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| April 2023
Volume XV Issue 4
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Have a Blessed Easter, and a Joyous Passover!
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Here are some upcoming events:
Thursday, April 6th, 2023: Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #333 -- monthly meeting will be held at Kearsing-Edwards American Legion Post #1600, 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York 10970. The Board will meet at their usual time of 6:30 p.m. with full membership meeting to start promptly at 7:30 p.m. If you'd like to attend the meeting remotely:
Join Zoom Meeting -- link
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6305675618?pwd=UVUzSXR0V2JkelJSeUtHZ3R3N2p0dz09
Meeting ID: 630 567 5618 -- Passcode: 980722
One tap mobile: +16465588656,,6305675618#,,,,*980722# US (New York)
+16469313860,,6305675618#,,,,*980722# US
Dial by your location: +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) -- +1 646 931 3860 US
+1 309 205 3325 US
Meeting ID: 630 567 5618
Passcode: 980722
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcercBuit4
Friday, April 14th, 2023: Dwyer Vet-to-Vet -- Join us for our Veteran’s Game Day Social Luncheon on April 14th, 2023 (Friday) 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, socialize and have fun! This event is provided free of charge by the Rockland County Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program (VettoVet). 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 am.
RSVP: Required especially for Lunch! There will be a sign-in table where you will pick up a ticket needed for lunch. Please contact Izzy Quintana at email iquintana@vettovetrc.org or call cell phone number 845-587-6497 to reserve a seat or if you have further questions.
Ismael (Izzy) Quintana, Veteran Outreach Coordinator
Monday, April 24th, 2023: Mark Woods, Jr., Director of Veteran Peer Services
Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program, is on the air! Mark hosts a radio show on WRCR 1700 AM. The show: Thank You For Your Service, will air once a month on the 4th Monday at 9:30 a.m. Veterans can call in and ask questions about Veterans issues. The call-in number is: 845-429-1700. Mark will discuss Veteran issues and events in and around Rockland County. Please tune in to the show -- 4th Monday of each month -- 9:30 a.m. on WRCR 1700 AM radio. You can also hear the show live on WRCR's website: https://www.wrcr.com. For further information, get in touch with Mark Woods, Jr.
Director of Veteran Peer Services, Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program, “Vet to Vet”
Email: Mwoods@vettovetrc.org / (Office) (845)
624-1366 ext 104 / Cell (845) 521-9440
In case you missed the last Dwyer Radio Show “Thank You for Your Service” hosted by Rockland Dwyer Director Mark Woods on WRCR 1700 AM we are providing it again for you. The episode recorded live on March 27th featured guest Jonathan Barnwell, Assistant Director of Judicial and Veterans Affairs, at Rockland Community College. They discuss Veteran Students, Veteran Educational Benefits, the Rockland County Veteran Cemetery and "sick call".
The podcast is attached by link to this email via spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1VwyVAkXjmgJNxnzISZB8v I
t is also available on the BRIDGES webpage under the "Veterans" tab which you
can click below.
You can access previously recorded episodes/podcasts at the following link: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Z1ShsGpvO9drQJBECoRiK. For further information, get in touch with Mark Woods, Jr., Director of Veteran Peer Services, Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program, “Vet to Vet” Email: Mwoods@vettovetrc.org / (Office) (845) 624-1366 ext 104 / Cell (845) 521-9440.
Monday, May 1st, 2023: Join us for the next edition of Sergeant's Time. These monthly virtual presentations are open to all eras of Veterans and caregivers.
Description: ‘Monthly Virtual Presentations on Topics of Interest’ Hosted by the Bronx Vet Center. All Combat Eras, Genders, and Caregivers Welcome! Come to Learn and Ask Questions! Special Guest Presenters!
Come to learn and ask questions! The Bronx Vet Center will host its next Sergeant’s Time online presentation on March 6th, 2023 from noon - 1:00 p.m.
To Register, please use this link: Sergeant's Time Webinar Registration
For further information, contact Marco A. Bongioanni, MSEd.
