Carmel Hamlet, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham convened his latest Veterans Advisory Council meeting on June 9 at VFW Carmel Post 1374 with over 50 veterans in attendance, where he provided an update about recent legislation to support veterans and funding initiatives in the FY 2026-2027 State Budget supporting veterans and their families.  

“It’s important to hear the veterans’ perspectives on the many issues that concern them, which is the point of holding these advisory council meetings,” said Harckham. “We will continue collaborating with our veterans to find solutions that will benefit our communities and help ensure veterans receive the benefits they have earned with their courage and sacrifice.”

Harckham reminded the veterans that his enacted legislation that assists veterans in receiving their proper benefits when they are admitted to a hospital or healthcare facility was spurred by a suggestion at one of his prior advisory council gatherings. 

Several special panelists at the Veterans Advisory Council meeting included Joshua Gaccione, the director of the Westchester County Veterans Affairs Agency; Karl Rohde, director of the Putnam County Veterans Service Agency; Megan Castellano, Program Director of the Dwyer Vet2Vet program in Putnam County; and the evening’s keynote speaker, Laurie Ciavardini, a licensed clinical social worker and director of Veterans Programs at Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship in Mount Kisco, NY. 

Harckham provided an update on a number of important investments benefiting veterans, in the FY2026-2027 State Budget. Funding for the state’s Department of Veterans’ Services increased $3.7 million to $17.3 million in the State Budget and included $8 million for Joseph P. Dwyer Vet2Vet Peer Services Program, $405,000 for Legal Services of the Hudson Valley’s Veterans and Military Families Advocacy Project and $325,000 for Clear Path for Veterans, which offers wellness programs, career support and service dog training.

The state senator noted other budget actions benefiting veterans as well, such as a new provision allowing localities who opt-in to provide full property tax exemptions for permanently and totally disabled service-connected veterans. 

In their remarks, both Rohde and Gaccione emphasized that veterans should get a service officer to assist them with VA claims regarding healthcare and benefits. Also, all veterans should be enrolled in the VA healthcare system, and that dependent indemnity compensation may be available to spouses of disabled veterans. Castellano noted that Dwyer Vet2Vet Peer Services Program is designed to help veterans meet with other veterans in a secure, comfortable atmosphere to help each other cope with issues connected to their military service.

Karl Rohde, Director of the Putnam County Veterans Service Agency, said, “One of the programs that Senator Harckham supports and advocates for is Dwyer Vet2Vet.  The major tenant of that organization is peer support: Veterans helping Veterans.  The Senator’s Veterans Advisory Council is just that, Veterans helping Veterans, coupled with non-Veterans who are amazing advocates.  Thank you and a salute, Senator.”

Joshua Gaccione, Director of the Westchester County Veterans Affairs Agency, said, “I am grateful to our elected officials for not only hosting Veterans Advisory Council meetings, but for acting on the feedback that stems from them. Bringing veterans together and hearing their needs is how real change is made. I encourage all veterans who do not have a veterans council in their local municipality to reach out to their local elected officials to create one. Senator Harckham has always been a champion for veterans and their families, and we thank him for his hard work.”

A Certified Military Counselor with over 30 years of experience in the mental health field, Laurie Ciavardini noted that 345 veterans participated in the programming at Endeavor last year, and their visits included sessions in which they could groom and lead the horses. She added that equine therapy is a popular model for veterans, some of whom may be apt to less talking and socializing than other people. 

“I was honored to be able to participate in this Veterans Advisory Council meeting and share the work that we do at Endeavor,” said Ciavardini. “Taking care of our veterans must be a priority for all of us, and having the ability to see healing with horses is a great privilege." 

Harckham has hosted seven Advisory Council meetings since taking office. He also hosts annual trips to Albany for veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars and honors an outstanding 40th Senate District veteran for inclusion in the annual New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. This year’s honoree was Brian Sillik of Yorktown Heights, a recipient of the Purple Heart, Sillik who served in the U.S Army as a Helicopter Crew Chief during the Vietnam War and now serves as the chair of the Jefferson Village Veterans Club.

Thom Newman, retired major in the U.S. Army and Veterans Advisory Board attendee, said, “Senator Harckham has been supportive ever since he first took office and as far back as when he was a county legislator. Because of his actions, vigilance and compassion many veterans—men and women—have benefited.”