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MONTROSE, N.Y. Veterans gathered at Montrose VA for a Veterans Day Celebration on Wednesday morning. New York State Senator, Greg Ball (R, C- North Westchester) was present to honor the veterans.
Its a lot of reflection, said Willie Nazario, Vietnam veteran and veterans advocate in Northern Westchester, As a veterans advocate, I just look at what needs to be done. My prayers are with our young guys in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Many veterans present at the ceremony find solace in their work at the VA facility, or volunteering at the VA facility. Its kind of my medicine, working here said Kevin Cooke, and Iraq war army veteran, because I have a lot of survivors guilt.
Cooke works in human resources at the VA facility, and described helping a 24-year-old veteran combat medic with four children find a job which could support his family, without the help of a spouse. Ever since that, I have a hunger.
As a Vietnam veteran, its a pleasure to be mixing with some of the other veterans, said Sheldon Rector, Also, Im a volunteer at Montrose, and it feels good to give back.
The United State Military Academy presented an emotional Taps to veterans, and resounding applause could be heard throughout the ceremony. Vito Pinto, Director of the Veterans Service Agency, remarked on the many different veterans present in one room. He pointed out veterans from World War II, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, saying, We salute you.
To these young men and young women, still to return home, we salute you, said Pinto.
The best part of my job, said Ball, are my interactions with veterans through my chairmanship. Ball will host a Thanksgiving dinner for veterans on Saturday, November 12. There are 25 seats available for the 3 p.m. time slot. Veterans wishing to RSVP should contact Erica Massimi at (914) 329-1051 or emassimi@ball4ny.com.
For Veterans seeking information about VA Care:
VA Hudson Valley Health Care System offers Veterans primary and specialty care, women's health, long term care, mental health/residential care to include PTSD, substance abuse and treatment for homeless veterans. VA Hudson Valley services are available at the two main campuses in Montrose and Castle Point, and the six Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in Carmel, Goshen, Monticello, New City, Pine Plains, Port Jervis and Poughkeepsie.
Any Veteran seeking eligibility information about VA care, please call (914) 737-4400, ext. 2306 or (845) 831-2000, ext. 5100 for more information.
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