Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I – Merrick) today announced that he has been appointed to the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee. McDonough, who served in the Coast Guard and Air Force, was chosen to serve on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee to supplement his work as Chairman of the New York State Armed Forces Legislative Caucus.

“As a veteran, I am proud to be appointed to serve on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee,” said McDonough. “With so many of our brave men and women returning from Iraq or Afghanistan, now, more than ever, we need to ensure that New York is giving our veterans the care and attention they deserve. Our military veterans have done their job to protect us, now we must do our job to protect them.”

McDonough’s focus as Chairman of the New York State Armed Forces Legislative Caucus has been treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and the recruitment of women mental health professionals to help female soldiers struggling with physical and emotional abuse they have suffered, often times at the hand of their fellow soldiers. He hopes to continue bringing these issues into the spotlight with his new position in the Assembly.

“We often hear news reports and investigations into stories of sexual harassment, abuse, rape and general mistreatment of female soldiers who want nothing more than to serve their country,” continued McDonough. “I will be a vocal advocate for them to get the help they need. After living through a war, no one should have to come home and live with emotional or physical damage if we can help them.”

For more information on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee or the New York State Armed Forces Legislative Caucus, please contact Assemblyman McDonough’s office at 516-409-2070.