RockVets Newsletter August 2025

Wednesday, August 6th, 2025: Virtual Veteran Information Session: VA Health Care Eligibility and Enrollment August 6, 2025 from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Eastern Time. This one-hour information session will allow Veterans to participate online or by phone to learn more about VA health care – eligibility, how to enroll, and the programs and services available to Veterans.

This is a Virtual event
VA Sponsor: Veterans Health Administration
VISN: VISN 5
Event Categories: Health Care Enrollment, VA Eligibility
https://discover.va.gov/events/virtual-veteran-information-session-va-health-care-eligibility-and-enrollment/

Friday, August 8th, 2025: Game Day Social -- From 11:00am to 2:00pm at the Community Center Town of Clarkstown - Auditorium located at 31 Zukor Road, New City, New York 10956. All Veterans and their spouses, Caregivers and Gold Star families are welcome to join us to play games including BINGO and TRIVIA for prizes. It’s time to come out, get together, socialize, eat lunch and have fun ! This event is provided free of charge by Vet to Vet. 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 10:40 am. RSVP: Required for Lunch! Contact us and reserve your seat early as we need a proper head count to order the catered meal. Please contact Izzy Quintana at email iquintana@vettovetrc.org or call 845-587-6497 to reserve a seat or if you have further questions.

Friday, August 15th, 2025: Joseph P. Dwyer Vet to Vet Trip To Jones Beach -- For Veterans plus ONE guest. Space is limited, you must reserve by contacting Jerry Ganz at 201-315-7994 to get on the list, or for any additional information.
8:45 a.m. - Meet at Target Parking Lot Palisades Center Mall, 4120 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY
9:00 a.m. - Bus departs for Jones Beach
3:30 p.m. - Bus departs Jones Beach to return to Target Parking lot.
5:00 p.m. - (approximately) return back to Target, Palisades Center
What's included: Transportation Bus (with bathroom)
Lunch
Wild Play
You may want to bring snacks, additional water, towel, chair and sunscreen.
For further information, contact:
Ismael (Izzy) Quintana
Veteran Outreach Coordinator
Joseph P. Dwyer
Veteran Peer Support Program
Rockland County (Vet to Vet)
Cell: (845) 587-6497

Friday, August 15th. 2025: Camp Shanks Museum Hours
Every Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in August.
Special Hours: V-J Day, Friday, August 15th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 21st 2025: Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #333 -- monthly meeting is usually held on the first Thursday of each month, at Kearsing-Edwards American Legion Post #1600, 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York 10970. VVA 333 will hold the August meeting on Thursday, August 21st, 2025. The VVA Board meets at 6:30 p.m. and the Membership meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. If you prefer to attend online, please use ZOOM link:

JOHN MASTANDREA's Zoom Meeting
Thursday August 21st, 2025 -- 6:15pm – 10pm (Eastern Time - New York)
JOHN MASTANDREA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85284424628?pwd=HkW9io7Nvk89b7QnYg8kFLe07yABVO.1
Meeting ID: 852 8442 4628
Passcode: 600290
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kBvUEcROB

Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #333 -- monthly meeting is usually held on the first Thursday of each month, at Kearsing-Edwards American Legion Post #1600, 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York 10970.

VVA 333 for August will have their monthly meeting on Thursday, August 21st, 2025. The VVA Board meets at 6:30 p.m. for the Membership meeting starts at 7:30 p.m.

The Chapter welcomes current, former and prospective VVA members to attend. The meetings are held at the Kearsing-Edwards American Legion Post #1600, 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York.

JOHN MASTANDREA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
John's cell phone number is 845-821-4202. If you have difficulty getting onto the Zoom meeting, give John a call.

JOHN MASTANDREA's Zoom Meeting
Thursday August 21st, 2025. Zoom link available 6:15pm – 10pm (Eastern Time - New York)
Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85284424628?pwd=HkW9io7Nvk89b7QnYg8kFLe07yABVO.1
Meeting ID: 852 8442 4628
Passcode: 600290
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kBvUEcROB

The VVA Chapter 333 website has a new address. Check it out here: http://VVA333.org.
It was a .com and now it is .org.

Vet-to-Vet: Special Events
THE ROCKLAND COUNTY JOSEPH P. DWYER
VETERAN PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM
WEEKLY WELLNESS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES FOR VETS

Friday, August 8th, 2025: Veteran's Game Day Social Luncheon from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the Community Center Town of Clarkstown - Auditorium located at 31 Zukor Road, New City, New York 10956. All Veterans and their spouses, Caregivers and Gold Star families are welcome to join us to play games including BINGO and TRIVIA for prizes. It’s time to come out, get together, socialize, eat lunch and have fun! This event is provided free of charge by Vet to Vet. 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 10:40 am. RSVP: Required for Lunch! Contact us and reserve your seat early as we need a proper head count to order the catered meal. Please contact Izzy Quintana at email iquintana@vettovetrc.org or call 845-587-6497 to reserve a seat or if you have further questions

Veterans Accessible Transportation
BRIDGES offers free door-to-door service to and from VA facilities in Montrose and Castle Point. A two week notice for scheduling or cancellations is required. Donations are welcomed. To schedule or learn more, call 845-624-1366 Ext. 139.

