Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) hosted his third annual free luncheon honoring Hudson Valley veterans on Tuesday, July 22 at VFW Post 1374 in Carmel. The event provided local veterans with an opportunity to connect with fellow service members and elected officials, learn about benefits and services available to them and meet with organizations like Hudson Valley Honor Flight, Putnam Veterans Council, United for the Troops and others dedicated to serving them.

Joining Assemblyman Slater were Southeast Town Supervisor Nick Durante, Putnam County Clerk Mike Bartolotti, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne, Putnam County Legislator Erin Lee Crowley and Putnam County Veterans Services Director Karl Rohde. During the luncheon, Clerk Bartolotti presented two veterans, Gregory Bagan and Richard Buck, with the Putnam County Service Medal in recognition of their outstanding service.

“We look forward to this event every year because it’s our way of saying thank you to our veterans,” said Slater. “While words of appreciation matter, it’s equally important to make sure our veterans are taken care of in real, tangible ways. That’s why, beyond having a nice meal, this luncheon is curated to be an opportunity for veterans to connect with one another, speak directly with local officials and learn about the benefits, programs and services available to them.”

Assemblyman Slater also extended special thanks to the Girl Scouts, who handed out free cookies to veterans, and to the many volunteers and county offices who helped make the event possible.

“This is a well-deserved event for our vets, and it’s great to see such a strong turnout every year,” Slater added. “Coming together to make sure our veterans are listened to and their concerns are addressed is why we do this.”

“Thank you to our veterans for your service to our nation, and for your participation in yesterday's event,” Clerk Bartolotti said. “Hats off to Assemblyman Slater for providing the opportunity for our veteran’s community to gather and interact with their elected officials to discuss issues that matter to their community.”

Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne said, “I was honored to be with Assemblyman Slater and other friends for this heartfelt tradition that recognizes the incredible service and sacrifice of the men and women who wore our nation’s uniform. Events like this remind us of the importance of never taking our freedoms for granted and always showing gratitude to those who defended them.”

“There are so many levels of viewing the luncheon sponsored by Assemblyman Slater that it is difficult to know where to begin,” said Putnam County Veterans Services Director Karl Rohde. “The mere fact that the Assemblyman would host such an event is overwhelming.However it went beyond just a meal. The comradery that the Veterans gathered were able to experience had to be the highlight of the day. Old friends were met and new friends were acquired. Then from the various speakers that addressed the Veterans we were able to hear about some new legislation that is very positive for the Veterans community. On behalf of the Veterans of Putnam: Thank you Matt Slater. Job well done.”