{"MatterTextId":8381,"MatterTextGuid":"5F306A54-D86E-48F5-A7E0-16EEA0E0E8DE","MatterTextLastModifiedUtc":"2026-07-01T20:10:09.503","MatterTextRowVersion":"AAAAAABuvcU=","MatterTextMatterId":10255,"MatterTextVersion":"1","MatterTextPlain":" VETERANS SERVICE AGENCY REPORT\n    \nJuly 9, 2026 - 12:00 PM\n\nDirector's Report\n\n* Local Activities\no On five separate dates in April and May, our Clerk Sheldon Dillon helped to distribute up to 21 pallets of food, on each occasion, with Sharon Ferber at the Community Assistance Center to distribute pallets of food. On many occasions after loading pallets, Sheldon will personally deliver the food enabling him to gather information on veterans in need.\no On April 9th and May 15th, I attended NY State Department of Veterans Services training that covered the following topics:\n* Adjudication errors\n* Inadequate exams\n* TDIU\n* Lay Evidence\n* Mental Health (VA has been cited for changing PTSD diagnosis to unspecified trauma to reduce the rating percentage)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     \no On April 13th & 27th and May 4th, I attended the ATI Coffee and Camaraderie sessions with 5 local veterans to discuss VA and county programs and services available.\no On April 17th, I attended the Sullivan County Drug Task Force meeting. This meeting was well attended by VA and County representatives to discuss effectiveness of existing programs and implementation of new programs and services coming to the Hudson Valley.\no On May 11th, I attended the \"Personalities in the Workplace\" training at Resorts World.  The training was well attended and very effective. \no On January 7th, our office staff began formulating an SOP for State Veterans Home admission. We are working with Public Health Nursing (PHN) for PRI screening and medical documentation. \no On May 14th, I met with State Veterans Home representatives from Montrose, Stony Brook, and St Albans to further review eligibility criteria.\no On May 16th, Sheldon Dillon attended the 12th Annual Hudson Valley Renegades Veterans Appreciation Day baseball game, making contact with veterans and advocates from the Hudson Valley region.\no This year's Memorial Day Service was conducted at the Sullivan County Veterans' Cemetery and was very well attended by veterans, families, and community members. We were honored to welcome Retired Command Sergeant Major Auxier as our Guest of Honor. His remarks were well received and contributed significantly to the success of the ceremony.\nLooking ahead to next year, I would recommend that all Veterans Service Agency ceremonial events be conducted at the Government Center. This location offers several advantages, including ADA accessibility, public restroom facilities, protection from inclement weather, and a more efficient setup and breakdown process for Department of Public Works personnel.\no In April and May, I attended the Sullivan County Veterans Coalition meetings.  Some of the topics that were discussed: \n* The Monster Classic Run/Walk (Howie will provide further details)\n* The Sullivan County Veterans Festival and Stand Down \n* Will be on August 8, 2026 at the Loch Sheldrake Fireman's Park from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.\n* I have requested representatives from the Vet Center and Castle Point VA Medical Center to table at the event, to distribute up to date information on VA Programs to include housing assistance.\no In April and May, I attended the NYS Dwyer Coalition meetings.  Topics covered include:\n* Preventing Veteran Homelessness\t: Communities can help prevent homelessness by identifying challenges early and connecting Veterans to resources before a housing crisis occurs.  Effective prevention strategies include:\n* Housing assistance and rental support \n* Employment and workforce development programs\n* Benefits counseling and financial assistance\n* Access to healthcare and supportive services\n* Community-based outreach efforts\n* Peer support and social connection\n* Family and caregiver support\n* Collaboration among government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations\n* Early intervention remains one of the most effective tools for preventing Veteran homelessness.\no Networking within the Division of Community Resources has prevented 3 county veterans and their families from becoming homeless in the past 2 months.\no On June 14th, The Veterans Service Agency also successfully conducted the annual Flag Day Ceremony in partnership with the Liberty Elks Lodge BPOE. Guest Speaker Doug Sandberg, a United States Air Force veteran, delivered an outstanding presentation. Jeff Radio provided event coverage and support, helping to make the ceremony a successful community event.