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RockVets Newsletter
April  2022
Volume XIV Issue 4

                                         New Website:  NewYorkVets.org
Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of Bataan March
Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Bataan Death March Orangetown New York

Saturday April 9, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. a SHORT SYMBOLIC MARCH on BATAAN ROAD Will Commence

ALL ARE INVITED – ADMISSION IS FREE


Marchers are Gathering at Tappan Zee High School, 15
Dutch Hill Rd., Orangeburg, New York at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 9th, 2022.  Those not marching can go directly to Dominican College, 470 Western Highway South, Orangeburg, New York 10962.  There are plenty of parking spots available at Tappan Zee High School and at Dominican College on Western Highway, Orangeburg, New York.

On Saturday, April 9, 2022, thousands will come together to Commemorate this historic event which includes a short SYMBOLIC MARCH, followed by a program replete with entertainment, honored speakers and dignitaries, to be held at Dominican College. The Honorable Elmer Cato, the Consul General of the Philippines in NY will be the Keynote speaker; special honors will be paid to the 31st Infantry Regiment and the Philippine Scouts.

Four Congressional Medals of Honor awarded to heroes of the Battles of Bataan and Corregidor, the only remaining remnant of the flag of Corregidor, and other significant artifacts will be on display. Big Bands and Marching Bands will be included. Well-known Filipino and American entertainers, such as the world-famous singer Joe Bataan, the King of Latin Soul, will perform.

Sponsored by the Philippine-American Cultural Foundation, in partnership with Dominican College, many veterans’ groups and Filipino-American civic organizations will take part, joined by locally based National Guard and Reserve units.  In addition, active-duty troops of the 31st Infantry Regiment from Fort Drum, NY, whose forebears fought so valiantly at Bataan, will join us.

All veterans in attendance will be singled out for special honors.
Students are being encouraged to participate in the Symbolic March and attend the festivities.

An Educational Symposium with eminent experts discussing topics relating to the significance of the Philippines during WWII, with topics including the significance of the Filipino Guerrillas, and How Bataan Road Got Its Name, to be held in Holt Room of Dominican College starting at 3:30 p.m.

Event Agenda 2022
  • Pre-Event 11:00 AM–A Mass of Remembrance will be held at Rosary Hall Chapel, Dominican College
  • 12:30 PM: Meet in Staging Area — In parking lot of Tappan Zee H. S. , 15 Dutch Hill Rd., Orangeburg, NY. (Those not joining the March can go directly to Dominican College; 470 Western Highway South, Orangeburg).
  • 1:00 PM: SYMBOLIC MARCH on Bataan Rd will commence.
  • 1:15 PM: Arriving at Dominican College, The Big Band will be playing music from the 1940s/WWII era. Music continues.
  • People congregate in Dominican College
  • The 10th Mountain Division Band will perform
  • View artifacts
  • Meet and chat with REENACTORS
  • Photos with reenactors and General MacArthur and President Quezon.
  • Eat from food wagons including plenty of Filipino food, of course! Souvenirs, t-shirts, etc. will be sold.

2:00 PM: The Commemoration will begin
  • Invocation given by Sister Barbara of Dominican College.
  • National Anthems of Philippines and the US sung by the Voice of Friendship Singers, conducted by Marvin Gayatgay, formerly of the Madrigal Singers.
  • Remarks given by local dignitaries and Elaine Fan, NY State Director of Asian-American Affairs.
  • Military Veterans and Active Duty troops will be honored and introduced.
  • Edward Lengel, Chief Historian of the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, TX, will tell us about the latest developments at the museum.
  • Sister Mary Eileen O’Brien, President of Dominican College will speak.
  • County Executive Ed Day will speak.
  • Speakers from Ukrainian organizations will attend and are invited to speak.
  • Ex-U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Harry Thomas, will speak (tentative).
  • Lezlee Peterzell Ballanich, singer extraordinaire from Nyack, will perform an original song to honor her uncle, Major Roy Robinton, USMC who fought on Corregidor, and died while a POW.
  • Representatives of the Philippine Scout Heritage Society and the 31st Infantry Regiment Association will be called on to say a few words and talk about the Scouts and the 31st.
  • Voice of Friendship Singers will give their rendition of Filipino songs including songs song by Filipino Guerrillas.
  • KEYNOTE SPEAKER: The Honorable Elmer Cato, Consul General of the Philippines in NYC will deliver the Keynote Speech.
  • JOE BATAAN, the world renowned Filipino-American singer, will perform several of his most well-known hits.
  • At Bataan Road, a wreathe will be laid at the Memorial Plaque which honors the Filipino-American troops; accompanied by an Honor Guard, a bugler will blow taps.
  • A recording by Kate Smith of God Bless American will be played as people leave this area.
  • People will walk over to Holt Room to view artifacts which will include Four Congressional Medals of Honor, including that of General Jonathan Wainwright.

