RockVets Newsletter - January 2024

Saturday, January 13th, 2024: Camp Shanks Museum will be open on January 13th, 2024 from, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Camp Shanks Museum commemorates the largest World War II embarkation camp on America’s East Coast. Camp Shanks is located at 20 Greenbush Road in Orangeburg (behind the Orangetown Building Department). For further information contact John Gray, Museum Director 845-304-6809 or jtgcoach@gmail.com. Read an article about Camp Shanks by David Levine:
https://explorerocklandny.com/index.php?section=press-room-module&prrid=19

Monday, January 23rd, 2024 and every 4th Monday of each month: From 9:30 to 10:30 am - "Thank You For Your Service" Radio Live : Mark Woods Jr., Director of Veteran Peer Services Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program, is on the airwaves hosting a radio show on WRCR 1700 AM. The show 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 on 4th Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m. on WRCR 1700 AM radio or access the show live on WRCR's website: https://www.wrcr.com.
You can also access previously recorded episodes/podcasts on the following link:
https://www.bridgesrc.org/programs-services/vet2vet/ or https://open.spotify.com/episode/43jD5NLPAPdTQdi9tz5Ngp .
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

Thursday, February 1st, 2024: Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #333, monthly meeting. Board meets at 6:30 p.m. General membership meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at the Kearsing-Edwards American Legion, Post #1600, 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York 10970.
Meeting is also available through Zoom link --
Topic: Ray Furlong's Zoom Meeting  Time: Thursday, January 4th, 2024 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada). Join Zoom Meeting:
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

VA|News

Best of 2023: Top Veteran Resources of the Year

January 1, 2024

By Mike Richman

Communications Specialist, Veterans Experience Office

Every week, VA sends a newsletter that is jam-packed with resources like free concert tickets, farming assistance, workout programs, national park passes and Veteran discounts on hundreds of services.

VA makes no endorsements of the privately offered resources, but we share them to generate awareness of all that’s available to the Veteran community.

Here are the Top 10 most popular Veteran resources from 2023:
1. 2023 Veterans Day retail discounts, free meals and other offers
On Veterans Day 2023, Veterans and their families, caregivers and survivors had access to hundreds of free meals, discounts and other freebies. Click here to see a long list of discounts available year-round.

2. Veterans set to see cost-of-living increase to their benefits
On June 14, 2023, President Biden signed into law the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Act of 2023. The law directs VA to provide a cost-of-living adjustment for Veterans’ benefits in 2024 equal to the COLA applied to Social Security benefits, as determined by the Social Security Administration.

3. Veterans, Gold Star Families get free lifetime pass to national parks, wildlife refuges, other public lands
The U.S. National Park Service offers a lifetime pass that provides free entrance to national parks for Veterans and their families. The pass gives them free access to about 2,000 public locations spread out across more than 400 million acres of public lands.

4. Exploring resort, hotel deals through the Armed Forces Vacation Club for Veterans
For Veterans who have served our nation with dedication and sacrifice, finding opportunities to relax and rejuvenate is essential. The Armed Forces Vacation Club is a valuable resource that offers a chance for Veterans to enjoy well-deserved vacations without breaking the bank.

5. Your VA ID Card is the proof you need for discounts
“How do I prove that I’m a Veteran?” That question is often asked by those who once served in the military. First, you’ll want to apply for VA’s Veteran ID Card (VIC), a digital photo ID you can use to take advantage of the many discounts offered by businesses, including restaurants, hotels, stores and recreational activities, among other perks.

6. 200 remote jobs from Veteran friendly employers
Working from home offers Veterans and their families the flexibility they need to carry out their job responsibilities. This article provides a long list of military friendly companies that are offering more than 200 remote jobs, including big corporate names like Amazon, AT&T, American Express, Enterprise, Hilton and Xerox.

7. Experience live events through Vet Tix with friends and family
Vet Tix is a national nonprofit group that provides free tickets to Veterans and service members for live events, including concerts, sports, performing arts and family-themed events. You can become a VetTixer by creating an account for free at Vettix.org.

8. Learn to golf from the pros with PGA HOPE
PGA HOPE—Helping Our Patriots Everywhere—is introducing and teaching golf to Veterans and active-duty military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. Free to Veterans and service members, PGA HOPE programs are available in 47 states at more than 340 locations.

