(Long Island, NY) On behalf of the Suffolk County Legislature, Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory today thanked all Suffolk County veterans for their service and renewed the Legislature’s commitment to improving life for veterans in Suffolk County.
“Our nation owes its greatness to the men and women who believe in it so strongly that they are willing to put their lives at risk to defend it,” said Presiding Officer Gregory, himself a veteran of the U.S. Army. “Suffolk County is home to the largest population of veterans in the state, and today we honor their collective sacrifice. On this Veterans Day, my colleagues and I recommit ourselves to improving the quality of life for all who have served.”
Last year, thanks to the leadership of 16th District Legislator Steve Stern, the Legislature passed the “Housing Our Homeless Heroes Act,” which permits the direct transfer of tax-defaulted parcels to nonprofits that will convert them into housing for homeless veterans. This summer, Presiding Officer Gregory and Legislator Stern, who chairs the Legislature’s Veterans and Seniors Committee, announced the transfer of the program’s first eight properties. Additionally, the Legislature – with unanimous, bipartisan support – this year directed the Department of Social Services to create an “HOV (Helping Our Veterans) Lane” program to expedite veterans’ applications for assistance. The Legislature has also consistently supported the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency’s “Stand Down” events, at which meals, clothing and haircuts are offered to veterans in need.
“As the chairman of the Veterans and Seniors Committee, I have the privilege of working with and for the brave men and women who sacrifice so much to protect our great nation and with their families,” said Legislator Stern. “On Veterans Day and every day, it is our solemn duty to support our veterans, not just with words, but with meaningful action and most importantly to say, ‘Thank you for your service.’”
“We must always remember and respect those men and women who have served our country with honor, courage and commitment. Veterans whose sacrifices have given us the freedom we enjoy today,” said 11th District Legislator Major General Thomas F. Barraga, N.Y.G. (Ret.).
The Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency offers a number of services to veterans, including assistance with obtaining federal and state benefits. The agency also issues Resident Veteran ID Cards, which entitle veterans to discounts at participating businesses. For more information, visit the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency website or contact the agency’s Hauppauge office at 631-853-VETS or its Riverhead office at 631-852-1410.
