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RockVets Newsletter
March 2022
Volume XIV Issue 3

 
Happy St. Patrick's Day to All!  

Jerry Donnellan, pictured at the Veterans Day celebration in November 2017 as he was named  "Veteran of the Year"

March 23rd will mark four years since Jerry's passing.  I recently came across these two short audio-clips of Jerry describing his dedication to veterans as well as his experience of getting hit by a grenade in Vietnam.  They are about two minutes each and were created at the Cube in the New City Library and released on November 10th, 2016.  

Beware:  "Where's My Leg" has Serious Content and may be too descriptive for sensitive audiences.



We have also published our New York Vets website, which we will continue to update as needed.  We welcome your comments, questions and feedback.  
You can access the new website here:   http://www.newyorkvets.org

R.C. Marine Corps League -- Iwo Jima Commemoration
Marine Corps League, Rockland Detachment, Iwo Jima Commemoration Luncheon on March 23, 2022
Photo credit:  R.C. Marine Corps League Facebook Page
Photo/Newswire

The Rockland County Detachment of the Marine Corps League will hold its annual Iwo Jima Commemoration luncheon on Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022 at Kruckers Catering and Picnic Grove, 8I Call Hollow Road Pomona, New York  (845) 354-9832

WWII VETERANS WILL BE HONORED DURING THE CAKE CUTTING
KOREAN ERA VETERANS ARE INVITED GUESTS
All Are Welcome, Bring A Friend
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 - Cash Bar 1130 Hours -  Luncheon 1230 Hours
Advance payment of $45.00 (includes door prize eligibility) must be received no later than
March 16, 2022 or pay $50.00 at the door. Please try to respond early so we can give an accurate
count to the caterer.

Send your check or money order payable to:
Rockland Detachment Rockland County, New York  MCL, Inc and mail to R.C. Marine Corps League, 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York 10970 with reservation information as noted below --  your name, additional guests, choice of meal, etc.

***World War Il and Korean Era Vets Are Invited To The Event As Guests Of The
Detachment At No Charge But Must Return The Reservation Form***
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rockland County Detachment Marine Corps League
20 Station Road, Pomona, New York 10970
Iwo Jima Commemoration Luncheon

Your Name: ___________________________________________________________________________
Additional Guests: ___________________________________________________________________

Please select your choice of:
(   ) Roast Prime Rib
(   ) Lemon Salmon
(   ) Chicken Marsala

WWII Vet Y / N? _______________________________
KOREAN VET Y / N? ___________________________

We are also resuming the TAKE A MARINE TO LUNCH program. If you would like to
donate $30 to partially defray the cost of lunch for active duty Marines to attend please check this box (   ) and include payment with your lunch fee.

National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29th

National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29th
National Vietnam War Veterans Day is observed every year on March 29 and is a way to thank and honor our nation’s Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.

Who does Vietnam War Commemoration Honor?
U.S. Armed Forces personnel with active duty service between November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location of service which includes:

  • Nine million Americans serving during that time
  • 6.4 million Americans living today
  • 2.7 million U.S. service members who served in Vietnam
  • 58,000 whose names are memorialized on a black granite wall in our Nation’s capital
  • 304,000 who were wounded
  • 1,253 Missing in Action (MIA) heroes who have not yet returned to American soil
  • 2,500 Prisoners of War (POWs)
The commemoration makes no distinction between veterans who served in-county, in-theater, or were stationed elsewhere during those 20 years.   

For further information, view this link: https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/99212/how-to-make-national-vietnam-war-veterans-day-more-meaningful-for-vets/
35th Anniversary of VVA, Chapter #333
March 5th marks the 35th Anniversary of the first meeting - Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #333
Picture of the original flyer we handed out at movie theaters in Nanuet and Spring Valley, leading up to March 5th, 1987 -- the first meeting of Rockland's Vietnam Veterans.   We didn't yet have our own, so we borrowed a few pieces of stationery from Westchester County's VVA #49, which was already established!

March 5th marks the 35th Anniversary of the creation of VVA #333.  To get to that point, our grassroots efforts included Jerry Donnellan speaking on radio shows and trying to get information in the local newspapers, as well as spreading the word by mouth.  Most effective method though, was when we stood outside theaters that were showing the movie, "Platoon" and handed out flyers at the end of the movie, announcing the first meeting of a gathering of Vietnam Veterans.  The flyer noted that we would have our first meeting on March 5, 1987.  We had no idea if we would have 5 people there or 25.  To our great delight, 64 veterans showed up, including then Congressman Benjamin Gilman, a World War II veteran.   We were off to a great start!  

