Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) recently hosted his annual veterans’ luncheon in Carmel, bringing together local veterans, elected officials and veterans’ service organizations for an afternoon focused on camaraderie, recognition and connecting veterans with valuable resources available throughout the community.

The luncheon provided veterans with an opportunity to connect with fellow service members, speak directly with local officials and learn more about benefits, programs and services available to veterans and their families. Representatives from veterans’ organizations and community partners were also on hand to provide information and answer questions.

“Hosting this luncheon is something I look forward to every year because it allows us to bring our veterans together and, most importantly, say ‘thank you,’” said Slater. “The men and women who served our nation deserve more than our gratitude; they deserve to know their community is here for them and they have access to the resources and support they earned through their service.”

The event also featured a brief presentation and informational tables highlighting programs and services available to local veterans.

“Events like this are about building connections,” Slater added. “Whether it’s helping a veteran learn about a benefit they didn’t know was available, connecting them with an organization that can help or simply giving old friends the chance to sit down and share a meal, it’s all part of making sure our veterans know they have a strong community standing behind them.”

Slater thanked the veterans who attended, as well as the local officials, veterans’ organizations and community partners who helped make the luncheon possible.

Karl Rohde, director of the Putnam County Veteran Services Agency, said, “It is always a good day when veterans can get together and share a meal to relive past comradeships.When information regarding the needs of veterans is also shared at such a gathering, the event is elevated even more. On behalf of the Veterans of Putnam County, I would like to thank Assemblyman Slater for hosting this event.”

Jack Duncan, Putnam County Marine Corps veteran, said, “It was an outstanding event for local veterans, young and old, especially for those who may not know about all of the benefits and resources available to them. It was great of Assemblyman Slater to bring everyone together and give veterans the opportunity to speak directly with the Putnam County Veterans Service Agency, local officials and other veterans’ organizations and community partners that are here to help. Having all of these resources in one place makes a real difference for our veterans.”

“It is a privilege to represent so many veterans who have sacrificed so much in service to our country,” concluded Slater. “My office will always be a resource for our veterans and their families, and I will continue working to ensure they receive the recognition, support and services they deserve.”