|
NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) Weekly Newsletter
|
|
Happy Pride to NYC's LGBTQ+ Veterans!
|
|
|
Happy Pride Month, New York City! LGBTQ+ veterans, families, and allies looking to celebrate the community can find this weekend's Pride events here.
|
|
DVS Commissioner James Hendon
on Pride Month
|
|
|
“Each June, New York City is awash in a glorious array of rainbow flags as millions take part in one of the largest pride celebrations in the world. During this celebration, we honor the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities in addition to their rich cumulative contribution to our society.
|
|
|
The Stonewall Riots of June 28th through July 3rd, 1969 in New York City served as a turning point that triggered change for a community that long-sought equal rights and the ability to be who they are and love whom they wished freely. The uprising that erupted at Stonewall paved the way in the fight for tolerance; this movement has been carried on by subsequent generations. To be clear: the struggle for equality for the LGBTQ community has not been a smooth path or one whose journey has ended.
|
|
|
However, each triumph and setback has moved along an upward zigzag whereby the next generation of LGBTQ members have been afforded better rights, opportunities, and benefits than the generation that came before them.
|
|
|
|
LGBTQ Veterans were also not immune to the bigotries of their times. From Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens during the Revolutionary War to Sergeant Nell “Johnnie” Phelps during World War II to Technical Sergeant Leonard P. Matlovich during the Vietnam War to Senior Chief Petty Officer Kristin Beck during the Global War on Terror, LGBTQ Veterans were ever-present throughout the history of our nation serving in the Armed Forces.
|
|
|
This is despite the personal and professional ramifications for coming out as a US military Service Member during a period of harassment and discrimination that spanned centuries. Other LGBTQ Veterans, like Seaman (Retired) and New York City native Jimmy Zappalorti, fought for their country, only to return home and, as a result of extreme homophobia, lose their lives.
|
|
|
Between the 1993-2011 “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy and several other anti-LGBTQ practices that existed before then, it is estimated that, from the World War II-era through the end of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” more than 100,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen were discharged from the military for being LGBTQ or because they were accused of being LGBTQ.
In 2019, New York State did its part to help right this wrong by enacting the Restoration of Honor Act. Restoration of Honor gave LGBTQ Veterans who were discharged because of their sexual orientation the ability to have their New York State Veterans’ benefits restored. That first step is the least we can do for those who sacrificed so much to defend our country.
This summer, as we recover from the pandemic, the NYC Pride March will resume and there will be events throughout the five boroughs. These events recognize the progress that LGBTQ people have made. Further, we celebrate the LGBTQ community’s hard-fought rights for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. None of us take for granted the value and fragility of the American dream. As Service Members—past and present—we proudly proclaim that the LGBTQ community’s freedom is our freedom. Their equality is our equality. Their joy is our joy. Let us endeavor to live up to their example as we continue our journey to form a more perfect union.
Happy Pride Month!
God bless the City of New York and God bless America.”
- New York City Department of Veterans' Services Commissioner James Hendon
|
|
|
Resources for LGBTQ+ Veterans
|
|
Caregiver Support
Discharge Service Upgrades
LGBTQ+ Medical Care
- Every VA medical center has an LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator who can support LGBTQ+ veterans to address their health care needs. Learn more about the LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator at the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System.
LGBTQ+ Support Groups
- The Brooklyn and Manhattan VA campuses offer support groups for LGBTQ+ veterans. The support groups provide a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ+ veterans to share current and past struggles. Learn more about LGBTQ+ support groups.
|
|
Honoring NYC's Greatest Generation
|
|
Osceola "Ozzie" Fletcher, 99.
World War 2 Veteran.
|
|
|
Osceola “Ozzie” Fletcher, 99, was delivering supplies to Allied forces on D Day when his vehicle was struck by a Nazi missile. For decades, Fletcher wasn’t recognized for being wounded during World War II due to racism in the armed forces. Last weekend, Fletcher finally received his Purple Heart. DVS Commissioner James Hendon was in attendance at the ceremony.
In addition to serving in the US Army during WWII, Ozzie Fletcher also served as a detective in the NYPD, a teacher at Boys and Girls High School, and a community relations specialist in the Crime Prevention Division of Brooklyn’s District Attorney’s Office. He is a true NYC hero.
We must fight to ensure that Black veterans are not just remembered but also celebrated.
|
|
Richard Tuscani, 105.
World War 2 Veteran.
|
|
|
This week DVS joined members of the FDNY, FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro, and Chief Thomas Richardson to celebrate the 105th birthday of Richard Tuscani, a World War II veteran and the City's oldest living FDNY retiree.
Tuscani was born on June 13, 1916, in Corona, Queens. Before serving in the FDNY, he served with the U.S. Army in WWII. As a member of the US Army Corp of Engineers, he prepared beaches for assault landings. His service earned him a WWII Victory Medal and three Bronze Stars.
DVS Chief of Staff Quamid Francis presented Tuscani with the DVS Challenge Coin. Our coin is emblazoned with the phrase “Service is our North Star,” which embodies Tuscani's life and career.
We are proud to honor him.
|
|
DVS Programs and 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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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 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:
|
|
|
Support a Veteran:
Media:
|
|
|
|
|
