Chow Down Supports Putnam's Vet2Vet Program

Several hundred local veterans and their families enjoyed the first annual Chow Down hosted by State Senators Terrence Murphy and Sue Serino and Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell at the Putnam County Golf Course.

The Nov. 1 event, which featured cream chip beef and live entertainment from the USO, paid tribute to the veterans of the Hudson Valley and was an opportunity to support the work of the Putnam County Veterans Service Agency through the Joseph P. Dwyer Vet2Vet Program.

“The goal of today’s event was to offer a small token of appreciation to the brave men and women who defended our freedoms,” Murphy said in a prepared statement. “We are the land of the free because of the brave and there is no task too small when it comes to caring for our veterans.”

Military vehicles, dating from 1916 to 2012, that are part of the American Veterans Historical Museum’s Interactive Military Display were available for the attendees to see and even climb into.

“It was an incredible event,” Veteran Earl Gunderson of Phillipstown said. “The food was delicious and it was great to sit at the table and some some old stories.”

Veteran Nick Mucciarone of Mahopac said, “It was a beautiful affair and we really appreciate it.”

The Joseph P. Dwyer Vet2Vet Program, staffed by veterans, provides a place for peers (fellow veterans, members of the Armed Forces and their families) to connect with and support one another in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. It is a free, anonymous and confidential program that provides support, lunch-and-learn workshops, mentoring opportunities as well as training and development options.

Reports continue to show service members returning from active duty are at an increased risk of PTSD. Statistics from the Federal Government indicate nearly 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans suffer from PTSD, which is double the rate from Operation Desert Storm. In addition, there is an ongoing effort to reduce the suicide rate of veterans, which currently stands at a staggering rate of 22 everyday.

“Today was a homerun,” said Karl Rhode, Director of Putnam County Veterans Service Agency. “There were smiles on everyone’s face. The veterans were proud to be here and proud to be veterans. They loved the food and the entertainment from the USO. Thank you to County Executive Odell, Senators Murphy and Serino for always supporting the veterans and with the PFC Joseph Dwyer Vet2Vet Program to make this event possible.”

In addition to the meal and fellowship, the Chow Down provided an opportunity for the veterans to learn about local services that available to them.

“It is our honor today to serve our veterans, who served our country and protected our freedoms,” Odell said. “I also want to thank all of the volunteers -- the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, high school and middle school students as well as adults, who worked alongside us to make today possible. On behalf of Senator Murphy and Senator Serino and the PFC Joseph Dwyer Vet2Vet Program and thanking all of our Veterans and their families a happy and safe holiday season.”