RockVets Newsletter -- July 2026

Editorial by Jerry Donnellan
July 2015

Thunderstorms...

It's 4:21 a.m. and an unusually heavy thunderstorm spooked my dog. So Ducks decided to spook me and now we're all up because, at 150 pounds, you don't ignore the dog. As I am waiting for the storm to pass I begin to think how funny it is that this driving rain brings me back to the Central Highlands of Vietnam long ago. Once the monsoons came in everything came pretty much to a stop. In the triple canopy jungle, that pouring rain made everything so noisy that it was a good idea not to move because you couldn't hear. Believe it or not, you couldn't smell and sense of smell is very important because it's one of the 3 senses that really work for you in combat, and they're usually heightened. Your ability to see, even on a good day in that heavy jungle is very limited. Even something a few yards away could be invisible. So if your sense isn't working, moving is not a good idea because God knows what you could run into.

Strange now almost half a century has gone by since we sat cold and wet with no way to get warm. You only had the clothes on your back. Your poncho was pretty much useless because after a few days in the jungle it had more holes than a colander. So you sat deaf and blind hoping the enemy was also stalled in their position and just as miserable as you were. Funny how we had more in common with the NVA (North Vietnamese Army) than we did with our commanding officers who were sitting safe and warm in a barracks with hot chow somewhere in the rear - probably asleep at this time of day. We had far more in common with the bad guys than with our leaders back in Washington - even though back then a greater number of them were veterans. In those days it was almost a pre-requisite to elected office to have worn the uniform.

It makes me wonder how much less concern there is in Washington today with so few veterans, and our Congress. But still they feel they know best for our troops and what they're doing in Iraq and Afghanistan. I know the War is over but tell that to the young Americans that are still there.

One of the things that would help to keep you going back then, was knowing that troops in the past had gone through just as much, if not more, of this kind of misery. You could compare yourself to those who froze in Bastogne in the winter of '44 under General Anthony Mcauliffe, or farther back at Valley Forge in that awful cold. There's some solace on your part that you're part of a long line of Americans who stood up when needed and won the War and Freedom - but we didn't. Hell, we didn't even fight in a war.

The last war this country fought ended before I was born. Yet we keep sending troops to fight for some believable myth about saving the world. So here we are at the Fourth of July celebrating independence, and our friends in D.C. have a new phrase called "boots on the ground" - yet they have no concept of what those words mean. And when and if this is all done, will any Mother be able to say, "This that we have won, was worth my son?"

Jerry / July 2015

Schools to End Poverty (STEP) Vietnam 2026 Trip
Beckerle Productions

Joe Beckerle, fellow 2026 STEP traveler produced this 3 minute video on their trip to Vietnam. This has been a 21 year journey. Education is the key to moving forward and our work shows it. Thank you to everyone who believes in us.

Please take a look at this short video about a recent humanitarian journey we took to to Vietnam with a group called Schools to End Poverty (STEP). STEP was started 20 years ago by two Vietnam veterans with the mission to end the cycle of poverty in that country through education. Two true American heroes!

Howard Goldin and Eddie Frank - both Vietnam Veterans and past presidents of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #333 in Rockland County, New York.
Video link:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/974426555426406

Rockland County Independence Day Celebrations - 250th Anniversary - 1776 - 2026
Joseph Rand has shared this schedule of upcoming events around Rockland County
Communities throughout Rockland will be celebrating this special Independence Day with fireworks, drone shows, concerts, parades, and kids activities. Here's a list of activities by municipality and then a schedule organized by date so you can plan your week.
Happy Independence Day!
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/oz2wssws4a4ebuuhz4tr0/AB3iFDpMEydLjyW4Xhf23mg?rlkey=lcy21j1f2n0g18b3p4ze3v6bc&e=1&st=eav9fqv6&dl=0

Thursday, July 2nd, 2026: Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #333 monthly meeting will be on Thursday, July 2nd, 2026. The VVA Board of Directors meets at 6:30 p.m. and 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 10970. See below for further information and Zoom link to meeting. Check-out the Chapter's new website: http://vva333.org

Friday, July 10th, 2026: 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 and their spouses, Caregivers and Gold Star families are welcome to join us to play games including BINGO and TRIVIA for prizes. See further details below...sponsored by the Joseph P. Dwyer Vet-to-Vet Peer Support Program.

Saturday, July 11th, 2026: From 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. the Joseph P. Dwyer Vet-to-Vet Peer Support Program will hold a BBQ for veterans and their families at the James H. Anderson American Legion Post 1199, 61 Hunt Road, Orangeburg, New York 10962. There will be a special presentation, a workshop by Frontline Arts, kids' crafts, a bouncy house and food is first come, first served. Please RSVP....845-879-2408 or 845-903-2332.