The Vietnam Veterans immediately got involved in making significant contributions to the community which continue to this day....35 years later.   Our first act in coming together resulted in the annual "Watchfire" tradition, lighting Watchfires at midnight and burning them for 24 hours, to honor those who never returned from Vietnam, as well as the lost patrol...those souls who are still seeking their way home...

While we were still figuring out how to organize what we hoped would be a group of Vietnam Veterans in Rockland, Jerry Donnellan, Chuck Ralston and Terry Fearon all attended the 1986 VVA National Convention. Chuck and Terry were Vietnam Veterans who were very involved in the origins of our Chapter. Chuck became our Charter First Vice-President and Terry knew how to build Watchfires to the specifications of George Washington's beacons.  He helped do so at the Piermont Pier for many years!

And thirty-five years later, the members of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #333 continue their efforts on behalf of the veteran community.  

Pictured here (left to right) are:  VVA Chapter #333 Chaplin Marcus Arroyo, Chapter President Roy Tschudy, Howard Goldin and Ed Frank --  both Howard and Ed are also past Chapter Presidents. They were all attending the VVA National Convention in November of 2021.  

Debby Frank has done a great job of revising the VVA #333 website. It has a lot of great information about Chapter activities, such as the Handcycle and Adapted Sports Equipment Program, the Annual Watchfire Commemoration, VVA #333 scholarship program, Annual Pig Roast, Veteran of the Year, as well as photos and other facts about the 46 young men from Rockland County, who were killed in action in Vietnam.  Debby has also added photos of some VVA members taken during their tour in Vietnam and welcomes more of you to add your photos of that time.  You can email your photos to:  EJF308@aol.com.  The VVA website also links to our RockVets newsletters - thanks Debby!
Check out the VVA 333 website here: https://www.vva333.com

New City Medical Clinic -- 26th Anniversary
New City VA Veterans' Medical Clinic
March marks the 26th Anniversary of the opening of the Veterans Clinic here in Rockland County.  The Clinic came together at the County Health Complex in Pomona as a joint project of the County of Rockland and the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).   Jerry Donnellan approached the VA with the idea of getting health care into the community, making it easier for our aging veteran population to get health care services without having to travel for an hour to the VA Hospital.

Some years before, with following the same outline, we had opened a Clinic specifically about Agent Orange, when Ed Gamache was the Director of the Montrose VA Hospital. Based on the successful operation of the Agent Orange Clinic in the early 90's and with the aid of Jim Farsetta, the then VISN Director for the VA of the NY Metropolitan area, in March of 1996 we
opened a full-service VA Clinic - the first of such clinics in the country.  Allowing the VA to operate rent free in the County Complex was just the necessary push to get the Clinic started.

This blueprint has been replicated more than 1400 times across the country and the Clinic that was birthed in Pomona now has its own office on the upper level of 345 North Main Street in New City, New York.  Prior to the opening of the Clinic, roughly 250 veterans in Rockland County used the out-patient services of the DVA. Since the Clinic opened that number has gone to over 6,500 - and those are real numbers that continue to grow.

For further information about veterans accessing the VA clinic in Rockland, call the VA Clinic directly at: 845-634-8942. They are located at 345 North Main Street, Upper Level, New City, New York 10956.  View their website here:
http://www.hudsonvalley.va.gov/locations/New_City_Community_Clinic.asp
Hudson Valley Honor Flights To Resume in April and May

Hudson Valley Honor Flight

Hello HVHF Friends and Supporters! We are THRILLED to announce that we will be flying again! We are planning our spring flights - April 9, 2022 out of Stewart International Airport and May 21, 2022 out of Westchester County Airport.

More details to follow in the coming weeks. We are beyond excited to be able to give these Veterans this experience.  For further information view their website at: https://hvhonorflight.com or call them at 845-391-0076.

Upcoming Events - Spring is Coming Soon!
March 1st through March 11th, 2022:
Vietnam Memories Program:  Members of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #333 will be at Suffern High School from March 1st to March 11th, 2022 to present the Vietnam Memories Program. On March 1st, there will be an assembly from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The remaining school days between March 3rd and March 11th, will be classes in the library. All presenters will be required to have been fully vaccinated and wear a mask.  The program will be presented at Felix Festa Middle School in April - Details on that will come at another time. For further information, contact Howard Goldin via email:  goldingoose@verizon.net.

