New York City Council
Committee on Veterans
Sep 18, 2024
·
10:30 AM
2 hr 24 min
Summary
A hearing on increasing veterans' civic engagement in New York City.
Discussions focused on strategies to improve veteran participation in community boards, voting, and other civic activities.
Key issues included:
- Challenges in veteran identification
- Support for veteran-owned businesses
- Housing and employment programs
- Improving outreach to younger veterans.
The hearing also addressed concerns about non-veterans in veteran-specific shelters and difficulties faced by disabled veteran street vendors.
Features testimony from the Department of Veterans Services (DVS), veteran advocacy organizations, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Robert Holden's opening remarks on veterans' civic engagement hearing
Council Member Robert Holden opens the oversight hearing on increasing Veterans Civic Engagement in New York City. He discusses the importance of veterans' perspectives in civic life, current engagement efforts, …
0:00:20
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4 min
Introduction and importance of civic engagement for veterans
Commissioner James Hendon introduces the topic of civic engagement among veterans and military families. He emphasizes the importance of involving veterans in civic processes and community service. - The Department …
0:05:09
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31 sec
Statistics on veteran civic participation
Commissioner Hendon presents statistics from the 2021 Veterans Civic Health Index, highlighting the high level of civic engagement among veterans compared to non-veterans. - 75% of veterans voted in the …
0:05:41
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55 sec
Overview of the three pillars of engagement
Commissioner Hendon introduces the Department of Veterans Services' three pillars of engagement: volunteer, serve, and lead. These pillars support and inform veterans about programs promoting civic participation. - The commissioner …
0:06:36
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27 sec
Volunteer pillar: Mission Vet Check and Emergency food efforts
Commissioner Hendon details two key volunteer programs under the 'volunteer' pillar: Mission Vet Check and Emergency food efforts. - Mission Vet Check is a wellness call program partnering with New …
0:07:04
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92 sec
Volunteer pillar: Veteran Voices Project and ETS Sponsorship Program
Commissioner Hendon describes two additional volunteer programs: the Veteran Voices Project (VVP) and the ETS Sponsorship Program. - The Veteran Voices Project is an oral history initiative preserving stories of …
0:08:38
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69 sec
Volunteer pillar: City and Non-City programs
Commissioner Hendon outlines additional volunteer opportunities promoted by DVS, including both City of New York programs and non-City initiatives. - DVS cross-promotes volunteer offerings from various city agencies such as …
0:09:50
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59 sec
Serve pillar: Community Boards and Veterans Advisory Board
Commissioner Hendon details opportunities for veterans to serve on Community Boards and the Veterans Advisory Board as part of the 'Serve' pillar. - DVS encourages veterans to serve on their …
0:10:53
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85 sec
Serve pillar: Boards, Commissions, and Community Engagement Sessions
Commissioner Hendon outlines additional opportunities for veterans to serve on various boards and commissions, as well as participate in Community Engagement Sessions. - DVS promotes appointment opportunities for over 200 …
0:12:19
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51 sec
Lead pillar: Joseph P. Dwyer Program and NYC Council Funding
Commissioner Hendon discusses two key initiatives under the 'Lead' pillar: the Joseph P. Dwyer Program and New York City Council Funding opportunities. - The Joseph P. Dwyer Program, now including …
0:13:13
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163 sec
Strategies for veteran self-identification
Commissioner Hendon emphasizes the importance of veteran self-identification and outlines the current challenges in identifying veterans in New York City. - Nationwide, 34.3% of US military veterans self-identify, dropping to …
0:15:57
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51 sec
Local Law 37 and DOD data for transitioning service members
Commissioner Hendon discusses two key strategies for improving veteran identification: Local Law 37 of 2024 and the use of DOD data for transitioning service members. - Local Law 37 mandates …
0:16:49
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111 sec
Data sharing and VA Work Study Program
Commissioner Hendon concludes by discussing data sharing initiatives and the VA Work Study Program. - DVS has executed a data sharing agreement with the New York State Department of Veterans …
0:18:40
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112 sec
Council Member Holden reflects on his experience with work-study veterans
Council Member Robert F. Holden shares his personal experience working with work-study students, particularly veterans, during his 40-year tenure at CUNY. He emphasizes the valuable perspective he gained from these …
0:20:33
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34 sec
Discussion on veterans' participation in community boards
Council Member Holden inquires about the number of veterans serving on community boards and discusses the importance of including veterans in these roles. The DVS representatives acknowledge they don't have …
