May 13, 2008

Kennedy's 1st Annual Veterans' Outreach a Success

On Saturday, May 10th, 2008, Legislator Tim Kennedy welcomed over 150 veterans to the Buffalo Irish Center. In front of a standing room only crowd, Legislator Kennedy, Patrick Welch – Erie County Director of Veterans' Services - and representatives from various veterans' organizations delivered a program which informed veterans and their families of the benefits they had earned. Mayor Byron Brown, Assemblyman Mark Schroeder, Councilman Michael Kearns and a representative from Congressman Brian Higgins' office also were in attendance to honor the veterans.

This program was the first of its kind offered to the residents of Erie County. As veterans and their families came pouring in, they were treated to a complimentary breakfast and asked to sign up for programs which would provide them with the benefits they had earned through their service to this county. In most cases, the veterans in attendance had not signed up with the VA Hospital. According to Patrick Welch, "Signing up with the VA Hospital is vitally important. In order to prevent delays in times of illness, preparation is needed." Welch went on to say that, "because of an event like this, veterans are now informed, and now know the services available to them."

Legislator Kennedy stated, "I am honored to serve the veterans in my district. My goal was to inform veterans of the benefits they had earned, and I'm confident that this objective was accomplished." Kennedy went on to thank the representatives from the various veterans' organizations that make up the Veterans' Outreach Squad. "People like Carol Griffith from the VA Hospital, Alissa Radlich from 2-1-1 WNY, Brian Held from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Patrick Welch deserve a tremendous amount of credit. All these people know the importance of our veterans, and make it a priority to go that extra mile for them."

If you could not attend the veterans' event, and would still like to find out information on the benefits offered to veterans, please feel free to contact Legislator Tim Kennedy's office at 824-6180. Arrangements will be made for you or a family member to receive an informational packet.

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