POUGHKEEPSIE – Reliant Realty, the property management team behind Admiral Halsey Senior Village in Poughkeepsie hosted ‘Admiral Salutes Veterans’ event to honor VetZero, the veterans support initiative of Hudson River Housing, on Wednesday. VetZero representative Tommy Zurhellen learned that Reliant was contributing $7,500 to the VetZero program during the casual event.
The event, attended by several residents of Admiral Halsey, many of which are veterans included an overview of VetZero’s mission and services. The organization exists to eliminate veteran homelessness and suicides. Following brief remarks from New York State Senator Sue Serino, Zurhellen, and Christa Hines from Hudson River Housing, Reliant’s managing Director and USMA graduate Matt Holladay presented an oversized $7,500 check to Zurhellen, founder of VetZero.
One exceptionally popular VetZero service is the “Heroes Driving Heroes” ride program. The program provides free rides for local veterans to destinations including Castle Point Medical Center and the Dutchess County Veterans Services office using a dedicated vehicle. Hines noted that many veterans have difficulty getting transportation to medical appointments and since the unveiling last year, the vehicle has made 1,000 trips that veterans needed.
Zurhellen, a Navy veteran, Marist professor, and author of “The Low Road: Walking the Walk for Veterans,” his memoir describing his walk across America to draw attention to veteran issues, was humbled by the Reliant support. “This generous donation will help us add the second VetZero Heroes vehicle to help even more local vets in our community get where they need to go,” he said. He took time to speak with the veterans residing in the Admiral Halsey tower and promote the Heroes Driving Heroes service. Veterans that need information about the service or need a ride, are encouraged to call 833-VET-ZERO (833-838-9376).