9. Find your Veterans Day events
November marks National Veteran and Military Families Month, highlighted by Veterans Day on Nov. 11. This list of Veterans Day and Veterans Month events, organized by state, highlighted hundreds of free events in November 2023 that honored those who served.

10. In tax season, how can Veterans maximize their tax benefits?
Veterans may be eligible for certain tax benefits under the tax code. This article summarizes some of the key federal and state tax benefits for Veterans provided by accountant and tax expert Lisa Greene-Lewis of TurboTax.

If you don’t receive the #VetResources weekly newsletter, sign up today at http://www.VA.gov/VetResources.

Past newsletters can be found here, and all #VetResources blog posts are online at https://news.va.gov/category/vets-experience/vetresources

Body Psychotherapy
Learn about somatic concepts and techniques.

Dana Krengel, certified Somatic Therapist, former BRIDGES employee and Rockland County Re-entry Task Force Coordinator, guest presenter at Dwyer MBHT, currently living in Italy with her husband who is serving in the US Army, has offered the Rockland Dwyer community, an opportunity to explore Somatic concepts and techniques. Somatic Therapy, also known as body psychotherapy, places importance on what we experience in the mind and the body as well as the connection between the two. This is an additional tool in our Wellness Toolbox. Dana is willing to hold Zoom sessions. Please let us know if you are interested.

If interested or for further information, contact Mark Woods at mwoods@bridgesrc.org, office phone (845) 624-1366 ext 104 or cell phone (845)-521-9440.

Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #333 -- monthly meeting is held on the first Thursday of each month, 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. Veterans from all eras are welcome.

VVA 333 will hold their usual monthly meeting on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. 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 starting at 7:30 p.m. For further information, contact VVA #333 President, Ray Furlong via email: Rayfur845@aol.com.

To   Join Zoom Meeting
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

And 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.

Also, for those who have not done so yet, please send a picture of yourself in uniform so Debby can add it to the VVA website. Send photos to EJF308@aol.com.
The VVA #333 website address is: http://vva333.com

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

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: iquintana@vettovetrc.org

If you are a veteran homeowner and do not currently receive Property Tax Exemption, the Deadline to Apply for Property Tax Exemptions is March 1st.

Please check with your Town Assessor to verify what applies to your situation.

As always, for further information about your veterans' benefits, speak with one of the Counselors at the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency, 20 Squadron Blvd, Suite 480
New City, New York 10956 -- Phone: 845-638-5244. Fax: 845-638-5730
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Veterans exemption

There are three different property tax exemptions available to veterans who have served in the U. S. Armed Forces, including veterans who have served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.

Obtaining a veterans exemption is not automatic – If you're an eligible veteran, you must submit the initial exemption application form to your assessor. The deadline in most communities is March 1—please confirm the date with your assessor.

You must attach to your application either:

Proof that you were discharged or released from service under honorable conditions (usually Form DD-214; see the complete listing of Acceptable military records for veterans property tax exemptions) or
A letter you received from the New York State Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) stating that you now meet the character of discharge criteria for all of the benefits and services listed in the Restoration of Honor Act.

You must also provide proof of the times and places served in active duty, if not already included on the documentation described above.

See Publication 1093, Veterans Exemption Questions & Answers – Partial Exemption from Property Taxes in New York State for more information.

Whichever exemption you choose, it will apply only to county, city, town, and village taxes; it does not apply to special district taxes. School districts also have the option to offer the alternative veterans and cold war veterans exemption.

You can only receive one of the three exemptions listed below.

Alternative veterans exemption

Available only on residential property of a veteran who has served during a designated time of war, or who has received an expeditionary medal.
Currently available in over 95 percent of the county, city, town, and village taxing jurisdictions across the state. The remainder of these jurisdictions may choose to offer this exemption in the future. School districts also have the option to offer this exemption.
Check with your assessor or clerk to see whether the alternative veterans exemption is offered.
Authorized by Real Property Tax Law, section 458-a.

Cold War veterans exemption

Available only on residential property of a veteran who served during the Cold War period.
Counties, cities, towns, villages, and school districts have the option to offer this exemption to qualified veterans.
Check with your assessor or clerk to see whether the Cold War veterans exemption is offered.
Authorized by Real Property Tax Law, section 458-b.