March 3rd, 2022:  Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #333 monthly meeting:
General Membership Meeting Thursday, March 3rd, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.
Kearsing-Edwards American Legion Post 1600, 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York 10970
Attend in person or via zoom link:
NOTE: ZOOM IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS MEETING. SEE THE LINK INFO BELOW.
Topic: Ray Furlong's Zoom Meeting
Time: March 3, 2022 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)


You can attend the meeting via Zoom by utilizing the link below - you may need to "copy and paste" the link into your browser if you are not automatically connected to the site.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89202249387?pwd=MWtFSGl3SjNCZWI3Q0VsMXZpY29SZz09
You will be asked to provide the Meeting ID (630 567 5618) and Passcode (980722).
If you have any problems connecting, call Tom Carroll on 845-269-8909.

March 5, 2022:   Food Drive -- Assemblyman Mike Lawler and local American Legions are partnering together to host a Food Drive to benefit local food pantries, soup kitchens, and non-profit organizations.  Donations of non-perishable food will be collected on March 5th, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at these locations:
Pearl River American Legion, Post 329, Railroad Avenue, Pearl River, New York 10965
Suffern American Legion, Post 859, Pavilion Road, Suffern, New York 10901
Nyack American Legion, Post 310, 85 Piermont Avenue, Nyack, New York 10960
Fred Eller American Legion, Post 1447, 221 Saddle River Road, Airmont, New York  10952

March 10, 11, 12 (Thurs. 1pm-6pm, Fri. 1pm-6pm, Sat. 10am-3pm)
Military Behavioral Health Training (MBHT) for Peer Mentors – 15 Hour Virtual Course

Veterans will learn about behavioral and physical health issues associated with military service, how to use military experiences to be a peer mentor, develop a mentor relationship and deal with issues that may arise within the mentoring relationship
Topics addressed: Military Culture, War on Psyche, Reintegration Challenges, Physical and Mental Health Issues, Veterans in Legal System, Military ERAs, PFC Joseph P. Dwyer, Suicide Prevention, Peer to Peer Model, Roles and Responsibilities, Self-Care Resources
If interested in attending or for further questions, contact Sharon Bailey, Veteran Outreach Administrator at email sbailey@vettovetrc.org.

March 20, 2022:  St. Patrick's Day Parade in Pearl River, New York
Vietnam Veterans, Chapter #333 will be marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Pearl River on March 20th, 2022.  Ray Furlong of VVA 333, would like as many members as possible to participate so please mark your calendars!

March 23, 2022:  The Rockland County Detachment of the Marine Corps League will hold its annual Iwo Jima Commemoration luncheon at Kruckers Catering and Picnic Grove, 8I Call Hollow Road Pomona, New York (845) 354-9832
WWII VETERANS WILL BE HONORED DURING THE CAKE CUTTING
KOREAN ERA VETERANS ARE INVITED GUESTS
All Are Welcome, Bring A Friend
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 - Cash Bar 1130 Hours - Luncheon 1230 Hours
Advance payment of $45.00 (includes door prize eligibility) must be received no later than March 16, 2022 or pay $50.00 at the door. Please try to respond early so we can give an accurate count to the caterer.  See further details above.

March 25th, 2022: Game Day Social Luncheon on March 25th (Friday)
Join us for our Monthly Veteran’s Game Day Social Luncheon on March 25th (Friday) from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the Community Center Town of Clarkstown - Auditorium located at 31 Zukor Road, New City, New York 10956.  All Veterans, Caregivers and Gold Star families are welcome to join us to play games including BINGO and TRIVIA for prizes, socialize and have fun!  Bring your spouse or significant other.  This event is provided free of charge by the Rockland County PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program (Vet to Vet). There is plenty of parking available and the auditorium is very large with plenty of room for folks to spread out and maintain social distance if they choose to do so. Doors open at 10:45 am. Games will be played from 11 to 12, followed by lunch break, followed by small game breakouts. You can come and go when you please.  RSVP: Required for Lunch!  Call and reserve your seat early as we need a proper head count to order the catered meal. Please contact Izzy Quintana at email iquintana@vettovetrc.org or call cell phone number 845-587-6497 to reserve a seat or if you have further questions.

April 9th and May 21st, 2022:
Hudson Valley Honor Flights are planning their spring flights -
April 9, 2022 out of Stewart International Airport and May 21, 2022 out of Westchester County Airport.  More details to follow in the coming weeks. They are looking forward to be able to give our Veterans this experience. For further information, call Hudson Valley Honor Flight at:  ‭(845) 391-0076‬ or view their website at  https://hvhonorflight.com.

May 29th, 2022:  Raymond W. DeMeola VFW Post 1615 will hold their Memorial Day commemoration on Sunday, May 29th, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Veterans Walkway of Heroes, Independence Avenue and Lester Drive in Tappan, New York.  

