RockVets Newsletter - April 2024

Thursday, April 4th, 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, April 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

Friday, April 19th, 2024: Veteran’s Game Day Social Luncheon: April 19th (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. It’s time to come out, get together, socialize, eat lunch and have fun ! This event is provided free of charge by Vet to Vet. There is plenty of parking available and the auditorium is very large with plenty of room for folks to spread out and maintain social distance if they choose to do so. Doors open at 10:45 am. RSVP: Required 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

Saturday, April 20th, 2024: Camp Shanks Museum will be open 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

Saturday, April 20th, 2024: Walk at Bear Mountain. Note from Robert Labbe Jr. I am part of a group of people that is planning a walk at Bear Mountain on Saturday, April 20th. It is called a Hike, but the walk will actually be on paved paths at Bear Mountain and organized so people can either walk all of the 2 ¾ mile paved trail or parts of the paved trail. The event is free to attend, and all are welcome. All nonprofits are encouraged to set up a table or tent if they wish to let attendees know what their group is doing for the community. There are many details of the event on the event website. I am encouraging all that are attending to register (again for free), so that the organizers can get a better handle on what to expect.

Date: 04/20/2024
Location: Bear Mountain Park, Palisades Pkwy or Rte 9W N Bear Mountain, NY
Registration: 9:00 am
Event Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

For more information, please contact:
Contact Name: Rob Labbe
Contact Phone: 845-319-9070
Contact Email: robert.labbe@americanglobal.com

Event website and registration:

https://supporting.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=9788

Sunday, April 21st, 2024: Veterans from VVA Chapter #333 will have a table set up at the Suffern Street Fair on Sunday April 21st, 2024. Stop by and say hello!

Monday, April 22nd, 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 via this link:
http://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.

Saturday, April 27th. 2024: Bob Hope Division veterans will be having their next monthly trip to the NYS Veteran’s Nursing Home on Saturday April 27, 2024. From Chip Hayes: We will muster (meet) in the lobby at 1230hrs (12:30 P.M. for you civilians). Thereafter, we will go to the wards and bring the wheelchair patients to a Jackie Gleason Live Show from Florida. We need all hand on deck so the patients can get to the movie. Any youths you can bring to the Nursing Home will receive a letter stating their Community Service. This is a great way for you to help and entertain disabled Veterans. Without us helping them, many would be unable to attend the show. The NYS Veterans Nursing home is located at: 2090 Albany Road, (Route 9) Montrose, New York 10548. For further information, please contact Chip Hayes via email: Chip1440@lawyer.com.

Military News
250,000 Veterans Agree to $6 Billion Settlement with 3M over Earplugs Alleged to Cause Hearing Loss

Oregon Army National Guardsman plugs his ears during a live fire mission, May 22, 2016 at the Yakima Training Center near Yakima, Washington. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Leslie Reed)

Military.com | By Rebecca Kheel
Published March 27, 2024 at 2:25pm ET
To listen to audio version of this story, use this link:
Earplugs Settlement Moving Forward

A $6 billion settlement in a series of lawsuits over allegations that earplugs sold to the military by manufacturing giant 3M during the height of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars caused hearing damage will move forward after nearly 250,000 veterans and service members agreed to accept the deal, the company announced this week.

The settlement in what has been one of the largest federal mass tort cases in U.S. history was announced in August, but the deal stipulated that it would move forward only if at least 98% of the veterans who filed claims against 3M agreed to it. With the deadline for veterans to opt-in now past, the company announced Tuesday that 99% of eligible claimants have agreed to participate in the settlement.

"Once all the settlement registrations that have been submitted by claimants have been processed and validated, 3M anticipates that the settlement will have achieved a more than 99.9% participation level," the company said in a news release.

The cases revolved around 3M's Combat Arms Earplugs, Version 2, that were issued to troops between 2003 and 2015. The earplugs were dual-sided with one side meant to block out all sound and the other meant to protect from loud sounds such as explosions while letting the user hear soft noises such as speech.

Lawsuits filed by nearly 300,000 veterans and service members alleged the earplugs had design flaws that allowed them to slip in users' ears without them noticing, letting in damaging noise and resulting in hearing loss or tinnitus. Before the settlement, some lawsuits had gone to trial and saw mixed results.

Out of more 293,000 claims filed before the settlement, more than 249,000 claimants registered to participate in the settlement and more than 41,000 claims were dismissed by courts, 3M said Tuesday.

While it agreed to the settlement, 3M continues to deny liability and maintains the earplugs were "safe and effective for its intended purpose" when "used properly."

