Poughkeepsie … Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced Dutchess County Parks and Veterans’ Services will once again host a Veterans’ Camping Weekend at Wilcox Memorial Park in Milan, in collaboration with Mental Health America (MHA) of Dutchess County’s Vet2Vet Program. Veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families can take advantage of free camping at the park’s tent and recreational vehicle (RV) sites Friday, June 3 through Sunday, June 5.
In addition to free camping, the weekend will include a fireside chat on Friday, June 3 at 8 p.m. for attendees to discuss concerns of many veterans, such as suicide, homelessness and mental health challenges, and a free recognition picnic at noon in Pavilion A on Saturday, June 4. Veterans and their families do not have to camp to take part in either the fireside chat or recognition picnic.
County Executive Molinaro said, “Our veterans have given so much to our community and nation, and we are proud to offer this weekend of recognition and relaxation again this year. This weekend is an excellent opportunity to showcase the wide array of services Dutchess County offers veterans and their families. We encourage veterans, active service members and their families to join us and spend some time in the beauty of nature and the outdoors.”
Reservations are required for this event and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Veterans and active military members can reserve campsites and RSVP for the fireside chat and picnic by calling Dutchess County Parks at (845) 298-4600.
Adam Roche, Director of the County’s Division of Veterans Services, said, “Dutchess County is honored to offer this opportunity and thank our veterans and active service members, once again. I urge my fellow veterans to take this opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty Dutchess County has to offer, as well as the camaraderie of their fellow heroes.”
Andrew O’Grady, CEO of MHA of Dutchess County, said, “Mental Health America of Dutchess County is thrilled to collaborate to show our appreciation for those who have given so much to our country. This weekend will be a weekend of companionship – the hallmark of the Vet2Vet program, which has supported so many veterans in our community.”
Sandy Washburn, County Parks Director, said, “Veterans Camping Weekend is our opportunity to thank those who have safeguarded our freedom while letting them discover Dutchess County’s unique park system that offers something for everyone. We are honored to host our military heroes at Wilcox Park and provide them a weekend they’ll long remember.”
Campers should note Wilcox Park RV sites are restricted to RVs and trailers only and include electric and water hook-ups, as well as a dump station. Tent sites can accommodate two small tents or one large tent, and no more than six people each; water or electricity hook-ups are not available.
For more information on Dutchess County Division of Veterans Services or Dutchess County Parks, visit dutchessny.gov.
