to know the true cost. Trying to explain this is also hard. Although it doesn't happen often, you know how you feel when you're at the Mall and someone stops and lets you take a parking space that they could have taken? You think what a nice person -- you even tell your friends and family -- maybe even for a day or two. Well, the people we honor on Memorial Day gave up more than their parking space. Remember them.
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| Presumptive Service Connection - Southwest Asia Veterans
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VA establishes presumptive service connection for rare respiratory cancers for certain VeteransWASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs is adding nine rare respiratory cancers to the list of presumed service-connected disabilities due to military environmental exposures to fine particulate matter.The following list of rare respiratory cancers have been added to VA’s regulations through an Interim Final Rule published in the Federal Register on April 26, 2022:
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the trachea.
- Adenocarcinoma of the trachea.
- Salivary gland-type tumors of the trachea.
- Adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung.
- Large cell carcinoma of the lung.
- Salivary gland-type tumors of the lung.
- Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung.
- Typical and atypical carcinoid of the lung.
VA determined, through a focused review of scientific and medical evidence, there is biological plausibility between airborne hazards and carcinogenesis of the respiratory tract — and the unique circumstances of these rare cancers warrant a presumption of service connection.
The rarity and severity of these illnesses and the
reality these conditions present, is a situation where it may not be possible to develop additional evidence, prompted VA to take this action.VA will begin processing disability compensation claims for Veterans who served any amount of time in the Southwest Asia theater of operations beginning Aug. 2, 1990, to the present, or Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Syria or Djibouti beginning Sept. 19, 2001, to the present.Any Veteran who has or had one of the listed cancers at
any time during or after separation from military service may be eligible for disability compensation benefits. VA will contact impacted Veterans and survivors to inform them about their eligibility and will provide information on how to apply. But you might not want to wait on the VA contacting you!Veterans, survivors or dependents who had claims previously denied for any of these respiratory cancers are encouraged to file a supplemental claim for benefits. If you are a Veteran, survivor or dependent applying for the first time, file a new claim here: VA File a ClaimRead the final ruling: https://www.regulations.gov/document/VA-2022-VBA-0014-0001To apply for benefits, Veterans and survivors may visit https://www.va.gov or call toll-free at 800-827-1000. You can also go to the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency and file a claim. The veterans' counselors will be able to help you. They are located at 20 Squadron Blvd., Suite 480, New City, New York 10956. Call to set up an appointment - 845-638-5244.
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| NAMI Home Front Online Course For Veterans and Families
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NAMI Homefront Education Program - Free Zoom Classes
NAMI Homefront is a free, six-session education program for family, friends and significant others of Military Service Members and Veterans with mental health conditions. It focuses on the unique needs of military and Veteran communities, such as post-deployment and post-discharge transitions.
NAMI Orange County, Inc., the local organization of the National Alliance on Mental Illness,
will offer its Zoom NAMI Homefront Education Program beginning Saturday, May 7, 14, 21, 28, June 4, 11; with June 18 as our backup day if needed. 9:30 am - 12 noon EST.
The course is designed to help family members understand and support their loved one while maintaining their own well-being. The trained teachers of this course are also family members who have experience with military culture and know what it’s like to have a loved one living with symptoms of a mental health condition. NAMI Homefront is an adaptation of the evidence-based NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program, which has been taught in VA health facilities since the late 1990s.
For further information or to register for the online zoom program, To Register for the online zoom program, contact Pat Siano via email at: namipatsiano@gmail.com or by telephone:
1-251-979-8583.
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| VVA Chapter #333 -- Memorial Day Watchfires
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WATCHFIRES –
KEEPING A VIGIL FOR THE LOST PATROL
On May 30, 1987, the traditional Memorial Day, members of Rockland County chapter 333, Vietnam Veterans of America, first came together to build Watchfires along the western shores of the Hudson River.
Watchfires date back to our country’s first war. George Washington used them to signal the ceasefire ending the Revolutionary War. Reference is made in “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” to the use of them in the Civil War.
We built our fires according to the military specifications of the 1700’s: 21 foot square at the base and 21 feet
high. We used the mountain-tops when we could, which were reminiscent of our fire bases in Vietnam. Each year, the fires are lit at midnight, to burn for the 24 hours of the
traditional Memorial Day. We stand watch, changing shifts as we had a generation ago, symbolically keeping watch for our lost patrol that still has not returned, and the patrols of past wars, to our country’s first soldiers who fought and may still wander along these shores.
