Poughkeepsie, NY … Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro today announced $150,000 in one-time grants has been awarded to 11 local non-profit veteran’s organizations to enhance activities and programming that address veterans needs and recognize the service of local veterans through the County’s inaugural Veterans Microgrant Program.

Dutchess County’s Veterans Microgrant Program provided grant awards up to $15,000 per organization or municipality to be used for building repairs, purchases or needs, including resources or other one-time expenses to help enhance program offerings, as well as make the program more accessible for veterans.

County Executive Molinaro said, “Dutchess County’s veterans deserve not only our undying respect, but our continuing support for the vital programs that enhance their lives. Our county’s Veterans Microgrant Program was established to ensure local organizations that provide these services to our local heroes can maintain the services that these brave men and women enjoy. Dutchess County is proud to provide these grants so our local veterans can continue to receive the proper recognition they’ve earned through their valiant service to our nation.”

Veterans Microgrant Program projects – totaling $150,000

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 666 (Beacon), Kitchen project – $14,000

Funding will be used to purchase new appliances for kitchen used to prepare meals for veterans during meetings for various veteran organizations within the Veterans Memorial Building; upgrade lighting, provide counter-top space for food preparation and cabinet space for storage; floor will be replaced to enable better cleaning; stainless steel sink is needed to accommodate large pots; ceiling tiles need replacement due to water damage.

American Legion Post 1758 (Hopewell Junction), Improving services to East Fishkill and area – $12,500

Projector for veteran training and meetings; pop-up tents for use at Legion events; flags for veterans graves; holiday party for veterans; certificates, folders, medals, plaques and bugle for cemetery services and other Legion events; Veterans Day Breakfast; replacement for damaged headstone of Revolutionary soldier buried in East Fishkill.

East Fishkill Veterans Committee (Hopewell Junction), Veterans’ Memorial Park monument – $15,000

Building a war monument that will complement the town’s new Veterans Memorial Park and will help represent the commitment and sacrifices performed by service members.

Millbrook Memorial VFW Post 9008 (Millbrook), Veteran recruitment and recognition, as well as parade and Honor Guard enhancements – $12,000

Upgrading ceremonial gear (uniforms, flags and holders, bugle); hiring a marching band for Memorial Day; hosting recruitment events; recognizing members for their service; and purchasing and installing Hometown Hero banners.

John Livingstone American Legion Post 1466 (Poughkeepsie/Hyde Park), Historical War Monument relocation – $14,000

The funds will be used to construct a new monument base; hired a company to relocate the monument to the post’s property; masonry work will be needed to repair any damage found after the transportation of the monument; an ADA walkway will be constructed out of Memorial brick pavers and with two sitting benches; landscaping will be done to include “Rosie the Riveter” rose bushes, which is a National recognized program; fencing, blacktopping and dedicated walkway lighting will be installed to protect the monument.

Montgomery Post 429, American Legion (Rhinebeck), Upgrade HVAC system – $15,000

Install insulation in Legion’s Post building; replacement of boiler with a modern HVAC system.

Guardian Revival (Stormville), Companion Dogs for Dutchess County Veterans – $15,000

Funds will cover three companion dog packages, which include the dog and care packages, professional training sessions, veterinary coverage, pet insurance, food, toys, leashes and other essential care equipment for up to a year.

Veterans of a Foreign War Post 5913 (Wappingers Falls), Mitigate bats and other animals from the attic – $15,000

The funds would be used to hire an exterminator to relocate the bat population to a new location, allowing for the future cleaning of the attic of the building and prevention of further damage to the historic school building; additional funds may also be used to seal the entrances and exits from the attic to prevent future occupation of the attic.

American Legion Post #427 (Wappingers Falls), Legion Hall renovations – $15,000

Exterior painting of post building by a contractor, all supplies to be included in price; purchase and installation of a new aluminum flagpole, with lighting.

Tivoli American Legion Post 524 (Tivoli), Post Roof Replacement – $15,000

Replace existing roof in dire need of replacement.

Town of Hyde Park (Hyde Park), Banners to Honor Hometown Heroes – $7,500

The Town would like to offset the cost to support its “Banners for Our Hometown Veterans” Program, reducing the cost for those families who would like to have the memory of their veteran loved ones honored but may not have the financial means to do so. The funds will be used to help offset the cost to print, install and maintain banners that will be displayed throughout the town.

Dutchess County Legislator and Majority Leader Will Truitt said, “So many of the freedoms we enjoy are only available to us because of the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces. I am proud to see our idea for this grant program become a reality – it will be a true help to the veterans’ organizations who work to provide Dutchess County’s veterans with places where they can socialize and connect with other vets, receive important services, or honor the memory of their fellow soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  Thank you to County Executive Molinaro, Veterans Director Adam Roche and all those who work every day to ensure our veterans receive the honors and dignities they have earned.”

At its June meeting, the Dutchess County Legislature unanimously approved $150,000 in funding for the Veterans Microgrant Program; funding is to be utilized within one year of award.

Adam Roche, Director of the County’s Division of Veterans’ Services, said, “We appreciate the interest of so many groups throughout Dutchess County that applied for funding for programs to enhance the lives of our local veterans, and I thank all the County legislators for their support of this program.”

In 2021, the Division of Veterans’ Services rendered more than 17,000 contact services to Dutchess County veterans and their families regarding services and entitlements available from federal, state and local government. More information about the division is available at dutchessny.gov/veterans.