Dwyer Vet-to-Vet Wellness Activities
THE ROCKLAND COUNTY JOSEPH P. DWYER
VETERAN PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM
WEEKLY WELLNESS ACTIVITIES

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. The mall offers us a comfortable indoor venue regardless of the weather outdoors where we can gather together in camaraderie and get some fitness and exercise while we gewalking

GENTLE YOGA - Weekly - (Wednesdays & Fridays) - 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

Ismael (Izzy) Quintana
Veteran Outreach Coordinator
Joseph P. Dwyer
Veteran Peer Support Program
Rockland County (Vet to Vet)
Cell: (845) 587-6497

VA News: Supporting and Honoring Veterans

In this episode of VA News, U.S. Army Veteran Carmen Drummond highlights the various ways the VA is supporting and honoring Veterans. Explore the WellWithin Coach mobile app designed to meet the mental health needs of women Veterans, celebrate an epic coast-to-coast relay with Team Red White and Blue, and honor the bravery of the Hello Girls from World War One. To view the video, use this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8Fm7pHqM0o

For more details, visit: WellWithin Coach Mobile App: http://ptsd.va.gov/mobile. Team Red White and Blue: http://teamrwb.org

Office for the Aging Launches Portable Meal Program

There is a new program sponsored by the Rockland County Office for the Aging and Meals on Wheels. Registration is required and can be completed through any of the participating community partners. For additional information contact the Rockland County Office for the Aging at (845) 364-2110 or
ofa@co.rockland.ny.us

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA INCLUDES:
• Age 60 or over
• Rockland County Resident
• Complete registration form (only once per year)
• Identification verifying DOB and residency
• Signature required when picking up the meals
• Medicaid Long Term Care (MLTC) participants not eligible

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE:
• Five frozen meals, easily reheated in the microwave or oven, paired with additional supplementary food to provide one-third of your daily dietary needs.

• Nutritional Counseling will be available.
**can only pick up at one location**

(11:00am-12noon)

Martin Luther King Multi Purpose Center

110 Bethune Blvd. - Spring Valley

(12:30pm-1:30pm)

Central Presbyterian Church

89 Hudson Ave. - Haverstraw

(11:00am-12noon)

Seventh Day Adventist

67 S. Broadway - Nyack, NY
This program has been funded in whole or in part by grants from the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA), and/ or the Administration on Aging (AOA), and/ or Administration for Community Living, and the Rockland County Office for the Aging. Nothing herein is intended, nor should be construed, as an endorsement by the State of New York.

Rockland County Veterans Service Agency has a Food Pantry at their office -- 20 Squadron Blvd., Suite 101 (they have now located on the 1st floor of the same building.)

Items they are hoping for include:

Canned fruit - peaches and other canned fruit, canned chili, mayonnaise, ketchup, coffee, nuts, trail-mix, Heat and Eat meals, men's deodorant, and paper products -- toilet tissue, paper plates, napkins, tissues. The office is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For further information, please call the office at 845-638-5244.

The Rockland County Veterans Service Agency is located at 20 Squadron Blvd., Suite 101, New City, New York 10956. To set up an appointment with a veterans' counselor, call the office between Monday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 845-638-5244.

Faces of Freedom -- Oral Histories and Portraits of the Men and Women that Defend Our Country

I never served in the military, and I never had to make the sacrifices US military veterans have made. I decided I wanted to do something to show my gratitude to our veterans and I began my project which I call Faces of Freedom.

The project consists of interviews and photographs. I meet with veterans, record their personal history, and take their photo. I print the photo in black and white, frame it and present it to each veteran at no charge. The interview covers each veteran’s life before, during and after their time in the service. Each veteran has the opportunity to make any changes to their bio before it is finalized. I make no money from this project and the photos are free to each veteran.

Currently these photos and bios appear on my website www.facesoffreedom.us. They also appear on my Facebook page and the photos and stories of the WWII veterans have been sent to the National WWII Museum for their archives. There are currently 80 interviews and photos on the website. I hope to make this into an exhibit for universities, high schools, community centers, libraries, etc. to help increase awareness of the 3% of the population who is doing the heavy lifting so the rest of us can enjoy all that this country has to offer.

Every veteran has a story. Some stories are about combat, some are about funny memories, some stories are sad, and some are about things accomplished after their military service. All are about service to country and making sacrifices.

You have a story and I want to tell it to the rest of the people in the United States. Let’s pick a date and get together to record your history and tell it to our fellow citizens.

