RockVets Newsletter January 2026

Thursday, January 15th, 2026: VVA monthly meeting
The VVA Board meets at 6:30 p.m. for the Membership meeting starts at 7:30 p.m.
The Chapter welcomes current, former and prospective VVA members to attend. The meetings are held at the Kearsing-Edwards American Legion Post #1600, 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York 10970. See zoom link to meeting below.

Saturday, January 17th, 2026: Upcoming Camp Shanks Museum Hours

Available for private tours. Please call (845) 304-6809
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 11 am – 3 pm

Sunday, February 1st, 2026; Four Chaplains Ceremony
Presented by the ROCKLAND COUNTY AMERICAN LEGION -- Cmdr. Mike Byrnes
Sunday, February 1st, 2026 at 12:00 noon.
Hosted by: Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church
51 Sickletown Road, Pearl River, New York 10965
Rev. Dr. Gregory I. Simpson

Wednesday, February 11th, 2026: Buffalo Soldiers Award Ceremony
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
Rockland County Fire Training Center
35 Firemen's Memorial Drive
Pomona, New York 10970

Friday, February 13th, 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. See further details below.

Four Chaplains Ceremony

Presented by the ROCKLAND COUNTY AMERICAN LEGION
Cmdr. Mike Byrnes
Sunday, February 1st, 2026 at 12:00 noon.

Hosted by: Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church
51 Sickletown Road, Pearl River, New York 10965
Rev. Dr. Gregory I. Simpson

Purpose - to honor the Heroic Four Chaplains who selflessly gave up their lives to save fellow soldiers when the USAT Dorchester was sunk by torpedoes during WWII.

This event is open to the public -- All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served after the service, provided by the Nauraushaun Church Parish, and the John M. Perry Post No. 1044 of The American Legion.
For additional information please call RCAL Sergeant-at-Arms Dave Mart - (845) 709-1631

Rockland County Buffalo Soldier Award Ceremony
Ed Day, Rockland County Executive

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
Rockland County Fire Training Center
35 Firemen's Memorial Drive
Pomona, New York 10970

The Buffalo Soldier Award is presented annually to an outstanding African-American veteran who resides in Rockland County. “Buffalo Soldier” is the nickname first given to members of African-American cavalry regiments (largely, the Tenth Cavalry Regiment) of the United States Army who served in the western United States from 1867 to 1896, noted for their courage and discipline. The Tenth Cavalry also served in World War I, World War II and in Vietnam. For further information, contact the County Executive's Office.

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

Friday, February 13th, 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-Edsonat EOkeefeEdson@VetToVetRC.org or call 845-903-2332 to reserve a seat or if you have further questions.

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

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

MEDITATION - Weekly - (M, W & F) - 9-9:30 am. Class elicits deep relaxation and helps reduce stress and anxiety with experienced Instructor Brett Cotter (Stress is Gone Founder and Author of 3 Keys To Managing PTSD). Online virtual event you can experience via Zoom. Meeting ID 983 8404 0455; Passcode: join or Click here for link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/98384040455?pwd=djE3VGhUTDJzRU1HMEJ6bnJxa3E2QT09

VETERANS WALKING CLUB - Weekly - (Wednesdays) 9:30 am at PALISADES CENTER. Meet in front of BRIDGES, 2nd Floor, next door to Autobahn Indoor Speedway. We will walk between 45 minutes to an hour. Join a fast pace group, slow pace group or walk at your own pace for however long you want. The mall offers us a comfortable indoor venue regardless of the weather outdoors where we can gather together in camaraderie and get some fitness and exercise while we are 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

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

Object 100: Iraq Burn Pits

Smoke issuing from open-air burn pit at Joint Base Bagdad in Iraq in 2008. Burn pit emissions exposed troops to chemicals, particulate matter, and other toxic substances. (photo from Stars and Stripes)

By Jordan McIntire, Historian, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Jeffrey Seiken, PhD, Historian, Veterans Benefits Administration
To read full story:
https://department.va.gov/history/100-objects/object-100-iraq-burn-pit/

Army Reserve Capt. Le Roy Torres first encountered a burn pit when he arrived at Joint Base Balad in Iraq for a year-long deployment in late 2007. The open-air burn pit at Balad was the theater’s largest, encompassing more than 25 acres. It was used to dispose of 100-200 tons of solid waste on a daily basis. Everything from tires, batteries, and medical waste to uniforms, munitions, and vehicles were burned, often with the aid of jet fuel, in a low-temperature blaze that produced a toxic smog blanketing the surrounding area.