Readjustment Counseling Therapist, U.S. Army Veteran, Bronx Vet Center
Office phone (718) 367-3500.....E-mail: marco.bongioanni@va.gov
Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023: The John M. Perry Post is conducting a raffle of a gorgeous quilt, with the proceeds to benefit the veterans at the FDR VA Hospital in Montrose New York.
The winning ticket will be drawn on May 2nd, 2023 at the John M. Perry Post in Sparkill, New York. Please see further details below.
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| Peter Mathews Returns from Vietnam Trip
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Note from Roy Tschudy, Past President VVA #333:
In the month of November 2022, while VVA Chapter #333 was holding one of our fundraisers at the Palisades Center Mall here in Rockland County, Peter Mathews stopped by our table. Although we were informed by Pete that he lives in New Jersey, we assured him it was still fine for him to join our New York VVA Chapter...he did! Please read the story below. Roy
'The book from the enemy': A lifetime after Vietnam, U.S. veteran delivers a diary to its home
Megan Burrow and Nhung NguyenUSA TODAY NetworkKY ANH DISTRICT, Ha Tinh Province, Vietnam – On a spring evening at the end of January, Ha Huy My received the phone call his family had been waiting for.
A few days before, local officials had contacted him looking for information about his uncle, who had died in 1967 in the war.
At his family home, nestled beneath its red tile roof among a village of blue and green houses by the sparkling sea, Huy My wondered: Why are they asking? About his uncle who had gone to war and died so long ago, a man named Cao Van Tuat, a man he never really knew? Then, a short time later, he
heard a rumor about a fallen soldier’s diary that had been found by an American veteran.
The diary was elegant, apparently, with poetry and drawings etched amid the entries. The American soldier had found it on a battlefield. For his job, for wartime strategy, the thing to do would have been to hand it over to military intelligence. But the book was too beautiful to hand over.
So he had kept it, hidden away, for more than 50 years. In the space of so much time, the American vet had come to realize the book was not too beautiful to hand over. It was too beautiful to keep.
The American was a man named Peter Mathews. He had no idea who had written the diary. But he wanted to find that Vietnamese soldier’s family and give it back.
Pete Matthews has returned from Vietnam after delivering the diary of a NVA soldier killed during the war. The story is noted below:
How US veteran found Vietnamese soldier's diary and delivered it
home (northjersey.com)
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| Vietnam Veterans Chapter #333 Monthly Meeting
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Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #333 -- monthly meeting will be held at Kearsing-Edwards American Legion Post #1600, 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York 10970. The Board will meet at their usual time of 6:30 p.m. with full membership meeting to start promptly at 7:30 p.m.
VVA #333 President Ray Furlong invites you to attend the monthly meeting via Zoom
Time: April 6th, 2023 06:30 p.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6305675618?pwd=UVUzSXR0V2JkelJSeUtHZ3R3N2p0dz09
Meeting ID: 630 567 5618
Passcode: 980722
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,6305675618#,,,,*980722# US (New York)
+16469313860,,6305675618#,,,,*980722# US
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 646 931 3860 US
+1 309 205 3325 US
Meeting ID: 630 567 5618
Passcode: 980722
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcercBuit4
Also, check out VVA #333 website created and maintained by Debby Frank. Here is a link to lots of great information such as: V.A. Info, Officers and Past Presidents, Fallen Heroes, Our Members Then, Members in Action, Veteran of The Year, RockVets Newsletters, Watchfires, Pig Roast. Then, under the Column "MORE" on the upper far right side, Momentos at The Wall, Handcycles Program, 529 Educational Program, Merchandise, Jerry Donnellan -- Founder of Chapter 333, Scholarships, Applications, Gene Sullivan Service Award, VVA National Convention, 30th Anniversary of Chapter 333, Street
dedication ceremony for one of Rockland's KIAs, James Margro, and so on. Much thanks to Debby Frank for maintaining the website.
