Dutchess County, NY Discounts

Various country businesses offer discounts to veterans. Apply through the link below and see the list of participating merchants in Dutchess County.

New York Military and Veteran Benefits

New York offers special benefits for service members, Veterans and their families including property tax exemptions, New York National Guard tuition assistance, Veteran and dependent education assistance, compensation for state active duty, employment assistance, civil service preference, special vehicle license plates, hunting, fishing license benefits and New York State Parks privileges. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component, and Veteran disability status.

Benefits Protection Team

The Benefits Protection Team reviews VA News articles and emails from NYS and Federal Veterans Organizations.  Much of the information would be helpful to Veterans Service Office (VSO) personnel, but a good deal also pertains to veterans' rights, benefits and regulations changes. For example, at a DAV mid-winter conference in Washington, DC it was learned about claimants' rights during Compensation and Pension exam (C&P exams).  Veteran transportation was also highlighted. Rights of all veterans during Military Sexual Trauma & Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (MST & PTSD) exams were examined during a seminar.  All of these topics is brought back to the various organizations, and audiences to inform what the VA is and is not doing to change things for the better. 
There are monthly and quarterly seminars and WEBEX/Zoom meetings to update and refresh VSO information throughout NYS as well as the NY American Legion.  Much this information is discussed at Monthly Organizational meetings.  This way, that information can be disseminated throughout communities via chats and chat groups.
 

Hospital Patient Lunches

DAV Chapter 144 hosts bi-monthly luncheons for the patients at Castle Point VA Medical Center.  We have been hosting this event for the past four years and the patients there are always happy to see us.  We spend a few hours with the patients each time.   We provide hot catered meals, pizza or sometimes McDonalds.  This is a hugely popular event.

Support to Boots and Paws

DAV Chapter 144 continues to support to “Boots and Paws” providing service and guide dogs to vetreens in need. 

Support to Building Homes for Heroes

See how the donations from DAV Chapter 144 are influencing the lives of our disabled veterans.

Working with Johns Hopkins University

“Autonomy for Quadruple Amputees in the Shower”

Chapter 144 has opened the line of communication between the Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University and the National Headquarters of the Disabled American Veterans. The Engineering School has conducted the first development project of this connection; a device for double amputees to enhance their independent ability to shower. "“Autonomy for Quadruple Amputees in the Shower” See an overview of the project and watch the video from the link below.