Regards,
Walter Schuppe
Avon, CT
Phone: (860) 558-1072
E-mail: walter11_22@yahoo.com

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:

https://www.amazon.com/Endless-Roy-Tschudy/dp/1524668516/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Roy+Tschudy+Endless&qid=1638898608&sr=8-1#customerReviews
"Endless"is the second book authored by Roy Tschudy. His first book also had great reviews.
"Up Close and Personal"is available through Amazon as well.

County of Rockland: Visit our website to learn more about employment in Civil Service and to search for a variety of employment opportunities available to you within Rockland County. https://mycivilservice.rocklandgov. com/exams

Explore career fields that are hiring now. Website: https://www.usajobs.gov
The government is looking to fill positions that are in high demand. Find your opportunity to shape America's future.
Mathematics

Engineering

Human resources

Human resources management

Business, industry and programs

Acquisitions and contracting

Finance

Auditing

Other

Social Science

Economist

Medical, dental and public health

Nurse

Science

Technology

Cyber

NYS Department of Civil Service
Looking for a job with great benefits? Join New York State! Public servants for NYS enjoy benefits including:
*Generous PTO
*Health Insurance
*Hybrid Remote Work Options
Browse open positions: https://statejobs.ny.gov
#NYSJobs #NowHiring #WorkLifeBalance

VA Hudson Valley is hiring and enrolling! Our Veterans deserve the best and we need your help to deliver that care for them. Please share with your networks!
Hiring: We currently have 100+ job vacancies posted on our USAJOBS page, available USAJOBS - Search
These include clinical and non-clinical roles at our campuses in Montrose and Castle Point, as well many of our 7 clinics throughout the Hudson Valley. Applicants can review the great VA benefits we offer, to include, compensation, leave flexibilities, student loan forgiveness, health care benefits and retirement benefits.

Some of the jobs we need filled urgently are:

Nurse, including all Specialties – Montrose Campus
Medical Support Assistant - Montrose and Castle Point locations
AC Mechanic – Castle Point Campus

Always accepting applications for Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurse and Certified Nurse Assistant. VA wants to hear from you! If you have questions about any of the above positions, please contact Timothy.McGuigan@va.gov or call 503-307-0193.
For further information, contact Timothy J McGuigan, MS, HR Senior Consultant, VA Hudson Valley HCS -- (503) 307 0193. VISN2HRSBUHudsonValley@va.gov

The Department of Civil Service: The following examination announcements have been updated and added to our public website. When filing your online application, please be advised that technical assistance is available Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please be advised that you will need a personal NY.gov ID to apply for Department of Civil Service examinations. If you do not have a personal NY.gov ID, please create an account. Here are some of the employment opportunity examinations coming up -- please view this link for further description of each position:

Continuous Recruitment Examinations
The Department also accepts applications for most continuous recruitment examinations on an ongoing basis, with no application deadline.

Continuous Recruitment Examinations -

https://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/public/cr.cfm

HELP Program – No Examinations Required
The Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement (HELP) Program temporarily removes the civil service exam requirement for more than 100 direct care, health and human services titles across State agencies for a 12-month period. To be eligible for jobs in the HELP program, candidates must meet the jobs’ minimum qualifications and any other conditions of employment. Candidates should visit the HELP Jobs Portal and use the candidate portal to apply for jobs in the HELP program.
Check out HELP Jobs Portal here: https://www.cs.ny.gov/help/

Veterans Employment and Training Services (VETS) Resources for Veterans

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.
https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/4624

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

Montefiore-Nyack Hospital, Nyack, New York 10960
See link for full listing and information about career opportunities at Nyack Hospital, Nyack, New York. https://montefiorenyackcareers.org

Good Samaritan Hospital, Suffern, New York. Good Samaritan Hospital is affiliated with Westchester Medical Center. See this link for available employment - https://wmchealthjobs.org/search-jobs/

Rockland County Employment Information:
Here is a link to current job openings available in Rockland County
http://rocklandgov.com/departments/personnel/job-opportunities/

Rockland County Veterans' Credits:
http://rocklandgov.com/files/8115/1120/9567/Veterans_Credit_Info.pdf

New York City Civil Service Jobs, Tests, and Results as listed in The Chief:
http://thechiefleader.com/news/civil_service/

MTA Metro-North Railroad has ongoing employment opportunities:
To apply for current jobs with the MTA, please go to the MTA Employment Portal at: http://web.mta.info/mta/employment/

NYC Green Book Online: The Green Book is the official directory of the City of New York. An indispensable reference guide for anyone living or working in New York City. Includes detailed listings of agencies. Website: http://a856-gbol.nyc.gov/GBOLWebsite/

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 John Leighton of the Rockland County Marine Corps League - 845-521-5361 or via email: jhleighton@att.net.

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 1800 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 be beneficial to them. 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 or those who care.

Our Mailing Address
New York Vets, Inc. / RockVets
P.O. Box 387
Tomkins Cove, New York 10986

Pat McGlade
Co-Founder / Director
Website: http://newyorkvets.org
RockVets Newsletters: https://newyorkvets.org/newsletters
Email: NewYorkVets@gmail.com