RockVets Newsletter - November 2022

Happy Veterans Day!

Thank you to all of our veterans for your service, no matter where or when you wore the uniform of this nation. We truly appreciate all you have done for us, and all you continue to do for our community!

Upcoming Veterans Day Events
Please check with your local Villages and Towns as they may have additional Veterans Day ceremonies.

Friday, November 4th, 2022: The Town of Clarkstown Veterans Day Appreciation Ceremony and Luncheon. This will be held on November 4th, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. Street Community Center, 31 Zukor Road in New City, New York 10956.

Sunday, November 6th, 2022: Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #333 will hold their annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park off Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, New York 10962. The ceremony starts at 10:00 a.m. Muster at 9:30 a.m. The public is invited.

Sunday, November 6th, 2022 at 12:00 noon:
Rockland County Veterans Day Ceremony and Veteran of the Year:
Rockland County Courthouse, Main Street and New Hempstead Road, New City, New York 10956. The ceremony begins at 12:00 noon. The public is welcome to attend. Former President of VVA #333, Alan Dagistino, will be named as Rockland County 2023 Veteran of the Year.

Sunday, November 6th, 2022:
Frank's 32nd Annual Marine Corps Birthday Party at 1400 - 1800 Hours
All Marines and Other Support Organizations will report to Kearsing Edwards American Legion -- 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York 10970 on Sunday, November 6th, 2022.
Events will include: Pass in Review Chowline; Oldest and Youngest Marine; Birthday Cake Cutting; Slop Chute Prices. All are welcome -- Bring a Buddy!

Thursday, November 10th, 2022:
Twenty-Ninth Annual Rockland County Marine Corps Birthday Luncheon
To make a reservation or for further information, call: (845) 354-9832
Location: Krucker’s Catering and Picnic Grove
81 Call Hollow Road, Pomona, New York 10970
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cocktail and Sea Story Hour (CASH BAR) Lunch at 12:30 p.m.
Menu: Prime Rib of Beef, Lemon Salmon, or Chicken Marsala, Wine for Toast, Beer on Tables at Luncheon, Birthday Cake and Coffee.
$50.00 per person in advance. $55.00 to pay at the door
Make checks payable to: Rockland MCL and mail to Rockland County Marine Corps League 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York 10970. For further information, call 845-354-9832

Friday, November 11th, 2022: The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor will celebrate Veterans Day with programming on Friday, November 11th, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
The program will begin with a brief wreath-laying ceremony followed by a presentation featuring letters, diaries and recollections from veterans of the Revolutionary War through today. This will be an audience participation event where audience members will be asked to read a selection from our veteran’s timeline, emphasizing that our veterans are all around us. Admission is FREE. Seating is limited and reservations are strongly encouraged.
Please call 845-561-1765 to place a reservation. Seats are limited.

Veterans Day is a national public holiday held on the anniversary of the end of World War I, on November 11th, to honor U.S. military veterans and the victims of all wars. This holiday is a celebration to honor America's veterans for their love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Our history is composed of the collective memory of all who keep those memories alive.

The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located at 374 Temple Hill Road (Route 300) New Windsor NY 12553, three miles south of I-84 exit 36B and I-87 exit 17. Parking, gift shop, and picnic grounds are located on site. Gallery exhibits are open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday - Saturday and from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday. For more information about The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor visit the website http://www.thepurpleheart.com or call 845-561-1765.

Tuesday, November 15th, 2022: Veterans' Breakfast at Dominican University
November 15th, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. New York State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick is hosting a Veterans' Breakfast at Dominican University, Granito Center, 495 Western Highway, Orangeburg, New York 10962. The event is free for veterans. Capacity is limited to 120 people, so please R.S.V.P. before November 7th, 2022 by calling 845-623-3627 or email: gilles@nysenate.gov.

Thursday, November 17th, 2022: Veteran’s Game Day Social Luncheon: On November 17th (Thursday) from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 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 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 a.m. 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 845-587-6497 to reserve a seat or if you have further questions.

ROCKLAND COUNTY CANDIDATE LIST
GENERAL ELECTION – TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8th, 2022.

Your Vote is your Voice...

General Election Hours:

Tuesday, November 8, 2022. All Poll Sites Open 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Voters must access their usual poll site unless they have received confirmation of a temporary site change.

