veterans

As Ranking Member of the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) today joined with State Division of Veterans’ Affairs Director Colonel James McDonough and members of the bipartisan New York State Armed Forces Legislative Caucus to discuss legislative and outreach efforts to increase services for veterans across the state.

“There are very few individuals that have sacrificed and given more to ensure our protection, both our liberties and freedoms as well as our physical protection, than the courageous men and women who have served or are currently serving in our Armed Forces.  It is vital that we return the favor; whether it be in terms of health or mental health care, surviving dependents benefits, or honoring their legacy, we must make our veterans a priority,” said the Assemblyman, who served seven years in the United States Army Reserves and Army National Guard.

Hawley has been an ardent advocate for veterans in the State Assembly and has helped to move meaningful legislation, including measures which honor the contribution of those who served in the Cold War Era, support disabled veteran-owned businesses, and creating and extending a Veterans Property Tax Exemption to include Korean War and War on Terror veterans.  This year, Hawley is sponsoring a dozen pieces of legislation aimed specifically at improving the quality of life for veterans and their loved ones, and ensuring better services.  Hawley’s legislation includes measures that would: 

• Provide Scholarships for surviving dependent family members of New York State military personnel who have died while performing official military duties (A.4005);
  

• Authorize the State of New York Mortgage Agency to purchase veterans’ assisted forward commitment mortgages from banks within the state (A.4083);
  

• Create a list of suitable documentation that can be used by veterans applying for real property exemptions (A.4008);
  

• Create a Veteran’s Home and Land Ownership Loan Program (A.4081);
  

• Assist service-related disabled veterans under the Affordable Home Ownership Development Program (A.4080);
  

• Exempt compensation for active military service from inclusion in a resident’s adjusted gross income (A.4006); 

• Establish the Patriot Family Support Fund and provide an income tax return check-off box therefore (A.4007); 

• Provide a tax credit in the amount of certain fees charged in connection with loans under the Federal Home Loan Guarantee Program to National Guard and Reserve veterans (A.4009);
  

• Create a wage tax credit for employers who employ New York National Guard men and women, reservists, volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel (A.4010);
  

• Prohibit the increase of an employer’s rate of contribution to the unemployment insurance fund due to the deployment of an employee into active service in the National Guard of Armed Forces Reserves (A.4011); and
  

• Provide that the issue of military deployment shall not be considered as a factor in the awarding of custody in marital actions where a suitable child care plan is provided (A.4079).
  

Additionally, Assemblyman Hawley is announcing his annual veterans’ trip to Washington D.C.  This year’s trip will take place from September 10, 2009 to September 13, 2009.  Veterans and other interested parties should contact the Assemblyman’s district office, at 585-589-5780, for more details or to RSVP.

Press Release:

A local non-profit organization, Bunkers In Baghdad, is donating golf equipment to VA Western New York
 
Healthcare System, Recreational Therapy program, 3495 Bailey Avenue. The organization’s President, Joe Hanna, will present the equipment to Interim Director, David J. West and veterans, Wednesday, March 18 at  10 a.m. in Veterans Park; rain location room 301.  In addition,

Veterans will have the opportunity to try the equipment during a lesson being presented at the donation site by local golf professional, Chuck Antonuccio. 
 
Good nutrition and exercise is an integral part of good health. VA encourages Veterans to keep active for prevention of disease and maintaining optimal health.

From the VA Healthcare System:

Nationwide, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities use the creative arts as one form of rehabilitative treatment to help Veterans recover from and cope with physical and emotional disabilities. Across the country each year, Veterans treated at VA medical centers compete in local creative arts contests. This competition includes 50 art categories, ranging from oil painting to leatherwork to paint-by-number kits. In addition, there are 120 categories pertaining to all aspects of music, dance, drama and creative writing. The creative writing division is a more recent addition to the competition and includes original works in poetry, essay, short story, and personal experience writing.

VA Western New York Healthcare System’s Buffalo site, 3495 Bailey Avenue, will host the local Veterans Creative Arts Festival on Thursday, February 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Freedom Hall (Room 301).  The public is invited to attend the local festival and enjoy a wide variety of creative art forms displayed by local Veterans.

The winning entries will be sent to be judged by a national selection committee, which chooses first, second and third place winners among all of the entries. Select winners are invited to attend the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, taking place in San Antonio, Texas, October 5-11.

In 2008, 3100 Veterans from 113 VA facilities entered the contest nationwide, with nearly 150 of the medal-winning Veterans earning an invitation to participate.  The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival is a week of learning, exploring, fellowship and celebration of the healing power of the arts.

