Bellone Praises Veterans, Employers at Job Fair and Expo

(HAUPPAUGE, NY Oct. 31, 2014)--Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone praised veterans and employers at a job fair and expo held exclusively for veterans on Wednesday October 22.

“When our heroes come home to their families and homes in Suffolk County and try to acclimate themselves to day-to-day life, finding employment can be extremely difficult,” County Executive Bellone said. “I’m glad to see so many veterans who are eager to find good jobs, and so many employers who are looking to put veterans to work.”

About 200 veterans attended the job fair and expo, which featured 75 employers looking to fill positions, and another 20 college and veterans service organizations. Veterans and potential employers were able to meet face to face to discuss job openings, skills and qualifications to match veterans with open positions.

Sponsored by Suffolk County’s Department of Labor Licensing and Consumer Affairs, the fair was held at the Suffolk County Police Academy at Suffolk County Community College.

“The County did a fabulous job putting together the job fair for veterans and bringing together wide variety employers,” said Congressman Tim Bishop. “At every level of government, we have no greater obligation than to see to it that those who defended our nation are given every possible benefit and the highest level of service when they return home.”

County Executive Bellone also visited the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Northport this past week to discuss veterans’ needs and the services the center provides. Post-traumatic stress disorder, readjustment to civilian life, housing needs, mental and physical health issues, and long-term care were some of the topics he discussed with center Director Phillip Moschitta, associate director Maria Favale, center public affairs officer Joe Sledge and Rich Kitson, chief of voluntary services and the Suffolk County President of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

“We must do everything we can to help our veterans, whether they’ve served overseas or in the United States,” the County Executive said. “It is the least we can do to care for their physical or mental health when they’ve returned home. The center here in Northport is doing an exemplary work with our veterans.”

The job fair and visit to the Veterans Administration Medical Center were part of the Suffolk County Executive’s continued commitment to veterans. Bellone also welcomed the recent passage of the Housing Our Homeless Heroes Act to serve the housing needs of veterans and their families and improve the delivery of assistance to those who have served our country.

The bills that form the act will establish partnerships with agencies and community advocates who assist veterans and their families and establish an informational web portal on the Suffolk County website to direct veterans to services across all levels of government and within the non-profit sector.

A third bill, which would expand the housing program to allow Suffolk County to turn over surplus properties to veteran non-profit organizations, will be up for a vote November 18.

Newly introduced legislation will also provide for the appointment of a veterans service officer (VSO) who will be based within the Department of Social Services. VSO’s will facilitate access to counseling and assistance services for eligible veterans, their spouses, dependents and survivors.

“When a soldier goes off to protect the ground we stand on, it is unacceptable that he or she should have to come home to sleep on it,” Legislator Steve Stern, sponsor of the legislation, said. “Suffolk County has a strong tradition of caring for our veterans and we must lead the way in serving those who have served us and our great nation. The ‘Housing Our Homeless Heroes Act’ takes meaningful action to address the challenges veterans and their families face when they find themselves without a roof over their heads or struggling to stay afloat.”

There are more than 750 homeless veterans in Suffolk County.

“I would like to congratulate County Executive Bellone Legislator Stern, , and the entire Suffolk County Legislature for spearheading the drive to end veterans’ homelessness in our region,” Ralph Fasano, Executive Director for Concern for Independent Living, said. ”Suffolk County has played an instrumental role in helping us develop two projects that will house 90 homeless veterans in beautiful units that have won the support of the community. Added to the new initiatives in this legislation we can be one of the first communities in the country to eliminate veteran homelessness in our region.”

“The Department of Housing and Urban Development applauds Suffolk County’s commitment to ending veterans’ homelessness,” said Holly Leicht, HUD Region 2 Regional Administrator, serving New York and New Jersey. “The brave men and women of the military, who have given so much to protect our lives and liberty, deserve to have a place to call home. The ‘Housing Our Homeless Heroes Act’ dovetails nicely with our Mayors Challenge to end Veteran Homelessness. Together, we’re proving that when all levels of government join forces, we can achieve great things.”

Northport VA Medical Center’s Chief of Voluntary and Community Services Rich Kitson, public information officer Joe Sledge, center director Phil Moschitta, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Veterans Service Agency Director Tom Ronayne.