Monday, November 2nd, 2026: Registration is open for the 5th Annual Commander's Cup Golf Outing at Blue Hill Golf Course. You can register online or send in the registration form with a check. (RAIN DATE: NOVEMBER 5TH, 2026)
9:00 a.m. Shotgun Start/Best Ball
Check-In at 7:00 a.m. and Continental Breakfast
BLUE HILL GOLF COURSE - Veterans Preferred • $25 per Veteran. • $175 per Civilian
INCLUDES:
18 Holes of Golf & Cart, Lunch, Raffles, 50/50, Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, Team Prize & Hole in One (Mercedes-Benz of Nanuet.)
REGISTRATION CLOSES, SEND CHECKS NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2026 TO:
VFW Post 9215 • 250 Birchwood Ave • Upper Nyack, NY 10960 OR REGISTER & PAY ONLINE @ http://WWW.VFWPOST9215.ORG

For further Information about the golf outing, please contact Al Acunto via email at: cw4aja@aol.com
https://vfwpost9215.org/5th-annual-veterans-golf-outing-commanders-cup/

Fraud alert: Beware of the "Veterans Savings Program" postcard scam
06/18/2026 12:33 AM EDT
VA News

There is a new scam targeting Veterans. The latest tactic involves sending fraudulent postcards claiming you (or your spouse) are entitled to "extra VA benefits" or additional payments, including CHAMPVA, TRICARE, and dental coverage, regardless of a VA disability rating. Don’t fall for it. These scammers claim to be affiliated with VA. They might instill a sense of urgency, pressuring you to contact them as soon as possible, or within five days. Their goal is to get you to call the number provided. Once you do, they will often use flattery and praise regarding your military service to gain trust. The scammer will attempt to obtain personal identifying information like your Social Security Number, bank account details or other sensitive information. Never give this information over the phone or on the internet. VA is monitoring the situation and urges you to remain vigilant against these fraudulent attempts to steal personal identifying information. You can help stop them: • Refuse to engage. • Do not call unverified numbers. • Hang up immediately if you are contacted by unsolicited numbers. Learn more: Fraud alert: Beware the "Veterans Savings Program" postcard scam - VA News:
https://news.va.gov/147334/veterans-savings-program-postcard-scam/

How to request your VA health records: A step-by-step guide

June 11, 2026

Stacie Rivera

Communications Specialist, Digital Health Office (DHO)

A clear path to accessing your VA health records

Access to your personal health records is both a right and an important part of staying engaged in your care. Veterans can obtain their records through My HealtheVet or follow the release of information process.

Understanding how to access service and health records and how to navigate the release of information (ROI) process is important for many Veterans as they manage their care. Veterans have the right to request copies of their VA health information, whether they need to review past appointments, share information with another provider or keep personal records. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) helps make this possible.

When the process is clear, Veterans are less likely to experience delays in receiving their records. Clear instructions help ensure requests are sent to the correct VA office so staff can process them efficiently while protecting Veterans’ privacy and health information

Veterans can access their records through My HealtheVet or follow the ROI submission process. Third-party requesters must use the ROI submission process.

Use My HealtheVet

Veterans can access their account to download many of their personal records.

Four steps to submit a request to VA health facilities

For third-party requesters or Veterans who need to submit a formal request to a VA health facility, follow these steps.

Download the Appropriate Form

Veterans: Download and print VA Form 10-5345a, "Individuals’ Request for a Copy of Their Own Health Information."
Third-Party requesters: Download and print VA Form 10-5345, "Request for an Authorization to Release Health Information."

Locate Release of Information Offices

Visit the Find VA Locations website to view a complete list of ROI offices with addresses, phone numbers and fax numbers.
Then enter your location and select "VA health" from the Facility Type menu to search for nearby Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers and clinics. Then, select "Search" to view your results.

Find Your ROI Office Contact Information

Select the VA facility where care was received.
In the ‘On this page’ menu, select ‘Other Services’.
Choose "Access your health records" to view the medical records office contact details.

Submit Your Request

Veterans: Bring a completed VA Form 10-5345a and a valid ID or Veteran Health Identification Card to the ROI office at the VA facility where you received the care.

Third-party requesters: Bring a completed VA Form 10-5345 and a valid ID to the ROI office at the VA facility where the Veteran received care.

Veterans: Send the completed VA Form 10-5345a to the ROI office at the VA facility where you received the care.

Third-party requesters: Send the completed VA Form 10-5345 to the ROI office at the VA facility where the Veteran received care.

