Rep. John Faso and State Senator Susan Serino, standing on left,
join veterans
POUGHKEEPSIE – Veterans from World War II to present day were honored
at a picnic on the grounds of the VFW Post 170 in Poughkeepsie on Saturday.
The event was sponsored by the Vet2Vet program, under the umbrella of
Mental Health America of Dutchess County and provided veterans a day of
food, music and fun along with the opportunity to speak with Congressman
John Faso and State Senator Susan Serino.
Faso said that he attended “to show support for these American heroes.”
Ray Osterhaudt of Hyde Park, an Army veteran who fought in the Battle
of the Bulge was in the crowd and said “I’m just honored to be here.”
Serino, who was a driving force behind bringing the Vet2Vet program to
Dutchess County, called the day “a great opportunity to thank these
brave men for their service to this great nation.” Serino also credited
Vet2Vet with doing “a tremendous job in assisting Dutchess County
veterans with issues such as PTSD, depression and addiction.”
Adam Roche, program manager of Vet2Vet and a battle-tested Marine, said
“this picnic is one more way that Vet2Vet helps our veterans.”
Roche implied that the picnic acts as a subtle peer-to-peer group that
helps veterans realize that many of their fellow warriors are dealing
with similar issues and talking about them helps ease the stress.
Vet2Vet of Dutchess County offers services to all veterans and their families.
Services are provided without restriction as to discharge date, type of
discharge, or dependency status. Services include a network of peer support
groups facilitated by a veteran along with referral services and case
management assistance.
Additional information about Vet2Vet can be found at www.mhadutchess.org.