Torres developed an upper respiratory infection just four weeks into his deployment. As the months passed, he also suffered from abdominal pain, headaches, and additional respiratory infections. These problems persisted even after he returned to the United States, eventually leading to a diagnosis of constrictive bronchiolitis and toxic brain injury.

Like the thousands of other service members who had been exposed to burn pit emissions during their deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Torres struggled to get redress for his illnesses from either the military or VA. In May 2008, while he was still in Iraq, a Department of Defense health risk assessment based on air samples collected at Balad concluded that the burn pit smoke posed no significant health or elevated cancer risks to military personnel stationed there. VA at the time also did not recognize a clear link between airborne hazards and chronic illnesses in post-9/11 Veterans, but the agency did ask the independent Institute of Medicine to complete a study on the issue.

Instead of waiting for the results of the study and continuing to suffer in silence, Torres and his wife Rosie turned to public advocacy. In 2009, they founded the non-profit Burn Pits 360 to build national awareness of the harm inflicted on service members by their exposure to toxic substances. A year later, Burn Pits 360 established an independent registry to collect medical data from returning troops and monitor their health condition.

In recent decades, Veterans groups fighting to secure benefits for other types of exposure had won some significant legislative victories. In the 1980s, the government finally awarded restitution to the so-called Atomic Veterans who had been exposed to radiation during the occupation of Japan in 1945-46 and post-war atmospheric nuclear tests. In 1991, Congress also enacted the Agent Orange Act, which established a presumption of service connection for diseases linked to toxic herbicides in the Vietnam War. Later the same decade, lawmakers approved a pair of bills addressing the difficult-to-diagnose health problems experienced by Veterans of the 1991 Gulf War.

To read full story: https://department.va.gov/history/100-objects/object-100-iraq-burn-pit/

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 January 2026 meeting will be held on Thursday, January 15th, 2026
The VVA Board meets at 6:30 p.m. for the Membership meeting starts at 7:30 p.m.
The Chapter welcomes current, former and prospective VVA members to attend. The meetings are held at the Kearsing-Edwards American Legion Post #1600, 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York 10970

To attend the meeting via Zoom link, please see below:

Topic: JOHN MASTANDREA's Zoom Meeting
Time: Jan 15, 2026 18:15 Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6305675618?pwd=UVUzSXR0V2JkelJSeUtHZ3R3N2p0dz09&omn=81803380145

Meeting ID: 630 567 5618
Passcode: 980722

One tap mobile
+16465588656,,6305675618#,,,,*980722# US (New York)
+16469313860,,6305675618#,,,,*980722# US

Join instructions
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/81803380145/invitations?signature=j_QtbScc8IZEz5jRQuqOtntyikTGrJPJvFMTmmkwOUE

Also, check out the new website for VVA #333. Edits are still being made but you can already find a lot of information on it. See it here: https://vva333.org

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.