Eligible funds exemption

Provides a partial exemption.
Applies to property that a veteran or certain other designated person purchases. Such owners must purchase the property with pension, bonus or insurance monies

MESSAGE FROM THE ASSESSOR'S OFFICE --- TOWN OF RAMAPO

Check with your own Town Assessor for pertinent information.

The RP-459-c (Application for Partial Tax Exemption for Real Property of Persons with Disabilities and Limited Incomes) forms for 2024 are now available; these forms have been updated following the law changes to income eligibility earlier this year. Please visit our website at http://www.ramapo.org or call us at 845-357-5100 ext 257 for more information.

To help seniors who may be missing the benefits of the Enhanced STAR program, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance has sent out letters to Basic STAR exemption recipients who appear to be eligible for the Enhanced STAR exemption. If you receive such a letter, please carefully review it and follow all instructions in order not to miss out on this added benefit.

All Exemption Applications are due by March 1st, although we encourage applicants to file as early as possible to avoid the hassle of long lines. Our staff is available to assist in the process. Please call our office at 845-357-5100 ext. 260 with questions.

The on-line request for assessment review for the 2024 assessment year is now available on our website at www.ramapo.org. This informal request for appraisal review is your opportunity to have your property assessment reviewed prior to the 2024 established assessment roll.

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance has begun mailing letters and income worksheets to seniors for whom they need additional income verification to determine eligibility for the Enhanced STAR exemption. Please respond to this letter expeditiously. If you have any questions about the letter or worksheet, call them at 518-457-2036.

RP-467 Senior Citizen Exemption Renewal Applications have been mailed. You may notice that the applications have been updated. If you have any questions, please call the Assessors Office at 845-357-5100 ext 257. Please note that all application are due by March 1st.

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance is rolling out a new STAR Credit Direct Deposit program. Please visit www.tax.ny.gov and type StarDD into the search bar for more information.

We have been informed that the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance has mailed 2023 STAR credits. If you have any questions regarding your star rebate check, please call (518)457-2036.

The new Enhanced Star amounts and applications for 2024 are now available. Please check our website for updated applications and information. Please be aware that new homeowners must register for this benefit directly with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance by visiting www.tax.ny.gov or calling (518) 457-2036. The STAR program can save homeowners hundreds of dollars each year.

Visit the Town of Ramapo Assessor's toolkit and try Comper for Citizens. Comper is an interactive map-based application that allows taxpayers to view their property alongside similar properties that have sold nearby. The citizen can then select which comps they wish to use as evidence and save them. Simple, easy-to-use filters allow the citizen to select the sales evidence they feel best represents their own property.

COMPER by Spatialest: https://ny-ramapo-citizen.comper.info/template.aspx
The Assessor's Office has recently updated its website with a new property portal known as "PROS" (Property Record Online System).
PROS is an interactive website that allows users to search for property information in the Town of Ramapo. Users can review assessment information, property inventory, and improvements.

VA|News

https://news.va.gov/127482/human-trafficking-it-can-happen-to-anyone/

Human trafficking: It can happen to anyone
Learn how to identify and respond to people at risk
January 4, 2024 By Katie Papke
Human Trafficking Prevention and Education Committee Chair

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking and to educating the public about how to identify and prevent this crime.

Human trafficking is a nationwide public health concern impacting Veterans, their families and caregivers. VA has a critical role in this global effort to eliminate human trafficking. Be invested, increase your awareness about human trafficking and don’t miss the signs or opportunities to help.

Human trafficking means to control someone forcing them to work against their will. Control can be through physical force, threats, debts or false promises. Work can be anything from manual labor to sex work to being a servant in a home.

Know the signs of trafficking
Human trafficking victims are often “hidden in plain sight.” Take time to learn how to identify and respond to people who are at risk or who have experienced trafficking.
Here are a few situations that might raise concerns:

A family member, friend or co-worker is recruited for an opportunity that requires them to move far away. Their recruiter or prospective employer avoids answering questions or is reluctant to provide detailed information about the job.
A would-be employer collects fees from a potential worker for the “opportunity” to work in a particular job.
A friend, family member, co-worker or child is showered with gifts or money or becomes involved in a fast-moving relationship. There may be a large difference in age or financial status in this situation.
A family member, friend, co-worker or child is developing a relationship that seems too close with someone they know solely on social media and may be asked for money.
A family member, friend or child who lives with a parent or guardian and shows signs of abuse.
A family member, friend or co-worker is offered a job opportunity that seems too good to be true.

