Delgado delivers remarks at SUNY Conference on student services for military servicemembers and veterans

Statement

Today, Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) continued his in-district workweek focused on upstate veterans by delivering remarks at the SUNY Conference on Student Services for Military Servicemembers and Veterans. Today's conference, hosted by the SUNY New Paltz Office of Veteran and Military Services and Institute for Disaster Mental Health, focused on the importance of supporting the mental and physical well-being of those who have served our nation.

"The State University of New York system is a leader and innovator in supporting and fostering this bond between servicemembers and veterans and universities. The Institute for Disaster Mental Health at SUNY New Paltz plays a critical role in that mission by addressing the multifaceted challenges facing our veterans when return from service. Examining the mental strain on those who have served in combat is of critical importance. Many of our men and women in uniform are sent into disaster areas, war torn counties, peacekeeping and stabilization missions, and more where they are exposed to a unique mental strain." Delgado said. "The partnership at SUNY New Paltz between the Office of Veteran and Military Services and the Institute for Disaster Mental Health in working campus-wide and system wide for all military-affiliated students is an example of the forward-thinking kind of leadership we need to support our veterans. This model of collaboration in the SUNY system to educate and support every student; creating that feedback loop, working in an interdisciplinary fashion is something I take seriously in my own job. I have sought to replicate this kind of partnership at the local level through a locally-based Veterans Advisory Committee, and these conversations have led me to pursue federal initiatives and legislative causes to support our men and women in uniform."

The Congressman closed his remarks saying, "I look forward to hearing about the conclusions, innovations, and ideas that are developed from this conference and how we can work together to turn those ideas into action and legislative solutions."

Rep. Delgado has made assisting the more than 40,000 veterans in NY-19 a focus of his work in Congress, guided by conversations with his Veterans Advisory Committee. During this in-district workweek, Rep. Delgado is visiting with veterans and the organizations that serve them. Yesterday, Rep. Delgado visited the Ulster County Veteran Services Agency and Mental Health America of Dutchess County, and on Friday, November 8 will host a panel with elected officials, community leaders, veteran support organizations, and non-profits focused on veterans' reintegration to civilian life.

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