\n\no On June 17th, I met with Legislator Cat Scott to discuss burial eligibility for the County Veterans' Cemetery. \nThe current eligibility criteria require the veteran to have entered the military from Sullivan County or be a current resident at time of death. However, there is no provisions for veterans who have maintained homes or property that they have continuously paid taxes on while living outside the County. Hopefully a Resolution or amendment can be explored.\no The NY Senate Bill S1183 100% disabled property tax exemption key changes from latest amendments:\n* Mandatory statewide adoption (this language removed)\n* Exemption stacking (in addition to alternative exemptions)\n* New effective date (applies on or after October 1, 2026)\nCurrently working with Chris Knapp of Real Property to gain accurate data on eligible county veterans. \no Our office has continued to conduct wellness checks for elderly veterans and those suffering from food insecurity within the community. Working closely with our Divisional and County partners we have located and assisted many veterans that have never contacted our office or enrolled with VA healthcare. A higher number of our elderly clients are struggling with the cost of groceries and heating their homes.\no I have continued to distribute food every Sunday through Liberty PBA and many local pantries.\n \n* The Good News\no The Veterans Service Agency recently assisted a homeless veteran who relocated to Sullivan County from Kingston, New York. Working collaboratively with community partners, resources were coordinated to assist the veteran with housing and essential household needs. \nUpon arrival at our office the veteran communicated he relocated to Ferndale as he found an affordable rental. He expressed he had no food, furniture or appliances to prepare meals. He was also in need of financial assistance as recent car trouble cost him most of his savings and has fallen behind on electric bills and car insurance.\nMy staff immediately contacted Sharon Ferber of the Community Assistance Center and sent our Clerk Sheldon to the office with two bags of food. I contacted AMVETS Vice Commander Gary Hill to acquire household items the veteran needed. I advised the vet to contact the Coalition to apply for financial assistance.\nWithin three hours I delivered more food, microwave oven, utensils a bed and dresser to the veteran.\nThis rapid and effective response was made possible by cooperation within the Division of Community Resources and local veteran's organizations.\n\no The NY State Dwyer listing of County allocations and veteran population is a graphic example of how hard work and great training produce results for Sullivan County veterans:\nSuffolk County has a veteran's population of 48,220. Sullivan county has a veteran population of 3,484 yet Sullivan County brings in the same $192,400.00 in monthly benefits for our vet's and surviving spouses.\nSullivan County has maintained one of the highest rates of allocated funding statewide for their veterans.\nOur office takes great pride in obtaining the maximum benefit allowable by law, and that's what we do.\no \n\nVETERANS SERVICE AGENCY REPORT\n\nJuly 9, 2026 - 12:00 PM\n\n\n1.    Veterans referred to Sullivan County Transportation for VA Medical Appointments:\n\t\n      Albany\t \tCastle Point\t          Local\n  March\t \t    3\t\t        35\t\t\t31\t\n  April\t\t    1\t\t        41\t\t\t31                 \t\t  \n\t           \t       \t\t                 \t\t    \t                                              \n2.   Veterans/Dependents buried in Sullivan County Veterans Cemetery through June 30, 2026:   \n \n          Veterans Buried Alone . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1,186\n\n          Dependents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148                                  \n\n          Veterans/Spouses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 716\t\t\n\n          Total Burials in Veterans Cemetery  -   2,038\t\t(+21 since Dec. 2025)   \n\n      \n3. Contacts:\t\n      March\t \t308\n                   \t\tApril\t \t259\n\n4. Applications:\n\t\tMarch\t \t27\n      April\t \t24\n      \n5. Homeless Veterans:\n      March\t \t2\n\t\tApril\t \t1\n\n6. New Veterans   \n      March\t \t5\n      April\t \t4\n     \n7. Phone Calls\nMarch\t \t646\nApril\t \t795\n","MatterTextRtf":"{\\rtf1\\fbidis\\ansi\\ansicpg1252\\deff0\\deflang1033\\deflangfe1033{\\fonttbl{\\f0\\fswiss\\fprq2\\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\\f1\\froman\\fprq2\\fcharset0 Cambria;}{\\f2\\froman\\fprq2\\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\\f3\\fnil\\fprq2\\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\\f4\\fmodern\\fprq1\\fcharset0 