The Jewish War Veterans of Rockland County thanked Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef for being “a loyal friend to Rockland veterans, providing programs and services to meet their needs” at their Annual Membership Breakfast on Sunday. The group saluted Vanderhoef for his two decades of public service and presented him with an award.
“Even before Vanderhoef became county executive, he was dedicated to veterans’ causes and was instrumental in establishing a not-for-profit organization, NY Vets, to help establish the Camp Shanks Museum in Orangeburg,” said Jerry Donnellan, director of Rockland County’s Veterans Service Agency.
During Vanderhoef’s first term, Rockland partnered with the U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) to establish a veterans' clinic in the county. Before 1996, fewer than 300 veterans were using VA outpatient services, because the closest VA hospital was more than one hour away. Now, more than 400 veterans receive health services at the clinic in New City. Veterans agreed that the clinic would be one of Vanderhoef’s legacies.
Speakers at the breakfast praised Vanderhoef’s leadership in bringing new programs and services for veterans and the families of active duty soldiers.
- The Veterans Maintenance Support Program offers free emergency home repairs to the spouses of servicemen and women deployed overseas.
- Pro Bono New York provides pro bono legal services to veterans and their families.
- The Veterans Court gives judges the option of keeping non-violent, recently returning veterans out of jail.
- Rockland’s Return the Favor Program gives veterans discounts at approximately 400 participating local stores.
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