From the VA Healthcare System:

On Wednesday, February 25, 2009, veterans with disabilities will be treated to a day of skiing hosted by the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program at Holiday Valley Ski Resort in Ellicottville, New York.   Several local veterans will use this opportunity to warm up for the 23rd National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, taking place March 29 – April 3, 2009 at Snowmass, Colorado.

At the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, veterans who have spinal cord injuries, amputations, are visually impaired, or have other physical disabilities are given instruction in adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing, and introduced to a number of other adaptive recreational activities and sports. For many newly injured Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom military service men and women, the Clinic offers their first experience in winter sports and gives them the inspiration to take their rehabilitation to a higher level.

Each year, The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) sponsors six national events for U.S. military veterans served by VA medical facilities nationwide. Each program enhances the physical, social, and emotional well-being of the veterans who participate. Other events include the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, National Veterans Golden Age Games, and National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, National Veterans Tee Tournament and National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic.  Anyone interested in donating to this worthy cause for our nation’s local heroes should contact the Voluntary Service Office at VA Western New York Healthcare System at 862-8667.

From the VA Healthcare System:

Beginning Monday, March 2, 2009, VA Western New York Healthcare System’s Jamestown community based out-patient clinic will be moving to a new location; 610 3rd Street.  The clinic, under a new contract with Sterling Medical Corporation will be serving Veterans only at this location.  Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. with free parking. Veterans have had the opportunity to get VA health care in Jamestown since 1995, the first of seven community based outpatient clinics under VA Western New York Healthcare System.

Primary care, behavioral health services and on-site laboratory services will continue to be available at the new site.  In addition, nutritional counseling, social work, and urgent care services will be available with prescriptions to be mailed directly to Veterans’ homes.  “We want Veterans to stay healthy and encourage them to receive VA care available in Chautauqua county.  It is an opportunity to be a provider of choice for almost 2,000 Veterans in Jamestown last year and we look forward to serving more,“ said Dr. Bradford Mersereau, Primary Care Service Chief.

To enroll in VA health care call 1-888-823-9656 and to make an appointment at the Jamestown clinic, call 716-338-1511 after February 23. 

Last year VA Western New York Healthcare System provided care to more than 40,000 veterans at medical centers in Buffalo and Batavia as well as community-based outpatient clinics in Niagara Falls, Lockport, Lackawanna, Dunkirk, Jamestown, Olean, and Warsaw.

From the VA Healthcare System:

Over twenty different sponsors that included several Veteran organizations, community businesses, as well as individual Veterans throughout Western New York helped to purchase new vans for the Disabled American Veterans Volunteer Transportation Network at VA Western New York Healthcare System. The vans will be put into use after a ceremony at the medical center, 3495 Bailey Avenue, Tuesday, February 24 at 9 a.m. in Freedom Hall, room 301.

Overall, $15,000 were raised along with matching contributions from Colorado Trust in cooperation with the National Disabled American Veterans Organization to purchase the two new vans. “These donations allow us to continue to expand and replace vans to transport our Veterans to necessary medical appointments.  Without this support, this would not be possible,” stated Richard Kloc, DAV Van Transportation Coordinator. During the last reporting period, 62 volunteer van drivers donated over 22,800 hours of their time. Volunteer drivers and donations are always needed; call the VA Volunteer Program Office at 862-8667.

Last year VA Western New York Healthcare System provided care to more than 40,000 Veterans at medical centers in Buffalo and Batavia as well as community-based outpatient clinics in Niagara Falls, Lockport, Lackawanna, Dunkirk, Jamestown, Olean, and Warsaw.

From the VA Healthcare System:

In observance of Black History month, VA Western New York Healthcare System will celebrate events in Freedom Hall, room 301. African American Business Day will take place at 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 11. Cultural wares will be available. “Taste of Soul” will take place on Friday, February 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. African American dishes such as collard greens, sweet potatoes, pig’s feet, and much more will be served.

Take the journey of “Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad” with Joy O’Banion and Yvonne Harris, where they will share the struggles of Tubman’s journey to free the slaves scheduled Friday, February 27 at noon. All events are open to the public.

From the VA Medical Center:

Veterans in Lockport and surrounding areas can learn about their VA health care and other veterans benefits at an event being held at the VA clinic in Lockport, 5883 Snyder Drive, Saturday, February 21 from 10am to 1pm. Staff and veterans benefits counselors will assist veterans with eligibility for VA health care, and other state and federal benefits that veterans may have coming to them that often go unused. Benefits have recently been extended for veterans returning from combat that includes five years of free medical care for most conditions from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The five year window is also open to activated Reservists and members of the National Guard, if they served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998 and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. The five year limit has no effect upon veterans with medical conditions related to their military service. Veterans may apply at any time after their discharge from the military, even decades later for medical care for service-connected health problems.
 
