Dutchess County Partners with DAV to Enhance Veteran Transportation

Dutchess County Partners with DAV
to Enhance Veteran Transportation

With support from the Dutchess County Division of Veterans’ Services, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) at the Castle Point Campus of the Veterans Administration Hudson Valley Health Care System today unveiled a new vehicle to assist with veterans’ transportation needs, including trips to Castle Point for medical appointments.

DAV_van

County Executive Marc Molinaro allocated $17,250, half the purchase price of the vehicle, with DAV contributing the remainder to procure the van. The new van will help DAV transport some 300 veterans to and from their homes to the Castle Point Campus.

On average, DAV vehicles travel 52,640 miles each year, making 1,960 trips and logging a total of 9,685 hours transporting Castle Point patients to and from home.

In continued appreciation for the courageous service members who have protected our nation, County Executive Molinaro and Division of Veterans’ Services Marc Coviello invite residents to participate in the aforementioned ceremony at the Dutchess County War Memorial on Monday, November 11th, at 11 a.m. The Dutchess County War Memorial is located at John K. Rinaldi Memorial Park at the intersection of Raymond Avenue and Main Street in the Town of Poughkeepsie, and the event will gather local veterans from several eras and will include an invocation, presentation of colors, a benediction and a wreath presentation by County Executive Molinaro.

As Veterans Day approaches, there will be numerous other ceremonies and events across the county to celebrate and express gratitude to our local veterans, and you can find a list of Veterans Day ceremonies online.

The Dutchess County Division of Veterans’ Services ensures our County veterans and their families receive their maximum eligible benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies at all levels of government. Last year, the Division of Veterans’ Services made more than 18,000 contacts, providing outreach and education to veterans and families regarding services and entitlements available from federal, state and local governments.

More information about the Division of Veterans’ Services is available online, by emailing veterans@dutchessny.gov, or by calling (845) 486-2060.

Author: Harlem Valley News