WHITE PLAINS, NY — Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino today announced the Military Family Appreciation Project to let Westchester families of military personnel and deceased veterans know that the county’s Veterans Service Agency is available to help them too.
“Veterans Day is a day to celebrate and honor all of our soldiers and veterans, but as we recognize and appreciate their great sacrifice, we sometimes forget that the families they leave behind are sacrificing as well,” said Astorino. “We want to let the families know – we’re here for you too, whether it’s for yourself or your veteran loved one whose pride may be preventing him or her from reaching out for assistance.”
Astorino said that the county’s Veterans Service Agency has helped veterans or their families with securing veterans benefits, securing employment, being treated for substance abuse or post-traumatic stress disorder, and many other issues. Last month, Astorino announced that as a result of the Patriot Housing Initiative, that permanent housing has been secured for 329 previously homeless veterans in the past two years and that there were no known homeless veteran living on the streets in the county.
Four families joined Astorino to tell their stories of how the county assisted them or their loved one. Assistance included help with VA benefits, survivor benefits, treatment of alcoholism, and funds for a memorial tree.
Veterans, military personnel or their families in need of assistance can contact the Veterans Service Agency by calling: 914-995-2145 FREE or by visiting: 112 East Post Road, Room 442, White Plains, NY 10601.
Veterans Service Agency Director Ron Tocci said if his office can’t assist directly they know who to call and how to navigate, whether it’s another county department, private entity, non-profit or state or federal agency.