VSA serving the military veterans year round
From Steuben County, pictured is the Veterans Memorial in Bath NY
BATH – While Steuben County veterans were recognized with a Green Light week, a national holiday on Nov. 11 and throughout the month, the county Veterans Service Agency (VSA) actively reaches out to veterans across the county 365 days a year.
Notably, during the past year a lot of focus in the veteran community has been on the PACT Act, signed into law in August 2022.
“This really opened the door for resources and benefits for veterans exposed to toxins such as Agent Orange outside of Vietnam, Burn Pit exposed veterans of the air, waterways and land for Gulf War era and post-9/11 Veterans,” said VSA Director Gary Smith.
Smith was active in promoting the Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY in Steuben with the center’s Dwyer program which focuses on getting veterans out and building bonds with other veterans in the community. The program sponsors events concentrating on positive interactions that help veterans both mentally and physically.
The VSA also collaborates with all other veterans’ agencies in the county, including the VA, NYS Division of Veteran services, as well as the American Legions, Veterans of Foreign Wars in county and surrounding county VSAs for training , events and sharing information to support local veterans.
Smith noted the tremendous success of the recent Green Light Campaign as a sign of the strong support veterans have from their communities.
“We are really fortunate to have the support we have in Steuben County from our legislators and leadership, and throughout the year as well,” Smith said.
For more information, call (607) 664-2527.
