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NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) Weekly Newsletter
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In Intimate Conversation, Charlie Rangel
Discusses Wartime Experience
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Click to see video excerpts from DVS Commissioner James Hendon's interview with Korean War veteran and retired Congressman Charlie Rangel.
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"One month ago, I had the privilege of speaking with a personal hero, former Rep. Charlie Rangel, 90, who served in the United States House of Representatives from 1971-2017. The Harlem-born former Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee was also a Staff Sergeant during the Korean War.
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In our conversation, Rep. Rangel discussed growing up in New York City, joining the Army during a more segregated time, and how being in the war changed his perspective. It was a joy to talk with him about his journey and how he served with honor during the 1950s. Rep. Rangel’s story has special significance during Black History Month. It inspires others to seek equality and excellence on all levels.
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The conversation was part of the Veterans Voices Project, an initiative sponsored by the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS). With Mayor David Dinkins’ recent passing and the Greatest Generation's aging, our agency is racing to preserve New York City’s rich military history. The life lessons gained from their stories are irreplaceable for the Veterans of today and those of tomorrow.
To learn more about the Veteran Voices Project and to listen to Veterans’ oral histories, provide your oral history, and/or record that of others, please visit nyc.gov/vetvoices."
- DVS Commissioner James Hendon
To listen to the full Charlie Rangel interview, click here.
To see video excerpts from the interview, click here.
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Preserving Black Veteran Stories
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Through the Veteran Voices Project (VVP), DVS has preserved the stories of Black veterans across service eras to ensure that future generations can learn from their experiences. Below is a collection of our favorite stories:
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U.S. Army veteran and New York State Assemblyman Al Taylor discusses serving in the 1970s. Listen here.
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U.S. Army OEF combat veteran Khrysta Brown shares her experience meeting Rosa Parks. Listen here.
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U.S. Navy combat veteran and FUBU clothing co-founder J. Alexander Martin on his military service and career as an entrepreneur. Listen here.
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U.S. Air Force veteran and former Mayor's Office of Veteran Affairs (MOVA) Commissioner Terrance Holiday on his 39 years of military service and leadership roles in NYC government. Listen here.
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U.S. Navy veteran Lisa Dalhouse on learning about the events of 9/11 while at Basic Training and her subsequent participation in the war on terror. Listen here.
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U.S. Army Operation Enduring Freedom veteran Gregory Williams talks to his son about his deployment history as a military photojournalist. Listen here.
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Visit the VVP oral history library to hear more Black entrepreneurs, politicians, and advocates discuss their military service.
To preserve your own story, click here.
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Revisiting Podcast Series on Black Veterans
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"You always have to be better. You always have to do more."
Throughout Black History Month, we revisited our special podcast series, "Stories of the Black Veteran Experience". In the final installment, Black women discuss the consequences of confronting stereotypes and speaking out against harassment while in the military. Listen to "Black Woman. Veteran. (In that Order)" here.
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Each week, we will dedicate a section of our newsletter to COVID-19 updates. This section will be updated weekly to reflect new developments.
NYC COVID-19 Numbers:
• 251 new hospitalizations
• 3,246 new cases
• 7.29% positivity rate (7-day avg.)
Get Tested Often:
To schedule a FREE COVID-19 test, click here. Testing is walk-in only at NYC Health + Hospitals locations. No appointment is needed.
Due to this week's winter storm, some NYC Health + Hospitals COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites may close early. Hospitals, emergency rooms, and community-based health centers will remain open for care. For more information, click here.
New Mask Guidelines:
NYC Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi, MD, now recommends wearing TWO face masks when you’re around people you don’t live with. New Yorkers are advised to wear a cloth mask over a disposable mask to keep themselves and others safe. Make sure it’s over your nose and mouth. Learn how to properly wear two face coverings here.
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility
New Yorkers with underlying conditions are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. See a full list of qualifying underlying conditions here.
For a full list of eligible New Yorkers, click here.