Please let us know of any other Memorial Day ceremonies or events coming up so we can add it to our newsletters and website.  Send information via email to: newyorkvets@gmail.com or use the Contact Us page through our website: https://newyorkvets.org.

Vaccinations and Gulf War Veterans

Vaccinations and Gulf War Veterans

VA and research organizations continue to evaluate possible causes of Gulf War Veterans' chronic multisymptom illnesses, including vaccinations.

If you have health concerns, talk to your health care provider or contact your local VA Environmental Health Coordinator to help you get more information from a health care provider. https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/sources/vaccinations.asp

Gulf War vaccinations
Standard series of inoculations against infectious diseases provided to any U.S. citizen traveling to the Gulf (including yellow fever, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, meningitis, whooping cough, polio, tetanus);  Anthrax - about 150,000 troops; Botulinum toxoid - about 8,000 troops

VA benefits
Gulf War Veterans may be eligible for a variety of VA benefits, including:

  • Gulf War Registry health exam, a free exam for possible long-term health problems associated with Gulf War service
  • Disability compensation for diseases related to military service. VA presumes certain medically unexplained illnesses are related to Gulf War service without regard to cause.

Learn more about benefits related to Gulf War service. https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/sources/vaccinations.asp

Research on vaccinations and Gulf War Veterans
The Health and Medicine Division (formally known as the Institute of Medicine) of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine concluded in its report Gulf War and Health: Depleted Uranium, Sarin, Pyridostigmine Bromide, and Vaccines (2000) that there is inadequate or insufficient evidence to determine whether an association does or does not exist between multiple vaccinations and long-term adverse health problems.

View more research on health effects of Gulf War service https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/research.asp


Gulf War Follow-up Study
The Follow-up Study of a National Cohort of Gulf War and Gulf Era Veterans is the third in a series of surveys that examines the health of Veterans who deployed to the Gulf War in 1990-1991 and Veterans who served elsewhere during the same period. The current survey examines trends in health status over time. The results of this study will help VA to better understand the health consequences of military deployment and to guide delivery of health care.
Latest update:

Researchers found that Gulf War Veterans were more likely to report having medical conditions compared to Veterans who served elsewhere during the Gulf War Era. Gulf War Veterans also reported medical conditions earlier than non-deployed Gulf War Era Veterans.

Learn more about these findings:
  • The health of Gulf War and Gulf Era Veterans over time: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Gulf War Longitudinal Study

For further information, view this link:
https://www.publichealth.va.gov/epidemiology/studies/gulf-war-follow-up.asp

With all we've learned about toxic exposures affecting our troops / veterans through the years, do we really wonder why some of today's military may choose to not take the experimental covid vaccines?
VA Will Propose Adding Rare Cancers to Presumed List

VA will propose adding rare cancers to the presumed service-connected list as related to military environmental exposure
VA Press Release March 1st, 2022


https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5768


WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs intends to propose adding certain rare respiratory cancers to the list of presumed service-connected disabilities in relation to military environmental exposure to particulate matter.
VA determined through a focused review of scientific and medical evidence there is biologic plausibility between airborne hazards, specifically particulate matter, and carcinogenesis of the respiratory tract, and that the unique circumstances of these rare cancers warrant a presumption of service connection.

Based on these findings, VA’s Secretary is proposing a rule that will add presumptive service connection for several rare respiratory cancers for certain Veterans. The cancers under consideration include:
Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the trachea.
Adenocarcinoma of the trachea.
Salivary gland-type tumors of the trachea.
Adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung.
Large cell carcinoma of the lung.
Salivary gland-type tumors of the lung.
Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung.
Typical and atypical carcinoid of the lung.

“This is the right decision. The rarity and severity of these illnesses, and the reality that these conditions present a situation where it may not be possible to develop additional evidence prompted us to take this critical action,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “We’ll continue to hold ourselves accountable to Veterans to provide more care, more benefits and more services to more Veterans than ever before.”

VA intends to focus its rule on the rare respiratory cancers above in Veterans who served any amount of time in the Southwest Asia theater of operations and other locations. VA will invite and consider public comments as part of this process.

Once rulemaking is complete, VA will conduct outreach to impacted veterans and survivors to inform them about potential eligibility.  
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5768

Birth Defects in Children and Grandchildren of Veterans
Birth Defect Disability Claim Information

VA Form 21-0304 -- Birth Defect Disability Claim Form
https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba-21-0304-ARE.pdf

If you served in Vietnam and have children or grandchildren with a disability, you need to file VA Form 21-0304.  This is a birth defect disability claim which won't go anywhere at this time. It is being used for research. If or when it is determined that a presumptive or child disability was caused from a parent who served in Vietnam and connected to Agent Orange, your children or their children may be covered under VA disability.

