Peer Support Program for Veterans Comes to Oswego County

by Contributor | March 15, 2026 9:33 am

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Veterans’ Services Agency (VSA) announces it is implementing the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Program to provide comprehensive support to veterans and their families.

 

“We’re proud to bring the Dwyer Program to Oswego County to help support our veterans with the unique challenges that they face,” said Oswego County Legislator Michael Solowy, District 23, chairman of the Legislature’s Human Services Committee. “Whether a veteran is just now transitioning to civilian life or has been out of the military for years, this peer-to-peer mentorship program is beneficial to anyone who has served our country.”

Oswego County VSA Director Eric Boozer said, “Peer connection is essential for veterans, especially those who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injuries. No one better understands the struggles veterans endure than fellow veterans who have gone through the same experiences. The Dwyer Program offers a variety of core services to ensure that veterans and their families receive the support they need to thrive.”

Services provided as part of the Dwyer Program include peer support groups, one-on-one peer mentorship, crisis intervention and resource connection, and family support. Through these initiatives, the VSA will be able to offer group discussions on topics relevant to veterans, guest speakers, free events, referrals to resources and more.

“A peer mentor can provide personalized guidance for veterans based on their needs, such as helping with career transitions, educational goals or personal issues,” Boozer added. “Of course, they’re not counselors or therapists, nor will they be expected to act in that capacity. We can make referrals for any veterans in need of those specific services.”

The Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans 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. A photograph of Dwyer carrying an injured Iraqi child during a combat mission in Baghdad circulated in newspapers across the country, becoming a national symbol of hope and inspiration during the early days of the Iraq War.

Following his return from Iraq, Dwyer was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army but struggled with his transition back into civilian life. He suffered from PTSD, depression and substance abuse for many years after his service and, in 2008, died by suicide at the age of 31.

In 2012, the New York State Senate and the New York State Office of Mental Health partnered to launch the pilot of the peer support program. The program initially focused on suicide prevention for veterans suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injury. As the program expanded, the focus evolved to include a broader range of issues that veterans face regarding their overall well-being and re-integration into civilian life.

For more information about the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Group Program, visit https://www.josephpdwyerpeerproject.org/[1]. For updates on the local program, visit Oswego County J.P. Dwyer Peer Mentor Program[2] on Facebook.

For details on the Oswego County Veterans’ Services Agency, call 315-591-9100 or visit its website at https://www.oswegocountyny.gov/departments/human_services/veteran_s_services[3].

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/community/peer-support-program-for-veterans-comes-to-oswego-county/

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