Scuttlebutt

Did you hear...

7/11/24- Have you heard about the new (to us) Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) program? This is a Department of Labor program for Veterans and their spouses that offers employment workshops on a variety of topics. This program is currently only offered in 10 states (NY is the newest!). Click here to learn more about the program and sign up for workshops: Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov) 

PLEASE NOTE- the OBTT website has a small typo. VOC's correct address is 447 South Ave

7/8/24- September is Suicide Prevention Month and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to learn some life saving skills. Hop over to our new page at www.rocveterans.org/suicide-prevention to discover some of the trainings available in the Finger Lakes and to learn more about suicide prevention. Do those buddy checks and remember 988 offers 24/7 confidential support to anyone who needs it.

7/3/24- This time of year can be difficult for some combat Veterans. Keep the Veterans Crisis Line information handy. You never know who you might encounter that can benefit from the information! Veterans Crisis Line provides 24/7 confidential support for Veterans. Call 988 then press 1, Text 838255 or click here to chat->  https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/

6/28/24- The NYS Elks Association West Central District is seeking your assistance in identifying eligible Veterans for recognition. To refer a Veteran that served in World War II, Korea, or Vietnam please click here: https://www.emailmeform.com/.../vLZ3fTEjW2q8iB6SR9M36bHA The veteran does not need to be an Elk to be referred. Referrals must be submitted by August 15th so there is time to have the medallions made.

Please contact Mike Morrisey at mrmorrisey730@gmail.com or (585) 749-0456 if you have any questions.

6/22/24- Blue Star Museums offer free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families (including National Guard and Reserve). This program operates all summer and is national so if you plan on traveling you can enjoy free admission across the US. Click here for a list of participating museums: https://www.arts.gov/blue-star-museums-map

6/13/24- Veterans Benefits Advisors with the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services are offering FreshConnect vouchers to Active Duty members, Veterans and their immediate family members, as well as un-remarried surviving spouses of Veterans.  Learn more information here: FreshConnect Checks For Veterans And Families | New York State Department of Veterans' Services (ny.gov) 

We unfortunately don't have a full list of everywhere they are available but we have confirmed the following locations:

Livingston County VSA (Contact Sara at 585-243-7960)

Veterans Outreach Center (Contact Nick at 585-295-7856)

Canandaigua VA (Contact David at 585-393-7817)

Wayne County Veterans Service Agency 315-946-7497

6/12/24- Today is Women Veterans Recognition Day. Although this article is a couple years old, we thought it gives a nice overview of the history of service and how this day of recognition came to be. It's an interesting read. Dispelling the myths of Women Veterans Recognition Day - VA News 

A heartfelt thank you to all the women Veterans out there. Forever grateful for your service.

6/8/24-Do you know a Veteran, Service Member, or First Responder who really needs a new ride? Nominate them for the 8th Annual Vehicles for Vets: https://basilvehiclesforvets.com/ 

6/6/24- The YMCA offers discounts and programing for Veteran and Military families (including Gold Star families). See the flyer for the discounts offered at the Greater Rochester Area YMCAs (this includes some Y's outside of Monroe County! See the locations here: Locations ). Click the link for more details and to learn about Camp Corral-a free camp for the kids of fallen, ill, or injured Veterans and Service members. https://rochesterymca.org/military-outreach

6/4/24- It's baseball season! The American Legions are playing just about daily. Go catch a game and support your local Legions. The full schedule is available here: Game Schedule - 6/6/2024 - D7 2024 Regular Season (nylegionbaseball.com) 

6/4/24- Veterans can get a free FEDERAL PARKS PASS to National Parks. Wayne County VSA is trying to set up an event to have a representative come out to help people get the pass, but we need enough interested people to sign up. Please email John @ jnadig@co.wayne.ny.us if you are interested.

5/7/24- Although there aren't any locations in NY, the Armed Services Arts Partnership offers a lot of virtual services. Their programs include acting, comedy, storytelling, writing, improv, and visual arts. Interested in flexing your creative muscles? Head over to their website to learn more: https://asapasap.org/online/

5/1/24- Yates County has launched a Veterans Discount Program.  They join Livingston and Monroe Counties in offering an easy way for Veterans to find discounts at local businesses

4/25/24 Drug Take Back events are happening across the region this weekend! It's a great time to clean out your medicine cabinet. Find a location near you!


3/26/24- Big changes on the horizon for the Lifetime Liberty Pass! Effective April 1st, the disability requirement is being removed so ALL Veterans will be eligible for a Lifetime Liberty Pass. Eligibility has also been expanded to include Gold Star parents, spouses, and children. Click here for all the details: https://parks.ny.gov/admission/lifetime-liberty-pass.aspx

12/7/23- There are lots of opportunities for help during the holidays!

-Registration has opened for the Veterans Outreach Center's holiday food baskets. Call VOC at 585-546-1081 ext 9 to sign up!

-Penn Yan American Legion is hosting a Christmas Day dinner for any interested Yates County veterans. They have partnered with Keuka To Go to offer free meal delivery in Yates County for those who can't make it to the legion. RSVP is required, see the flyer posted on the Roc Veterans calander for all the details.

-The Macedon American Legion will be providing gifts to parents who need a little assistance making the magic happen for their kids on 12/16 at the Intermediate School on West Street. This event is open to all Wayne County residents, proof of residency is required. See the flyer posted on the Roc Veterans calander for further details.

-211 has developed lists of various programs in the area. Please be mindful some of the deadlines to apply are  quickly approaching so reach out soon!

Toys- https://211lifeline.org/categories.php?cat=HolidayToys&

 

Food- https://211lifeline.org/categories.php?cat=HolidayFood&

 

Meals- https://211lifeline.org/categories.php?cat=SeasonMeal2& 

11/16/23- The 2023 VA annual report about veteran suicide was released today. You can read it here -> www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/data.asp 

The Veterans Crisis Line offers 24/7 confidential support to all veterans and their loved ones. Reach them by dialing 988, texting 838255, or chatting at this site: Chat (veteranscrisisline.net) 

10/25/23- Need help with holiday meals or getting gifts under the tree? 211 has developed lists of various programs in the area. Please be mindful some of the deadlines to apply are in November so reach out soon if you need anything.

Toys- https://211lifeline.org/categories.php?cat=HolidayToys&

 

Food- https://211lifeline.org/categories.php?cat=HolidayFood&

 

Meals- https://211lifeline.org/categories.php?cat=SeasonMeal2&

10/16/23- Today is the first day of National Buddy Check Week. Take the pledge to reach out to 10 veterans. Find more information (including examples of how to kick off a conversation, why buddy checks are important, and signs someone might be in crisis) here and here 

10/5/23- This year's flu shots are now available at VA!

9/29/23- Onward Ops (formerly ETS Sponsorship) is a program that connects transitioning service members to a friendly neighbor in the community they are headed to. You can be the person that provides local information that helps a service member land on their feet! Learn more about the program or sign up to be a sponsor here 

7/28/23- VA Finger Lakes has a virtual service available to all veterans enrolled for care at any VA Medical Centers or VA Clinics. Get your healthcare questions answered 24/7 by simply calling 1-800-877-6976. Learn more here 

7/21/23- Livingston County has a program called 'Thank a Vet'. Various businesses participate by offering discounts to eligible veterans who reside in Livingston County. Learn more here 

7/12/23- September is Suicide Prevention month. VA is able to do suicide prevention trainings in the community free of charge! Want one at your VFW/Legion/work/place of worship? Contact Ashley at 585-364-9783