McDonough Highlights Veterans' Services
Works to Promote State Services Offered to Veterans, Invites All to Public Forum This Friday

As Chair of the New York State Armed Forces Legislative Caucus, Assemblyman David G. McDonough (R, C, I - Merrick) met with Director of the State Division of Veterans' Affairs, Colonel James McDonough (USARet.), to increase awareness for state-sponsored programs to assist veterans of all ages. The purpose of the caucus is to remind all of our veterans and their families of the many services available through New York State, including full college scholarships, as well as many physical and mental health services.

"Our veterans have sacrificed so much to serve and protect us, it is imperative that as a state we return the favor. Many of the services that are currently available to veterans are not being used at full capacity because, up until now, there was no real clearinghouse for information easily accessible. Partnering with Colonel McDonough and the State Division of Veterans' Affairs, we are working to change that," said the Assemblyman.

At their televised meeting, they discussed the increasing incidences of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression and Traumatic Brain Injury in veterans currently returning from overseas, as well as other programs available for veterans and their families.

Additionally, the Assemblyman and the Colonel discussed the Veterans Health Alliance of Long Island, a collaboration of 50 non-profit agencies, veterans' organizations, elected officials, and others, including Assemblyman McDonough. The Alliance will be hosting a special forum with both the Assemblyman and Colonel this Friday, June 6, 2008, at the Mental Health Association of Nassau County, located at 16 Main Street in Hempstead. The event starts at 10 am. All members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend this important event.

Prior to the public forum, the Assemblyman, Colonel and members of the Alliance, including Chairman John Javis and Edward Aulman, Director of the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency, will be holding a press conference at 9:40 am on the 2nd floor conference room at 16 Main Street. All media is invited and encouraged to cover this event in order to help spread awareness of veterans' programs and services.

Additionally, the Alliance is offering support counselors this weekend at the unveiling of the Dignity Memorial, a scale model replica of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C.. A project supported by the Town of Oyster Bay, this event is being held in the parking lot of Sears in Hicksville.

For more information about veterans' services, please e-mail the Assemblyman at mcdonoughd1@assembly.state.ny.us or call his district office at (516) 409-2070. Additionally, information can be found on the State Division of Veterans' Affairs new website at www.veterans.state.ny.us.