Just in time for Memorial Day, the Suffolk County Legislature (at their May 15th General Session) unanimously approved two resolutions sponsored by Majority Leader Jon Cooper (D-Huntington) that will help the brave men and women of Suffolk who have served in our military. Along with a measure Cooper sponsored earlier this year that provides veterans with discounts to county parks, armed service members are applauding his "Military Care Package."
Under the two new laws that Cooper championed, veterans will no longer have to pay civil service examination fees and will be able to apply for a county-issued Veterans Identification Card. As they finish their careers in the military, the waiving of test fees is expected to attract new veterans to work for the county, especially in the various law enforcement agencies.
Tom Ronayne, director of the county's Veterans Services Agency (VSA), says almost 120,000 vets call Suffolk their home, far more than any other county in the state.
The VSA will also be offering a free, county-issued Veterans Identification Card. ID cards and membership cards in various veterans organizations (VFW, American Legion, AMVETS) are not official proof of service. Only the card issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or a copy of veteran's discharge papers (DD Form 214) are considered universally acceptable. Establishing proof of service is key to ensure that veterans get all the benefits they are entitled to.
Of course, the ability to obtain valid ID cards isn't the only reason for Suffolk vets to contact the VSA. VSA service officers are trained to resolve eligibility questions and help vets navigate through the complicated world of government red tape and will become a valuable resource to helping veterans access the full measure of their benefits.
"These steps by the Suffolk Legislature should increase awareness among veterans about local benefits that are independent of the VA," says Huntington native and Marine Sgt. Josh Hirschhorn, who recently returned from a deployment to Fallujah after serving with the 1st Battalion, 25th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 5. "Separate IDs will provide those who have not enrolled in the VA system with an avenue to utilize available benefits."
Along with the new county ID cards, vets will still be able to use a copy of their discharge papers (DD Form 214) or their current military ID to get the parks discounts and fee waivers. Vets can obtain the newly offered ID cards by calling Suffolk County's Veterans Services Agency at (631) 853-VETS (8387).
The parks discounts are identical to those already given to senior citizens. There are currently 14 major county parks, totaling over 47,000 acres. Of those parks, 11 charge admission.
"The brave men and women in our armed forces were willing to risk their lives for a 'way of life' most of us forget to appreciate," says Cooper. "This is just a small way of saying we here in Suffolk County are truly grateful for their service."
Cooper will shortly be introducing new legislation that will extend his "Military Care Package" to active duty and activated military personnel.