Bryan Aylstock, a lead attorney for the plaintiffs, told Military.com on Wednesday his team is happy to see the settlement moving forward.

"We're definitely pleased with the level of support both from service members and veterans, also veterans service organizations, and pleased with settlement itself," he said in a brief phone interview.

While veterans groups backed the settlement and the vast majority of claimants opted-in, some veterans have been vocal about believing the deal did not go far enough.

Some settlement payments were already issued earlier this year, but the bulk will be paid out on a rolling basis through 2029. Under the terms of the settlement, the exact amount each claimant will get will be based on their medical records.

The settlement agreement is being managed by litigation management firm BrownGreer, which has set up a website for claimants to track the settlement at http://www.combatarmssettlement.com.
Related: http://3M Sets Up $1 Billion Trust to Settle Veterans' Suits over Earplugs

Military.com | By Amanda Miller
Published February 23, 2023

Veterans who receive a variety of special pays thanks to military service could be shielded from big federal or state tax bills, depending on whether they served all the way to retirement, received education benefits, have a service-connected disability or live in a state with special rules.

Here's what to expect on your federal taxes when it comes to several types of compensation commonly received in relation to a veteran's service, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), AARP and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS).

Many states follow the same tax rules as the federal government, but you'll need to consult your state's tax laws -- or reach out for help -- to be sure.

VA Disability Pay
Neither the federal government nor any states tax disability payments from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The same can't be said for Social Security disability, which the federal government and some states tax above a certain income threshold. Eligibility for VA disability payments often qualifies veterans for full or partial discounts on their property taxes in their state.

Military Retirement Pay
The federal government taxes military retirement pay, but many states have exempted it partly or entirely. If you need to change your withholding amount, call the Defense Finance and Accounting Service at 800-321-1080.

Survivor Benefit Plan Premiums
While you were on active duty, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) coverage was free, but retirees who opt in pay monthly contributions. The government generally deducts these premiums -- never more than 6.5% of your gross retirement pay -- from your gross retirement pay on a pre-tax basis, lowering your federal taxable income. After you're gone and when a beneficiary begins receiving their annuity -- lifetime payments -- those are usually treated the same way as military retirement income.

VA Education Benefits
Payments received under any GI Bill program are tax free for veterans or any dependents or survivors who may receive the benefits. These include payments for tuition, training, testing for licenses and certifications, tutoring, work study, books and housing.

Other VA Benefits
The federal government also doesn't tax a number of other income benefits veterans may receive from the VA, including:

Veteran Benefits Topics

Also check out other benefits such as:

Combat-related special compensation
VA grants to modify a home
Interest from VA life insurance policies
VA dependent-care assistance
VA post-9/11 survivor benefits
Income received in the VA Compensated Work Therapy program

For further Veteran benefits information, view this link: https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/

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, April 4th, 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 the 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

Military.com | By Amanda Miller
Published March 28, 2024

The Deadline Is Approaching for PACT Act Claims and Lawsuits over Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

A welcome sign stands outside of the Holcomb Gate on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 8, 2008. (Marine Corps)

The window is closing for military veterans, families and others to file administrative claims and lawsuits under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which provides compensation for harm linked to the contaminated water supply at the North Carolina base from the 1950s to the 1980s.

Those who believe they were affected by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune have until Aug. 10 to file claims or lawsuits against the U.S. government.

However, veterans should be aware that any benefits they've already received related to the exposure, such as from the Department of Veterans Affairs, may count against their settlement or award (though not necessarily), and attorneys may charge as much as 25% of the award amount.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act -- another name for Section 804 of the PACT Act -- became law in 2022. The PACT Act, short for the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, provides compensation and medical benefits for injuries and illnesses that may have resulted from toxic exposures connected to military service.

The PACT Act presumes that certain medical conditions are service-connected as long as the service member in question served in a certain place at a certain time.

The section of the PACT Act that addresses Camp Lejeune claims and lawsuits, however, requires a greater burden of proof than other instances of toxic exposure. But the Navy and Justice Department created an alternative to litigation, called the "elective option," that presumes a connection.

To qualify for a settlement, a lawsuit or claim must be filed within two years of the enactment of the PACT Act, hence the Aug. 10 deadline.

Those filing a claim who use the elective option and qualify will receive settlements calculated according to a formula. Those whose claims are denied or delayed -- or whose illness isn't on the list -- and who instead file a lawsuit face a greater burden of proof showing that the water contamination likely led to their illness.

Dates of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
The relief provided in the PACT Act is available to those Marine Corps personnel and others exposed to Camp Lejeune's contaminated water supply from Aug. 1, 1953, to Dec. 31, 1987, when the water contained various toxic chemicals.

