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NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) Weekly Newsletter

A Look Back at Memorial Day 2021
Due to the low COVID-19 positivity rate in NYC and the efficiency of the vaccine, many New Yorkers, including members of the DVS staff, were able to participate in Memorial Day celebrations in person this year. We were able to honor those we've lost alongside our friends, families, and fellow members of the NYC veteran community. To ensure that future holidays can be observed safely, consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine; learn how here.

See below for a roundup of Memorial Day events attended by Team DVS.

Flag Laying Ceremony at Woodlawn Cemetery

DVS began the Memorial Day weekend with a Flag Laying Ceremony on Saturday, May 29th, at the Woodlawn Cemetery. We were joined by Council Member, and Chair of the Committee on Veterans, Eric Dinowitz, State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey, Council Member Kevin C. Riley, Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Rear Admiral Charles Rock, Todd Duso of the Bob Woodruff Foundation, and Mercedes Elias of the Veteran Advisory Board. The Bob Woodruff Foundation donated flags to be placed on the 8,500 veteran graves at Woodlawn Cemetery.  

Thank you to those who joined us in remembering the 1.3 million veterans who sacrificed their lives to protect our freedoms.

Calverton National Cemetery

Early on the morning of Memorial Day, DVS Commissioner James Hendon visited the Calverton National Cemetery to lay a wreath in honor of the veterans we lost.

Annual Memorial Day Service at the USS Intrepid

Mayor Bill de Blasio joined DVS aboard the USS Intrepid for the annual Memorial Day service. Mayor de Blasio stated in his address: "If we want to honor those we lost, let's create something as good as them. That's how we honor them, and that's how we honor our country." 

Honoring Chinese American Veterans

DVS Commissioner Hendon joined the American Legion, Lt. B.R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291 for a Memorial Day ceremony recognizing the sacrifices of Chinese Americans who have served our country since the Civil War. 

Black Veterans for Social Justice Memorial Day Celebration
DVS Commissioner Hendon addressed the crowd at a Memorial Day celebration in Brooklyn hosted by the Black Veterans for Social Justice.
 

"This Memorial Day, I remember and reflect upon the rich stories of the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service of this country. For me, this day calls to mind the strength of the bonds and relationships built while serving in the military." 

-  Quamid Francis, Chief of Staff for the NYC Department of Veterans' Services

DVS Programs & Initiatives

Take the NYC Veterans and Military Community Survey
Are you a member of NYC's veteran community? If so, take the NYC Veteran and Military Community Survey today! DVS will use your responses to shape programs and policies designed to improve the lives of veterans, military spouses, caregivers, and active duty service members across the five boroughs. Take the survey here!

Put Your Veteran-Owned Business on the Map
DVS is launching an online interactive map that will help New Yorkers find VOBs in their community. Veterans business owners can add their information to the upcoming VOB map here.

Feeding Veterans in Need
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 submitting your information to VetConnectNYC.
DVS's Mission: VetCheck offers supportive check-in calls to veterans across NYC. Request a check-in call for you or a veteran you know by contacting VetCheck@veterans.nyc.gov or by visiting the Mission: VetCheck website.

Helping File VA Claims
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, please submit your information to VetConnectNYC.

Veteran Voices Project: Oral History Initiative
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. 

Ending Veteran Homelessness in NYC
Over the past five years, our housing team has moved over 1,000 veterans from shelters and into permanent housing. Learn more about DVS's efforts to end veteran homelessness in NYC here.

How DVS Responded to the Pandemic
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.

SITREP NYC: NYC's Official Veteran Podcast

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:

Stories of Transition

The Black Veteran Experience

 

LGBT Veteran Stories

The Health of Women Veterans

DVS Website

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:

 

Connect to Services:

 

Support a Veteran:
Media:

Contact DVS
Please follow us at www.nyc.gov/vets, on social media @nycveterans, or via email at connect@veterans.nyc.gov. 

  

 
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New York City Department of Veterans' Services 
1 Centre Street, Suite 2208
New York, NY 10007 
(212) 416-5250
www.nyc.gov/vets


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