Veterans: Follow the instructions for sending a secure message through My HealtheVet.

Typical response times

Most requests are completed within 30 days. Processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the request, record availability and workload. Older paper records, especially those created before 1998, may take up to 90 days because they must be retrieved from an offsite records storage facility.

A clear process for best results

Access to personal health records is both a right and an important part of staying engaged in care. Clear instructions for accessing records help Veterans take an active role in managing their health and well‑being.

Learn more about requesting your VA medical records.

To view story, use this link:
https://news.va.gov/147373/how-to-request-your-va-health-records-a-step-by-step-guide/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

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

Friday, July 10th, 2026: 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. 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 Elise O'keefe-Edson at EOkeefeEdson@VetToVetRC.org or call 845-903-2332 to reserve a seat or if you have further questions.

Saturday, July 11th, 2026:
From 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. the Joseph P. Dwyer Vet-to-Vet Peer Support Program will hold a BBQ for veterans and their families at the James H. Anderson American Legion Post 1199, 61 Hunt Road, Orangeburg, New York 10962. There will be a special presentation, a workshop by Frontline Arts, kids' crafts, a bouncy house and food is first come, first served. Please RSVP....845-879-2408 or 845-903-2332.

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

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 are walking.

Semper Fi,

"Li"

Elise O'Keefe-Edson, Veteran Outreach Coordinator

Joseph P. Dwyer Vet to Vet Peer Support Program, Rockland County, New York
Cell: (845) 903-2332

VVA #333 Monthly Meetings
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.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, July 2nd, 2026
The VVA Board meets at 6:30 p.m. and 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 10970.

If you would like to attend via Zoom, here is that information:

JOHN MASTANDREA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: JOHN MASTANDREA's Zoom Meeting
Time: Jul 2, 2026 18:15 Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6305675618?pwd=UVUzSXR0V2JkelJSeUtHZ3R3N2p0dz09&omn=85901183824

Meeting chat link
https://us02web.zoom.us/launch/jc/85901183824

Meeting ID: 630 567 5618
Passcode: 980722
---
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,6305675618#,,,,*980722# US (New York)
+16469313860,,6305675618#,,,,*980722# US
---
Join by SIP
• 6305675618@zoomcrc.com

Join instructions
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/85901183824/invitations?signature=C-Z6Bc0Txf1r-jisT3eKjdqh6XVIuVhQGHlpRrltiFs

Visit Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #333 website: http://vva333.org

America at 250: A Tribute to Our Veterans

U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs

Jul 1, 2026

Link to video tribute to our veterans:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKgGs644Bq8

As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs honors the generations of Veterans whose service and sacrifice have shaped America's journey. In this Independence Day message, VA Deputy Secretary Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., reflects on the enduring legacy of those who answered the call to defend our nation and highlights VA's continued progress in delivering the care, benefits, and services Veterans have earned. These achievements include record-breaking disability claims processing, expanded access to health care, and permanently housing nearly 52,000 homeless Veterans. This Fourth of July, join VA in celebrating America's 250th anniversary and honoring the Veterans whose courage, service, and sacrifice have safeguarded our nation's freedom.

Thank you to all of our veterans....we appreciate all you have done for our Nation and we know that Freedom Isn't Free.

VA RESOURCES

For any questions or requests,
1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) is always the right number.

Veterans Crisis Line: 988 and press 1 Chat, or Text 838255
Vet Centers: 1-877-927-8387
Homeless Veteran Resources: 1-877-424-3838 or Chat
Ask VA
Schedule a 1-on-1 Appointment with a VA Benefits Expert
Find a VA facility near you

For non-urgent questions, you can reach VA using the VA Health & Benefits App or MyHealtheVet secure messaging to schedule an appointment, refill prescriptions, and access your medical records.

Enroll in VA health care.

Apply online: VA.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction
Apply over the phone: Call VA toll-free at 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411), Option 2.
Apply in-person: Visit your nearest VA medical center (https://www.VA.gov/find-locations).

Submit a VA disability compensation $$$ claim.

with everyone you know who may benefit, including Veterans, caregivers, service members and survivors.

We're making millions of Veterans eligible for VA health care under the PACT Act. Here’s what YOU need to know.

If you served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, or Afghanistan, you can enroll.
If you deployed to any combat zone after 9/11, you can enroll.
If you deployed in support of the Global War on Terror, you can enroll.
And even if you never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or serving on active duty here at home—by working with chemicals, pesticides, lead, asbestos, certain paints, nuclear weapons, x-rays, and more—you can enroll, too.