0:21:08
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168 sec
Encouraging veterans to vote and participate in elections
Council Member Holden inquires about DVS efforts to support the nationwide vote campaign for recruiting veteran poll workers and encouraging veterans to register to vote. Commissioner Hendon explains the limitations …
0:23:56
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162 sec
The role of the Veterans Advisory Board in advising DVS
Commissioner Hendon explains the role of the Veterans Advisory Board (VAB) in advising the Department of Veterans Services (DVS). The VAB holds meetings, provides recommendations, and helps shape policies and …
0:26:41
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125 sec
Council Member Sandy Nurse discusses community board outreach and veteran civic participation
Council Member Sandy Nurse raises questions about community board outreach for veterans and collaboration with the Board of Elections (BOE) for voter registration. Commissioner James Hendon responds, discussing limited interaction …
0:28:50
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168 sec
DVS's evaluation of Veterans Advisory Board effectiveness
Council Member Holden inquires about how the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) evaluates the effectiveness of the Veterans Advisory Board (VAB). Commissioner Hendon explains that while it's not directly within …
0:31:45
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41 sec
Frequency of DVS contact with VAB and its recommendations
Council Member Holden inquires about the frequency of contact between the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) and the Veterans Advisory Board (VAB), as well as the major recommendations made by …
0:32:27
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30 sec
VetConnect NYC platform transition and VAB input
Commissioner Hendon discusses the VetConnect NYC platform transition and how the Veterans Advisory Board (VAB) has provided valuable input for its improvement. The platform is undergoing changes based on VAB …
0:32:56
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52 sec
Engaging veterans in community activities and DVS outreach efforts
Council Member Holden inquires about DVS efforts to engage veterans in community boards, civic associations, and other community groups. Commissioner Hendon and Assistant Commissioner Jordan Jones explain DVS's outreach initiatives. …
0:33:49
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78 sec
Additional resources needed from city council for veteran engagement
Council Member Holden inquires about additional resources or support that the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) needs from the city council to enhance civic engagement among veterans in New York …
0:35:08
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15 sec
VAB's impact on increasing attendance at hearings
Commissioner Hendon acknowledges the Veterans Advisory Board's (VAB) contribution to increasing attendance at hearings through their suggestions for improved communication. - VAB requested that hearing notifications be included in the …
0:35:23
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29 sec
Proposal for better coordination between DVS and funded organizations
Commissioner Hendon proposes a way to improve coordination between the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) and organizations receiving discretionary funding from the city council. - Approximately 50-60 organizations receive discretionary …
0:35:53
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42 sec
Internship opportunities and SkillBridge program for veterans
Council Member Holden and Commissioner Hendon discuss internship opportunities for veterans in city council offices and the potential for collaboration through the SkillBridge program. - Council offices have existing internship …
0:36:35
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111 sec
Lack of veterans in city council and strategies to encourage political participation
Council Member Holden and Commissioner Hendon discuss the current absence of veterans serving as city council members and explore strategies to encourage more veterans to run for public office. - …
0:38:26
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173 sec
Challenges in identifying veterans for political engagement
Commissioner Hendon and Council Member Holden discuss the difficulties in identifying veterans for political engagement and the role of the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) in this process. - Commissioner …
0:41:19
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19 sec
Council Member Vickie Paladino discusses challenges in veteran self-identification and political engagement
Council Member Vickie Paladino shares her thoughts on the challenges of identifying veterans and encouraging their participation in politics. She recounts a personal anecdote about a young navy veteran who …
0:41:40
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96 sec
Clarification on $2 million veteran outreach campaign budget
Council Member Kristy Marmorato inquires about the $2 million budget for the veteran outreach campaign, specifically asking if it comes from the Department of Veterans Services' $5 million budget. Commissioner …
0:43:18
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25 sec
Strategies for engaging younger veterans
Commissioner James Hendon outlines various strategies to engage younger veterans, focusing on early intervention and digital outreach. He emphasizes the importance of connecting with veterans during their transition from military …
0:43:44
