TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE – Seven kayakers in handcrafted boats left Kingston on Wednesday, navigating the Hudson River on their way to Fort Montgomery. The seven paddlers are veterans brought together by the Hudson Valley National Center for Veteran Reintegration (HVNCVR) and their Vets on the Hudson program.
The group arrived at Quiet Cove Park on Thursday and was greeted by representatives from MHA Dutchess Vet2Vet program, elected officials, and Dutchess County Director of Veterans Services, Adam Roche. “These veterans are paddling to honor the 800,000 American servicemen and women who served in Afghanistan and promote the variety of programs available to vets through the HVNCVR and I am here to talk with my fellow veterans on behalf of Dutchess County,” said Roche.
The group was permitted to camp in the park overnight on Thursday. After setting up their base, dinner was delivered by Darby O’Gills in Hyde Park. Following the meal, the veterans gathered around the firepit, joined by Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro and State Senator Sue Serino for a “fireside chat.”
The HVNCVR provides peer counseling by veterans and nonclinical support specifically designed to help veterans reintegrate into their communities. According to the Kingston-based organization, “Sometimes all someone needs is camaraderie and time around like-minded individuals offered through the Center’s free programs, workshops, and services.”
“We are truly honored to host Vets on Hudson at Quiet Cove. We must all do more to be there for those who served and return home. Sitting around a campfire listening to our veterans was among the most humbling and powerful conversations I’ve ever had,” said Molinaro. “Listening to them was so powerful and helpful. It’s just another reminder we can all be there for them and each other.”
Senator Serino, a staunch advocate for veteran programming, told Mid-Hudson News, “We need to do more for our veterans. They have served us and we need to take care of them. Many veterans struggle quietly and programs like Vet2Vet are vital when it comes to helping the brave servicemembers as they return to civilian life.”
The trip’s leader, Jessica Bugbee, an Army combat medic, served in war with fellow paddlers Marcus Curtis of Maine and Carol Builes of California.
Bugbee said the trip gives the group a chance to have intimate discussions about their experiences with others who survived the same challenges. Builes called the trip “very therapeutic” and noted that the serenity of the water gives her a chance to reflect during the quiet times while also helping each other cope with the lingering effects of war simply by talking to others as they head downriver.
On Friday morning the group was treated to breakfast provided by Mid-Hudson News and Cafe Primavera as fog hung over the Hudson. After breakfast, the camp was broken down and packed into the vessels and the crew departed south, paddling to Milton Landing in Ulster County for a Friday campout.
Greg Lettterii, owner of Cafe Primavera on Market Street in Poughkeepsie said “Working with Mid-Hudson News to get breakfast for the veterans was my pleasure. It’s my way of honoring those who have served.”