Bottom line: all Veterans who meet the minimum service requirements and were exposed to toxins and other hazards—at home or abroad—are eligible to enroll in VA care.

VA provides the best and most affordable health care for Veterans in America – and this is your chance to apply. Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care are proven to have better health outcomes than those who get their care elsewhere. And copays can be as low as $0 for prescriptions, urgent care, outpatient care, and more.

Choosing VA means getting everything you need in one spot. Come see why 90% of patients said they trust VA for their health care. Even if you don’t need this care today, you may need it tomorrow, or the next day, or 30 years from now. And once you’re in, you have access for life.

You can also file claims and receive other help through the local Rockland County Veterans Service Agency, located on the first floor of 20 Squadron Blvd., New City, New York 10956. They are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please call ahead to make an appointment. 845-638-5244.

The Lifetime Liberty Pass offers various benefits, including free entry to state parks, DEC-operated day-use areas, boat launch sites, historic sites, and more. It also provides perks like free golf at State Park golf courses, access to State Park pools, and discounts on camping and cabin rentals.

Link for information: Liberty Pass for Veterans and Gold Star Families

Eligibility

The Lifetime Liberty Pass allows qualified New York State (NY State) Veterans or Gold Star Parents, Spouses, and Children discounted use of state parks, historic sites, and recreational facilities operated by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NY State Parks) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Once issued, the Lifetime Liberty Pass will never expire.

New York State Veteran

A resident of NY State who is a Veteran, as such term is defined in section one of the Veterans’ services law.
A resident of NY State who has served on active duty for the state as a member of the state organized militia as defined in subdivision nine of section one of the military law and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.
A resident of NY State who has served on active duty in the uniformed services of the United States or on active duty for the state as a member of the organized militia and has a qualifying condition, as defined in section one of the Veterans’ services law, and has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from such service.
A resident of NY State who is a discharged LGBT Veteran, as defined in section one of the Veterans’ services law, and has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from such service. Applicant must be a NY State resident. Section 26 of New York’s Veterans’ Services Law incorporates the federal definition of a parent, at U.S.C. 1126 to determine eligibility for the State’s Gold Star annuity program. The federal definition, which pertains to the federal Gold Star lapel program defines a Veteran as a service member who lost their life during armed conflicts, international terrorist attacks and military operations specified in federal rules.

New York State Gold Star Parent, Spouse, or Child

The term 'Gold Star Parent' for this program includes any biological parent, stepparent, and parent by adoption who was serving in the role of a parent to the service member at the time of the service member's death.
The term ‘Gold Star Spouse’ for this program includes any spouse or domestic partner of a Veteran whose death qualified the parent for an annuity.
The term ‘Gold Star Child’ for this program includes any biological, step, or legally adopted minor child of a Veteran whose death qualified the parent for an annuity.

Apply

To apply or learn more, visit the State Parks website or call 518-474-2324 during regular business hours.

Additional Assistance

If you need assistance, or just want to learn more about the benefits and services you may be eligible for, schedule an appointment with one of our Veterans Benefits Advisors, all Veterans themselves.

Call 1-888-838-7697 to speak to an advisor.
Schedule a phone or video consultation online.
Use our search to find a Services Office near you.

For great adventures and outdoor family fun, be sure to visit
Rockland County's NYS Parks:
Bear Mountain State Park
Blauvelt State Park
Harriman State Park
Nyack Beach State Park
Rockland Lake State Park
Tallman State Park

VETERANS SERVICE AGENCY
20 Squadron Boulevard, Suite 101
New City, New York 10956-5258
Phone: (845) 638-5244 Fax: (845) 638-5730
Email: BranamS@co.rockland.ny.us
Susan Branam, Director

Our office has a Food Pantry for veterans and surviving spouses. We will gladly accept donations. Items can be dropped off during business hours, Monday - Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Our current wish list:

Protein Drinks
Sports Drinks
Peanut butter
Canned chili Jelly
Hot cocoa packets
Laundry detergent
Kitchen bags
Mayonnaise
Pretzels
Cookies/Crackers
Sponges
Dish soap
Cans of coffee
Canned fruit
Canned salmon
Canned Tuna and Spam
Pudding cups (non-refrigerated)
Rice
Pasta sauce
Aluminum Foil
Ziploc bags
Popcorn
Parmesan cheese
Cooking oil (not large)
Body wash
Socks (new)

Thank you!
*We cannot accept clothing at this time.

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.

VA: Hiring Veterans - Manage your career and employment benefits

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

Rockland County Department of Personnel has other job opportunities. Check out their website here: https://www.rocklandcountyny.gov/departments/personnel

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 or pat@rockvets.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