The website address is: http://vva333.com
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| Joseph P. Dwyer Vet-to-Vet Events and Activities
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Vet-to-Vet: Special Events
THE ROCKLAND COUNTY JOSEPH P. DWYER
VETERAN PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Dwyer Vet-to-Vet Events and Activities
Veteran’s Game Day Social Luncheon: To all Fellow Veterans and Extended Family,
Join us
for our Veteran’s Game Day Social Luncheon on April 14th (Friday) 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, socialize and have fun! This event is provided free of charge by the Rockland County Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program (VettoVet). 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 am.
RSVP: Required especially for Lunch! There will be a sign-in table where you will pick up a ticket needed for lunch. Call 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
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 get
walking !
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: mailto:iquintana@vettovetrc.org
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| John M. Perry Post Fundraiser for Veterans at Montrose
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The John M. Perry Post is conducting a raffle of a gorgeous quilt, with the proceeds to benefit the veterans at the FDR VA Hospital in Montrose NY.
The winning ticket will be drawn on May 2nd, 2023.
This high-quality, hand-made quilt was lovingly sewed & generously donated by the Heritage Quilters of the Hudson Palisades. The quilt is a great looking, multi-color patchwork pattern, approximately 48 x
60 inches in size.
Raffle Tickets: Can be picked up at the post, or print out the PDF file of raffle tickets here:
Perry Post Quilt Raffle Ticket PDF
David Mart, Finance Officer -- cell phone: 845-709-1631
personal email: davidmart2017@gmail.com
Suggested donation values: $2 for one ticket, $5 for three tickets.
Completed tickets and payment can be turned in at a post meeting / event or as follows --
Mail to: John M. Perry Post No. 1044, PO Box 311, Sparkill NY 10976
Checks payable to: John M. Perry Post No. 1044
Please be generous to maximize the positive impact we can make on the lives of our veterans
who have sacrificed so much for our country.
Please contact Dave with any questions you might have.
Veterans Still Serving Veterans,
Dave Mart, Finance Officer
cell = 845-709-1631
personal email = davidmart2017@gmail.com
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| Expanded VA Disability Compensation Under PACT Act
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Vietnam Veterans may be eligible for expanded VA disability compensation under the PACT Act, a law passed in 2022 which increases access to VA benefits and health care for Veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service.
If you are a Vietnam Veteran who served in any of the locations below, you may qualify for disability compensation due to certain medical
conditions. VA considers these “presumptive locations”—meaning that if you served in any of these places during the specified time periods, you do not have to prove that you were exposed to toxins, such as Agent Orange. VA automatically assumes you were. For full news release, view link:
Expanded Presumptive Disability -- Pact Act
Qualifying presumptive locations and dates include:
* represents new locations
added under the PACT Act
- Republic of Vietnam or on a vessel operating not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975
- Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ) between
Sept. 1, 1967, and Aug. 31, 1971
- Air Force or Air Force Reserve Veterans who regularly and repeatedly operated, maintained or served aboard a C-123 aircraft known to have been used for spraying herbicides.
- *Any U.S. or Royal Thai military base in Thailand from Jan. 9, 1962, through
June 30, 1976
- *Laos from Dec. 1, 1965, through Sept. 30, 1969
- *Cambodia at Mimot or Krek, Kampong Cham Province from April 16, 1969, through April 30, 1969
- *Guam or American Samoa, or in the territorial waters off Guam or American Samoa from Jan. 9, 1962, through July 31, 1980
- *Johnston Atoll or on a ship that called at Johnston Atoll from Jan. 1, 1972, through Sept. 30, 1977
If you were exposed to Agent Orange—or have a presumption of exposure—and experience any of the below medical conditions, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation. VA considers these to be “presumptive conditions”—meaning that you do not have to prove that the condition was caused by your military service if you served in one of the locations and time periods listed above.