Courier New;}{\\f5\\fswiss\\fprq2\\fcharset0 Segoe UI;}{\\f6\\froman\\fprq2\\fcharset2 Symbol;}}\n\\viewkind4\\uc1\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\qc\\b\\f0\\fs28  VETERANS SERVICE AGENCY REPORT\\par\n    \\par\nJuly 9, 2026 - 12:00 PM\\f1\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\li270\\sa200\\qc\\f2\\fs24\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\ul\\f0 Director\\rquote s Report\\par\n\\ulnone\\f2\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li990\\sa120\\qj\\b0\\f3\\'a7\\tab\\i\\f0 Local Activities\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li1710\\sa120\\qj\\i0\\f4 o\\tab\\f0 On five separate dates in April and May, our Clerk Sheldon Dillon helped to distribute up to 21 pallets of food, on each occasion, with Sharon Ferber at the Community Assistance Center to distribute pallets of food. On many occasions after loading pallets, Sheldon will personally deliver the food enabling him to gather information on veterans in need.\\par\n\\f4 o\\tab\\f0 On April 9\\super th\\nosupersub  and May 15\\super th\\nosupersub , I attended NY State Department of Veterans Services training that covered the following topics:\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li2430\\sa120\\qj\\f3\\'a7\\tab\\f0 Adjudication errors\\par\n\\f3\\'a7\\tab\\f0 Inadequate exams\\par\n\\f3\\'a7\\tab\\f0 TDIU\\par\n\\f3\\'a7\\tab\\f0 Lay Evidence\\par\n\\f3\\'a7\\tab\\f0 Mental Health (VA has been cited for changing PTSD diagnosis to unspecified trauma to reduce the rating percentage)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     \\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li1710\\sa120\\qj\\f4 o\\tab\\f0 On April 13\\super th\\nosupersub  & 27\\super th\\nosupersub  and May 4\\super th\\nosupersub , I attended the ATI Coffee and Camaraderie sessions with 5 local veterans to discuss VA and county programs and services available.\\par\n\\f4 o\\tab\\f0 On April 17\\super th\\nosupersub , I attended the Sullivan County Drug Task Force meeting. This meeting was well attended by VA and County representatives to discuss effectiveness of existing programs and implementation of new programs and services coming to the Hudson Valley.\\par\n\\f4 o\\tab\\f0 On May 11\\super th\\nosupersub , I attended the \\ldblquote Personalities in the Workplace\\rdblquote  training at Resorts World.  The training was well attended and very effective. \\par\n\\f4 o\\tab\\f0 On January 7\\super th\\nosupersub , our office staff began formulating an SOP for State Veterans Home admission. We are working with Public Health Nursing (PHN) for PRI screening and medical documentation. \\par\n\\f4 o\\tab\\f0 On May 14\\super th\\nosupersub , I met with State Veterans Home representatives from Montrose, Stony Brook, and St Albans to further review eligibility criteria.\\par\n\\f4 o\\tab\\f0 On May 16\\super th\\nosupersub , Sheldon Dillon attended the 12th Annual Hudson Valley Renegades Veterans Appreciation Day baseball game, making contact with veterans and advocates from the Hudson Valley region.\\par\n\\f4 o\\tab\\f0 This year\\rquote s Memorial Day Service was conducted at the Sullivan County Veterans\\rquote  Cemetery and was very well attended by veterans, families, and community members. We were honored to welcome Retired Command Sergeant Major Auxier as our Guest of Honor. His remarks were well received and contributed significantly to the success of the ceremony.\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\li1710\\sa240\\qj Looking ahead to next year, I would recommend that all Veterans Service Agency ceremonial events be conducted at the Government Center. This location offers several advantages, including ADA accessibility, public restroom facilities, protection from inclement weather, and a more efficient setup and breakdown process for Department of Public Works personnel.\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li1710\\sa120\\f4 o\\tab\\f0 In April and May, I attended the Sullivan County Veterans Coalition meetings.  Some of the topics that were discussed:\\fs22  \\f5\\fs24\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li2430\\sa120\\f3\\'a7\\tab\\f0 The Monster Classic Run/Walk (Howie will provide further details)\\par\n\\f3\\'a7\\tab\\f0 The Sullivan County Veterans Festival and Stand Down \\f5\\fs28\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li3150\\sa120\\f6\\fs24\\'b7\\tab\\f0 Will be on August 8, 2026 at the Loch Sheldrake Fireman\\rquote s Park from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.\\par\n\\f6\\'b7\\tab\\f0 I have requested representatives from the Vet Center and Castle Point VA Medical Center to table at the event, to distribute up to date information on VA Programs to include housing assistance.