Watchfire Ceremonies will begin at 11:30 p.m. and Watchfires will be lit at midnight on May 30th at these sites: Piermont Pier, Clausland Mountain in Orangeburg, Eugene Levy Park on Route 45 in Pomona, and Bowline Park in Haverstraw, NY.
Check out the VVA 333 website here: https://www.vva333.com
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| American Legion / Veterans of Foreign Wars Events
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If you know of other Memorial Day events being held throughout the County, please notify us so we can publish the information in our newsletter. We will send out a supplement
to this May newsletter if we hear of more than what is on this list. Please check your towns and villages for local Memorial Day ceremonies near you.
Saturday, May 21st, 2022 Leo Laders American Legion Post 130: On May 21st at 10:00 a.m. the Leo Laders American Legion post will be placing flags on veterans' graves at Mt. Repose and St. Peter's Cemeteries in Haverstraw. There are approximately 1,500 flags to be placed so they are looking for anyone available to help out. They will be meeting by the front entrance to Mt. Repose at 9W and 202. Rain date is 1:00 p.m. on May 22nd.
Monday, May 30th, 2022 John M. Perry No. 1044 of The American
Legion in Sparkill will be leading two Memorial Day observances on Monday May 30th:
- Palisades Memorial Day Ceremony - at 9:00 a.m., at the intersection of Closter Road and Route 9W in Palisades, they will conduct a Memorial Day Ceremony.
- Sparkill Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony - at 11:30 a.m. in Sparkill, they will lead a Memorial Day Parade that runs from the John Paulding Engine Company on Route 340 to Depot Square in downtown Sparkill. Upon arrival in Depot Square they will lead the Sparkill Memorial Day ceremony.
Monday, May 30th, 2022: Nyack American Legion Post 310 & VFW Post 9215
On Monday, May 30th, 2022 at 9:00 a.m., at the Nyack Oak Hill Cemetery (located at 140 N Highland Avenue, Nyack, New York 10960) Civil War Monument area, Nyack Post 310 members along with the
Color Guard will join with VFW Post 9215 to conduct a special Memorial Day Ceremony to honor our fallen comrades who died in the service of their nation. If planning to attend, please wear Legion or VFW hats and muster no later than 8:45 a.m.
Monday, May 30th, 2022: Nyack Memorial Day Parade is back to continue a proud Village tradition of honoring the men and women of our community who made the ultimate sacrifice preserving our freedoms. The parade kicks off at 11:00 a.m., marchers muster no later than 10:30 a.m. by Artopee Way municipal parking lot in Nyack (55 Artopee Way). The parade route follows Main Street from Franklin Avenue down to Broadway where it continues along Broadway and turns left onto Depew Avenue, entering Memorial Park along the beautiful Hudson River. Ceremony to follow at the base of
the World War I / World War II Monument at the lower level of the park.
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| VVA Chapter 333 General Membership Meeting
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VVA 333 General Membership Meeting, May 5th, 2022
The next VVA Chapter #333 General Membership Meeting is Thursday, May 5th, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. at Kearsing-Edwards American Legion Post 1600, 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York 10970. You can attend in person or via Zoom.
Note: Zoom is available for this meeting.
Topic: Ray Furlong's Zoom Meeting
Time: May 5, 2022 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting -- here is the link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89202249387?pwd=MWtFSGl3SjNCZWI3Q0VsMXZpY29SZz09
Meeting ID: 630 567 5618
Passcode: 980722
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,89202249387#,,,,*513221# US (New York)
+13126266799,,89202249387#,,,,*513221# US (Chicago)
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 630 567 5618
Passcode: 980722
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kAooTO4Vk
If you have any problems connecting, call Tom Carroll on 845-269-8909.
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Monday, May 2nd, 2022: from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm -- “Carry the Load Event” at Congers Station Park, Congers, New York. Rally for Carry the Load's mission is to provide an active way to connect Americans to the sacrifices made by our nation’s military, veterans, first responders and their families. It is a great family friendly patriotic event that includes a march with the relay team, ceremonies, a free BBQ, music, and more. The public is invited. For more information or to register to walk as
part of the relay team click here:
https://www.carrytheload.org/site/DocServer/Congers__New_York_2022.docx.pdf
The staging area for the walk meets at Old Haverstraw Road and Patricia Avenue, Congers New York 10920. Join us as we honor and pay tribute to our Community's heroes that "Carry the Load."