4:00 PM: the SYMPOSIUM will commence.
Speaker topics will include:

  • Mary Cardenas, Director of the Orangetown Museum, will talk about Camp Shanks, the largest Embarkation Camp during World War II (the Bataan Commemoration is being held on what was Camp Shanks).
  • Filipino Guerrillas, a broad overview — LTC (ret.) James Kelly Morningstar
  • Lucky Guillermo, famous Filipino movie producer will tell about his experiences making numerous Documentaries about WWII in the Philippines.
  • How Filipino guerrillas saved American pilots, as told by Gregory G. Fletcher, whose father was a pilot on the USS Intrepid who was shot down during the Battle of Leyte Gulf and rescued and saved, together with about 30 other American aviators, by Filipino Guerrillas.
  • How the courage and indomitable spirit of Bataan inspired America to victory both in Europe and the Pacific — Jerome Kleiman.
  • General MacArthur (as portrayed by Robert Tidwell) and President Quezon (as portrayed by JonJon Raphael) will be interviewed by eminent historian, Dr. Edward Lengel Chief Historian at the Nation Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, TX.

In the event of seriously inclement weather, the whole event, aside from the Symbolic March, will be moved indoors, to the Hennessy Center of Dominican College.

Event Website:  https://rememberbataan.org
For further information, please contact:
Jerry Kleiman via email:  JeromeKleiman@att.net or cell phone at: 845-641-4217

NAMI Home Front Online Course For Veterans and Families

NAMI Homefront Education Program - Free Zoom Classes
NAMI Homefront is a free, six-session education program for family, friends and significant others of Military Service Members and Veterans with mental health conditions. It focuses on the unique needs of military and Veteran communities, such as post-deployment and post-discharge transitions.

NAMI Orange County, Inc., the local organization of the National Alliance on Mental Illness,
will offer its Zoom NAMI Homefront Education Program beginning Saturday, May 7, 14, 21, 28, June 4, 11; with June 18 as our backup day if needed. 9:30 am - 12 noon EST.

The course is designed to help family members understand and support their loved one while maintaining their own well-being. The trained teachers of this course are also family members who have experience with military culture and know what it’s like to have a loved one living with symptoms of a mental health condition.  NAMI Homefront is an adaptation of the evidence-based NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program, which has been taught in VA health facilities since the late 1990s.


For further information or to register for the online zoom program, To Register for the online zoom program, contact Pat Siano via email at: namipatsiano@gmail.com or by telephone:
1-251-979-8583.

VVA Chapter #333 -- Memories at the Wall
Open letter to the men of VVA-333 who dedicate their time to help educate students & teachers about the Vietnam War during the 1960’s & 70’s. Vietnam Memories, Stories Left at the Wall was created by Gary Patnosh and with technical assistance from Gregg Malora.

V.V.A. Chapter 333 started teaching this program in 2000 to schools in Rockland County and Northern New Jersey with educating over 100,000 parents, students and teachers in the last 22 years.

We have just finished up an amazing two week “tour” at Suffern High school. At our assembly we had 768 students and staff attend. During our museum presentation, 702 students attended.

I would like to personally thank the following people who have put in the effort to help educate our children with either the assembly or the museum portion:  Irv Able, Marcus Arroyo, Brian Barnet, Dan D’Angelo, Roger Dupont, Jay Fink, Ed Frank, Cliff Fromm, Ray Furlong, John Leighton, Bruce McClintock, Paul Mattern, John Mastandrea, Lee Pelton, Don Piller, Rich Rossi, Roy Tschudy.

During the last two weeks the students and staff got to see living history from each and every one of you. They got to see us peel back the onion and expose ourselves to the memories and experiences of our war along with some of the scars it left. As you just witnessed, we like to infuse different subjects each period to keep the kids (and staff) engaged.

