WHITE PLAINS, NY (March 19, 2025) — Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and Veterans Service Agency Director Josh Gaccione unveiled the creation of the new Westchester County Veterans Advisory Council on Tuesday, aimed at bolstering support for veterans and their families through enhanced communication and policy guidance.
The announcement, made during a press conference in White Plains, introduced the council’s first appointees: David Zapsky, founder of the Bedford Veterans Advisory Committee; John Lemke, a U.S. Army veteran and chair of the Lewisboro Veterans Advisory Committee; Marcus Knight, a multi-service veteran and New York State Chaplain; and Brendan Malloy, a U.S. Air Force veteran and IT cybersecurity specialist. The county is actively recruiting additional members to diversify representation and strengthen community ties.
Jenkins emphasized the council’s role in ensuring veterans’ needs are met, stating, “Making sure we serve those who have served us is a top priority. This council will be a tremendous asset to Director Gaccione in delivering the services and support our veterans and their families deserve.”
Gaccione, a recent appointee to the Veterans Service Agency, added, “Active input from our veterans is key to us doing our jobs better. Our first appointees bring incredible expertise, and I invite anyone interested to reach out—whether to serve or just share ideas.”
The council will collaborate with Gaccione to expand outreach and ensure veterans have direct access to county leadership. Interested individuals can contact the Veterans Service Agency at veteran@WestchesterCountyNY.gov.
The full press conference is available online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-zTDEofYe8.