Come and visit our DWYER "VettoVet" informational display table which will have pamphlets, brochures, flyers, sign up rosters and really neat useful swag items to promote the Rockland County Dwyer program.
Saturday, May 7th to June 11th, 2022: NAMI Homefront is a free, six-session education program for family, friends and significant
others of Military Service Members and Veterans with mental health conditions. It focuses on the unique needs of military and Veteran communities, such as post-deployment and post-discharge transitions. NAMI Orange County, Inc., the local organization of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, will offer its Zoom NAMI Homefront Education Program beginning Saturday, May 7, 14, 21, 28, June 4, 11; with June 18 as our backup day if needed. 9:30 am - 12 noon EST. The course is designed to help family members understand and support their loved one while maintaining their own well-being. The trained teachers of this course are also family members who have experience with military culture and know what it’s like to have a loved one living with symptoms of a mental health condition. NAMI Homefront is an adaptation of the evidence-based NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program, which has been taught in VA health facilities since the late 1990s.
To Register for the online zoom program, contact Pat Siano via email at: namipatsiano@gmail.com or by telephone: 1-251-979-8583.
Wednesday, May 11th,
2022: Veterans Information Session
Susan Branam, Director of the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency, along with Mark Woods, Director of Veteran Peer Services for BRIDGES, will be speaking about current veterans’ issues. The presentation will be followed by a question and answer period. The information session will be held at the Kearsing Edwards American Legion Post 1600, 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York 10970 on Wednesday, May 11th, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. For further information, call the Veterans Service Agency at 845-638-5244.
Thursday, May 12th, 2022: Gulf War Veterans -- Virtual
Class in May on Gulf War Exposures and Health: Gulf War Exposures & Health Concerns is a free, virtual class to help Gulf War Veterans understand potential exposures and health effects, steps to manage symptoms, research findings, and available
resources. Join this class on Thursday, May 12, 2022 from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET. You can attend through your personal computer, smart phone, or tablet. To learn more about the class and to register, see the class flyer at:
https://www.warrelatedillness.va.gov/WARRELATEDILLNESS/docs/05122022-WRIISC-FLYER-GW-and-Health-Class.pdf
Saturday, May 14th, 2022: Vet Fishing Day :
First Come - First Served -- Whortlekill Rod & Gun Club, Saturday May 14th, 2022
Hope for Heroes welcomes our Heroes to the historic Whortlekill Rod and Gun Club.
Founded in 1938, the Whortlekill Rod & Gun Club is situated on 82 acres in the
heart of historic Hopewell Junction N.Y. and includes a private 24 acres stocked lake, picnic area, clubhouse, and many other outdoor sporting opportunities. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Vet Fishing Day Event Schedule:
Sign in 7:00 - 8:00 am; Fishing 8:00-11:00; Barbecue lunch 11:00 -1:00; Fishing 1:00 -3:00 pm.
If anyone is interested in participating in this free event, get in touch with Mark
Cozzupoli or the contact numbers listed below. It is first come first served but there will also be a backup list if anyone drops out. Gear will be provided for those who need it. It will be fun!!! Mark A. Cozzupoli, Director, Ulster County Veteran Services, Chief Master Sergeant, USAF (Ret). Contact information: Office: (845) 340-3195 or Email: mcoz@co.ulster.ny.us
For more Information on the event contact Matt Notaro 845-590-1449 or email: mnotaro@heroeshope.org. WHORTLEKILL ROD & GUN CLUB, 540 NY-376, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533 Website: https://www.whortlekill.com
Saturday, May 21st, 2022: On May 21st at 10:00 a.m. the Leo Laders American Legion post will be placing flags on veterans' graves at Mt. Repose and St. Peter's Cemeteries in Haverstraw.
There are approximately 1,500 flags to be placed so they are looking for anyone available to help out. They will be meeting by the
front entrance to Mt. Repose at 9W and 202. If you can help, be there at 10:00 a.m. Rain date is 1:00 p.m. on May 22nd.
Saturday, May 21st, 2022:
Hudson Valley Honor Flights are planning their spring flights
May 21, 2022 out of Westchester County Airport. They are looking forward to giving our Veterans this experience. For further information, call Hudson Valley Honor Flight at: (845) 391-0076 or view their website at https://hvhonorflight.com.