OFFICES TO BE FILLED FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION

GOVERNOR - (Vote for 1) 4 year term
DEMOCRAT Kathy C. Hochul
REPUBLICAN Lee Zeldin
CONSERVATIVE Lee Zeldin
WORKING FAMILIES Kathy C. Hochul

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR - (Vote for 1) 4 year term
DEMOCRAT Antonio Delgado
REPUBLICAN Alison Esposito
CONSERVATIVE Alison Esposito
WORKING FAMILIES Antonio Delgado

COMPTROLLER - (Vote for 1) 4 year term
DEMOCRAT Thomas P. DiNapoli
REPUBLICAN Paul Rodriguez
CONSERVATIVE Paul Rodriguez
WORKING FAMILIES Thomas P. DiNapoli

ATTORNEY GENERAL - (Vote for 1) 4 year term
DEMOCRAT Letitia A. James
REPUBLICAN Michael Henry
CONSERVATIVE Michael Henry
WORKING FAMILIES Letitia A. James

UNITED STATES SENATOR - (Vote for 1) 6 year term
DEMOCRAT Charles E. Schumer
REPUBLICAN Joe Pinion
CONSERVATIVE Joe Pinion
WORKING FAMILIES Charles E. Schumer
LAROUCHE Diane Sare

JUSTICES OF THE SUPREME COURT (VOTE FOR 7) 14 YEAR TERM
We will also choose 7 Justices of the New York State Supreme Court who will serve 14 year terms. To view the list of Supreme Court candidates, as well as all of the current election candidates, please view this link: https://rocklandgov.com/files/6416/6499/5339/CANDIDATE_LIST_GE22.pdf

MEMBER OF CONGRESS, 17TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

(Vote for 1) 2 Year Term
DEMOCRAT Sean Patrick Maloney
REPUBLICAN Mike Lawler
CONSERVATIVE Mike Lawler
WORKING FAMILIES Sean Patrick Maloney

STATE SENATOR, 38TH SENATE DISTRICT

(Vote for 1) 2 Year Term
DEMOCRAT Elijah Reichlin-Melnick
REPUBLICAN Bill Weber
CONSERVATIVE Bill Weber
WORKING FAMILIES. Elijah Reichlin-Melnick

STATE SENATOR, 40TH SENATE DISTRICT

(Vote for 1) 2 Year Term
DEMOCRAT Peter B. Harckham
REPUBLICAN Gina A. Arena
WORKING FAMILIES Peter B. Harckham

MEMBER OF ASSEMBLY, 96TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

(VOTE FOR 1) 2 YEAR TERM
DEMOCRAT Kenneth P. Zebrowski
REPUBLICAN Brett L. Yagel

MEMBER OF ASSEMBLY, 97TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

(VOTE FOR 1) 2 YEAR TERM
DEMOCRAT Eudson Tyson Francois
REPUBLICAN John W. McGowan
CONSERVATIVE John W. McGowan

MEMBER OF ASSEMBLY, 98TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

(VOTE FOR 1) 2 YEAR TERM
DEMOCRAT Bruce M. Levine
REPUBLICAN Karl A. Brabenec
CONSERVATIVE Karl A. Brabenec

MEMBER OF ASSEMBLY, 99TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

(VOTE FOR 1) 2 YEAR TERM
DEMOCRAT Christopher W. Eachus
REPUBLICAN Kathryn D. Luciani
CONSERVATIVE Kathryn D. Luciani

There are also Elections for Ramapo Town Justice, Stony Point Town Council and Superintendent of Highways; and Trustees for the Villages of Haverstraw, Nyack, Piermont, Sloatsburg and Suffern, as well as a Village of Suffern Justice with Ernest S. Buonocore on all lines -- Republican, Conservative and Working Families. You can find these and all other candidates for the 2022 Election here:
https://rocklandgov.com/files/6416/6499/5339/CANDIDATE_LIST_GE22.pdf

Also on the Ballot for this election is:
Referendums / 2022 Proposal for New York State

2022 Statewide Ballot Proposal

(There may be additional local ballot proposals in your area, please check with your county Board of Elections for more information.)

FORM OF SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL NUMBER ONE, A PROPOSITION

CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, AND GREEN JOBS Environmental Bond Act of 2022

To address and combat the impact of climate change and damage to the environment, the "Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022” authorizes the sale of state bonds up to four billion two hundred million dollars to fund environmental protection, natural restoration, resiliency, and clean energy projects. Shall the Environmental Bond Act of 2022 be approved?

ABSTRACT OF PROPOSAL NUMBER ONE, A PROPOSITION

CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, AND GREEN JOBS Environmental Bond Act of 2022

The purpose of this proposal is to authorize the creation of state debt and the sale of state bonds in the amount of up to four billion two hundred million dollars ($4,200,000,000) for certain capital projects for the purpose of making environmental improvements that preserve, enhance, and restore New York's natural resources and reduce the impact of climate change. If approved, the proposal would allow the State to borrow up to $4,200,000,000 to provide funding for capital projects for the following: restoration and flood risk reduction (at least $1,100,000,000), open space land conservation and recreation (up to $650,000,000), climate change mitigation (up to $1,500,000,000), and water quality improvement and resilient infrastructure (at least $650,000,000).