Representatives from the VA Lockport Clinic, NY State Division of Veterans Affairs, Niagara County Veterans Service Office and VA Western New York Healthcare System will be available to answer questions. Bring discharge papers and financial records for accurate benefits counseling. For more information, you may contact the VA clinic in Lockport at 438-3890.

From the VA Medical Center:

VA Western New York Healthcare System invites the public to participate in open-house activities Feb. 8-14 during the National Salute to Veterans.

"The National Salute to Veterans gives everyone a chance to let those who have given so much to our nation know that they are not forgotten," said David J. West  Interim Medical Center Director "We've invited local celebrities, elected officials, school children and other groups to visit during the week.  We want people of all ages to bring Valentine’s Day cheer to our patients.”  West said he hopes visitors will also learn more about the important roles volunteers play at the medical center throughout the year and perhaps pursue volunteer opportunities.  "Over 600 volunteers are an important part of our health care team in Buffalo and Batavia, and the National Salute program is a great way for people to learn more about helping the Veterans we serve," West said.  “Visitors are often surprised at how varied our volunteer opportunities are.”  Citizens, young and old, are once again sending Valentine’s Day cards and letters to VA medical centers simply addressed “Dear Veteran.” West said they are being distributed to patients throughout the medical center.

VA Western New York Healthcare System’s National Salute Week schedule includes an open house Friday, February 13 at 1:00 p.m. in Freedom Hall, room 301. Additional activities are included below.

Individuals or groups wishing to participate in the medical center program should call the Voluntary Service office, in Buffalo at 716-862-8671 and in Batavia at 585-297-1196.

Please click here to download the complete schedule of events.

From the VA Medical Center:

VA Western New York Healthcare System will hold a service for veterans, employees and the community, Sunday, February 1 at 2 p.m. at the Buffalo site, 3495 Bailey Avenue in Freedom Hall, room 301 in remembrance of the Four Chaplains who lost their lives during an extraordinary act of heroism during World War II. Lt. Colonel Allen Douglas Ferry, New York Air Reserve National Guard (retired), and Bronze Star Recipient for combat service and Legion of Merit will deliver the keynote address. At this special event, the Legion of Honor award presentation will also take place. 

The four Chaplains, a Methodist Minister, Jewish Rabbi, Dutch Reformed Church, and Catholic Priest were on a US Army transport ship hit by a German torpedo off the icy waters of Greenland in February 1943. When it became apparent there were not enough life jackets, the four US Army Chaplains removed theirs and handed them to frightened young soldiers, and chose to go down with the ship. They locked arms together and prayed in the tradition of their own faith. Of the 902 on board, there were only 227 survivors. They demonstrated throughout the voyage and in their last moments, interfaith compassion in their relationship with the men on board and with each other.

From the Batavia VA Medical Center:

Veterans in Dunkirk and surrounding areas can learn about their VA health care and other veterans benefits at an event being held at the VA clinic in Dunkirk, 166 East Fourth Street, Saturday, January 24 from 10am to 1pm. Staff and veterans benefits counselors will assist veterans with eligibility for VA health care, and other state and federal benefits that veterans may have coming to them that often go unused. Benefits have recently been extended for veterans returning from combat that includes five years of free medical care for most conditions from the Department of Veterans Affairs.  The five year window is also open to activated Reservists and members of the National Guard, if they served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998 and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. The five year limit has no effect upon veterans with medical conditions related to their military service. Veterans may apply at any time after their discharge from the military, even decades later for medical care for service-connected health problems.

Representatives from the VA Dunkirk Clinic, NY State Division of Veterans Affairs, Chautauqua County Veterans Service Office and VA Western New York Healthcare System will be available to answer questions. Photo identification cards will be provided to eligible veterans.  Bring discharge papers and financial records for accurate benefits counseling.  For more information, you may contact the VA clinic in Dunkirk at 203-6474.

From the VA Medical Center:

VA Western New York Healthcare System will celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at a ceremony, Friday, January 16, 2009 at 11:30am in Freedom Hall, room 301 at the Buffalo site, 3495 Bailey Avenue.  Pastor Betty Williams, who served in the US Air Force, will speak about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Dee L. Perry will deliver Dr. King’s historical speech “I have a dream” and musical entertainment will be provided by Darcel Blue, a local gospel singer.

On January 20, 1986, America observed the first national holiday commemorating Dr. King’s birthday.  In 2009, we celebrate the 23rd anniversary of that date and 40 years after his passing, Dr. King’s birthday has become not only a day of celebration and remembrance but also a day of service. During his lifetime, Dr. King sought to forge common ground on which people from all walks of life could join together to address important community issues. Working alongside individuals of all ages, races and backgrounds, he encouraged Americans to come together to strengthen communities, alleviate poverty, and acknowledge dignity and respect for all human beings. Service to others, he realized, was the great equalizer. The event is free and open to the public.

