CARMEL – Veterans living at the Vincent Leibell Veterans Home in Carmel enjoyed a traditional Christmas on Monday complete with farm animals, hot chocolate, coffee and cider.
The special afternoon gathering was held in conjunction with the county’s Dwyer Vet2Vet program, created in Putnam County in 2012 and aimed at bringing vets together in a secure, anonymous setting to assist one another with the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury.
Owners of Rock Hill Farm in the Town of Southeast brought their two Belgian work horses and two Randall Lineback oxen with them providing an opportunity for the residents to interact with them.
Horses Billy and Tom each weigh 2,500 pounds and measure 19 hands (just over six feet) tall. The oxen stand six feet tall and weigh 2,300 pounds each.
Rock Hill Farm, owned by John, DeeAnn and Danny Blumberg, spread their cheer year-round, showing their animals at country fairs and other events around the Mid-Hudson.
Korean War veteran Vernon Nix, 80, rear center, with
several family members
Blumberg with Billy and Tom