Friday, May 27th,
2022: Veterans Game Day Social Luncheon: Join us for our Monthly Veteran’s Game Day Social Luncheon from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Community Center Town of Clarkstown Auditorium located at 31 Zukor Road, New City, New York 10956. All Veterans, Caregivers and Gold Star families are welcome to join us to play games including BINGO as well as MILITARY TRIVIA for prizes, socialize and have fun! Bring your spouse or significant other. Provided free of charge by the Rockland County Dwyer (Vet to Vet) Program. There is plenty of parking available and the auditorium is very large with
plenty of room for folks to spread out and maintain social distance if they choose to do so. Doors open at 10:45 a.m. Games will be played from 11 to 12, followed by lunch break, followed by small game breakouts. You can come and go as you please. RSVP: Required especially for Lunch! Please contact Veteran Outreach Coordinator Izzy Quintana at email iquintana@vettovetrc.org or call his cell phone number 845-587-6497 to reserve a seat, or if you have further questions.
Sunday, May 29th, 2022: Memorial Day Ceremonies
Sunday, May 29th: The Rockland County Veterans' Coordinating Council invites everyone to join the Veterans of Rockland County to commemorate Memorial Day 2022. The Program will
begin at 12:00 noon Sunday, May 29, 2022, at the Frederick Loescher Veterans Cemetery, 220 Brick Church Road, New Hempstead, New York.
Sunday, May 29th, 2022: Following the above ceremony, there will be a brief Memorial Day service at Gary Onderdonk Veterans' Cemetery, Rockland Community College Campus, 145 College Road, Suffern, New York 10901.
Monday, May 30th, 2022: John M. Perry No. 1044 of The American Legion in Sparkill will be leading two Memorial Day observances on Monday May 30th:
- Palisades Memorial Day Ceremony - at 9:00 a.m., at the intersection of Closter Road and Route 9W in Palisades, they will conduct a Memorial Day Ceremony.
- Sparkill Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony - at 11:30 a.m. in Sparkill, they will lead a Memorial Day Parade that runs from the John Paulding Engine Company on Route 340 to Depot Square in downtown Sparkill. Upon arrival in Depot Square they will lead the Sparkill Memorial Day ceremony.
Monday, May 30th, 2022: Nyack American Legion Post 310 & VFW Post 9215
On May 30th, Monday at 9:00 am, at the Nyack Oak Hill Cemetery (located at 140 N Highland Avenue, Nyack, New York 10960) Civil War Monument area, Nyack Post 310 members along with the Color Guard will join with VFW Post 9215 to conduct a special Memorial Day Ceremony to honor our fallen comrades who died in the service of their nation. If planning to attend, please wear Legion or VFW hats and muster no later than 8:45 a.m.
Monday, May 30th, 2022: The Nyack Memorial Day Parade is back to continue a proud Village tradition of honoring the men and women of our community who made the ultimate sacrifice preserving our freedoms. The parade kicks off at 11:00 a.m. Marchers muster no later than 10:30 a.m. by Artopee Way municipal parking lot in Nyack (55 Artopee Way).
The parade route follows Main Street from Franklin Ave. down to Broadway, where it continues along Broadway and turns left onto Depew Ave entering Memorial Park along the beautiful Hudson River. Ceremony to follow at the base of the World War I / World War II Monument at the lower level of the park.
May 2022: Register now for June 2022 Virtual Event: Step Up for PTSD Awareness: In recognition of PTSD Awareness Month, we invite you to join us for our second annual Step Up for PTSD Awareness Virtual Walk! Register today and complete 30 minutes of exercise at any time during the month of June to help us raise awareness about the effective PTSD treatments that are available. Whether you walk, run, cycle or swim, we encourage you to grab a group of friends and get active! Show your support by following these easy steps:
Register for the virtual walk
Order your race bib before May 1 or download and print your bib
Get moving during the month of June
Register today: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVHA/signup/32140
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| Veterans Benefits: GI Bill and Disability Compensation
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GI Bill Benefits
GI Bill benefits help you pay for college, graduate school, and training programs. Since 1944, the GI Bill has helped qualifying Veterans and their family members get money to cover all or some of the costs for school or
training. Learn more about GI Bill benefits below—and how to apply for them.
If you applied for and were awarded Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits, your GI Bill Statement of Benefits will show you how much of your benefits you’ve used and how much you have left to use. Review your GI Bill Statement of Benefits.