During these two weeks they got to see and hear what a tunnel rat’s job was with Don Piller crawling around on the floor doing a demo. They got to hear Cadence barked out, they learned what a “Dear John” letter is and JODY ran off with his girl; they heard music from our era by our singing doo-wop Piller & Dagistino.

We covered the entire era and explained our program was about loss & healing. Not just faces, but humans who gave it their all every single day in the name of freedom. We showed them what brotherhood is and what different jobs each and every one of us had. We even heard from Brian who was with MI, Military Intelligence and what it was and what an oxymoron that was to explain.

The students listened about the cause and effects of Agent Orange and gave us feedback. Most importantly they learned about the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform and the cost of freedom. I would also like to thank Wayne Jacaruso (who works at Suffern High) for talking about losing his brother Frank on the Perfume River and how families cope with the aftermath.

Gentlemen, I am honored to serve with you.

Howard Goldin
Past President VVA-333
VVA 333 coordinator for Vietnam Memories, Stories Left at the Wall

Check out the VVA 333 website here: https://www.vva333.com
A Final Resting Place for Former Navy Corpsman
Richard Frankovits aka "Doc", a former Navy Corpsman that served with the Marines in Vietnam, has recently passed away. Doc lived alone with no family to claim his body.  Doc's name is inscribed on the Washington Avenue Soldiers' Monument and Triangle located at the intersection of Lafayette Avenue and Washington Ave in Suffern, New York for his honorable service to our country during the Vietnam War.  The Rockland County Veterans Service Agency,  coordinated with the Marine Corp League, Rockland County Detachment and VVA Chapter #333 Color Guards to honor Doc at his final resting place at Fred Loescher Veterans Cemetery on March 12, 2022.
VA Chapter #333 members Ed Frank, Marcus Arroyo, Don Pillar and Roy Tschudy carried the Casket for
Richard Frankovic Funeral 03.12.22.
VVA Chapter 333 at Pearl River St. Patrick's Day Parade
Note from Roy Tschudy, President, VVA #333:
After a two year hiatus due to Covid, the Pearl River St. Patrick's Day Parade was back in full force. Our Chapter was well represented today with Color Guard/Honor Guard led by Commander Ray Furlong who always performs an exemplary job!  Although the weather was a bit on the cool side, nonetheless our intrepid group of members stood tall and that includes Donnie! 😁 Kudos to Roger DuPont who marched in the frigid conditions in a short sleeve shirt! You can send your "Get well" cards to Roger at Nyack Hospital!

Chapter 333 Banner was carried by 2nd V.P. Donnie Pillar along with student volunteer Alex Vernace, they were followed by Lee Pelton Rifle in tote, Ray Furlong bearing the colors and Al D'Agostino with his Rifle just same as back in Vietnam!

Behind these gents were a contingent of members who marched to cadence (well, sort of) with broad smiles accepting well wishes from the throngs of those nice people lining the streets.  As one member stated to me since this was his first parade in over fifty years, "what a nice welcoming, big difference from the one we received when we came home."

Indeed it was! Thank you to the members who came out today, thank you Ray Furlong for always being prepared and performing an A-One job and thank you to Al D'Agostino who squeezed us into his van for the drive back to our vehicles. Keep an eye out for our own Cliff Fromm photos of the day which you will find on the VVA website.

Lastly, please visit our chapter website www.vva333.com as our webmaster Debby Frank has added a poignant photo from last weeks funeral of a local Vietnam veteran. Scrolling down on the main page you will see the tribute for this veteran who may have passed all alone but was not alone on his final journey home.   Thanks again, Roy
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
At the upcoming monthly meeting on Thursday, April 7th, 2022, Roy Tschudy will pass the torch to Ray Furlong, the incoming VVA Chapter 333 President.  General Membership Meeting Thursday, April 7th, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. at Kearsing-Edwards American Legion Post 1600, 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York 10970.  You can attend in person or via Zoom.  

Information for Zoom link:
Topic: Ray Furlong's Zoom Meeting 
Time: April 7, 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 may 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.

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
Tuesday, April 5,  2022:  Vietnam Memories Program: Members of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #333 will be at Felix Festa Middle School starting April 5th, 2022 to present the Vietnam Memories Program.   For further information, contact Howard Goldin via email:  goldingoose@verizon.net.

