Honoring the Life of Commander Fred Amore, Jr.

In recognition of all that Commander Fred Amore Jr. did for his fellow veterans in Huntington and across Suffolk County, we renamed Cannon Park at the intersection of Route 25 and Route 347 in Commack “The Memorial Commander Fred Amore, Jr. Cannon Park.” (IR 1343-21)

Helping Our Retired Veterans

We must make sure that all our veterans and service members have the resources they need to survive and thrive in Suffolk County. To that end, I supported the creation of the Suffolk County Task Force to Assist Retired Veterans and co-sponsored a resolution appointing Christine Glynn to serve as a member of the group representing the Women Veterans Advisory Board. (IR 1555-21)

Acknowledging The Children of Our Fallen Service Members

To recognize the thousands of children whose parents have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our armed forces, I sponsored a resolution designating May 13th of each year as “Children of Fallen Patriots Day” in Suffolk County. (IR1342-21)

Housing Our Homeless Heroes

I was proud to support a resolution authorizing the sale of county-owned real estate to Concern for Independent Living, Inc. for development as affordable housing for veterans. (IR 1367-2021)

Supporting Veterans Service Organizations

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian offers a variety of therapeutic programs to assist military veterans who have suffered emotional and/or physical injuries. I was proud to co-sponsor a resolution authorizing Pal-O-Mine to be included in an agriculture district, a move which will help them sustain their operation into the future. (IR 1392-2021)

Women’s Veterans Appreciation Day

The Legislature unanimously approved the designation of June 12th as Women Veterans Appreciation Day in Suffolk County to recognize the sacrifices and service of women veterans. (IR 1135-20)

Clarifying the Registration and Reporting Requirements for Nonprofit Veterans Organizations

The Legislature approved legislation assuring that all agencies collecting donations for veterans in Suffolk County are properly registered with the County. (IR 1256-20)

Voluntary Registry for Female Veterans living in Suffolk County

I sponsored a resolution to create a voluntary registry for female veterans living in Suffolk County. This resolution, developed in collaboration with the members of the Suffolk County Women Veterans Advisory Board, created a voluntary registry for female veterans and an avenue for County and local veteran’s organizations to more effectively perform outreach and provide needed resources to our County’s female veterans. (IR 1543-20)

Expanding the Definition of Veteran

We passed legislation adopting Local Law No. 43-2020 amending the Suffolk County Code to expand the definition of “Veteran” to include those veterans who were discharged because of their LGBT orientation or other qualifying conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or Military Sexual Trauma. These veterans will now be eligible to receive veteran’s services and benefits from the State. (IR 1649-20)

Benefits for Military Reserves

We adopted a Local Law to provide State authorized benefits to certain County employees who serve our nation in the military reserves. (IR 1362-20)

Establishing a Women Veterans Advisory Board

As Chairwoman of the Legislature’s Veterans Committee, I work to ensure that the voices of all our veterans are heard and their concerns are addressed. I sponsored a resolution, which passed the Legislature unanimously, creating the Suffolk County Women Veterans Advisory Board. This board will provide female veterans with a protected space to discuss issues that pertain to them, a platform to advocate for their best interests and the ability to make recommendations to the Legislature regarding proposed legislation, policies and programming that affect female veterans. Thank you to my colleagues for their support of this vital initiative and thank you to Christine Glynn and StacyAnn Castro Tapler for your advocacy. I look forward to the great work that the Advisory Board will do for Suffolk County’s female veterans. (IR 1406-19)

Tax Exemptions for Veterans

When it was brought to my attention that a Suffolk County property tax exemption for Cold War era veterans was about to expire, I requested an emergency meeting of the Legislature to ensure that the exemption would be continued for Cold War era veterans who served between military conflicts. The resolution unanimously passed. (IR 1155-18)

I sponsored a resolution to provide a property tax exemption for veterans who participated in Operation Graphic Hand, a military action that mobilized personnel to avoid a national emergency in the midst of a mail carrier strike in 1970. Now Suffolk County’s veterans receive the same exemption as those in Nassau County. (IR 1768-18)

Honoring Our Veterans’ Service

I sponsored legislation to recognize May as Military Appreciation Month in Suffolk County. Suffolk County is home to the largest number of military veterans in the State of New York. Military Appreciation Month encourages Suffolk County residents to publicly show their appreciation for the sacrifices and accomplishments made by our military personnel. (IR 1383-19)

Supporting Veterans Service Organizations

I co-sponsored a resolution that establishes a 20-year licensing agreement between Warrior Ranch and the County for their use of the Long Island Beagle Club Property. The Warrior Ranch Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that is committed to serving veterans and first responders through horse rescue and interaction. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy has shown to be effective in treating patients, including combat veterans with PTSD, depression and anxiety, among other chronic conditions. I look forward to seeing all of the amazing work they will do with this new property and the help they will provide to Suffolk County’s heroes. (IR 1089-19)