By Rachele Terranova
Eisenhower Park was a sea of red, white and blue on September 14.
It was a sea of veterans. The crowd ranged from 103-year-old Paul Zadoff, who sang “God Bless America,” to young men and women recently returned from abroad. Everyone came together for the Nassau County Veterans Picnic Resource Fair.
Attendees were greeted by Nassau County Veterans Service Agency Director Ralph Esposito and County Executive Bruce Blakeman and enjoyed the beautiful weather with a picnic and live performance. ‘a patriotic trio called the American Bombshells.
“This is a small token of our gratitude to all those veterans who live here in Nassau County and who have contributed so much – you are the foundation of this county,” Blakeman said. “We will be forever grateful to each and every one of you. »
The main attraction of the event was the dozens of vendors from all over Long Island who came to tell veterans about all the benefits and services available to them.
Equine therapy is well known to physical and occupational therapy patients, but relatively few veterans are aware of the benefits of bonding with a horse. Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, based in Islandia, shared information about its services with attendees. Its mission, according to its website, is to “provide a comprehensive equine therapeutic program using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing.”
Through Pal-O-Mine’s Fall-In-Friday program, veterans and first responders can learn horseback riding skills such as brushing and walking horses. Regardless of physical impairment, there are opportunities to participate, in a driving-free environment. Equine-assisted psychotherapy is also available to all veterans and military personnel.
Pal-O-Mine also offers programs for family members, caregivers and military spouses. It offers them a free place to relax and the opportunity to experience a moment of peaceful connection with these animals. To learn more, visit Pal-O-Mine.org.
Veterans can find comfort and bonding with dogs and cats, thanks to Paws of War. Many veterans have service animals, but for many others, having a pet is more of a burden than a benefit. The range of services offered by Paws of War aims to turn the situation around and make pets a source of comfort and support rather than stress.
It offers service dog training, pet adoption and training, animal rescue for deployed military personnel, free mobile veterinary clinic, lifetime care for military working dogs at the retirement, emergency placement for veterans and housing assistance for veterans with pets.
Hundreds of dogs and cats have been rescued overseas by U.S. troops and brought home safely. And hundreds of service and support dogs have been rescued from shelters to be united with veterans. Go to PawsOfWar.org for more information.
Women Veterans need access to specialized services to enrich their lives and support them in the next chapter of their lives.
RosaMaria Williamson, a licensed clinical social worker and women veterans program manager with Women Veterans Health Services, told the Herald that the need for women’s services is crucial, especially because many female veterans are decades younger than their male counterparts.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Women Veterans Health Care program also addresses a need that many female veterans may not expect. Treatments related to military sexual trauma, post-mastectomy needs, gynecological and fertility treatments, LGBTQ+ health, environmental exposure, wellness and mental health services are all offered by the agency.
Another unexpected resource provided by the VA is a podcast. Sponsored by the Veterans Health Administration’s Office of Women’s Health, “She Wears the Boots” speaks to the growing and diverse community of women veterans and their needs.
“Women veterans are a growing and diverse group – professionals, mothers, retirees – of varying ages, racial and ethnic backgrounds, gender identities, and sexual orientations,” the podcast description states. “In this podcast, we highlight how the VA partners with women Veterans in their health by interviewing VA experts on numerous topics representing a wide range of VA programs.”
The podcast is available on all major streaming services.
The Women Veterans Call Center is open with phone, text and online chat services weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET and weekends from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET. Go to WomensHealth.va.gov for more information.