The proposal also would allow the State to refund the debt to take advantage of lower interest rates if the opportunity arises. To accomplish this, the proposal authorizes the State Comptroller to issue additional state bonds in sums up to or exceeding the amount of the bonds initially issued to refund, to advance refund, or otherwise to repay part or all of such bonds prior to the scheduled dates of their maturity.

TEXT OF PROPOSAL NUMBER ONE, AN PROPOSITION

"CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, AND GREEN JOBS ENVIRONMENTAL BOND ACT OF 2022"

Section

Short title.
Creation of state debt.
Bonds of the state.
Use of moneys received.

§ 1. Short title. This act shall be known and may be cited as the “clean water, clean air, and green jobs environmental bond act of 2022.”

§ 2. Creation of state debt. The creation of state debt in an amount not exceeding in the aggregate four billion two hundred million dollars ($4,200,000,000) is hereby authorized to provide moneys for the single purpose of making environmental improvements that preserve, enhance, and restore New York's natural resources and reduce the impact of climate change by funding capital projects for: restoration and flood risk reduction not less than one billion one hundred million dollars ($1,100,000,000); open space land conservation and recreation up to six hundred fifty million dollars ($650,000,000); climate change mitigation up to one billion five hundred million dollars ($1,500,000,000); and, water quality improvement and resilient infrastructure not less than six hundred fifty million dollars ($650,000,000).

§ 3. Bonds of the state. The state comptroller is hereby authorized and empowered to issue and sell bonds of the state up to the aggregate amount of four billion two hundred million dollars ($4,200,000,000) for the purposes of this act, subject to the provisions of article 5 of the state finance law. The aggregate principal amount of such bonds shall not exceed four billion two hundred million dollars ($4,200,000,000) excluding bonds issued to refund or otherwise repay bonds heretofore issued for such purpose; provided, however, that upon any such refunding or repayment, the total aggregate principal amount of outstanding bonds may be greater than four billion two hundred million dollars ($4,200,000,000) only if the present value of the aggregate debt service of the refunding or repayment bonds to be issued shall not exceed the present value of the aggregate debt service of the bonds to be refunded or repaid. The method for calculating present value shall be determined by law.

§ 4. Use of moneys received. The moneys received by the state from the sale of bonds sold pursuant to this act shall be expended pursuant to appropriations for capital projects related to design, planning, site acquisition, demolition, construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation projects specified in section two of this act.

§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately, provided that the provisions of section one of this act shall not take effect unless and until this act shall have been submitted to the people at the general election to be held in November 2022 and shall have been approved by a majority of all votes cast for and against it at such general election. Upon approval by the people, section one of this act shall take effect immediately. The ballots to be furnished for the use of voters upon submission of this act shall be in the form prescribed by the election law and the proposition or question to be submitted shall be printed thereon in the following form, namely "To address and combat the impact of climate change and damage to the environment, the "Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022” authorizes the sale of state bonds up to four billion two hundred million dollars to fund environmental protection, natural restoration, resiliency, and clean energy projects. Shall the Environmental Bond Act of 2022 be approved?"
https://rocklandgov.com/files/6416/6499/5339/CANDIDATE_LIST_GE22.pdf

THE ROCKLAND COUNTY PFC JOSEPH P. DWYER VETERAN PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM

Operation Greenlight Initiative

This coming Veterans Day, The Rockland County Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Support Program invites everyone to join “Operation Green Light," Let’s show support for our veterans by lighting our homes and buildings green from November 7th to November 13th, 2022. By shining a green light, towns, local governments, businesses, and residents, will let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated and supported.

Green lightbulbs are available free of charge at BRIDGES located at the Palisades Mall 2nd floor (above Best Buy). Stop by BRIDGES to get your lightbulb, learn more about the Joseph P. Dwyer "Vet to Vet" program and other Veteran services available in Rockland County.

For further information or to learn more about Veterans' benefits, please contact Mark Woods, Jr., Director of Veteran Peer Services --
Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program "Vet to Vet"
mwoods@vettovetrc.org or mwoods@bridgesrc.org

845-624-1366 Ext 104 (Office) or 845-521-9440 (Cell)

R.C. MARINE CORPS LEAGUE PACKAGES for TROOPS

The Rockland County Marine Corps League will conduct their 11th annual Christmas Collection of gifts for the Troops and Disabled Veterans in Veterans' Nursing Homes.