Need A Warm, Safe Place to Stay Tonight?
The Rockland County WARMING CENTER is located at
50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona New York 10970

The WARMING CENTER will be open from November 1, 2025 to April 30,2026 under the following conditions

November 2025 through March 2026 -- Daily from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
During the day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ONLY IF the temperature is due to
fall below 32-F with wind chill
April 2025 - ONLY at night from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. when the temperature is due to fall below 32•F with wind chill

PICK UP SCHEDULE
Department of Social Services, Pomona: 5:00 p.m. (Mon-Fri only) Building L Bus Shelter

Spring Valley: 5:30 p.m., 6:10 PM and 8:15 p.m. (7 days/week) Spring Valley Bus and Train Station Nyack: 7:00 p.m. (7 days a week) Broadway and Burd (front of First Reformed Church of Nyack)

Village of Haverstraw: 7:30 p.m. (7 days/week) Commuter Parking Lot across from Village Hall. Please arrive at pick-up location at least 10 minutes before scheduled pickup. Drop off occurs the next morning, same locations

You will be offered a HOT MEAL, a PLACE TO REST OVERNIGHT and SHOWER, access to ESSENTIAL SERVICES. The WARMING CENTER is operated by the Rockland County Department of Social Services.
For more information call (845) 364-2332 or (845) 608-6670.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please check out Vietnam veteran Roy Tschudy's book, "Endless." Roy is a past President of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #333, and writes about a variety of experiences that our Vietnam vets encountered. As with all good books, be prepared to experience a lot of emotions with this: you will be intrigued, angry, surprised, maybe shed a tear or two, and laugh out loud at some of the shenanigans in this enjoyable tale of fact, fiction and myth. All proceeds of "Endless" go to help veterans. The book is available in paperback or Kindle edition from Amazon:

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

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

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

Engineering

Human resources

Human resources management

Business, industry and programs

Acquisitions and contracting

Finance

Auditing

Other

Social Science

Economist

Medical, dental and public health

Nurse

Science

Technology

Cyber

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

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

Some of the jobs we need filled urgently are:

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

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

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

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

Continuous Recruitment Examinations -

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

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

Veterans Employment and Training Services (VETS) Resources for Veterans

The Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) is committed to helping America's veterans and separating service members by preparing them for meaningful careers, providing employment resources and expertise, and protecting their employment rights.
https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/4624

FedEx Independent Service Provider
FedEx is looking to hire full time and part time drivers to deliver and pickup packages from Blauvelt, NY. Full time schedule is Monday – Friday and part time schedule has weekend positions available. Must be over 21 years old, have a clean drivers license, and be able to pass physical and drug tests. Background checks are also required. Salary for full time starts at $700 per week. Please contact 201-724-7781 to see if you qualify.

Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction of the Veterans Administration:
The link below lists current positions have been announced for the Office of Acquisition, Logistics and Construction (OALC). This is not a complete listing of all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) vacancies and may not include all positions announced for OALC. You may access VA recruitment information on the VA Jobs site at this link: https://www.va.gov/jobs/
If you wish copies of announcements listed below, please contact the individual identified in the specific announcement. Here is the link to the OALC Job Listings:
https://www.va.gov/oalc/career.asp

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rockland County Marine Corps League regularly receives donations of handicap assistance equipment for disabled veterans from people who want to help. The donated equipment is available for free to military veterans and their families. The items include the following:

Motorized Wheelchairs
Manual Wheelchairs
Oxygen Generator
Walkers
Bath Chairs
Transfer Benches
Braces
Crutches
Canes

If you have need of any of this equipment, contact John Leighton of the Rockland County Marine Corps League - 845-521-5361 or via email: jhleighton@att.net.

RockVets is an Outreach program of New York Vets, Inc., a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization established in 1992, to advocate for those who have worn the uniform of the U.S. Military, no matter where or when they served.

The volunteers at New York Vets / RockVets publish this monthly e-newsletter. We welcome your thoughts, questions, and feedback. E-mail: NewYorkVets@gmail.com.

We are not affiliated with any government agency such as the Veterans Administration, Rockland County Government, nor the Veterans Service Agency of Rockland.

Each month, our newsletter reaches more than 1800 local veterans or those who care about veterans' interests. Please use this forum to let veterans know of any information, resources, links or events they might be beneficial to them. Send information to NewYorkVets@gmail.com or send us a note through our website: https://newyorkvets.org. Thank you for passing this newsletter along to other veterans or those who care.

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

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