Be aware. Be ready. Take action.
You may very likely encounter someone who is being trafficked. How can you help?

Be supportive and non-judgmental
Create a safe and welcoming environment
Help raise awareness by sharing these resources

If you or someone you know may be involved in human trafficking, contact the Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888, text BEFREE to 23373 or visit the human trafficking hotline to learn more.
Join VA in raising awareness about National Human Trafficking Prevention Month by wearing blue Jan. 11, 2024.

Learn more
To learn more about human trafficking, explore these links:

Welcome to the VA Podcast Network / SitRep Reports
Learning new things while staying entertained has never been easier for America’s Veterans. The VA Podcasts Network offers a diverse selection of top-quality podcasts made with a Veteran community in mind.

In this YouTube video, SITREP discusses the COLA increase for VA Disability Compensation in 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RIK3kgVGfg

For additional videos and resources, on this topic, please visit the links below. Have an idea or question you would like to see addressed in a future episode of theSITREP? Email us at theSITREP@va.gov. Please know we are not able to respond directly to your submission, but our team DOES review all of them and we appreciate your support in making theSITREP a success! CONNECT WITH theSITREP - Email us ideas at theSITREP@va.gov - For audio podcasts, visit https://feeds.transistor.fm/thesitrep - Sign up for theSITREP eNewsletter at https://public.govdelivery.com/accoun... FOR 2023 DISABILITY RATES https://www.va.gov/disability/compens... FOR 2024 DISABILITY RATES https://www.va.gov/disability/compens... FOR ADDITIONAL VETERANS BENEFITS INFORMATION For videos on VA Disability & Pensions, visit: • VA Disability & Pensions For videos on VA Health Care, visit: • VA Health Care For videos on VA Education, Entrepreneurship & Employment, visit: • VA Education, Entrepreneurship & Empl...

And don't forget Dwyer Vet-to-Vet Podcasts: Thank You for Your Service
Thank You for Your Service is a monthly podcast focusing on Veteran issues in and around Rockland County NY and beyond. Each episode will focus on different veteran issues, have special guests, and call-in questions. The show airs live on the 4th Monday of every month at 9:30 EST on 1700 AM WRCR radio. It is also available live via the WRCR website www.wrcr.com and Spotify. To access previous and current podcasts, view this link:
https://www.bridgesrc.org/programs-services/vet2vet/

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.

The Café Associate at the County Court House
The Café Associate at the County Court House, New City, is responsible for the successful operation of the café. He/she manages, and oversees the café operations to ensure customers receive the highest level of customer service possible. The hours needed are Monday-Friday, 7:30AM-11:30 AM (Part Time or Full Time). Interested candidates may submit resumes to Sue Cibirka at scibirka@bridgesrc.org or call at 624-1366 ex 101.

BRIDGES of Rockland County
BRIDGES is looking for Per Diem drivers to support local veterans. Job requirements include maintaining a valid license, be flexible for the days/times may vary, and be respectful to our Veterans/individuals with disabilities they will be transporting. The job could be 5-25 hours per week. Interested candidates may submit resumes to Sue Cibirka at scibirka@bridgesrc.org or call at 624-1366 ex 101.

CHORE
CHORE helps people maintain the independence of living at home by providing free minor household repairs and home improvements that make living at home safe. CHORE is always looking for volunteers that have experience in minor home repairs/improvements and electric work. Interested volunteers may submit resumes to Sue Cibirka at scibirka@bridgesrc.org or call at 624-1366 ex 101.

Furniture Medic
Furniture Medic is a nation-wide company specializing in wood furniture and cabinet repair and finish restoration. Visit www.woodlordrestorations.com to get a better idea of the services we provide. Our Chestnut Ridge location covers the greater NY and NJ area, serving the commercial, residential, and insurance markets. We currently have an opening for a Cabinet Maker with strong prior experience. See the attached Cabinet Maker & Installer flyer for more information.

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 the folks at the Rockland County Marine Corps League - 845-323-8774.

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 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