For More Information Contact:
Colleen Pillus
(845) 486-2000
E-mail: cpillus@dutchessny.gov
Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro and Division of Veterans’ Services Director Nelson Eddy Rivera, USN (Ret) invite residents to the 12th Annual Dutchess County Veterans Appreciation Day on Saturday, November 4th at the Henry A. Wallace Center at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Home in Hyde Park. The event will take place from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., with the annual Medal Presentation Ceremony beginning at noon.
County Executive Molinaro said, “The courageous men and women of our Armed Forces, both past and present, rightly deserve our gratitude and respect. Our annual Veterans Appreciation Day event gives us the chance to come together as neighbors and thank all who have served. In addition to honoring veterans, our annual event also connects them to the services, programs and benefits they’ve earned.”
The Veterans Appreciation Day event celebrates all those who have honorably served our country. There will be representatives from various county, federal, and state governments to provide information about programs and services for veterans, including presentations regarding home financing programs and health insurance options.
Earlier this month, the Division of Veterans’ Services and Mental Health America’s Vet-2-Vet Program hosted a two-day Military Behavioral Health training, as part of the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Program. Twenty-five veterans learned the impact of their military service on their spouses and families and were trained to become mentors for veterans and family members in need. As part of this year’s Veterans Appreciation Day, there will be a presentation regarding the Vet-2-Vet Program at 11:15 a.m., followed by the presentation of certificates to the Military Behavioral Health training participants at noon.
Dutchess County Clerk Brad Kendall will be on hand to issue "Return the FAVOR (Find and Assist Veteran of Record)” discount cards, which entitle veterans to discounts at more than 240 businesses throughout the County. Veterans interested in obtaining their FAVOR card should bring a copy of their Honorably Discharged Full-Time Active Duty Separation Papers (DD214, WD-AGO, Navpers 553, etc.) and a picture ID showing Dutchess County as their county of residence.
“I am pleased to share that in addition to our Medal Ceremony, we will have more than 40 agencies, organizations, and vendors available to provide veterans and their families with information and services,” said Rivera. “We are so grateful to those who have served in our military, and we especially want to make sure that each and every veteran receives the benefits they have earned through their service to protecting our nation.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the Castle Point Food Pantry. Event attendees can also take advantage of complimentary admission to the FDR Presidential Library and Museum.
The Dutchess County Veterans Appreciation Day is open to all veterans and their families, as well as the general public. For further information, please contact the Dutchess County Division of Veterans Services at 845-486-2060 or visit www.dutchessny.gov/Veterans.