Assemblyman David G. McDonough (R, C, I – Merrick) brought back to life the New York State Armed Forces Legislative Caucus with an initial meeting between members of the State Legislature and the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs, held today in Albany. The purpose of the caucus is to increase support and services for New York State veterans.

“As I meet with members of my community, I hear more and more the stories of veterans who are returning home right now from Iraq and Afghanistan. Our state has been a leader in services for veterans, but often when we think of veterans, we think of those who fought in World War II, the Korean War or Vietnam. I realized, we needed to bring this caucus back to life in order to ensure that all veterans, young and old, are provided for,” said McDonough who is chairing the caucus.

The Assemblyman started by inviting every legislator who had served in the United States Armed Forces to an initial meeting to discuss how the caucus, which has been inactive in recent years, could help support veterans and make them aware of the plethora of services the state offers. Many of these services are newly enacted programs that veterans may not be aware of. For example, the State Legislature just enacted a state budget, which includes the Veterans Tuition Award. This program provides veterans, who served in combat, at any time going back to 1961, free tuition for undergraduate and graduate studies and will go into effect July 1, 2008.

Joining the Assemblyman at today’s meeting were members from the Assembly and Senate as well as Colonel James McDonough and William Kraus, the newly appointed director and executive deputy director, respectively, of the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs. Discussions during the meeting included topics such as increasing awareness of state programs as well as specific areas in which the state can improve services for veterans, including health insurance, job opportunities and debt counseling.

The caucus also discussed, at great length, the importance of providing all veterans with top quality healthcare. There is a growing incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other mental health disorders among the men and women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and they need better healthcare. Especially at risk are reservists and members of the National Guard, currently serving overseas, who upon their return, go directly into society, rather than returning to a military base.

In light of this, Assemblyman McDonough presented to the caucus legislation that would help ensure veterans have the specific mental health care they need and deserve. Assembly Bill 10069-A would provide a grant to the Division of Veterans Affairs to help them train healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating PTSD, depression, and other combat-related mental health issues, including substance abuse.

“This initial meeting exceeded my expectations and, as a veteran myself, I am very proud to be joined by so many of my colleagues in realizing the importance of giving back to our veterans and ensuring they have the best quality of life when they come home. I would like to thank everyone for their partnership, especially Colonel McDonough and Mr. Krauss, and I know that working together we will be able to provide veterans with access to the benefits and services they have earned,” said the Assemblyman.

The caucus is scheduled to meet again in the upcoming months to begin implementing programs to help spread the word about the existing programs offered by the State. However, the Assemblyman encourages any veterans, or concerned residents on behalf of a veteran, to contact his office for more information about the Veterans Tuition Award or for help finding another state program that offers benefits to veterans. Please e-mail the Assemblyman at mcdonod@assembly.state.ny.us or call his district office at (516) 409-2070.