There's a big push by the Vietnam Veterans of America and some people in Congress to
get this research started ASAP. Make sure you send it to the address on the
form not to your local VA.
VA Form 21-0304: https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba-21-0304-ARE.pdf
Please read information and instructions before completing application.
VA Form 21-0304: https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba-21-0304-ARE.pdf

This site provides public access to all relevant VA forms:
https://www.va.gov/find-forms/
Veteran Resources

Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one?
Find support anytime day or night.  Use this Veterans Crisis Line.


Veteran Quick Resources:  https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov
VA has a variety of mental health resources, information, treatment options, and more — all accessible to Veterans, Veterans’ supporters, and the general public. Explore the pages below to learn more about a specific mental health topic or to find information specifically tailored to your needs.

VA provides support for a variety of mental health conditions and other challenges. Each of these pages includes resources, information on treatment options, and more.

Learn About Treatment:  https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/get-help/treatment.asp
No matter how you served or what you’ve experienced in military or civilian life, you may be facing challenges that affect your health, relationships, and life — but you don’t have to face them alone. VA is here to provide and connect you with clinical resources and peer support to confront and manage any mental health challenge. Explore the sections below to learn more about treatment at VA.

Evidence-Based Therapy
Evidence-based therapies have proven to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions. These effective therapies are always evolving to meet Veterans where they are in their recovery journey and provide the best possible opportunity for improved mental health and well-being. There are multiple evidence-based therapy options available to you, depending on your specific mental health condition and treatment needs. Find more information on evidence-based therapy or other treatment options that can meet your needs by exploring the links below:
Anxiety: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/anxiety/index.asp
Bipolar: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/bipolar/index.asp
Depression: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/depression/index.asp
Effects of TBI: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/tbi/index.asp
Military Sexual Trauma: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome/index.asp
PTSD: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ptsd/index.asp
Schizophrenia: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/schizophrenia/index.asp
Substance Use: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/substance-use/index.asp

Suicide Prevention:  https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/index.asp

Tobacco:  https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/quit-tobacco/index.asp

Medication
For most mental health conditions, a combination of medications and psychosocial support and therapy offers the best opportunity for reducing symptoms and restoring prior levels of functioning. No treatment affects everyone the same way, so it is important for you and your provider to work together to determine which medication may be the most effective for you.

Supportive Treatment Options
Beyond evidence-based therapies, VA offers other supportive therapy options tailored to meet each Veteran’s needs. VA facilities offer mental health treatment services including talk therapy, supported work settings, residential programs, and other therapies, all designed to align with your preferences and lifestyle. Talk to your VA health care provider about the options available in your area.

For further information, view this link:  https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov

Veteran Peer Support Program Activities and Events

THE ROCKLAND COUNTY PFC JOSEPH P. DWYER
VETERAN PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM
Weekly ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS



For further information, contact Ismael (Izzy) Quintana
Veteran Outreach Coordinator, PFC Joseph P. Dwyer |Veteran Peer Support Program
Rockland County (Vet to Vet) | Cell: (845) 587-6497

March 2 (Wednesday) at 10:30 a.m.  We Are Dwyer Press Event - New York State Senator John E. Brooks, Chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs, and Assembly member Didi Barrett, Chair of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee will join individual leaders of the peer-to-peer support network for veterans, the Joseph P. Dwyer Project. This virtual press conference will discuss the successes of their respective and autonomous programs within 25 counties; highlight the advantages and rewards encountered in their trajectory to expand their mission with veterans suffering from and living with the mental and emotional results of their military service. The audience will hear from several Veteran panelists who will share their own unique testimonials about their personal experiences working within a particular and unique Dwyer Program community. You can watch at BRIDGES conference room along with the RC Dwyer Program team. If you want to watch from your home or office, you can register to watch the Zoom Webinar event prior to seeing it live via Zoom. You will need to RSVP and register at: www.tinyurl.com/SD8-DWYER

Military Behavioral Health Training (MBHT) for Peer Mentors – 15 Hour Virtual Course  -- March 10, 11, 12 (Thurs. 1pm-6pm, Fri. 1pm-6pm, Sat. 10am-3pm)
For those caring Veterans interested in becoming an MBHT qualified Peer Mentor. You will be able to support and assist fellow Veterans throughout Rockland County by volunteering with the Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program. The knowledge gained by taking the course will be extremely valuable when engaging members within your Veteran organizations as well as other Veterans you meet.

