The Morning Muster

Every morning, service members around the world fall in for the “morning muster”. The agenda of these meetings consists of accountability, discussing the plan of the day, and building camaraderie.

This week, the Rockland County Times is gung-ho to announce our newest recurring segment: The Morning Muster. This corner is dedicated to the distinguished veterans of Rockland County, as well as their loved ones and supporters of the armed forces. Our goal is to provide you with a central command for all veteran events in the area and foster a sense of belonging between our veterans and the community, regardless of era, branch, or age. We believe that a veteran’s journey does not end when they hang up the uniform, rather it continues right here in our neighborhood. 

Event Recap: Congers Carries the Load 

On April 27th, Rockland gathered at Congers Station Park for a BBQ, family activities, and more importantly, to honor the sacrifices of military members, first responders, and their families. Participants departed from Old Haverstraw Road to carry our National Ensign into the park, greeted by the cheers of the homefront. This event was headlined by Town Supervisor George Hoehmann, who shared a personal tribute to his Korean War veteran father. Additionally, Sean Magee, founder of Anchor Trading, sponsored a $5,000 dollar scholarship contest for local high school seniors which focused on what Memorial Day means to them. Congratulations to Albert Ouseph, a New City Ambulance Corps EMT and student of Clarkstown South High School for winning the contest.

We would also like to give a special thanks to the military and first responder groups for their participation, including The Clarkstown Police Honor Guard and Police Auxiliary, the Congers and New City Fire Departments, the U.S Marine Corps League of Rockland County, Rockland County Vietnam Veterans, the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club, and the Congers Veterans Memorial Association.

Town Hall with Doug Collins 

On April the 13th, the 12th United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins paid a visit to nearby VFW Post 8328 in Yorktown, NY to meet with local veterans and discussed topics including expanding access to care and services for veterans, improvements to the VA claims process, increasing mental health services, and supporting transportation to veterans seeking care.

Returning the F.A.V.O.R 

With Memorial Month in full swing, the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency is encouraging veterans to apply for their Find and Assist Veterans of Record (F.A.V.O.R) program, which provides honorably discharged veterans with a photo ID card to receive discounts at over 800 participating local businesses across the county. This is an excellent opportunity to not only support our veterans, but our hardworking local business owners as well. 

To apply, please stop by the County Clerk’s Office at the Rockland County Courthouse in New City during normal business hours and bring your DD-214 and government issued identification to prove residency. This card is of no cost to the veteran and issued on the spot and can be used indefinitely as a resident of the county.  

Upcoming Events 

We have two upcoming events taking place next month where we strongly encourage you to put your boots on the ground. On June 13th between 12:00 and 3:00 PM, the Sons of Italy Rockland Lodge 2176 is hosting their 3rd annual Veterans Appreciation Day located at 46 Van Wyck Road, Blauvelt, NY. It is requested that all veterans pre-register at soi2176.com to receive a free hat at the event. There will also be a complimentary lunch and bocce-playing experience. 

Furthermore, Senator Bill Weber is hosting a Veterans Appreciation Reception on June 17th from 6:00 – 8:30 PM at The Nyack Seaport on 21 Burd Street, Nyack, NY. Not only will food and beverage be provided, but the Tappan Zee Bridge will be lit up in Red, White, and Blue in honor of our veteran’s service. Individuals must RSVP at 845-623-3627 since space is limited.