The GI Bill Comparison Tool and local Veterans Service Organizations can help you explore options and find out what benefits you have earned. Further information is available here: https://www.va.gov/education/gi-bill/post-9-11/ch-33-benefit/.
VA Disability Compensation
VA disability compensation (pay) offers a monthly tax-free payment to Veterans who became sick or injured while serving in the military and to Veterans whose service made an existing condition worse. You may qualify for VA disability benefits for physical conditions (like a chronic illness or injury) and mental health conditions (like PTSD) that developed before, during, or after service. Find out how to apply for and manage the Veterans disability benefits you've earned. Link to YouTube video on filing a VA Claim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ORYYo-Q2Jc
Back Pay for VA Disability
VA disability back pay is the compensation owed to Veterans from the effective date of their claim to the date they were granted those benefits. The amount of back pay you receive depends on the effective date of your claim, and the disability rating you're granted from VA. Watch the
SITREP podcast's episode on back pay to learn how much VA will cover here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_fHkJlCv90
The Rockland County Veterans Service Agency is located at 20 Squadron Blvd., Suite 480, New
City, New York 10956. Their telephone number is 845-638-5244. The veterans' counselors there can give you information about your G.I. Benefits and can help you file a disability claim. Call to set up an appointment.
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| G.I. Bill Benefits Reflected in 1950 U.S. Census
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By the time the 1950 U.S. Census was enumerated, nearly 8 million veterans had taken advantage of benefits offered through the G.I. Bill. One landmark provision of the bill was funding for education. Before the war, a college education was out of reach for the average American. The G.I. Bill, however, flung the doors to universities and vocational schools wide open with benefits that covered tuition, books, supplies, and offered a living stipend. A college education was now within reach, and many veterans took advantage of the opportunity. Educational funding had the added benefit of preventing too many veterans from flooding the job market all at once. In 1947, nearly half of those admitted to college were
veterans, and between 1940-1950, the number of college and university degrees earned doubled. You will see this reflected in the 1950 Census where every fifth person answered supplemental questions related to education. Continue reading...
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| Gulf War Exposures and Health Concerns Virtual Class
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Gulf War Exposures and Health Concerns
Gulf War Exposures & Health Concerns is a free, virtual class to help Gulf War Veterans understand potential exposures and health effects, steps to manage symptoms, research findings, and available resources. Join this class on Thursday, May 12, 2022
from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET. You can attend through your personal computer, smart phone, or tablet. To register for the class, use this connection: Class Registration
To learn more about the class see the class flyer at:
https://www.warrelatedillness.va.gov/WARRELATEDILLNESS/docs/05122022-WRIISC-FLYER-GW-and-Health-Class.pdf
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| Women Veterans VA Advisory Committee Virtual Meeting
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans (CWV) Advisory Committee on Women Veterans: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) gives notice under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. app. 2, that the Advisory
Committee on Women Veterans will conduct a virtual meeting on May 9-11, 2022.
The meetings will begin and ends as follows:
- May 9, 2022 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) See WebEx link and call-in information below.
- May 10, 2022 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (EST) See Webex link and call-in information below.
- May 11, 2022 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (EST) See Webex link and call-in information below.
The meeting sessions are open to the public. The purpose of the Committee is to advise the Secretary of Veterans Affairs regarding the needs of women Veterans with respect to health care, rehabilitation, compensation, outreach, and other programs and activities administered by VA designed to meet such needs. The Committee makes recommendations to the Secretary regarding such programs and
activities. The agenda will include updates from VA's Administrations and Staff Offices, as well as briefings on other issues impacting women Veterans. No time will be allocated at this meeting for receiving oral presentations from the public. Interested parties should provide written comments for review by the Committee to Ms. Shannon L. Middleton at 00w@va.gov no later than May 2, 2022. Any member of the public who wishes to observe the virtual meeting may use the following WebEx link: https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/veteransaffairs/j.phpMTID=m51ab4e28ba8610ac7926152b23d57b4bTo join by phone: 1-833-558-0712 (toll free); mobile device: 1-404-397-1596, meeting number/access code: 2760 037 3217; password: bmBDMUP$555. Check out our New York Vets website which has information for all veterans under our Veterans Resource page, with a dedicated page of interest to women veterans.