In order for the Troops to receive their gifts before Christmas all items must be collected by December 1, 2022.

The following items are needed for the collection: Amazon Cards, Playing Cards, Hairbrushes, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Soap, Theater boxes of candy (Christmas Tree Store), Christmas Candy, Hot Cocoa Packets, Candy Canes, Hand & Foot Warmers, Power Bars, (Costco) Beef Jerky, Small Packs of Holiday Cookies, non-perishable cookies, microwave popcorn, energy bars and Santa Hats (Dollar Stores).

We need your help collecting these items to fill the presents. Any donation of these items will be gratefully appreciated by the Troops and Hospitalized Veterans as wherever they are deployed, they will know they are cared by the people at home. They need these items to maintain their quality of life.

Collection point for these items will be the

Blauvelt Post Office (545 Western Highway, Blauvelt New York)
Garnerville Post Office (Route 202, Garnerville, New York)
R.C. Veteran's Service Agency (20 Squadron Blvd, Suite 480, New City, New York)
Stony Point Post Office (81 Central Highway, Stony Point, New York)
Signarama (27 Middletown Road, Nanuet, New York)
EmbroidMe, (231 S Middletown Road, Nanuet, New York - 845 627-7711)
or we will pick up the items anywhere you like -- see contact email below.

If you would like to donate for postage, please make Checks payable to the Marines at:
Rockland MCL and mail to the Marine Corps League, Kearsing-Edwards American Legion Post 1600, 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York 10970.

For More Information or for pick-up of items, please contact Chip1440@lawyer.com. This is a great way for you to support the Troops and help disabled Veterans .

If you work in a store, office or building we ask that you post this Notice for all to see and help us collect the Items, or if possible forward this Notice to your e-mail contacts.

Vet-to-Vet: Special Events
THE ROCKLAND COUNTY JOSEPH P. DWYER
VETERAN PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

Dwyer VettoVet: Special Events

Veteran’s Game Day Social Luncheon on November 17th (Thursday) 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 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 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

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. The mall offers us a comfortable indoor venue regardless of the weather outdoors where we can gather together in camaraderie and get some fitness and exercise while we get walking !

GENTLE YOGA - Weekly - (Wednesdays & Fridays) - 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

Agent Orange Newsletter
https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/publications/agent-orange/agent-orange-2022/index.asp

In this issue of the Agent Orange Newsletter, you can find information about:

The PACT ACT and Vietnam Veterans
Beyond Agent Orange: Other Tactical Herbicides
Whole Health at VA
Agent Orange and Presumptive Conditions
Vietnam Era Veterans - Facts And Demographics
VA Study Helps Us Understand Vietnam Theater Veterans’ Mental Health
Profile on Environmental Health Clinician, Carl Dahl, MD
New Certification Program On Military Exposures Now Available For Health Care Providers

https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/publications/agent-orange/agent-orange-2022/index.asp

Agent Orange Presumed Illnesses

If you served in Vietnam and have certain health conditions, VA presumes that the following conditions are related to exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides.

AL Amyloidosis
Chronic B-cell Leukemias
Chloracne
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
Hodgkin’s Disease
Ischemic Heart Disease
Multiple Myeloma
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Parkinson’s Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy, Early- Onset
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
Prostate Cancer
Respiratory Cancers
Soft Tissue Sarcomas

In addition, VA presumes certain birth defects in children of Vietnam and Korea Veterans are associated with Veterans’ qualifying military service.

Learn more about benefits related to Agent Orange exposure. View this link:
https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/benefits/index.asp

VA Life Insurance Program

Important changes are coming to VA Life Insurance programs. Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife) is launching on Jan. 1, 2023, as a new guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance program for service-connected Veterans. VA’s current offering for service-connected Veterans—Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI)—closes to new enrollment after Dec. 31, 2022. Veterans currently enrolled in S-DVI may keep their coverage or switch to VALife.

While both VALife and S-DVI cover Veterans with any level of service-connected disability (0-100%), there are key program differences to consider before deciding which program is right for you. So, what is the difference between VA Life Insurance and Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance?

Coverage amounts
VALife offers up to $40,000 in coverage, available in $10,000 increments.
S-DVI offers up to $10,000 in basic coverage. Up to $30,000 in supplemental coverage is available only if you are totally disabled, unable to work and qualify for a premium waiver.

Premium waiver
VALife does not offer a premium waiver option.
S-DVI offers a premium waiver if you are totally disabled and unable to work.