Thursday, April 7, 2022:  Veterans Information Session: Congers Community Center, 8 Gilchrist Road, Congers, New York 10920 on Thursday, April 7th, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.
Susan Branam, Director of the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency, will be speaking about benefits available to military veterans and their families.  She will also be covering proposal changes to the VA Hudson Valley Healthcare.  The Presentation will be followed by a question and answer period.


Thursday, April 7, 2022:  Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #333 monthly meeting:
General Membership Meeting Thursday, April 7th, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.
Kearsing-Edwards American Legion Post 1600, 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York 10970

Saturday, April 9, 2022: Free Veterans Easter/Passover Dinner Bags for Military and Veterans Families.  Pick up the dinner bags on April 9th, between 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at the
Street Community Center, 31 Zukor Road, New City 10956.  RSVP: email Clarkstown Supervisor at Supervisor@Clarkstown.org or call 639-2050.  Special "Thanks to Vets" food bags will include turkey, potatoes, and vegetables. Please bring Veterans ID card.  
Sponsored by: Veteran's Angels of Hope, Anchor Trading, and People to People

Saturday, April 9, 2022:  80th Anniversary of the Bataan Death March
On Saturday, April 9, 2022, thousands will come together to Commemorate this historic event which includes a short SYMBOLIC MARCH, followed by a program replete with entertainment, honored speakers and dignitaries, to be held at Dominican College. The Honorable Elmer Cato, the Consul General of the Philippines in NY will be the Keynote speaker; special honors will be paid to the 31st Infantry Regiment and the Philippine Scouts.
Event Website: https://rememberbataan.org
For further information, please contact:
Jerry Kleiman via email: JeromeKleiman@att.net or cell phone at: 845-641-4217


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.

April 14th, 2022: VA Education Service -- First GI Bill Virtual Summit
When: Thursday, April 14, 2022 from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. EDT

Where: Virtually via Facebook Live on VA’s Post-9/11 GI Bill Facebook page
What: An hour long virtual event to have your GI Bill questions answered, and learn more about:
GI Bill modernization and what it means for you
Monthly Enrollment Verification requirement
How the expiration of COVID-19 benefit protections will affect you, and much more

April 16th, 2022:  Orange County American Legion Riders First Annual VETERAN TASK FORCE -- Blessing of the Bikes and Pancake Breakfast
In cooperation with the Hudson Valley Veteran Task Force -- Saturday, April 16th
Blessing of the Bikes at Orange Country Veterans Cemetery Goshen, NY
Meet time: 8:30 a.m. -- Blessing of the Bikes: 9:00 a.m. -- KickStands Up: 9:30 a.m.;
Ride to the Pancake Breakfast -- American Legion Post 1443 -- Greenwood Lake, New York
Open to the Public & all Veterans - 9:00 a.m. -12:00 noon
Donation: $20 - Afghanistan Vets + All Kids under 12 Free

May 7th to June 11th, 2022:  NAMI Orange County, Inc., the local organization of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, will offer its Zoom NAMI Homefront Education Program beginning Saturday, May 7, 14, 21, 28, June 4, 11.

May 14th, 2022:  Vet Fishing Day : First Come - First Served
Whortlekill Rod & Gun Club, Saturday May 14th, 2022
Hope for Heroes welcomes our Heroes to the historic Whortlekill Rod and Gun Club.
Founded in 1938, the Whortlekill Rod & Gun Club is situated on 82 acres in the
heart of historic Hopewell Junction N.Y. and includes a private 24 acres stocked lake, picnic area, clubhouse, and many other outdoor sporting opportunities.  PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

EVENT SCHEDULE: Sign in 7:00 -8:00 am; Fishing 8:00-11:00; Barbecue lunch 11:00 -1:00; 
Fishing 1:00 -3:00 pm.  If anyone is interested in participating in this free event, get in touch with Mark Cozzupoli or the contact numbers listed below. It is first come first served but there will also be a backup list if anyone drops out. Gear will be provided for those who need it.  It will be fun!!!  Mark A. Cozzupoli, Director, Ulster County Veteran Services, Chief Master Sergeant,     USAF (Ret).  Contact information:  Office: (845) 340-3195 or Email:  mcoz@co.ulster.ny.us
For more Information on the event contact Matt Notaro 845-590-1449 or email: mnotaro@heroeshope.org.  WHORTLEKILL ROD & GUN CLUB, 540 NY-376, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533  Website:  https://www.whortlekill.com