Veterans will learn about behavioral and physical health issues associated with military service, how to use military experiences to be a peer mentor, develop a mentor relationship and deal with issues that may arise within the mentoring relationship
Topics addressed:  Military Culture, War on Psyche, Reintegration Challenges, Physical and Mental Health Issues, Veterans in Legal System, Military ERAs, PFC Joseph P. Dwyer,
Suicide Prevention, Peer to Peer Model, Roles and Responsibilities, Self-Care, Resources
If interested in attending or for further questions, contact Sharon Bailey, LCSW Veteran Outreach Administrator at email sbailey@vettovetrc.org.

Game Day Social Luncheon on March 25th (Friday)
Join us for our Monthly Veteran’s Game Day Social Luncheon on March 25th (Friday) from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the Community Center Town of Clarkstown - Auditorium located at 31 Zukor Road, New City, New York 10956. All Veterans, Caregivers and Gold Star families are welcome to join us to play games including BINGO and TRIVIA for prizes, socialize and have fun! Bring your spouse or significant other. This event is provided free of charge by the Rockland County PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program (Vet to Vet). There is plenty of parking available and the auditorium is very large with plenty of room for folks to spread out and maintain social distance if they choose to do so. Doors open at 10:45 am. Games will be played from 11 to 12, followed by lunch break, followed by small game breakouts. You can come and go when you please.

RSVP: Required for Lunch! Call and reserve your seat early as we need a proper head count to order the catered meal. Please contact Izzy Quintana at email iquintana@vettovetrc.org or call cell phone number 845-587-6497 to reserve a seat or if you have further questions.

THE ROCKLAND COUNTY JOSEPH P. DWYER -- VETERAN PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

For further information, contact Ismael (Izzy) Quintana
Veteran Outreach Coordinator, PFC Joseph P. Dwyer |Veteran Peer Support Program
Rockland County (Vet to Vet) |Email: iquintana@vettovetrc.org| Cell: (845) 587-6497

MEDITATION - Weekly - (M, W & F) - 9-9:30 am. Class elicits deep relaxation and helps reduce stress and anxiety with experienced Instructor Brett Cotter (Stress is Gone Founder and Author of 3 Keys To Managing PTSD). Online virtual event you can experience via Zoom. Meeting ID 983 8404 0455; Passcode: join or Click here for link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/98384040455?pwd=djE3VGhUTDJzRU1HMEJ6bnJxa3E2QT09

VETERANS WALKING CLUB - Weekly - (Wednesdays) - 9:30 am at PALISADES CENTER. Meet in front of BRIDGES, 2nd Floor, next door to Autobahn Indoor Speedway. We will walk between 45 minutes to an hour. Join a fast pace group, slow pace group or walk at your own pace for however long you want. It’s still cold outside and the mall offers us a nice warm indoor venue where we can gather together and get some fitness and exercise while we get walking! For those who want to stay and talk after the walk, meet back inside the BRIDGES lobby area and grab a chair at one of the tables.

GENTLE YOGA - Weekly - (Wednesdays) - 7-8 pm & again on (Sundays) 10-11:15 am. Virtual session via Zoom. Yoga is extremely beneficial for your physical and mental health. Instructor Mira Stangl is a 500 hour Yoga-Alliance Certified Teacher With Extensive Training in PTSD and Restorative Yoga. If interested in attending email iquintana@vettovetrc.org. Then you'll be registered to get invitations to each session.

QIGONG - Weekly - (Thursdays) from 9-10 am. (Ancient Chinese Exercise). Gentle meditative exercises based on the cultivation and refinement of Universal Life Energy known as Qi. Practicing this exercise reduces pain, stress and anxiety, improves physical fitness and improves immune function and vitality. Instructor Norman Galinsky, MFA has over 36 years experience in the art. If interested in attending or have questions, contact Izzy Quintana at email iquintana@vettovetrc.org
Book Proceeds Benefit Disabled Veterans
Please check out Vietnam veteran Roy Tschudy's book, "Endless." Roy is the current President of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #333, and writes about a variety of experiences that our Vietnam vets encountered.  As with all good books, be prepared to experience a lot of emotions with this: you will be intrigued, angry, surprised, maybe shed a tear or two, and laugh out loud at some of the shenanigans in this enjoyable tale of fact, fiction and myth. All proceeds of "Endless" go to help veterans. The book is available in paperback or Kindle edition from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Endless-Roy-Tschudy/dp/1524668516/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Roy+Tschudy+Endless&qid=1638898608&sr=8-1#customerReviews

"Endless" is the second book authored by Roy. His first book also had great reviews.
"Up Close and Personal" is available through Amazon as well.  
Employment Opportunities
Rockland Works is located at 131 N. Midland Avenue Nyack, NY 10960
Rockland Works, part of Workforce Rockland and Rockland BOCES, offer priority service where Veterans and eligible spouses (Covered Persons) are given priority of service for the receipt of employment, training, and placement services provided under all US Department of Labor (USDOL)-funded programs. This means tha
t Covered Persons either receive access to a service earlier than others or if resources are limited, the Covered Persons receive access to the service instead of others.