View it here: https://newyorkvets.org/womenveterans
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| Savage Wonder Festival of Veterans in the Arts
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Sunday, May 29th, 2022: Hudson Valley -- Sugarloaf, Kings Highway in Chester, New York: https://www.sugarloafpacny.com
The Savage Wonder Festival of Veterans in the Arts: Sunday, May 29th, 2022
https://savagewonder.com
Memorial Day weekend isn’t just about the start of summer. It is supposed to be our chance to remember those that have died for our freedoms. And there is no better way to commemorate the ones we’ve lost – the ones who have kept us safe and free – than to celebrate them artistically through the art, poetry, dance, music, and theater of their brothers and sisters in arms.
With the proceeds going to local veterans nonprofits: Clear Path 4 Veterans, Blue Star Families, YIT Foundation, and the Veterans Repertory Theater, the Savage Wonder Festival is not only about the past
– it is also about helping in the present!
Each participant at the Savage Wonder Festival is more than just an accomplished professional artist, each is also a military veteran. Their backstories – the tragedy, the struggle, the perseverance, and the triumph – lends each one’s art a powerful depth. A dance choreographer who was a Marine machine gunner in Fallujah, Iraq. A combat veteran and female engagement team member turned poet. An Iraq veteran handpicked by Placido Domingo to be one of his proteges. An Afghanistan veteran and survivor of a green-on-blue attack whose debut outlaw country album was engineered and produced by the Grammy winning Station House in Los Angeles. These are not your typical world-class artists.
From the beer garden to the rock wall, from the food trucks to the
service dog demonstrations, from the outdoor music to the two indoor stages, you’re not going to run out of fun. Come and join us in celebrating the veterans that are gone, listening to the veterans that are still here, and supporting veterans in need. For further information, check out their website: https://savagewonder.com
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Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one?
Find support anytime day or night. Use this Veterans Crisis Line.
Veteran Quick Resources: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov
VA has a variety of mental health resources, information, treatment options, and more — all accessible to Veterans, Veterans’ supporters, and the general public. Explore the pages below to learn more about a specific mental health topic or to find information specifically tailored to your needs.
VA provides support for a variety of mental health conditions and other challenges. Each of these pages includes resources, information on treatment options, and more.
Learn About Treatment: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/get-help/treatment.asp
No matter how you served or what you’ve experienced in military or civilian life, you may be facing challenges that affect your health, relationships, and life — but you don’t have to face them alone. VA is here to provide and connect you with clinical resources and peer support to confront and manage any mental health challenge. Explore the sections below to learn more about treatment at VA.
Evidence-Based Therapy
Evidence-based therapies have proven to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions. These effective therapies are always evolving to meet Veterans where they are in their recovery journey and provide the best possible opportunity for improved mental
health and well-being. There are multiple evidence-based therapy options available to you, depending on your specific mental health condition and treatment needs. Find more information on evidence-based therapy or other treatment options that can meet your needs by exploring the links below:
Anxiety: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/anxiety/index.asp
Bipolar: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/bipolar/index.asp
Depression: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/depression/index.asp
Effects of TBI: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/tbi/index.asp
Military Sexual Trauma: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome/index.asp
PTSD: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ptsd/index.asp
Schizophrenia: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/schizophrenia/index.asp
Substance Use: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/substance-use/index.asp
Suicide Prevention: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/index.asp
Tobacco: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/quit-tobacco/index.asp
Medication
For most mental health conditions, a combination of medications and psychosocial support and therapy offers the best opportunity for reducing symptoms and restoring prior levels of functioning. No treatment affects everyone the same way, so it is important for you and your provider to work together to determine which medication may be the most effective for you.
Supportive Treatment Options
Beyond evidence-based therapies, VA offers other supportive therapy options tailored to meet each Veteran’s
needs. VA facilities offer mental health treatment services including talk therapy, supported work settings, residential programs, and other therapies, all designed to align with your preferences and lifestyle. Talk to your VA health care provider about the options available in your area.