VA Education Service - First GI Bill Virtual Summit
VA Education Service -- First GI Bill Virtual Summit
Thursday, April 14th, 2022

You’re Invited to the 2022 GI Bill® Summit!
Greetings GI Bill students!
We have an exciting announcement! The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Education Service will be hosting the first ever 2022 GI Bill® Summit virtually on Thursday, April 14th, and you're invited to attend!  This will be YOUR opportunity to engage directly with VA leadership to get your education benefits questions answered and get the latest updates about how we’re modernizing your GI Bill experience.

When: Thursday, April 14, 2022, from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. EDT
Where: Virtually via Facebook Live on VA’s Post-9/11 GI Bill Facebook page
What: An hour long virtual event to have your GI Bill questions answered, and learn more about:
  • GI Bill modernization and what it means for you
  • Monthly Enrollment Verification requirement
  • How the expiration of COVID-19 benefit protections will affect you, and much more

Submit your education benefits questions to RallyPoint here:
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/2022-gi-bill-summit-q-a-with-va-what-are-your-education-benefits-questions
Then RSVP for the 2022 GI Bill Summit HERE: https://2022gibillsummit.splashthat.com/
We look forward to seeing you there!
Free Entrance to National Parks

Free Entrance to National Parks.  Explore the outdoors.
You can use your Veteran ID Card (VIC) to gain free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests. Gold Star Families and Veterans can enjoy a variety of activities like camping, hiking, biking, and much more.  
For further information: Free Entrance to National Parks

If you don't already have your Veteran ID
card, view this link for how to get one: https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic/

Blessing of the Bikes Event Honors Afghanistan Veterans
Blessing of the Bikes Pancake Breakfast  Event Honors Afghanistan Veterans - April 16th, 2022

Orange County Blessing of the Bikes Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser Event Honors Afghanistan Veterans: 1st annual Orange County Blessing of the Bikes and Pancake Breakfast on Easter Saturday morning to raise awareness and funds for especially Afghanistan veterans.


Orange County American Legion Riders
First Annual VETERAN TASK FORCE -- Blessing of the Bikes and Pancake Breakfast

In cooperation with the Hudson Valley Veteran Task Force -- Saturday, April 16th
Blessing of the Bikes at Orange Country Veterans Cemetery Goshen, NY
Meet time: 8:30 a.m. -- Blessing of the Bikes: 9:00 a.m. -- KickStands Up: 9:30 a.m.;
Ride to the Pancake Breakfast -- American Legion Post 1443 -- Greenwood Lake, New York
Open to the Public & all Veterans - 9:00 a.m. -12:00 noon
Donation: $20 - Afghanistan Vets + All Kids under 12 Free
Proceeds go to Orange County American Legion Veteran Support Activities
Veterans Service Organizations will be on hand to provide information on how Veterans can get help and how you can help Veterans!

For more information on the Blessing of the Bikes, call Christopher Holshek at: 1.845.800.6880.
For more information on the Pancake Breakfast, call Gerald Brewer, 1.845.395.8230.

Veterans Quick 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
ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS




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
Town of Clarkstown Seasonal Workers
Town Department of Engineering and Facilities Management is hiring seasonal employees (April to October 2022). Up to 40 hours a week, willing to work days, nights, weekends if necessary. Must be 18 years old. Job duties include: grounds keeping and general maintenance.  If interested email Ron Gaglione at: r.gaglione@clarkson.org

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.
Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) Resources and Other Information

Grants and Opportunities  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 Resources. VA Employment Resources allows veterans, service members, and their families to research, find, access, and manage their benefits and personal information.
Updates and Reports. Find the latest VETS updates and congressional reports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Find answers to general and federal contractor questions.

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 welcome your thoughts, questions, and feedback. E-mail: NewYorkVets@gmail.com.

We are not affiliated with Rockland County Government nor the Veterans Service Agency of Rockland.

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 they might enjoy. Send information to NewYorkVets@gmail.com and thank you to all of you who pass this newsletter along to other veterans.

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

Pat McGlade
Co-Founder / Director
Website: newyorkvets.org
RockVets Newsletters: RockVets Newsletters

Email: NewYorkVets@gmail.com










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