Who Is Eligible Under the PACT Act
Veterans, family members, civilian employees and others exposed for at least 30 days from Aug. 1, 1953, to Dec. 31, 1987, may qualify to file a claim or lawsuit if they were diagnosed with a presumptive health condition or another they can show was, more likely than not, the result of contamination. In utero exposure qualifies, and if an individual died of one of the conditions, a legal representative may qualify to file a wrongful death claim.

Because the law requires that a legal claim "accrue" prior to the enactment of the PACT Act, a medical diagnosis must predate the signing of the law Aug. 10, 2022. A claim or lawsuit must be filed within a two-year window of the law's signing; or within six months after the denial of a claim.

A claimant may not file a lawsuit until after a claim has been denied or after not receiving a decision for more than six months.

Read more....Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Free Lifetime National Parks Passes for Veterans and Gold Star Families: Do You Have Yours Yet?

Do you like seeing the most beautiful parts of the U.S.A.? Are you a U.S. veteran or a Gold Star family member? Then you probably already know you can get a free lifetime entrance pass for federal parks and recreation sites nationwide. If not, what are you waiting for?

The pass, an expansion on the annual free pass for currently serving troops and their families, in November 2022 began granting free access to about 2,000 parks and lands managed by the National Park Service; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; U.S. Forest Service; Bureau of Land Management; Bureau of Reclamation; and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, according to an announcement on the park service website. It also gives discounted amenity fees in some locations.

While not every park or visitor area requires an entrance fee, many do. For example, Yosemite National Park in California charges a $35 entrance fee per vehicle, while Craters of the Moon National Monument charges $20. Other locations charge for entering museum or curation areas in the visitor center. For instance, the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center in the Chugach National Forest, Alaska, charges $5 per adult to access a film and exhibits.

Those fees are waived for holders of the lifetime pass, as well as those with the free active-duty America the Beautiful military pass or other passes sold or awarded by the agencies.

The pass for veterans and Gold Star families covers the holder and any accompanying passengers in a private vehicle at sites that charge per car, or the pass owners and up to three adults age 16 and over at sites that charge per person.

The lifetime pass program does not exclude veterans with so-called "bad paper" discharges. To get the pass, veterans must submit one of the following:

Unexpired Department of Defense Identification Card (DD Form 2, DD Form 2765, or Next Generation USID replacement)
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Veteran ID Card
Veteran designation on a state-issued U.S. driver's license or identification card

To receive a pass visit a National Parks or parks and land agency store or staffed fee kiosk, or order via the U.S. Geological Survey store. Passes ordered online carry a $10 processing and shipping fee. Passes received in person are free.

Gold Star family members can receive the pass by presenting a self-verification form certifying they are the next of kin to a military member killed during service overseas. The form includes a signature block and confirmation that the user is an "eligible next of kin (NOK) of a member of the United States Armed Forces who lost his or her life in qualifying situation."

No other identification or proof is required for Gold Star family members who want to get a lifetime pass.

Military.com | By Amy Bushatz
Updated March 29, 2024 | Published November 09, 2022
Read more.. Lifetime Park Pass

Did you serve or do you know of a woman Veteran who served? Learn more about what earned benefits and services are available to you!

View this VA link for services specifically for women veterans: https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/WOMENSHEALTH/topics/

VA offers benefits, services, and programs such as:

Benefits, including:

Service-Connected Disability Compensation
Home loans
Readiness and employment services
Small business programs with initiatives specifically for women Veteran-owned small businesses
Burial (including pre-need eligibility)
Life insurance
Transition and economic development
Education and training
Pension for Veterans and survivors

Health care, including:

Specialized care for women Veterans
Military Sexual Harassment, Assault or Rape (Military Sexual Trauma)
Maternity care
PACT Act
LGBTQ+ care

Apply now for benefits and health care. Do you still have questions? Contact us at 00w@va.gov, call or text the Women Veterans Call Center at 1-855-829-6636 or contact a local Veteran Service Officer.

Did you know: if you need mental health services related to PTSD or other mental health conditions linked to your service (including conditions related to an experience of military sexual harassment, assault or rape) you may qualify for VA health benefits right away, even without a VA Character of Discharge review or a discharge upgrade.

If you have a less than honorable discharge you may be eligible for a discharge upgrade.
Learn more

Free Remote Mental Health Services at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Center at NYU Langone Health

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Center at NYU Langone Health provides free and confidential individual, couples, family, and group therapy for veterans and their family members regardless of discharge status, combat exposure, or era served. We provide treatment for posttraumatic stress, depression, anxiety, readjustment difficulties, relationship problems, along with a variety of other challenges military families may experience. Additional services include treatment for alcohol and substance use as well as assessment and treatment of traumatic brain injury. Our highly skilled clinicians have deep appreciation for and sensitivity to the military culture and its unique strengths and challenges and are passionate about helping veterans and military families. The treatment we provide is flexible and integrative and is rooted in evidence-based principles.