\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li1710\\sa120\\qj\\f4 o\\tab\\f0 In April and May, I attended the NYS Dwyer Coalition meetings.  Topics covered include:\\f5\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li2430\\sa120\\qj\\f3\\'a7\\tab\\f0 Preventing Veteran Homelessness\\tab : Communities can help prevent homelessness by identifying challenges early and connecting Veterans to resources before a housing crisis occurs.  Effective prevention strategies include:\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li3150\\sa120\\qj\\f6\\'b7\\tab\\f0 Housing assistance and rental support \\par\n\\f6\\'b7\\tab\\f0 Employment and workforce development programs\\par\n\\f6\\'b7\\tab\\f0 Benefits counseling and financial assistance\\par\n\\f6\\'b7\\tab\\f0 Access to healthcare and supportive services\\par\n\\f6\\'b7\\tab\\f0 Community-based outreach efforts\\par\n\\f6\\'b7\\tab\\f0 Peer support and social connection\\par\n\\f6\\'b7\\tab\\f0 Family and caregiver support\\par\n\\f6\\'b7\\tab\\f0 Collaboration among government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li2430\\sa120\\qj\\f3\\'a7\\tab\\f0 Early intervention remains one of the most effective tools for preventing Veteran homelessness.\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li1710\\sa120\\qj\\f4 o\\tab\\f0 Networking within the Division of Community Resources has prevented 3 county veterans and their families from becoming homeless in the past 2 months.\\par\n\\f4 o\\tab\\f0 On June 14\\super th\\nosupersub , The Veterans Service Agency also successfully conducted the annual Flag Day Ceremony in partnership with the Liberty Elks Lodge BPOE. Guest Speaker Doug Sandberg, a United States Air Force veteran, delivered an outstanding presentation. Jeff Radio provided event coverage and support, helping to make the ceremony a successful community event.\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\li1710\\sa120\\qj\\f5\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li1710\\sa120\\qj\\f4 o\\tab\\f0 On June 17\\super th\\nosupersub , I met with Legislator Cat Scott to discuss burial eligibility for the County Veterans\\rquote  Cemetery. \\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\li1710\\sa120\\qj The current eligibility criteria require the veteran to have entered the military from Sullivan County or be a current resident at time of death. However, there is no provisions for veterans who have maintained homes or property that they have continuously paid taxes on while living outside the County. Hopefully a Resolution or amendment can be explored.\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li1710\\sa120\\qj\\f4 o\\tab\\f0 The NY Senate Bill S1183 100% disabled property tax exemption key changes from latest amendments:\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li2430\\sa120\\qj\\f3\\'a7\\tab\\f0 Mandatory statewide adoption (this language removed)\\par\n\\f3\\'a7\\tab\\f0 Exemption stacking (in addition to alternative exemptions)\\par\n\\f3\\'a7\\tab\\f0 New effective date (applies on or after October 1, 2026)\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\li1710\\sa120\\qj Currently working with Chris Knapp of Real Property to gain accurate data on eligible county veterans. \\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li1710\\sa120\\f4 o\\tab\\f0 Our office has continued to conduct wellness checks for elderly veterans and those suffering from food insecurity within the community. Working closely with our Divisional and County partners we have located and assisted many veterans that have never contacted our office or enrolled with VA healthcare. A higher number of our elderly clients are struggling with the cost of groceries and heating their homes.\\par\n\\f4 o\\tab\\f0 I have continued to distribute food every Sunday through Liberty PBA and many local pantries.\\f5\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\li1710\\sa120\\f0  \\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li990\\sa120\\f3\\'a7\\tab\\i\\f0 The Good News\\i0\\f5\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li1710\\sa120\\f4 o\\tab\\f0 The Veterans Service Agency recently assisted a homeless veteran who relocated to Sullivan County from Kingston, New York. Working collaboratively with community partners, resources were coordinated to assist the veteran with housing and essential household needs. \\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\li1710\\sa120 Upon arrival at our office the veteran communicated he relocated to Ferndale as he found an affordable rental. He expressed he had no food, furniture or appliances to prepare meals. He was also in need of financial assistance as recent car trouble cost him most of his savings and has fallen behind on electric bills and car insurance.