Curran Highlights Veterans Services and Announce Veterans Stand Down on Nov. 26
Nassau County, NY - Nassau County Executive Laura Curran was joined by New York State Senator John Brooks, New York State Assemblywoman Taylor Darling and New York State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin and representatives from Nassau County’s Veterans Service Agency ahead of Veterans Day to highlight Veterans’ services throughout Nassau County. County Executive Curran announced a robust public awareness campaign aimed to make sure all 50,000 Veterans throughout Nassau County are aware of the multitude of benefits and programs that they are entitled to such as health care benefits and job hiring programs. Curran also announced the upcoming Winter Veterans Stand Down on November 26 at the Freeport Armory– a bi-annual event held at the Freeport Armory where Veterans in need are provided with shoes, clothes, dental check-ups, blood pressure checks, haircuts, counseling and other services.
“This Veteran’s Day, I am urging our local Veterans to check in with the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency. We want to make sure that every Veteran in Nassau County is accounted for and is receiving the services and programs they deserve after selflessly serving our country,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.
Nassau County has many different services to help the estimated 45,000 to 50,000 Veterans living within the County. The county is prioritizing hiring Veterans, reaching out to Veterans first for hiring in the Department of Assessment as well as holding Veteran job fairs. There are many health benefits that the Veterans Service Agency helps residents apply for. In fact, through October, the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency helped Veterans obtain $7,183,561 in benefits.
In April 2019 County Executive Curran signed into law the “Dignity for our Heroes” legislation introduced by Legislator Josh Lafazan, on ending Veteran homelessness in Nassau County. As a result of this, the Nassau Commission on Ending Veteran Homelessness is currently working on a comprehensive report to assist the estimated 5,000 homeless or housing insecure Veterans in the County. The county provides food to Veterans through Vet Mart in 2015, providing food to 3,840 individuals and serving 7,681 families through October 2019. On top of that the County offers two stand downs a year at the Freeport Armory where Veterans are provided with shoes, clothes, dental check-ups, blood pressure checks, haircuts, counseling and other services.
The Nassau County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency has recently added a specialized monthly Veterans traffic court hearing session, which designates special assistance to Veterans in resolving violations or Notices of Liability. The county also issues special Veterans’ cards, giving discounts at certain stores by providing your discharge information to get a card valid for select stores.
County Executive Curran also announced a ceremony and tribute to Veterans on Sunday, November 10 at Eisenhower Park’s Veterans Memorial from 10 am to noon.
If you are a Veteran, or if a loved one is a Veteran, check in with Veterans Service Agency at 516-572-6565 to find out more information on Nassau’s services and programs for Veterans.