If you are a veteran interested in receiving career services, please visit Rockland Works Career Center. Intake Orientation dates for orientations can be found on their event calendar on their website
http://www.rocklandworks.org.  
For further information, call Rockland Works at their main number (845) 770-2900 or fill out their "intake form" at this link: https://rocklandworks.org/get-started/.  The intake specialist will then direct the interested individual to the correct department at the career center.   You can also sign up to receive their monthly Hot Jobs flyer.

New York Police Department Exam:  
Registration going on now -- until March 11th, 2022.  https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dcas/downloads/pdf/noes/20222110000.pdf
WHAT THE JOB INVOLVES:
Police Officers perform general police duties and related work in the New York City Police Department including connecting and building relationships with the community. They patrol an assigned area on foot or in a vehicle to prevent crime; apprehend crime suspects; intervene in various situations involving crimes in progress, aided cases, complaints, emotionally disturbed persons, etc.; respond to and investigate vehicular accidents; investigate specific offenses; interact with prisoners; operate and maintain patrol vehicles; issue summonses; obtain information regarding incidents by interviewing witnesses, victims, and/or complainants; safeguard and voucher found, seized or recovered property; provide information to the public; handle situations involving maltreated, abused, or missing children; interact with juveniles; may be assigned to crowd control for large-scale events such as demonstrations, rallies and parades; prepare forms and reports; and testify in court. All Police Officers perform related work.
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dcas/downloads/pdf/noes/20222110000.pdf

PDI -- 2 Nice-Pak Park, Orangeburg, New York 10962
For updated career opportunities at PDI, visit this website:

https://recruiting.ultipro.com/NIC1003/JobBoard/d93555cb-6498-e637-8827-342b0f2a5a29/?q=&o=postedDateDesc
PDI is an infection prevention company dedicated to Be The Difference®
Our three divisions, PDI Healthcare, Sani Professional® and PDI Contract Manufacturing, are always striving to do more to reduce the spread of infection and preserve the well-being of those touched by our products.  We are currently hiring Full-time Production Employees! These are Temp-to-Hire positions for our Union Associates.
We have tons of great job opportunities at the above link but here are some others:
+ Packers
+ Machine Operators
+ Material Handlers
+ Winder Operators
+ Forklift Operators
Shifts and pay rates:
+ 1st shift 7:00am - 3:05pm - 2nd shift 3:00pm-11:05pm - 3rd shift 11:00pm-7:05am.
+ Competitive wages.
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.*
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO quidelines.
Vaccinated only will be considered.

Company:  Johnson Controls
Please find below a series of Web Site addresses concerning job openings from Johnson Controls.  Johnson Controls is a large company doing business with the U.S. Government, Military, Industrial, and Commercial companies throughout the U.S.
Please see list of job openings in the New York State area.  Johnson Controls would like to hire veterans where possible.  If any of your members are interested, I can put the veteran in contact with my friend who can help with applying for the below positions.  For further information, contact:  
John H.Leighton
Cell phone: 845-521-5361
Email:   jhleighton@att.net
Email John Leighton with Name, Town in NY, Email address and phone number.
Here are some available positions:
http://k.rfer.us/JOHNSONCTRLEAhv5Q  Fire Suppression Technician
http://k.rfer.us/JOHNSONCTRLYXGv5S   Control systems Technician
http://k.rfer.us/JOHNSONCTRLHI7v5T    Security Installer
http://k.rfer.us/JOHNSONCTRL4r7v5U    HVAC TB Controls Technician
http://k.rfer.us/JOHNSONCTRL0E.v5V     Security Installer
http://k.rfer.us/JOHNSONCTRL0JWv5W  Customer Operations Associate
http://k.rfer.us/JOHNSONCTRLER8v5X   Security Installer
http://k.rfer.us/JOHNSONCTRLKg5v5Y     Chiller Apprentice
Note: Each position has its own unique location.

