In the State Senate this year, there were several bills that were passed affecting veterans under the leadership of Senator John Brooks, Chairman of the Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs, and Assemblymember Didi Barrett, Chair of the Assembly’s Standing Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
Funding for the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project that was initially cut from the State budget was restored. This program uses a unique and confidential peer-to-peer counseling model to empower veterans and their families to create a local network of support for our veterans. In Dutchess County, the program is provided through the Mental Health America Dutchess County Vet2Vet program run by veteran and program manager, Adam Roche. To access this program, call Adam at 845-473-2500 ext. 1307. No referral necessary. In Putnam County, you can reach the Vet2Vet program, program manager and veteran John Bourges at 877-331-7526.
This year’s State Budget included increased funding for local programs such as the Legal Services of the Hudson Valley Veterans and Military Families Advocacy Project. Unfortunately, our current senator, Sue Serino, voted against this funding that supports our hometown heroes.
We have come to understand that the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and other brain-related injuries are wounds that may not be visible but are equally as debilitating. Two bills were voted on this year that incorporate the recognition of these injuries into State provided veteran services.
Veterans can only receive benefits if they have been discharged from service under certain circumstances. Understandably, veterans who receive a dishonorable discharge are not eligible for veteran benefits. However, those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or other brain injuries, may not have been able to achieve an honorable discharge thus disqualifying them for the services and support that they so desperately need as a result of their service to our country. The Restoration of Honor Act that passed the State Legislature this year adds two important new subdivisions to those veterans who can receive state veteran benefits. One is veterans who have a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder and other brain-related injuries or an experience of military sexual trauma. The other is LGBT veterans who were discharged under Don’t Ask Don’t Tell but otherwise would have received an honorable discharge. 61 out of 62 Senators voted for this bill. Senator Serino, the only Senator who did not vote for this bill, was absent and is listed as “excused”.
Another important bill amends the veteran’s healthcare information program to include information concerning specific mental and physical health issues around brain-related injuries. In addition, this bill adds children of veterans as those who have access to this information. Brain injuries are often hard to understand. And veterans are often very reluctant to talk about what they went through during their military service. Including veteran children in those receiving this vital information can help them better understand what their veteran parents may be facing. Senator Serino was one of 6 senators to vote against this bill.
Protecting and keeping our freedom is not free. We can never fully repay the debt we owe to our veterans. In addition to acknowledging their sacrifices, the least we can do is provide for their care and support now that they are home. Military service can exact an unimaginable toll that those of us who didn’t serve will never fully understand. There is help for veterans who are struggling. Sometimes the biggest step to improvement is acknowledging the need and asking for help.
If you are a veteran in Dutchess County in need of services, please contact Adam with the Vet2Vet program at 845-473-2500 ext. 1307 or stop by the offices at 253 Mansion St., Poughkeepsie, NY. In Putnam County, contact John Bourges with the Vet2Vet program at 877-331-7526. For the 24-hour crisis line call 800-273-8255 and press 1.
If you want to help, follow Commander Zurhellen, donate to VetZero, support your local VFW and American Legion and remember to thank any serviceperson that you do recognize for their service.
