Veterans Networking Event

Who: NYS Senator Sue Serino, Dutchess County Division of Veterans Services & Putnam County Veterans Service Agency

What: Virtual Veterans Networking Event

When: Wednesday, October 21, 2020; 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Where: Virtual via Zoom Platform

On Wednesday, October 21, 2020, Senator Sue Serino, Dutchess County Division of Veterans Services and Putnam County Veterans Service Agency will host a virtual Veterans Networking Event featuring guest speakers from around New York State. Event speakers include:

• 2019 Medal of Honor Recipient, Staff Sergeant David Bellavia;
• Putnam County Veterans Service Agency Director Karl Rohde;
• PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Vet2Vet Program of Putnam County Program Coordinator John Bourges;
• Dutchess County Division of Veterans Services Director Adam Roche;
• Mental Health America of Dutchess County Vet2Vet Program Manager Anthony Kavouras; and more!

Each year, Serino and Vet2Vet partner to host community Veterans Appreciation Dinners as a way to say ‘thank you’ to our veterans and as a way to help connect veterans with local resources and one another. This year, the pandemic required them to turn these events into drive-thrus, and while they have been successful, many veterans have expressed disappointment as missing out on the camaraderie they enjoy in other years at the dinners. This event will allow for veterans to continue to expand their networks “virtually,” highlight resources that are available to them on a local and state level, and allow them to hear directly from local veterans who have utilized these important services.

“One of my favorite parts of the Veterans Appreciation Pasta Dinners is to hear veterans share their stories with one another and build friendships over their common experiences,” said Senator Sue Serino. “While we have had to adapt these events to the current time, this Virtual Networking Event aims to foster that connection while putting a spotlight on all the amazing resources available to vets here in our community. Veterans will hear others speak candidly about how they have utilized the many programs that are available, and I am especially proud to have the opportunity to introduce our community to the first—and currently only—living recipient of the Medal of Honor for service during the Iraq War, David Bellavia.”

To RSVP to this free event, please call Senator Serino’s District Office at 845-229-0106 or email serino@nysenate.gov. A secure Zoom link and instructions will be provided upon RSVP.

Unfamiliar with the Zoom platform? Senator Serino’s District Office can assist. Call 845-229-0106 for more information.

Members of the local media are encouraged to help spread the word and attend the virtual event.

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