Scheduling a Vaccine Appointment at NYC Health + Hospitals:
If you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, you can schedule a FREE appointment at an NYC Health + Hospitals location by calling 877-VAX-4NYC (1-877-829-4692) or by visiting the NYC COVID-19 Vaccine Finder. Appointments are required! To learn more information, click here.
You can also visit the following resources to find other locations that may have appointments available:
Scheduling a Vaccine Appointment at the VA:
Eligible veterans enrolled in VA health care can call 1-877-877-9267 to make an appointment at one of the following locations:
Eligible veterans enrolled at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in the Bronx should call (718) 741-4640 to schedule a vaccine appointment.
Vaccines are Free:
When you are eligible, you can get the vaccine for FREE no matter what.
Avoid Scammers:
If anyone attempts to charge you to receive the vaccine, it is a scam.
Vaccines Are Safe:
According to the CDC, "COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective" Learn more about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Combatting Misinformation
Fact: You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine. The vaccine does not contain the virus. To learn more, click here.
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DVS Programs & Initiatives
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Making supportive calls. Distributing face masks. Preparing meal kits. Housing the homeless. Processing VA benefit claims. Watch this video to learn how DVS responded to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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DVS partnered with GetFoodNYC to help deliver food to homebound veterans. We're also working to distribute HelloFresh meals to veteran families. Request food or learn how to volunteer to prepare meal kits by contacting connect@veterans.nyc.gov.
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Housing Veterans During the Pandemic
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DVS continues to house homeless veterans during the pandemic. The agency was able to house 183 formerly homeless veterans in 2020, an increase of approximately 18% compared to the previous year. Learn more about DVS's efforts to end veteran homelessness in NYC here.
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Making Calls to Veterans Across NYC
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As part of Mission: VetCheck, volunteers call NYC veterans to provide information about essential services, including free meals, COVID-19 testing, and mental health resources.
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Many veterans living in NYC are eligible for, but do not receive, their Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. That's why DVS is representing veterans and their families in claims for benefits. To schedule an online appointment with a member of our VA Claims Team, contact claims@veterans.nyc.gov or 212-416-5250.
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Veteran Voices Project: Oral History Initiative
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DVS has captured the oral history of NYC veterans representing every branch and service era. From World War 2 to COVID-19, hear stories of service across generations on our Veteran Voices Project library.
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SITREP NYC: NYC's Official Veteran Podcast
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Listen to SITREP NYC, NYC's official veteran-focused podcast, to hear stories from veterans who are often ignored and underserved. Hear the complete season here or see below for a list of episodes:
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Stories of Transition
The Black Veteran Experience
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LGBT Veteran Stories
The Health of Women Veterans
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DVS updated its website to help EVERY veteran find the services that are right for them. Whether you're a student, transitioning, woman, LGBT, or a senior veteran - nyc.gov/vets has what you need.
Review the webpages on our site:
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Support a Veteran:
Media:
Contact Us:
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Referral Services: vetconnectnyc.org or 1-833-VETS-NYC
VA Claims & Food Donations
- Latisha Russaw
(917) 605-0325 | lrussaw@veterans.nyc.gov
Food Delivery Assistance:
Employment Services:
- Christian T. Peralta
(646) 630-1932 | cperalta1@veterans.nyc.gov
Education Services and Unemployment Assistance:
- Amauri Espinal
(646) 799-2728 | aespinal@veterans.nyc.gov
Housing:
- Dana Rock, HSS Director
(646) 901-4948 | DanaRock@veterans.nyc.gov
- Horng Chou, HSS Deputy Director
(646) 532-1884 | Hchou@veterans.nyc.gov
Eviction Prevention:
- Angela Guyton-Cyril
(646) 740-8156 | AGuyton-Cyril@veterans.nyc.gov
Healthcare:
- Melissa Walters
(646) 889-4180 | Mewalters@veterans.nyc.gov
Military Families and Caregivers:
- Tanya Thomas
(646) 499-0098 | tthomas@veterans.nyc.gov
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