County Executive Urges Residents to Visit Hospitalized Veterans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MaryEllen Odell
Putnam County Executive
(845) 808-1001
February 11, 2013

County Executive Urges Residents to Visit Hospitalized Veterans

While the tradition of offering a hand salute has long been a courteous sign of respect among the military, the Dept. of Veterans Affairs at Hudson Valley Health Care System is seeking citizen volunteers to salute veteran patients by visiting them at their two area locations (Castle Point and Montrose, NY) as part of National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, February 10-16.

Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell is urging Putnam residents to make an effort to visit a hospitalized veteran during National Salute to Veteran Patients Week.

“It truly is an honor for me whenever I am around our wonderful veterans. It is such a little thing to ask – that we visit those who have given so much to keep our country free,” said Odell. “I extend a personal invitation to each and every Putnam resident to salute a veteran patient during this special week.”

Individuals as well as civic groups and organizations ranging from Boy and Girl Scout troops to Senior Chorales are asked to visit the hospitalized veterans, letting them know that while they may be in a hospital, they have not been forgotten.

According to Program Manager, Voluntary Service Yvette Rodriguez-Cacho, visitors young and old are welcome anytime during National Salute week.

“Many of our veterans are coming to VA with special needs and challenges that require the hearts and hands of a new generation of VA volunteers,” said Rodriguez-Cacho. “This would really make a difference to the men and women that spend their entire life hospitalized.”

 For further information on how to participate in the VA’s National Salute to Veterans and to schedule a volunteer visit, call the FDR campus located on  Route 9A in Montrose, NY 10548 at (914) 737-4400 x 3714 or the Castle Point Campus, Castle Point, NY 12511 at (845) 831-2000 x 5135.