On Saturday, May 14, a Veteran’s Town Hall was held at the VFW Post in Hamlin. The Veterans Outreach Center, in conjunction with local town and county officials, provided the event free to all veterans.
According to Monroe County Legislator Jackie Smith, “This event was designed to address the unique needs of the veterans in our community.” Clarkson Town Board member Nick D’Amuro reached out to Smith after coming across several studies about the impact of the pandemic on veterans’ health, especially mental health. Smith got the ball rolling and pulled together many veteran service organizations and local officials. A Westside Veterans Committee was formed, and they began planning the event at the beginning of this year. The committee consists of Angel Male, Hamlin Town Board; Nick D’Amuro, Clarkson Town Board; Marianne Sernoffsky, Veterans Outreach; Jackie Smith, Legislator District 2; Annie Crane, Village of Brockport Trustee; Randy Hoke, Sweden Town Board; and Kevin Moore, Clarkson.
The event opened and closed with prayer from local pastors, as well as the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem. Dan Hurlbut from Hope Church and Nicholas Russo of Walker Baptist Church led the prayers. Assemblyman Steve Hawley, a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, addressed the audience. Gold Star Mother Dorothy Reid was honored during the ceremony. Her son, Staff Sgt. Nicolas Reid, a Brockport High School graduate, was killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2012.
Guest speakers addressed the needs and services that are available to local veterans. Nick Stefanovic, Director, Monroe County Veteran Services, spoke about helping veterans get their benefits and assistance with disability claims. Dr. Peter Ziarnowski, Director of Rochester Vet Center, spoke about mental health benefits available to area veterans. Speakers also included Jason Richards, VA Representative; Marianne Sernoffsky, Supportive Services Manager, VOC Veteran Services; and Angel Male, representing VFW Hamlin Post 6703.
At the event, there were fourteen tables staffed to answer questions and provide further support. Representatives from Monroe County Veterans Service Agency, Blue Star Mothers, Hamlin VFW Post, Hamlin Town Hall, Honor Flight Rochester, VA Suicide Hotline, Rochester Vet Center, Upward Bound Education Benefits, Gold Star Mothers, Veterans Outreach Center, VA Benefits, NSVA – Navy, Bus Pass-Veterans Outreach/RTS, and Assessor Liz Spencer were in attendance.
The event was well attended and provided vital information to those in the community. County Legislator Smith said, “Our veterans have put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and families; after selflessly serving our country, the very least we should be doing is supporting them. Veteran support must be a priority.” Smith encourages veterans to reach out for support and ask questions so they can be connected to the services that are in place for them.
To continue serving area veterans, the committee has arranged for the Veterans RV to be present at local summer events, including Hamlin Wheel Fest, Brockport Arts Festival, and Clarkson Good Neighbor Day. Veterans and their families are encouraged to stop by the RV for help and information.
For more information on the services available to veterans, call Monroe County Veterans Service Agency at 585-753-6040 or visit www.monroecounty.gov/vsa.
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