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137 sec
Collaboration on social media outreach for veterans
Council Member Kristy Marmorato offers to assist with social media outreach by posting materials on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Commissioner James Hendon agrees to follow up with council members to …
0:46:01
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17 sec
Proposal for a social media campaign to boost veteran civic engagement
Council Member Robert F. Holden, drawing from his advertising background, proposes a social media campaign to expand civic engagement within the veteran community. He suggests collaborating with design departments in …
0:46:17
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116 sec
Final thoughts on expanding veteran civic engagement
Commissioner James Hendon briefly addresses the question about additional plans for expanding veteran civic engagement. Council Member Robert F. Holden then concludes the session, thanking the commissioner for his testimony. …
0:48:14
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33 sec
Testimony by Allen McFarlane, Associate Dean for Outreach and Engagement and Director of the NYU Military Alliance at New York University
Allen McFarlane, Associate Dean at NYU and Director of the NYU Military Alliance, provided testimony on the university's efforts to support student veterans and military-connected students. He highlighted the 15-year …
0:51:07
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4 min
Testimony by Bryan Ellicott-Cook, Director of Government Relations at SAGE
Bryan Ellicott-Cook, Director of Government Relations at SAGE, testified about the importance of civic engagement for LGBTQ+ veterans and how the New York City Department of Veterans Services can better …
0:55:44
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3 min
Testimony by Ashton Stewart, Veteran Liaison at MJHS Hospice and Palliative Care
Ashton Stewart, a Navy veteran and Veteran Liaison at MJHS Hospice and Palliative Care, testified about the importance of veteran support in healthcare and voter engagement. He highlighted MJHS's involvement …
0:58:51
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3 min
Testimony by Erin Verrier, Manager of Policy and External Affairs at Community Healthcare Network
Erin Verrier from Community Healthcare Network (CHN) testified about their Military Family Wellness program, which provides health and social services to veterans. The program offers mental health screenings, referrals for …
1:03:10
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145 sec
Testimony by Joshua Sooklal, Student at John Jay and Nonprofit Worker from Hope for the Warriors and Veterans Advisory Board
Joshua Sooklal, a student and nonprofit worker, addresses the committee on increasing civic engagement for veterans. He emphasizes the lack of veteran representation in the city council and highlights the …
1:05:42
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68 sec
Testimony by Dondi McKellar, US Navy Veteran, on Increasing Veterans' Civic Engagement in New York City
Dondi McKellar, a US Navy veteran, testifies about the importance of increasing veterans' civic engagement in New York City. He shares his personal experiences and involvement with various veteran-focused committees, …
1:06:53
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132 sec
Testimony by Michael Matos, US Coast Guard Veteran and Veteran Advocate, on Veteran Civic Engagement in NYC
Michael Matos, a US Coast Guard veteran and advocate, addresses the challenges veterans face in civic engagement in NYC. He highlights the importance of veteran participation in civic life while …
1:11:05
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127 sec
Testimony by Melissa del Valle Ortiz, US Army Veteran, on Veterans' Housing and Benefits
Melissa del Valle Ortiz, a US Army veteran, testifies about her experiences as a veteran and the challenges she faced after leaving the military. She provides recommendations to improve support …
1:13:17
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5 min
Testimony by Joe Bello on Increasing Veteran Civic Engagement
Joe Bello provides testimony on increasing veteran civic engagement in New York City, highlighting the unique perspective veterans bring to civic life and the challenges they face. He discusses the …
1:19:20
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5 min
Discussion on Veterans Advisory Board term limits
Council Member Robert F. Holden engages in a discussion with Joe Bello about the proposed 6-year term limit for the Veterans Advisory Board (VAB). They explore the reasoning behind the …
1:25:03
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83 sec
Testimony by Michael Abramovich, Veteran and Civil Servant, on Veterans in Civil Service
Michael Abramovich, a veteran and civil servant, discusses the challenges faced by veterans working in New York City's civil service. He highlights the lack of recruitment efforts, inadequate engagement with …
1:27:07
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4 min
Testimony by Susan Wallace, Veteran
Susan Wallace, a veteran and retired JAG officer, testifies about the difficulties and discrimination she has faced as a female veteran in New York City. She highlights issues with recognition, …
1:31:52
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4 min
Testimony by Frederick Hart, Disabled Veteran, on Challenges with Street Vending License
Frederick Hart, a disabled veteran, testifies about his frustrating experience with law enforcement while attempting to use his newly acquired street vending license in Midtown Manhattan. He expresses confusion and …
