Rep. Delgado Holds NY-19 Veteran Support Forum

Press Release

RHINEBECK, NY -- Today, U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) held a NY-19 Veteran Forum in Saugerties to give our brave veterans a space to lean on each other during these challenging times and share resources for support. The Congressman was joined by local veterans, public officials who have served, veteran liaisons, and members of the New York State Senate and Assembly Veterans Committees. Rep. Delgado also held a moment of silence to honor the life and service of Army veteran Kyle Van De Water.

For over two hours, veterans and local leaders discussed the importance of mental health care, hurdles to accessing assistance, support for family members of veterans, transitioning to civilian life, federal and state legislation, and local services for veterans.

"We can and we must do more to support our veterans and their families," said Rep. Delgado. "I want to thank all the veterans who joined today's powerful forum. The stories and statistics shared today are an indictment of the manner in which we care for and support our brave veterans when they come home. We owe them mental health care, employment opportunities, quality medical treatments, unwavering gratitude, and more. I, and all the local leaders and officials who joined today's forum, won't rest until our veterans thrive as civilians."

In 2019, Rep. Delgado formed a NY-19 Veterans Advisory Committee to connect with local veterans, leaders, and liaisons. The Congressman has introduced and passed several pieces of legislation based on the committee's feedback, including the Fairness for Local Veteran Cemeteries Act and the Improving Benefits for Underserved Veterans Act. This Congress, Rep. Delgado introduced the following legislation to support upstate veterans:

REACH for Veterans Act

Bipartisan and bicameral legislation that would improve the Veteran Crisis Line (VCL) and facilitate the VCL's transition to 9-8-8 as part of the national suicide prevention hotline.

VA Peer Support Enhancement for MST Survivors Act

Bipartisan legislation that would establish a peer support program at the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) for survivors of Military Sexual Trauma (MST).

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