Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro with the Division of Veterans’ Services will be hosting a live Veteran’s Town Hall forum on Saturday, April 30th at 12:00pm at the Elks Lodge at 29 Overocker Road in Poughkeepsie. The forum will include a panel of knowledgeable individuals including Dutchess County veterans program managers, members of the VA, and representatives from other local veterans’ services who will discuss county and national resources and support available for veterans and their loved ones. Light refreshments will be served, and veterans and their families are encouraged to attend. Registration is not required.
County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “Connecting veterans to services and resources available to them on both a local and federal level is very important. Whether that’s finding housing, employment services, or getting the mental health services they need to deal with post-traumatic stress or other issues our Division of Veterans Services and other veteran service programs can help. This forum is meant for veterans to have direct contact with veteran services as well as other veterans to make sure these heroes are getting the proper care and help, they deserve.”
At the town hall, veterans will learn about resources available for them and their families, including new programs the VA provides and local services provided by Dutchess County veterans organizations. Representatives from Mental Health America (MHA) and Hudson River Housing will also be on hand to provide veterans information on programs such as Vet-Tap, H.E.R.O, Vet2Vet, and VetZero. There will also be discussion about the VA’s recently released Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) report and its recommendations for the Castle Point Medical Facility. Veterans can learn more about the public input process on this matter.
Following the panel presentations, there will be a question-and-answer period between service providers and attendees. Veterans and families are encouraged to ask questions and share their stories and experiences in a safe space surrounded by other veterans and those who work in veteran services. This period is meant to be informative and cathartic for all that need it.
Dutchess County Division of Veteran Services’ Director Adam Roche said, “It is our mission to give these honorable men and women the time and attention they deserve. This event will provide veterans with the most up to date resources and services to ensure their wellbeing in all facets of life.”
For those unable to attend in person, the entire event can be seen on Facebook live beginning at 12pm on April 30th and can be viewed on the “Dutchess County Government” Facebook page. A link to the stream can also be found on dutchessny.gov. Information and tools for veterans can also be found on the Dutchess County Division of Veterans’ affairs website at dutchessny.gov/veterans.