1:36:27
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122 sec
Council members address veteran's unfair ticketing issue
Council members Vickie Paladino and Robert F. Holden respond to Frederick Hart's story about being unfairly ticketed while working. They express disbelief and support for the veteran, advising him to …
1:38:29
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43 sec
Council members support idea of more veterans in city council
Council members briefly discuss and support the idea of having more veterans run for city council positions. They agree with a suggestion to implement Final 5 voting to give independent …
1:39:12
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17 sec
Testimony by Timothy Pena, Founder of Veterans Justice Project and The Forgotten Veteran
Timothy Pena, a veteran and founder of two veteran-focused organizations, shares his experience as a homeless veteran in New York City and highlights the importance of voting rights for veterans. …
1:40:27
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4 min
Testimony by Mount Lacey, Disabled Homeless Veteran
Mount Lacey, a disabled homeless veteran, testifies about his experiences with the New York City Department of Home Services' grant and per diem program for veterans. He describes various issues …
1:45:05
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5 min
Council member inquires about veteran's stay at Borden Avenue and non-veteran presence
Council Member Holden engages in a brief Q&A session with Mount Lacey, a disabled homeless veteran, about his stay at Borden Avenue and the presence of non-veterans in the facility. …
1:50:22
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11 sec
Testimony by Lewis Melendez, Timothy Pena, and Mount Lacey on Homeless Veterans' Experiences
The testimony covers the experiences of homeless veterans and their advocates, highlighting issues within the shelter system and community engagement. It includes accounts of non-veterans in veteran-specific shelters and the …
1:50:38
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153 sec
Testimony by Walter Wells, Disabled Vietnam Vet on Issues Faced by Veterans in Times Square
Walter Wells, a disabled Vietnam veteran, testifies about the challenges faced by veterans in Times Square. He highlights issues such as being pushed off street corners, excessive ticketing, and difficulties …
1:53:53
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3 min
Testimony by Armando Crescenzi, Associate Founder of Put Veterans First, on Veterans' Rights and Proposed Initiative
Armando Crescenzi, Associate Founder of Put Veterans First, presented testimony on the challenges faced by veteran street vendors in New York City and proposed a new initiative to support disabled …
1:57:29
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5 min
Testimony by Robert Belkipir, Veteran and Disabled Veteran
Robert Belkipir, a disabled veteran and street vendor, testifies about the challenges faced by veteran vendors in New York City, particularly in Times Square. He highlights issues with unfair ticketing …
2:03:12
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3 min
Testimony by Abdul Jamila, US Army Veteran
Abdul Jamila, a US Army veteran and disabled street vendor, addresses issues faced by veteran vendors in New York City. He emphasizes the need for better enforcement policies, mental health …
2:07:01
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177 sec
Testimony by Charlotte Martin, Director of Access Initiatives at Intrepid Museum on Veterans Civic Engagement
Charlotte Martin, Director of Access Initiatives at the Intrepid Museum, presents testimony on the museum's veterans access initiative and its role in connecting veterans with each other and cultural resources. …
2:10:29
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3 min
Testimony by Dr. Frank Bourke, Founder of Research and Recognition Project, on RTM Protocol for PTSD Treatment
Dr. Frank Bourke, Founder of the Research and Recognition Project, presents information about the Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) protocol and its effectiveness in treating PTSD. He expresses gratitude for …
2:13:57
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124 sec
Council member inquires about the number of RTM-trained counselors
Council Member Robert F. Holden asks Dr. Frank Bourke about the number of counselors already trained in RTM (Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories). Dr. Bourke provides an answer, stating there are …
2:16:04
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14 sec
Testimony by Dr. David Stiffler, Medical Director of Military Family Center at NYU Langone Health
Dr. David Stiffler, Medical Director of the Military Family Center at NYU Langone Health, testified about the center's mission to provide mental health services to veterans and their families. The …
2:17:22
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148 sec
Council member inquires about Military Family Center's waiting list
Council Member Robert F. Holden asks Dr. David Stiffler about the Military Family Center's ability to see all requested patients. Dr. Stiffler confirms they see everyone, ideally within a week …
2:19:51
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27 sec
Council Member Vickie Paladino addresses challenges faced by veteran vendors
Council Member Vickie Paladino delivers impassioned remarks supporting veteran vendors in New York City. She criticizes the treatment of veterans trying to make a legal living through vending, contrasting it …
2:21:50
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150 sec