Premium amount
VALife premium rates are based on age and coverage amount. Once your VALife policy is issued, premium rates do not increase.
S-DVI premium rates are based on age, coverage amount and coverage plan.

Medical requirements and waiting period
VALife does not require you to answer health questions for enrollment. Because of this, there is a two-year waiting period for full coverage to begin, a common feature of guaranteed acceptance whole life policies.

S-DVI requires proof of good health, other than your service-connected condition(s), prior to enrollment. Once enrolled, there is no waiting period for coverage to begin.

Application timelines
VALife has no time limit to apply if you are age 80 and under. Veterans age 81 and older may qualify if they meet certain criteria.
S-DVI requires application within two years of receiving notification of a new service-connected disability rating, or by December 31, 2022, whichever comes first.

Learn more
You can learn more about VALife and S-DVI by visiting the websites below:

VALife: https://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/valife.asp
S-DVI: https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/s-dvi/

Worth repeating:

Helping Save You Money - Homeowner Tax Rebate Credit (from Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick's Newsletter)

Have you received your Homeowner Tax Rebate Credit? My Constituent Services team has been busy helping folks find out if they qualify.

Earlier this year, I proudly voted to set aside $2.2 billion to provide middle class homeowners with some tax relief this year, since inflation is hitting everyone hard. If you have not yet received your check, or if you are unsure if you qualify, can contact my office by calling 845-623-3627 or by emailing reichlin@nysenate.gov or clicking here.

You may be eligible if you: qualify for STAR, had an income less than or equal to $250,000 in the 2020 tax year, or you have a school tax liability for the 2022-2023 school year that is more than your 2022 STAR benefit. For further information and to see if you are eligible use this link: Homeowner Tax Rebate Program

Albany Office:
188 State Street
617 Legislative Office Building
Albany, NY 12247
518-455-2991
Email:
reichlin@nysenate.gov

Rockland District Office:
163 Airport Executive Park
Nanuet, NY 10954
Phone: 845-623-3627

Note from Chip Hayes, Rockland County's Veteran of the Year for 2022:

If a civilian Law Firm prepared a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and/or a Living Will for you, the VA more than likely will not accept it, if you are admitted to a VA facility.

The VA has their own regulations concerning Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and/or Living Wills. To cover yourself, or your spouse, here are the VA forms that VA will accept. Don’t get caught short handed, fill out the forms, have it witnessed by two (2) people and have it notarized. Then File it with the VA. Many veterans do not realize they or their spouse may wind up in a VA Hospital or Nursing Home.

You can find further information and the relevant VA Form 10.0137 at this link:
https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-0137/

Camp Lejeune

You may be eligible for VA health benefits if you served on active duty or resided at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987.

For further information, view this link to the VA website:
https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/camp-lejeune-water-contamination/

Veterans who are determined to be eligible will be able to receive VA health care. In addition, care for qualifying health conditions is provided at no cost to them.

Eligible family members receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical expenses incurred from the treatment of qualifying health conditions after all other health insurance is applied.

Qualifying health conditions for VA Medical Care include:

Bladder cancer
Breast Cancer
Esophageal cancer
Female Infertility
Hepatic steatosis
Kidney cancer
Leukemia
Lung Cancer
Miscarriage
Multiple myeloma
Myelodysplastic syndromes
Neurobehavioral effects
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Renal toxicity
Scleroderma

A Camp Lejeune veteran does not need to have one of the 15 health conditions to be eligible to receive VA health care, nor do they need a service connected disability to be eligible as a Camp Lejeune veteran for VA health care.

The VA has also established a presumptive service connection for veterans, reservists, and National Guard members exposed to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune from August 1, 1953 through December 31, 1987 who later developed one of the following eight diseases:

Adult leukemia
Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
Bladder cancer
Kidney cancer
Liver cancer
Multiple myeloma
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Parkinson's disease

The area included in this presumption is all of Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River, including satellite camps and housing areas. This presumption complements the health care already provided for 15 illnesses or conditions listed above.

For further information: https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/camp-lejeune-water-contamination/

Please check out Vietnam veteran Roy Tschudy's book, "Endless." Roy is a past 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 Tschudy. His first book also had great reviews.
"Up Close and Personal" is available through Amazon as well.

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.
https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/4624

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 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 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 any government agency such as the Veterans Administration, Rockland County Government, nor the Veterans Service Agency of Rockland.

Each month, our newsletter reaches more than 1800 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 or send us a note through our website: https://newyorkvets.org. Thank you for passing 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: http://newyorkvets.org
RockVets Newsletters: New York Vets / RockVets Newsletters
Email: NewYorkVets@gmail.com

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