Stand Down 2024, Veterans' Task Force, Honoring West Haven's Vietnam Veterans

September 19, 2024

This e-newsletter contains information for veterans, including an event on Friday at six regional locations. It's considered a "one-stop" access point for many programs and services veterans might need. 

Wednesday, I had the chance to participate in the Veterans with Disabilities Task Force meeting at the Legislative Office Building, with fellow legislators including State Representatives Henry Genga, Anthony Nolan, and Senator Saud Anwar. 

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to honor our local Vietnam veterans. It wasn't said enough when they came home, so I'll say it now - thank you. 

Be well, my friends.
 
Stand Down 2024 on September 20
The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is holding its annual STAND DOWN event on September 20 at six regional locations.
SIX REGIONAL LOCATIONS
  • Bridgeport - University of Bridgeport, Wheeler Recreational Center, 400 University Ave.
  • Bristol - St. Gregory CCD Center, 1043 Stafford Ave.
  • Danbury - Danbury War Memorial 1 Memorial Drive
  • Norwich - Easter Seals Veterans Rally Point, 24 Stott Ave.
  • Rocky Hill - CT DVA main campus 287 West Street
  • Stamford - UCONN, One University Plaza

The DVA continues its commitment to serving Connecticut’s Veterans, Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve military personnel, and their immediate families by providing this “one-stop” access to a range of programs and services offered by state and federal agencies, veterans organizations, and community-based non-profits at these regional sites across the state.

A list of confirmed service providers and transportation schedules can be found HERE.

For additional information please contact: 860-616-3772 or email: standdown@ct.gov
 
Veterans with Disabilities Task Force at the Capitol
On Wednesday, I headed to Hartford to attend the Veterans with Disabilities Task Force meeting. The task force's mission is to build multidisciplinary community support to improve the lives of veterans with disabilities and reduce the high veteran suicide rate of approximately 22 per day. 

Sherri Vogt, the Task Force's chairperson and Veterans' Liasion with Hartford Healthcare opened the meeting with welcoming remarks. To honor Veteran Suicide Prevention Month, Representative Henry Genga and Senator Saud Anwar held a moment of silence. 

Three individuals - Dr. Chris Connor, a neurosurgeon at UConn Health, Dr. Linda Schwartz, PACT Act Researcher; and Dr. Sheri Boucher (LTC ret.) Co-Director at VA/RICSON Academic Partnership at the University of Rhode Island presented the task force with "Trailblazing Medical Advances That Can Save America's Heroes' Lives," helping us understand how we can prevent veterans' silent suffering and needless deaths. 
 
West Haven Vietnam Veterans Honored
Speaking of veterans, West Haven honored 148 Vietnam veterans with a special ceremony on Monday evening at West Haven High School. Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Connecticut's Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ronald Welch, and Mayor Dorinda Borer joined the veterans and their families for this emotional and patriotic event. 

I joined fellow State Representative Treneé McGee in making remarks to the veterans and their families. 

Thank you to our Vietnam vets!

If you'd like to read the West Haven Patch article, click HERE or click the graphic below.