Qualifying presumptive conditions include:
* represents new conditions added under the PACT Act
- AL amyloidosis
- B-cell leukemia
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- Chloracne (or other acne-form disease consistent with chloracne)
- Early-onset peripheral neuropathy
- Multiple myeloma
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Hodgkin’s
disease
- Ischemic heart disease (including but not limited to, coronary artery disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease)
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Parkinsonism
- Porphyria cutanea
tarda
- Prostate cancer
- Respiratory cancers
- Soft-tissue sarcoma (not including osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma or mesothelioma)
- Bladder cancer
- Hypothyroidism
- *High blood pressure (hypertension)
- *Monoclonal gammopathy of underdetermined significance (MGUS)
Learn more: https://benefits.va.gov/PERSONA/veteran-vietnam.asp
You can learn more about PACT Act benefits for Vietnam Veterans and how to file a claim for disability compensation by calling 1-800-698-2411 or by visiting
https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
Visit https://benefits.va.gov/PERSONA/veteran-vietnam.asp
to learn more about how VA supports Vietnam Veterans.
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| Hudson Valley Honor Flights - Veterans and Guardians
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Hudson Valley Honor Flight Seeks Veterans and Guardians for Spring 2023 Flights from Stewart and Westchester Airports
HV HONOR FLIGHT Honoring Veterans, News, Press Release
Honor Flights for April and May 2023
WALDEN, N.Y. (Feb. 15, 2022) — Hudson Valley Honor Flight (HVHF) is seeking area veterans and guardians to take part in two flights this spring. Flights are scheduled for Saturday, April
15, 2023 out of New York Stewart International Airport and Saturday, May 20, 2023 out of Westchester County Airport.
Priority is given to World War II and Korean War veterans; however, all veterans who have not yet participated in an Honor Flight are encouraged to apply. Applications can be found at hvhonorflight.com/veterans. The Honor Flight experience is one that veterans are sure to never forget. No matter your role during your service, if you’re a veteran, you’re eligible. Honored veterans fly free!
In addition to veterans, HVHF is seeking guardians to accompany participating veterans. It is not required that guardians have any history of military
service. It is recommended that each guardian be at least one generation younger than the veteran he or she accompanies. To help fund each flight, guardians pay a fee of $500. Please visit: hvhonorflight.com/guardians.
“We have two planes to fill with deserving veterans! We are anxiously seeking local veterans to take part in the Honor Flight experience with us this spring,” said Jennifer DeFrancesco, HVHF Executive Director. “If you are a veteran from the Hudson Valley area, or know one that would like to participate, we want to hear from you.”
Guardian with veteran on flight morning
HVHF provides a once-in-a-lifetime flight to
Washington, D.C., where veterans are transported around the district by bus to visit the various war memorials, attend a dinner in their honor and then return home. Each veteran is escorted by a personal guardian and the HVHF flight team for the day-long trip.
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| Faces of Freedom -- Those Who Defend Our Country
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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
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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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The Human Exploitation Rescue Operation (HERO) Child-Rescue Corps Program is designed to combat and prevent child exploitation and is open to wounded, ill, and injured veterans and transitioning service members. As a reminder, the 2023 HERO Intern vacancy announcement is now open on USA
Jobs. Additional information regarding the position duties and requirements can be found in the announcement. Clarification from the agencyWounded, ill, or injured veterans who have a VA disability rating; OR Wounded, ill, or injured active duty service members being medically discharged from the military who are enrolled in Operator Warfighter (OWF) or other Warrior Transition Programs are eligible to apply. For further information, view this link: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/701282000 This announcement is not publicly searchable on the USA
Jobs site and can only be accessed with the above link. Sales Representative -- RemoteWe are recruiting a Sales Representative on behalf of our client, a mining company and global producer of lime and limestone, whose products are essential to the energy, environmental, construction, and manufacturing industries. Candidate must reside within commutable distance of an international airport in the Central or Eastern time zones. For further information, view this link: https://tenovallc.pinpointhq.com/en/jobs/87464Veterans 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/4624FedEx 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 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 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: http://newyorkvets.org
RockVets Newsletters: New York Vets / RockVets NewslettersEmail: NewYorkVets@gmail.com
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