From the VA Medical Center:

In the giving spirit of the holidays, members of the 82nd Airborne Niagara Frontier Chapter will be distributing gifts to patient units at the Buffalo VA, 3495 Bailey Avenue.  The gift distribution will take place on Christmas Day, Tuesday, December 25 at 1:30 pm.  The group will sing carols along with accordionist as they visit patient units.

From the VA Medical Center:

Dr. Miguel Rainstein was appointed Chief of Staff, VA Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY effective December 7, 2008.  In April 2008, Dr. Rainstein began serving as Acting Chief of Staff.  He came to VA WNY Healthcare System as Chief of Surgery in July 2005. Prior to coming to VA WNY Healthcare System, he was the Chief of Surgery at Kenmore Mercy Hospital for 14 years.

As Chief of Staff, Dr. Rainstein has the responsibility of providing quality patient care and coordinating all professional activities to fulfill that mission. He supervises the operation of both the Buffalo and Batavia sites, as well as community based outpatient clinics in Jamestown, Dunkirk, Niagara Falls, Lockport, Lackawanna, Olean and Warsaw.

Dr. Rainstein received his undergraduate degree and his medical degree from the University of Buenos Aires.  He completed his surgical residency at Millard Fillmore Hospital in 1979. He is currently Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the State University of New York at Buffalo.

He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and also holds membership in the Buffalo Surgical Society.  “We are fortunate to have Dr. Rainstein within VA WNY Healthcare System with his years of expertise in the community and VA,” said David J. West, Interim Medical Center Director.
 
Dr. Rainstein lives in Williamsville with his wife.

From the VA Western New York:

David J. West, FACHE has been named Interim Medical Center Director at VA Western New York Healthcare System effective December 7.  VA Western New York Healthcare System includes medical centers in Buffalo, Batavia and seven community based out patient clinics located in Niagara Falls, Lockport, Dunkirk, Jamestown, Lackawanna, Olean, and Warsaw.  Mr. West has been the Medical Center Director at the Bath VA Medical Center since April 29, 2007.

Prior to being appointed Director for the Bath VA, Mr. West served as Associate Director at the Washington, DC VA Medical Center, and began his career with VA in1987 at the Washington DC VA Medical Center.

At VA WNYHS, he will oversee over 1,690 employees serving over 40,000 veterans during the period until a new director is appointed.  He succeeds James P. Cody who has served as interim director since August and Michael S. Finegan who recently was promoted to network director, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  “It’s an opportunity for me to work with a dedicated staff in Western NY serving our nation’s heroes,” West said.

Mr. West served in the U.S. Army from 1973 to 1978. He holds a Master of Science degree in Health Services Administration from the College of St. Frances in Joliet, Illinois and is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.

From the VA Medical Center:

Thanksgiving dinner will be served to homeless and other needy veterans and their families, Sunday, November 23, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Buffalo VA, 3495 Bailey Avenue. Judi Kaczmarek, Human Resources Specialist has organized the event for the last eight years. 

She has been gratified with the response received by both the staff and the veterans served from previous years.  The event occurs the Sunday before Thanksgiving Day in order to provide a hot meal to those in need.   Admission is by ticket only.  Homeless veterans and veterans in need can call 881-5855 to obtain a ticket and learn more about transportation.

About 150 veterans and their families will be treated to a turkey and ham dinner with all the trimmings that will be served by staff in the VA Food Court located in the hospital's lower level. Veteran Service Organizations and other community groups have made donations for the event.

Entertainment by children of staff and a magic show will highlight the festivities this year. VA health care and other veterans’ benefits information will be provided to veterans with the opportunity to enroll in VA health care at the event.

From the VA Medical Center:

VA Western New York Healthcare System is celebrating National Veterans Awareness Week at the Batavia and Buffalo sites.  All veterans are encouraged to wear their medals as America recognizes veterans on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2008.

Monday, November 10, 10:00 a.m. – Buffalo, 1:00 p.m. – Batavia

Professional Umpire, Mr. Jerry Lane visits veterans. 

Tuesday, November 11, 10:00 a.m. - Batavia site

Veterans Day Ceremony is held by the Flag Pole at Building 3 on the grounds of the Batavia site, VA Western New York Healthcare System, 222 Richmond Avenue.  Genesee County veterans groups coordinate the event followed by a coffee social in Building 4 Recreation Hall.

Tuesday, November 11, 2:00 p.m. – Buffalo site

Traditional Veterans Day program is open to all in Freedom Hall, room 301 at the Buffalo site, VA Western New York Healthcare System, 3495 Bailey Avenue. Steven M. Larwood, Command Chief Master Sergeant, US Air Force Reserve 914th Airlift Wing will deliver the keynote address. Events are open to the public.