Oswego County Supports Veterans with Free Family Events

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Veterans’ Services Agency (VSA) offers a variety of supports, resources and events for veterans and their families. August events include equine therapy, model-building, lake charter fishing and a veteran meet-and-greet.

“We’re excited our VSA is hosting these events as part of the local Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program,” said Oswego County Legislator Michael Solowy, District 23, chairman of the Legislature’s Human Services Committee. “They are a great way for us to honor and thank our veterans for their service, all while creating opportunities for them to connect with fellow veterans in a welcoming and supportive environment.”

The Skill Level One Model Building event starts at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13 at the Oswego VFW Post #5885, 14 Bronson St., Oswego. The free event is open to veterans and their immediate family members. Participants can choose to build a model plane or a model tank, both of which will be provided. Registration must be completed by Friday, Aug. 7. To reserve your space, contact Veterans’ Principal Peer Mentor Ward Bowen at 315-746-2433 or [email protected].

The Home Front Alliance event is open to veterans, their spouses and family members from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at the Scriba Volunteer Fire Department Banquet Hall, 5618 NYS Rte. 104, Oswego. Attendees are welcome to share their experiences, ask questions, socialize with their peers and learn more about the Dwyer Program. VSA staff will be available to answer questions on a variety of topics in an understanding, judgment-free setting.

“We also planned a ‘Horses for Heroes’ equine therapy event and a ‘Hooks and Heroes’ fishing charter trip, all at no cost to our veterans,” said Oswego County Veterans’ Services Agency Director Eric Boozer. “Space for both events was limited – in fact, we only have one open spot left on the fishing charter trip – showing a welcome interest in these kinds of opportunities. We look forward to offering similar events in the future and ask veterans to follow our Facebook page to stay up to date on all upcoming activities.”

The Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program was founded in memory of PFC Joseph P. Dwyer, who served as a combat medic for the U.S. Army in Iraq. The nation-wide program serves to provide support to veterans facing a wide range of challenges regarding their overall well-being and re-integration into civilian life.

The Legislature’s Human Services Committee oversees VSA. In addition to Legislator Solowy, committee members include Vice Chairwoman Noelle Salmonsen, District 21; Joseph Arduini, District 22; Frank Bombardo, District 7; Richard Kline, District 12; Linda Lockwood, District 11; and Ryan Taylor, District 25.

For more information about the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program or other veterans’ events, contact Ward Bowen at 315-746-2433 or [email protected] or go to Oswego County Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Mentor Program on Facebook.