For further information, view this link: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov
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| Veteran Peer Support Program Activities and Events
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THE ROCKLAND COUNTY PFC JOSEPH P. DWYER
VETERAN PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM
ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
THE ROCKLAND COUNTY JOSEPH P. DWYER -- VETERAN PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
For further information, contact Ismael (Izzy)
Quintana
Veteran Outreach Coordinator, PFC Joseph P. Dwyer |Veteran Peer Support Program
Rockland County (Vet to Vet) |Email: iquintana@vettovetrc.org| Cell: (845) 587-6497
MEDITATION: Weekly - (M, W & F) - 9-9:30 am. Class elicits deep relaxation and helps reduce stress and anxiety with experienced Instructor Brett Cotter (Stress is Gone Founder and Author of 3 Keys To Managing PTSD). Online virtual event you can experience via Zoom. Meeting ID 983 8404 0455; Passcode: join or Click here for link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/98384040455?pwd=djE3VGhUTDJzRU1HMEJ6bnJxa3E2QT09
VETERANS WALKING CLUB: Weekly - (Wednesdays) - 9:30 am at PALISADES CENTER. Meet in front of
BRIDGES, 2nd Floor, next door to Autobahn Indoor Speedway. We will walk between 45 minutes to an hour. Join a fast pace group, slow pace group or walk at your own pace for however long you want. It’s still cold outside and the mall offers us a nice warm indoor venue where we can gather together and get some fitness and exercise while we get walking! For those who want to stay and talk after the walk, meet back inside the BRIDGES lobby area and grab a chair at one of the tables.
GENTLE YOGA: Weekly - (Wednesdays) - 7-8 pm & again on (Sundays) 10-11:15 am. Virtual session via Zoom. Yoga is extremely beneficial for your physical and mental health. Instructor Mira Stangl is a 500 hour Yoga-Alliance Certified Teacher With Extensive Training in PTSD and Restorative Yoga. If interested in attending email iquintana@vettovetrc.org.
Then you'll be registered to get invitations to each session.
QIGONG: Weekly - (Thursdays) from 9-10 am. (Ancient Chinese Exercise). Gentle meditative exercises based on the cultivation and refinement of Universal Life Energy known as Qi. Practicing this exercise reduces pain, stress and anxiety, improves physical fitness and improves immune function and vitality. Instructor Norman Galinsky, MFA has over 36 years experience in the art. If interested in attending or have questions, contact Izzy Quintana at email iquintana@vettovetrc.org
We'll start to do some hiking and rowing/kayaking in June.
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| Book Proceeds Benefit Disabled Veterans
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Please check out Vietnam veteran Roy Tschudy's book, "Endless." Roy is a past President of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #333, and writes about a variety of experiences that our Vietnam vets encountered. As with all good books, be prepared to experience a lot of emotions with this: you will be intrigued, angry, surprised, maybe shed a tear or two, and laugh out loud at some of the shenanigans in this enjoyable tale of fact, fiction and myth. All proceeds of "Endless" go to help veterans. The book is available in paperback or Kindle edition from Amazon:
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Free Virtual Job Fairs: Virtual Job Fair and Networking EventPresented by MilitaryHire.com -- Thursday, May 12, 2022 -- 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ETRecruiters from several hiring companies will be present at this event, hoping to meet with and network with Veterans in all job categories. To register: https://www.va.gov/outreach-and-events/events/45123/Virtual Job Fair Presented by Corporate Gray -- Friday, May 20, 2022 -- 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. ETThis Corporate Gray Virtual Military-Friendly Job Fair provides military-experienced job seekers the opportunity to meet with employers nationwide via text chat and video interviews. Virtual Job Fair hours are 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM (ET). This event is especially for transitioning service members and Veterans. Civilian job seekers welcome. All job seekers are required to register on Corporate Gray Online and upload their resume to participate in the event. Registered candidates will receive a Virtual Job Fair Training Guide and the Job Fair Employer Directory prior to the Virtual Job Fair. To Register: https://www.va.gov/outreach-and-events/events/45170/Town of Clarkstown Seasonal WorkersTown Department of Engineering and Facilities Management is hiring seasonal employees (April to October 2022). Up to
40 hours a week, willing to work days, nights, weekends if necessary. Must be 18 years old. Job duties include: grounds keeping and general maintenance. If interested email Ron Gaglione at: r.gaglione@clarkson.org PDI -- 2 Nice-Pak Park, Orangeburg, New York 10962
For updated career opportunities at PDI, visit this website:https://recruiting.ultipro.com/NIC1003/JobBoard/d93555cb-6498-e637-8827-342b0f2a5a29/?q=&o=postedDateDescPDI is an infection prevention company dedicated to Be The Difference® Our three divisions, PDI Healthcare, Sani Professional® and PDI Contract Manufacturing, are always striving to do more to reduce the spread of infection and preserve the well-being of those touched by our products. We are currently hiring Full-time Production Employees! These are Temp-to-Hire positions for our Union Associates. We have tons of great job opportunities at the above link but here are some others: + Packers + Machine Operators + Material Handlers +
Winder Operators + Forklift Operators Shifts and pay rates: + 1st shift 7:00am - 3:05pm - 2nd shift 3:00pm-11:05pm - 3rd shift 11:00pm-7:05am. + Competitive wages. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.* All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO quidelines. Vaccinated only will be considered. Company: Johnson Controls
Please find below a series of Web Site addresses concerning job openings from Johnson Controls. Johnson Controls is a large company doing business with the U.S. Government, Military, Industrial, and Commercial companies throughout the U.S.
