Murphy, Serino And Odell Partner With Vet2Vet To Sponsor Veterans Chow Down Event

CARMEL, N.Y. - Attention, veterans! Senator Terrence Murphy, Senator Sue Serino and Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell are teaming up with the PFC. Joseph P. Dwyer Vet2Vet Program to present the 2016 Veterans' Chow Down. The free event, which honors men and women who served in our armed forces, will be held on Sunday, October 30th at the Putnam County Golf Course, 187 Hill Street in Mahopac. Veterans and a guest can choose between an 11:30 a.m. and a 2:00 p.m. seating.

"When their country asked them to defend our freedoms, these brave men and women answered the call. Our world might be a very different place without the many sacrifices they made on our behalf,"  Senator Murphy said. "The Chow Down is a way to bring our veterans together and say 'thank you' for your service."

"While words are rarely enough to truly thank our veterans-and their families-for the countless sacrifices that they make on our behalf, it's important that we take every opportunity to show our gratitude and that's what the Chow Down is all about," said Senator Serino. "The event also provides an important opportunity for our veterans to learn more about invaluable resources that are available to them here in our community, so we hope our veterans will come together and join us for an afternoon or evening of food, fun and camaraderie."

"Putnam is among the state's most patriotic counties," said Putnam County Executive Odell. "The sacrifice and bravery of the men and women who serve and protect our great country and the freedom we hold dear, is preciously valued. The opportunity to provide a complementary meal in honor of our veterans and their families at the 2016 Veteran's Chow Down is a gesture of our deep gratitude."

Veterans and their guests will be treated to a family-style meal. Members of the USO will be on hand to provide entertainment. Military vehicles from the American Veterans Historical Museum's Interactive Military Display dating from as far back as the First World War to present day combat vehicles will be available for attendees to see and climb into.

"To sit and break bread with fellow Veterans is always a special event, commented Karl Rhode, Director of the Putnam County Veterans Service Agency. "It is an opportunity to remember the good times and an opportunity to forget the bad ones. It is fellowship and sharing our experiences."

The mission of the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Vet to Vet Support Program is to assist veterans by reducing or eliminating the negative impact that trauma-related symptoms have on social, occupational and family functioning. Rockland County is one of fifteen New York Statecounties participating in the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Program to provide Vet to Vet support. The program is named for Army PFC Joseph P. Dwyer from Mount Sinai, Long Island, an Iraq War Veteran, who died from the effects of post traumatic stress disorder in 2008.

Vet to Vet networking is led by Veterans who serve all Veterans and members of the Armed Forces. A nationally accredited Peer Mentor Military Behavioral Health Training is provided to all participants. Vet to Vet gatherings provide a place to support one another in a safe and non-judgmental environment. All veterans are welcome without regard to discharge status. The program serves veterans who face challenges such as post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, healthcare issues, food, education or training.

Seating for the event is limited. Veterans can RSVP for the Chow Down online on Senator Murphy's website at Murphy@nysenate.gov or by calling the Senator's office at 914-962-2624.