As both a Member of the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee and a military mother, Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt (R,I,C-Greenwood Lake) has a unique passion for ensuring that veterans receive the best possible resources for success in their return to civilian life. As part of her ongoing work for veterans, she is renewing her call for greater resources to combat post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for returning veterans.
“As we negotiate a final 2013-14 state budget, one of the constituencies I will be particularly looking to protect are our veterans,” said Assemblywoman Rabbitt. “These brave men and women put everything on the line to protect us; it is only right that we return the favor. Unfortunately, the PTSD epidemic with our veterans currently returning from overseas does not seem to be subsiding. It is heartbreaking every time I hear of another tragedy because there is something we can do – help is out there. I want every veteran to know we are fighting for them and that we are here to help.”
The Executive Budget proposes a $600,000 increase to veteran counseling services (for a total of $6.4 million), a proposal Assemblywoman Rabbitt supports. The one-house budget introduced by the Assembly Majority proposed increasing that by an additional $100,000; the Senate’s budget proposal did not include an additional increase. Assemblywoman Rabbitt said that she will continue fighting for additional funding to this vital program and is urging her legislative colleagues to increase the governor’s proposed appropriation.
Assemblywoman Rabbitt has long been a strong supporter of services for veterans, working to provide education and employment opportunities, support for military families and increased programs for mental health care. A particular concern has been seeking methods to reach out to today’s veterans, as many do not join traditional veterans’ organizations such as the American Legion or VFWs. She said, “In working with the state Division of Veterans’ Affairs, outreach has been our biggest challenge, but, together, we are working to try to improve our collective ability in letting our returning troops know what resources are available.
“The Division of Veterans’ Affairs website is an extremely valuable resource many veterans may not be aware of. There is information on how returning troops can get college or graduate school tuition assistance, employment opportunities, mental health services and so much more. I strongly encourage any veteran – or civilian who knows a veteran or active troop – to visit their website,” said Assemblywoman Rabbitt. To further promote this resource the Assemblywoman is linking her website to the Division’s website, www.veterans.ny.gov, and promoting the Division’s Veteran Crisis Line. If you or someone you know needs help, please call 1-800-273-8255.
Additionally, Assemblywoman Rabbitt is helping to spread the word about local area citizens making a difference. Recently, Doug Cook, owner of CHOSUN Taekwondo Academy in Warwick, contacted the Assemblywoman about his new AMVet Taekwondo program. Inspired by a CBS News report on veterans’ PTSD epidemic, Mr. Cook and his partners created the program to help veterans reduce stress and form community through the practice of martial arts. AMVet provides veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts with free taekwondo training four times a month (including uniform) for one year. At the end of the year, veterans may renew their membership with the academy at no charge.
Mr. Cook wrote, “My fellow instructors and I are excited to be part of a solution to the sad and, frankly, grave predicament our American veterans find themselves engulfed in. As one vet said, ‘We are at war and America is at the mall.’ Aware of this profound sentiment, we have chosen to dissolve complacency and make this program a success, not simply for our school, but for our modern day warriors returning home from battle.” For more information on this program, please contact the academy at their website, via email at info@chosuntkd.com or by telephone at (845) 986-2288.
As always, all residents of Orange and Rockland counties, especially veterans, are encouraged to join the conversation with Assemblywoman Rabbitt online. For further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Assemblywoman Rabbitt by email at rabbitta@assembly.state.ny.us or by calling her office at (845) 291-3631.