Veterans Services Director Chosen For Dutchess County

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro has announced he has selected Marc Coviello to serve as the Director for the Division of Veterans Services following the retirement of former Director Nelson Eddy Rivera earlier this year. “Whether bravely defending his country on the battlefield or dutifully working for his neighbors in the Dutchess County Legislature, Marc Coviello has dedicated his life to serving others," Molinaro said.

"We are proud and honored he has chosen to continue that service as the new director of the county’s Division of Veterans Services,” he said.

“A tireless supporter of his fellow veterans and the issues important to them, Marc will continue his dogged advocacy for the brave men and women who have safeguarded our freedom and the benefits their service has earned them," Molinaro said. "I look forward to Marc’s smooth integration into our dedicated Veterans Services team, and I’m confident local veterans will benefit from his devotion to their cause.”

Coviello is a United States Army Veteran, who served from 2010 to 2014, rising to the rank of sergeant. He served as an infantry rifleman in the 1st Calvary Division during a deployment to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn, and later served as Squad Leader for the 1-32 INF, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. He also served as a long-range marksman attachment to 3rd Special Forces Group during a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During his tours of duty, he conducted over 75 special operation missions and earned over 20 different military awards and medals, including the Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal with valor and Army Good Conduct Medal.

Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 2014, Coviello founded the non-profit foundation Hudson Valley Hero Project and served as its executive director until December 2017. Hudson Valley Hero Project serves veterans throughout the Hudson Valley who are facing financial struggles. Initiatives have included awarding college scholarships, housing for homeless veterans, purchases of vehicles for veterans including a handicap accessible van for a paraplegic veteran, and financial assistance for multiple veterans battling various types of cancer, as well continuously sending goods to local service members deployed overseas.

Coviello has also served as Dutchess County legislator representing the Towns of Beekman and Union Vale, having been first elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2017 for his current term. He currently serves on the Environment Committee, the Government Services and Administration Committee and is the vice-chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee, as well as liaison to the Citizens Advisory Committee on Sex Offender Management. As legislator, he worked to expand the military benefits for County employees serving in the National Guard and Reserves, restructure the Veterans Affairs Committee to be more efficient, and is actively involved in the effort to establish a veterans treatment court in Dutchess County.

Coviello will resign from his position as legislator effective midnight on May 15, 2018. According to Legislature Chairman Gregg Pulver, his seat will be filled in accordance with the Dutchess County Charter.

He earned a management certificate from the Army Leadership Academy at Fort Hood, TX in 2012 and will complete a bachelor of arts degree in communications and political science at Pace University this fall. He is a lifelong resident of Dutchess County and has been very active in the community. He was inducted into the New York State Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame in 2015 and recognized as a Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce Forty Under 40 honoree in 2016.

As Veterans Services Director, Coviello will be responsible for informing, advising and assisting veterans, service personnel and their families with the benefits they are entitled to from the federal, state and county government. He will serve as an advocate for veterans and their families, participating in and coordinating initiatives and events to highlight veterans and their needs in the community.

“I am honored that the county executive has selected me for this position and I am eager to continue serving our area’s veterans in this important role,” Coviello said.

“The issues veterans face, such as the difficult transition back into civilian life, are extraordinarily challenging. I understand those challenges and can help veterans and their families navigate to the services and programs that can provide assistance and ensure veterans have full and productive post-service lives," he said.

Photo caption: Marc Coviello. Photo credit: Submitted.