Con Edison Careers:
View this link for available job opportunities:  http://careers.coned.com/jobs/search
Be advised Con Ed is always looking for Veterans for General Utility Worker and Customer Service Representatives. 
Please check out the link above for updated positions and detailed job descriptions.  For further information, contact  James E. Christman, MBA, MEM, SHRM-CP |Project Specialist
Veterans and Disabilities Recruiter. | Con Edison | 4 Irving Place, NY, NY 10003
christmanja@coned.com  |  Office: 212-460-3110

Veterans Employment and Training Services (VETS) Resources for Veterans
The Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) is committed to helping America's veterans and separating service members by preparing them for meaningful careers, providing employment resources and expertise, and protecting their employment rights.  View link for further information and resources

Department of Labor - Grants VETS provides critical resources, expertise, and training to assist veterans in locating and obtaining meaningful careers.
Grant Opportunities Jobs For Veterans State Grants program provides federal funding to hire dedicated staff and assist employers fill their workforce needs with job-seeking veterans.
VA Employment ResourcesVA Employment Resources allows veterans, service members, and their families to research, find, access, and manage their benefits and personal information.
Facts, Updates and ReportsFind the latest VETS updates and congressional reports.
FAQs  Find answers to general and federal contractor questions.
Links to Resources

FedEx Independent Service Provider
FedEx is looking to hire full time and part time drivers to deliver and pickup packages from Blauvelt, NY. Full time schedule is Monday – Friday and part time schedule has weekend positions available. Must be over 21 years old, have a clean drivers license, and be able to pass physical and drug tests. Background checks are also required. Salary for full time starts at $700 per week. Please contact 201-724-7781 to see if you qualify.

Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction of the Veterans Administration:
The link below lists current positions have been announced for the Office of Acquisition, Logistics and Construction (OALC). This is not a complete listing of all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) vacancies and may not include all positions announced for OALC. You may access VA recruitment information on the VA Jobs site at this link: https://www.va.gov/jobs/
If you wish copies of announcements listed below, please contact the individual identified in the specific announcement.  Here is the link to the OALC Job Listings:   
https://www.va.gov/oalc/career.asp

Montefiore-Nyack Hospital, Nyack, New York 10960
See link for full listing and information about career opportunities at Nyack Hospital, Nyack, New York.  https://montefiorenyackcareers.org

Good Samaritan Hospital, Suffern, New York.  Good Samaritan Hospital is affiliated with Westchester Medical Center.  See this link for available employment - https://wmchealthjobs.org/search-jobs/

Rockland County Employment Information:
Here is a link to current job openings available in Rockland County
http://rocklandgov.com/departments/personnel/job-opportunities/

Rockland County Veterans' Credits:
http://rocklandgov.com/files/8115/1120/9567/Veterans_Credit_Info.pdf

New York City Civil Service Jobs, Tests, and Results as listed in The Chief:
http://thechiefleader.com/news/civil_service/

MTA Metro-North Railroad has ongoing employment opportunities:
To apply for current jobs with the MTA, please go to the MTA Employment Portal at:  http://web.mta.info/mta/employment/

NYC Green Book Online: The Green Book is the official directory of the City of New York.  An indispensable reference guide for anyone living or working in New York City. Includes detailed listings of agencies. Website: http://a856-gbol.nyc.gov/GBOLWebsite/
Rockland County Marine Corps League

Rockland County Marine Corps League regularly receives donations of handicap assistance equipment for disabled veterans from people who want to help. The donated equipment is available for free to military veterans and their families. The items include the following:


  • Motorized Wheelchairs
  • Manual Wheelchairs
  • Oxygen Generator
  • Walkers
  • Bath Chairs
  • Transfer Benches
  • Braces
  • Crutches
  • Canes

If you have need of any of this equipment, contact the folks at the Rockland County Marine Corps League - 845-323-8774 or via e-mail: drobin137@icloud.com.
RockVets Monthly Newsletter
RockVets is an Outreach program of New York Vets, Inc.,  a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization established in 1992, to advocate for those who have worn the uniform of the U.S. Military, no matter where or when they served.


The volunteers at New York Vets / RockVets publish this monthly e-newsletter.  We are not associated with any County, State or Federal Agency but are aware of the enormous resources those agencies and other entities offer -- so we can provide information and assistance for those who have served this nation and have earned the benefits that are available.

Each month, our newsletter reaches more than 1600 local veterans or those who care about veterans' interests.  Please use this forum to let veterans know of any information, resources, links or events that might be of interest to the veteran community.  We welcome your thoughts, questions, and feedback.

Send information to our email: NewYorkVets@gmail.com or use the contact page on our website at: http://newyorkvets.org.  Thank you to those who pass this newsletter along to other veterans. We appreciate it.

Our Mailing Address
New York Vets, Inc. / RockVets
P.O. Box 387
Tomkins Cove, New York 10986                                                           

Pat McGlade
Co-Founder / Director
Email: NewYorkVets@gmail.com
Website: http://newyorkvets.org











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