Interested individuals can call our intake line at (855) 698-4677 or e-mail us at:
militaryfamilyclinic@nyumc.org

Visit our website at:
http://nyulangone.org/locations/steven-a-cohen-military-family-clinic

Take a tour of our clinic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AqI6eOogbg&list=PLx1jpnw7W2E2cQKi2GUPqHYoajol0C1f3&index=7

Not located in the NYC area? No problem! Our services are available via our telemental health program to veterans/reservists/National Guard/families anywhere in NY state, NJ or CT.

Telehealth
The telehealth program at the MFC provides mental health care to veterans, service members (from any era and with any discharge status), and their families in every part of New York State who are unable to regularly commute to therapy. Services are provided via computer or tablet and can be done in the privacy of one’s home.

TBI Program
Approximately 300,000 veterans sustained a TBI as a result of serving in the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; 57% were not evaluated or treated for TBI. Our TBI Program, funded by NYC City Council, is offering services to fill this gap in treatment. The service offers neuropsychological evaluations, which help us to understand the relationship between brain and behavior. These evaluations offer in-depth assessment of memory, thinking visually/verbally, attention, problem solving, planning and mood. The TBI Program also offers cognitive training, to develop strategies to work around cognitive difficulties. The training consists of 10 weekly meetings for 1-2 hours with a neuropsychologist to learn problem solving, organizational strategies and memory and attention techniques. The program also gives the opportunity to learn about how mood, sleep, and headaches can affect cognitive functioning, and strategies to work on these domains. The individualized treatment caters to specific challenges and strengths of each veteran, guided by the neuropsychological assessment.

ADHD Assessments
We provide adult ADHD assessment and treatment for veterans and their families. Adult ADHD affects approximately 5% of our nation’s veterans. It can interfere with one’s ability to reach their goals in academics, their job, and even their family life. If you are interested in learning more about our adult ADHD assessment and treatment options call Dr. Spray at 646-754-4822.

Dual Diagnosis Program
Our Welcome Back Veterans Dual Diagnosis Program, a program made possible by the McCormick Foundation and Major League Baseball, offers flexible, integrative care for veterans, service members, and their family members struggling with addiction and comorbid mental health problems. Our harm reduction approach provides flexibility in setting treatment plans and goals, which may vary between patients. Goals may include reduced harm associated with use to abstinence, and treatment may include individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management. The option of offering family and couples therapy in the context of dual diagnoses treatment offers patients more comprehensive care and is aligned with research and clinical notions of the importance of attachment and relationships in supporting recovery.

Child and Family Program
Military children face unique stressors related to relocation, parental separation, family reunification, and reintegration. These stressors may result in disrupted relationships, behavioral problems, and academic difficulties. Many children struggle to adjust to their parent’s combat injury, whether visible or invisible, or deal with a parent’s death.

The Child and Family Program provides individual child therapy, parent–child therapy, family therapy, social skills groups for children, and parenting support workshops. Expressive arts, games, and play are central components used to address and process concerns that impact the whole family. These services are offered to veterans and current service members and their families, as well as families of the fallen.

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 Hudson Valley Health Care System Supported Employment Programs/ Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) will be hosting a Veteran Job Fair
Thursday, 11 April 2024 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
VA Montrose Campus
2094 Albany Post Road (Bldg. 15, Rm. 16)

DECA: Commissary at West Point
Helmets to Hardhats
NY State Police
Access Supports for Living
AAFES West Point
Department of Labor
US Mint
VA Civilian Human Resources
J & E Protective Services
TWeber Heating, Cooling and Plumbing Amazon
Spectrum
Express Employment Professionals
Lego Land
Coach USA
VA Police
The ARC Greater Hudson Valley (Yasmeen Santos)

*Open to all Veterans at Hudson Valley and Surrounding Areas*
Questions?
Please contact Mr. Gary Gutierrez. , (914)737-4400 ext. 202593, VA Cell:(914)433-0120
VA Hudson Valley Health Care | Veterans Affairs

Seasonal Workers
The Town of Clarkstown, Department of Engineering and Facilities Management is hiring seasonal employees (April to October 2024). Must be 18 years old and willing to work days, nights, weekends if necessary. Job duties include: grounds keeping and general maintenance. If interested email Ron Gaglione at: r.gaglione@clarkstown.org

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