VETERANS SERVICE AGENCY REPORT
October 9, 2025 - 12:00 PM
Director's Report
* Local Activities
o On six separate dates in August and September, our Clerk Sheldon Dillon helped to distribute up to 19 pallets of food 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.
o In May, our office established a resource guide to assist veteran students at SCCC in obtaining benefits and services within VA and the local community. As the students have returned for the fall semester, we will confirm a date in October to present this information to the faculty and students and answer any questions they may have.
o On September 9th, our monthly VSO training provided by NYS DVS was completed and was attended virtually. Some of the topics covered included:
* Benefits
* Burial
* Legislative & Executive Actions and Proposals
o On September 16th, I attended the drug pillar meeting along with ATI, Vet 2 Vet staff, and VA Mental Health. September is Suicide Prevention Month. The Task Force Action Plan included:
* Solution for identified gaps (e.g. rural outreach)
* My reason for Living Lock Box
* Loot Boxes (Narcan Kits, Gun Locks)
* Suicide Prevention Training
* Vet Fest & Stand Down
* Blue Envelope Project
* VA Programs & Treatment Options
* Coffee and Camaraderie & Reel Bonds Veterans Fishing day will continue
o On September 19th, we held our POW/MIA Ceremony in the lobby of the GC. I would like to thank all that attended. As of September 2025, the POW MIA Accounting Agency has recovered 220 of our missing since last year. 157 WWII, 55 Korea, and 8 Vietnam finally providing closure to family and loved ones.
o On Saturday, September 27th, I attended the Annual Vet Fest and Stand Down, sponsored by the Sullivan County Veterans Coalition. All County Veterans organizations were involved to include, ATI and Vet ...
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