CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN DELIVERS DIRECT ASSISTANCE TO VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES AT ALL-IN-ONE RESOURCE FAIR
Congressman Pat Ryan Delivers Direct Assistance to Veterans and Military Families at All-In-One Resource Fair
Ryan brought together over 35 organizations, government offices, and community partners from across the Hudson Valley for an all-in-one event, connecting veterans and military families with resources and support
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – On Saturday, Congressman Pat Ryan delivered direct assistance to veterans, service members, and military families at his all-in-one Veterans and Military Families Resource Fair held at Dutchess Community College. Ryan brought together over 35 local organizations, government offices, and community partners to offer convenient, in-person support, resources, and assistance to those who served and their families. Ryan’s team of expert caseworkers were also on hand to assist with federal agencies, including Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, military records requests, and more. Dutchess Community College Veterans Services, Dutchess County Veterans Services, the office of Assemblymember Didi Barrett, Ulster County Veterans Service Agency, New York State Department of Veterans' Services, Dutchess County Vet2Vet, the office of Senator Rob Rolison, and VA Castle Point were among the dozens of community partners offering assistance to the Hudson Valley military and veterans community at the event. Ryan personally met with local veterans, service members, members of military families, and Hudson Valley youth interested in pursuing military service.
“Our veterans, servicemembers, and military families make huge sacrifices to protect and serve our nation – it was a privilege to personally thank them and help deliver the support they deserve,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “As a West Point alum and veteran of two combat tours myself, it was also truly moving to join with the Hudson Valley military and veterans community and to see the wider community come out in full force to assist those who have selflessly served our nation. I’ll keep working every day to deliver the resources our veterans and military families deserve. To anyone who needs assistance, but couldn’t join us Saturday, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office - my team and I are always here for you! ”
“Our Dutchess County Veterans Services team is 100% committed to their mission of helping veterans and their families – because they are veterans themselves,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “They work each and every day to help ensure veterans and their families have the benefits they have earned and the resources they need. We are happy to partner with Congressman Pat Ryan to present this Veterans Resource Fair, providing another great opportunity for veterans to learn more about all the resources and supports that are available to them.”
“As a veteran, Congressman Pat Ryan fully understands the need to ensure those who have served our country have access to the support and resources they need, and this fair -- an outstanding outreach initiative -- is an excellent way to connect veterans, military members and their families to those service,” said Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne Flowers. “The Congressman has lined up an impressive list of providers from those guiding veterans through VA benefits and claims process, to agencies offering mental health services. The city greatly appreciates this effort, and I know it will make a difference to our city residents attending the Veterans and Military Families Resource Fair and learning about all it has to offer.”
“Our brave service members aren't the only ones who make sacrifices during their service,” said State Senator Rob Rolison, 39th district. “Military families are relied upon to care for loved ones, make financial decisions, and generally continue to run a household during a service member's deployment or related absence. They need our help, too. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in Congressman Ryan's important resource fair and raise awareness about critical services and supports for members of our military and their families who continue to keep us safe.”
“DCC is so pleased to welcome veterans and their families to our campus for this important event,” said Dutchess Community College President Dr. Peter Jordan. “We have a long history of supporting our men and women who have served, and we’re proud to co-sponsor this resource fair with Congressman Ryan, Assemblymember Barrett, and Dutchess County Veterans Services.”
“We are here to support the needs of all the Veterans of Dutchess County, and are thrilled to participate in such an important resource event,” said Alyssa Carrion, Director of Veterans Programs, Mental Health Association of Dutchess County. “ Our thanks to the Congressman and his staff for making this happen.”
“Congressman Ryan has always prioritized our veterans and their families, especially here in the Hudson Valley,” said Kevin Keaveny and Gavin Walters of Vet2Vet of Ulster and Greene Counties. “A community has many layers to make it strong and resilient. With each organization that stands present with our military, we know that there are no hurdles to stop us from achieving and moving forward in our day to day lives. Purpose, honor, dignity, and respect are not just our mission, but what we strive to bring to our community.”
Veterans, servicemembers, or military families who are in need of assistance, but could not attend the Resource Fair are encouraged to reach out to Congressman Ryan’s office by calling (845) 443-2930 or visiting PatRyan.House.Gov/Services. A more complete list of the military and veterans related services that Congressman Ryan’s office provides includes, but is not limited to:
- Assistance with VA benefits and claims, including appealing denials
- Assistance navigating VA healthcare, including patient advocacy
- Transition to civilian life support
- Education and training benefits
- Mental health resources
- Accessing legal services
- Obtaining military records and awards
- Homelessness prevention
- Support for caregivers, surviving spouses, and family members
- Networking and engaging in the veteran community
- Advocating for legislation
Over 35 community partners and organizations were at the Veterans and Military Resource Fair to directly assist attendees, including:
- Dutchess Community College Veterans Services
- Dutchess County Veterans Services
- The office of Assemblymember Didi Barrett
- Ulster County Veterans Service Agency
- New York State Department of Veterans' Services
- VA Castle Point
- Dutchess County Vet2Vet
- Clear Path 4 Vets
- NY Helmets to Hardhats
- SAR Flag
- The office of Senator Rob Rolison
- New York State Office of Mental Health
- New York State Comptroller's Office
- The IRS Office of Taxpayer Advocate
- Dutchess County Office for the Aging
- Dutchess County Sheriff's Office
- Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department
- AARP
- New York State Troopers
- New York State Department of Civil Services
- IRS Office of Taxpayer Advocate
- Dutchess Community College Active Minds Chapter
- Westchester Medical Center
- Vassar College
- Rebuilding Together
- Nuvance Health
- Hudson Valley Hospice
- Gateway Hudson Valley
- Aetna Medicare Solutions
- Heroes, Cowboys & Companions, Inc.
- Manhattan College
- Hudson Valley Center for Veteran Reintegration
- American Red Cross
- New Century Festivals
- Topfield Equestrian Center
- Fidelis Care
- New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
Congressman Ryan has previously hosted all-in-one resource fairs, including a Senior Resource Fair in April that brought direct assistance from the Social Security Administration back to Ulster County and multiple Flood Recovery Resources Fairs last summer in the communities impacted by July’s catastrophic flooding. Ryan also mobilized his Constituent Advocacy Resources Empowerment Services (C.A.R.E.S.) Van for a Veterans Week of Action in November to deliver direct assistance to veterans at veterans service organizations across NY-18.
Congressman Ryan is the first West Point alum to represent the Military Academy in Congress and is a veteran of two combat tours in Iraq. He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and has made delivering for veterans, servicemembers, and military families a priority. After pushing for months for a partnership between VA and DoD, Ryan announced that Hudson Valley veterans will now be able to access expanded healthcare services at Keller Army Community Hospital at West Point. Ryan also recently delivered $1 million in federal funds for the Rumshock Veterans Foundation to build ten homes for unhoused veterans in Orange County as part of its Veterans Village Project.
Ryan introduced the Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act of 2023, the Expanding Home Loans for Guard and Reservists Act, and the Never Forgotten Korean War POW Act to expand access to benefits for veterans, servicemembers, and military families.
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