The Morning Muster A Column For and By Veterans

Living For the Fallen

This is not an easy holiday for those of us who lost friends and family members in service. It does not matter if you can still see their faces when you close your eyes or if it’s been so long you have forgotten their voice, we still feel their loss. 

This Memorial Day weekend, and every single day that follows, we remember them.

Carry their hopes and dreams for freedom and happiness. Live with honor and courage, knowing you carry the legacy of every brave American who signed a blank check to the United States, up to and including the price of their lives. Make them proud to have known you, served with you and protected you.

The Battle Within

While we look back at those we have lost, we must also look at those standing next to us today. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The harsh reality is that we have far too many service members who are quietly carrying the heavy weight of old memories or unseen wounds. If you are walking that path right now, just remember: You are never alone, no matter how dark your path may feel.

As service members we learned how to work together as a team to achieve mission success and overcome seemingly impossible obstacles. But sometimes, our own mind becomes our greatest challenge if you are having difficulties sleeping or feeling safe, thoughts of violence or hopelessness; please reach out. There is never weakness in calling for backup. 

The Rockland County Recall Roster

In Rockland County alone, there are many veteran-centered spaces where you can find a brother or sister who speaks your language and understands your burdens. If you are in need of clinical support, or just need a safe space to talk, please reach out to these local organizations: 

PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Vet-to-Vet Peer Support: Located at the BRIDGES office in the Palisades Center providing real peer-to-peer support from veterans who get it. 

Local Service Posts: Rockland is home to several active chapters, such as:

American  Legion Posts: Kearsing & Edwards Post 1600 in Pomona, John M. Perry Post 1044 in Sparkill, William E DeBevoise Jr Post in New City, and John H Secor Post 329 in Pearl River. 

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): James H. Anderson Post 9215 in Nyack, Raymond W. DeMeola Memorial Post 1615 in Tappan, and Sloatsburg Memorial Post 1643.

VA Clinic and VA Vet Center: Located in New City, offers veteran healthcare and counseling.

Rockland County Veterans Service Agency (VSA): Located at 20 Squadron Blvd in New City, provides structured support, benefits, and local advocacy.

VETERANS CRISIS LINE: 

If you or a veteran you know is in distress and requires immediate action, DO NOT WAIT. For free and confidential support:

Dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line 

Or call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or text 838255. 

This Weekend’s Orders 

No matter what branch or era you served in, we must still be there for one another. We must always answer the call when one of our own is in need. This Memorial Day, remember the fallen, hug your loved ones, and touch base with another veteran. You never know what battles your brother or sister is fighting inside their hearts and minds. Reach out. Check on somebody. 

Fall out!