\\par\nMy staff immediately contacted Sharon Ferber of the Community Assistance Center and sent our Clerk Sheldon to the office with two bags of food. I contacted AMVETS Vice Commander Gary Hill to acquire household items the veteran needed. I advised the vet to contact the Coalition to apply for financial assistance.\\par\nWithin three hours I delivered more food, microwave oven, utensils a bed and dresser to the veteran.\\f5\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\li1710\\sa360\\f0 This rapid and effective response was made possible by cooperation within the Division of Community Resources and local veteran\\rquote s organizations.\\par\n\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li1710\\sa120\\f4 o\\tab\\f0 The NY State Dwyer listing of County allocations and veteran population is a graphic example of how hard work and great training produce results for Sullivan County veterans:\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\li1710\\sa120 Suffolk County has a veteran\\rquote s population of 48,220. Sullivan county has a veteran population of 3,484 yet Sullivan County brings in the same $192,400.00 in monthly benefits for our vet\\rquote s and surviving spouses.\\par\nSullivan County has maintained one of the highest rates of allocated funding statewide for their veterans.\\f5\\par\n\\f0 Our office takes great pride in obtaining the maximum benefit allowable by law, and that\\rquote s what we do.\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li1710\\sa120\\f4 o\\tab\\f5\\fs22\\page\\fs24\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\qc\\b\\f0\\fs28 VETERANS SERVICE AGENCY REPORT\\par\n\\par\nJuly 9, 2026 - 12:00 PM\\par\n\\b0\\f2\\fs24\\par\n\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li540\\b\\f0 1.\\tab    Veterans referred to Sullivan County Transportation for VA Medical Appointments:\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\qc\\tx4395\\b0\\f5\\tab\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\fi720\\li1440\\ul\\f0 Albany\\ulnone\\f5\\tab\\f0  \\tab\\ul Castle Point\\ulnone\\f5\\tab\\f0           \\ul Local\\ulnone\\f5\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\fi180\\li540\\f0 March\\tab  \\tab     3\\tab\\tab         35\\f5\\tab\\tab\\tab\\f0 31\\f5\\tab\\par\n\\f0 April\\tab\\tab     1\\tab\\tab         41\\f5\\tab\\tab\\tab\\f0 31                 \\tab\\tab   \\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\li540\\f5\\tab\\f0            \\tab        \\tab\\tab                  \\tab\\tab     \\tab                                               \\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li540\\b 2.\\tab   Veterans/Dependents buried in Sullivan County Veterans Cemetery through June 30, 2026:   \\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\li540\\b0  \\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\li720           Veterans Buried Alone . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1,186\\par\n\\par\n          Dependents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148                                  \\par\n\\par\n          Veterans/Spouses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 716\\tab\\tab\\par\n\\par\n          \\b Total Burials in Veterans Cemetery  -   2,038\\tab\\tab (+21 since Dec. 2025)   \\par\n\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar       \\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li720 3.\\tab Contacts:\\tab\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi720\\li720\\b0 March\\tab  \\tab 308\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\tx1170                    \\tab\\tab April\\tab  \\tab 259\\par\n\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li720\\tx1170\\b 4.\\tab Applications:\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\tx1170\\b0\\f5\\tab\\tab\\f0 March\\tab  \\tab 27\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\fi720\\li720 April\\tab  \\tab 24\\par\n\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li720\\b 5.\\tab Homeless Veterans:\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\fi720\\li720\\b0 March\\tab  \\tab 2\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\tab\\tab April\\tab  \\tab 1\\par\n\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li720\\b 6.\\tab New Veterans   \\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\fi720\\li720\\b0 March\\tab  \\tab 5\\par\nApril\\tab  \\tab 4\\par\n\\f5\\fs28\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\nowidctlpar\\fi-360\\li720\\b\\f0\\fs24 7.\\tab Phone Calls\\b0\\f5\\par\n\\pard\\ltrpar\\li1440\\f0 March\\tab  \\tab 646\\par\nApril\\tab  \\tab 795\\f5\\par\n}\n"}