Please see list of job openings in the New York State area. Johnson Controls would like to hire veterans where possible. If any of your members are interested, I can put the veteran in contact with my friend who can help with applying for the below positions. For further information, contact:
John H.Leighton
Cell phone: 845-521-5361
Email: jhleighton@att.net
Email John Leighton with Name, Town in NY, Email address
and phone number.
Here are some available positions:
Note: Each position has its own unique location. Con Edison Careers:View this link for available job opportunities: http://careers.coned.com/jobs/search
Be advised Con Ed is always looking for Veterans for General Utility Worker and Customer Service Representatives. Please check out the link above for updated positions and detailed job descriptions. For further information, contact James E. Christman, MBA, MEM, SHRM-CP |Project Specialist Veterans and Disabilities Recruiter. | Con Edison | 4 Irving Place, NY, NY 10003 christmanja@coned.com | Office: 212-460-3110 The Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) is committed to helping America's veterans and separating service members by preparing them for meaningful careers, providing employment resources and expertise, and protecting their employment rights. Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) Resources and Other Information
Grants and Opportunities VETS provides critical resources, expertise, and training to assist veterans in locating and obtaining meaningful careers.
Grant Opportunities Jobs For Veterans State Grants program provides federal funding to hire dedicated staff and assist employers fill their workforce needs with job-seeking veterans.
VA Employment Resources. VA Employment Resources allows veterans, service members, and their families to research, find, access, and manage their benefits and personal information.
FedEx Independent Service Provider
FedEx is looking to hire full time and part time drivers to deliver and pickup packages from Blauvelt, NY. Full time schedule is Monday – Friday and part time schedule has weekend positions available. Must be over 21 years old, have a clean drivers license, and be able to pass physical and drug tests. Background checks are also required.
Salary for full time starts at $700 per week. Please contact 201-724-7781 to see if you qualify.
Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction of the Veterans Administration:
The link below lists current positions have been announced for the Office of Acquisition, Logistics and Construction (OALC). This is not a complete listing of all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) vacancies and may not include all positions announced for OALC. You may access VA recruitment information on the VA Jobs site at this link: https://www.va.gov/jobs/
If you wish copies of announcements listed below, please contact the individual identified in the specific announcement. Here is the link to the OALC Job Listings:
https://www.va.gov/oalc/career.asp
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| Rockland County Marine Corps League
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Rockland County Marine Corps League regularly receives donations of handicap assistance equipment for disabled veterans from people who want to help. The
donated equipment is available for free to military veterans and their families. The items include the following:
- Motorized Wheelchairs
- Manual Wheelchairs
- Oxygen Generator
- Walkers
- Bath Chairs
- Transfer Benches
- Braces
- Crutches
- Canes
If you have need of any of this equipment, contact the folks at the Rockland
County Marine Corps League - 845-323-8774 or via e-mail: drobin137@icloud.com.
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RockVets Monthly Newsletter
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RockVets is an Outreach program of New York Vets, Inc., a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization established in 1992, to advocate for those who have worn the uniform of the U.S. Military, no matter where or when they served. The volunteers at New York Vets / RockVets publish this monthly e-newsletter. We welcome your thoughts, questions, and feedback. E-mail: NewYorkVets@gmail.com.We are not affiliated with any government agency such as the Veterans Administration, Rockland County Government, nor the Veterans Service Agency of Rockland.Each month, our newsletter reaches more than 1600 local veterans or those who care about veterans' interests. Please use this forum to let veterans know of any
information, resources, links or events they might enjoy. Send information to NewYorkVets@gmail.com or send us a note through our website: https://newyorkvets.org. Thank you for passing this newsletter along to other veterans.
Our Mailing AddressNew York Vets, Inc. / RockVetsP.O. Box 387Tomkins Cove, New York 10986 Pat McGladeCo-Founder / Director
Website: newyorkvets.org
RockVets Newsletters: RockVets NewslettersEmail: NewYorkVets@gmail.com
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