Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy and the Albany County Legislature announced the award of $150,000 in Community Grants to ten local Veteran Service Organizations. This funding will be used for to support ongoing programing at American Legions and VFWs throughout the County. Programs that focus on the physical and mental health of Veterans, support services, and community events are just a few of the projects that have been chosen.

“Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion halls are community hubs where Veterans can come together to share their experiences and support one another. They serve as critical support systems where Veterans can receive services, financial assistance, mental health services, and can engage in civic activities. Investing in these organizations is not just about honoring our commitment to veterans; it’s about strengthening the fabric of our communities,” said Albany County Executive McCoy.

“We are indebted to our veterans, particularly those who gave their lives for our freedom. I am proud and thrilled to join this effort to provide these ten veterans' organizations with funding and support the continuation of many beneficial veteran’s programs such as civilian reintegration services, non-clinical services, programs to promote both physical and mental health, and the list goes on. Thank you to our partners in county leadership who helped make this happen as well as Legislators Sean Ward and Andrew Joyce who spearheaded this initiative last year and helped us see it reach the finish line,” said Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham.

“Our VFWs took a hit during and after the pandemic where our service men and women were unable to socialize and benefit from the resources provided at VFWs and American Legions. Ongoing funding and support to aid in their recovery efforts are needed countywide to ensure that our veterans services centers and related organizations are able to recover and thrive. I’m certain that this initiative will lay a new foundation of promise and resilience for our veterans, and I am proud that we have made this a priority,” said Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham.

“As Democratic Majority Leader I am proud that we can provide a significant, positive impact on the lives of local veterans and their families. With the support of our Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham and County Executive Daniel McCoy, we have awarded $150,000 to local veterans’ groups to support their missions here in Albany County. I look forward to seeing all the good work these monies will accomplish for veterans in our communities,” said Majority Leader Dennis Feeney.

“I am a proud combat veteran, having served tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and I’m honored to have been part of this crucial initiative that offers support to our veterans. The resources provided by American Legions and VFWs throughout the county, including mental and physical health support and reintegration initiatives, are invaluable. Thank you to all of our partners in the county who helped to see this funding program through, allowing those who have risked their lives for their country, the opportunity to access critical monetary support,” said Legislator Andrew Joyce.

“Supporting our veterans means more than on the surface efforts; it requires knowing the nuts and bolts of what our veterans do right here in our communities. This funding will allow our American Legions and VFWs to continue offering mental health resources, reintegration efforts, and overall continued wellbeing support to our veterans. American Legion Post 927 is a proud landmark in my district of Green Island, and I’m thrilled to see that they will be receiving funding to continue their impactful work,” said Legislator Sean Ward.

Veteran Grant Award Recipients

Total of $150,000

The County Executive also announced a new pilot program, Heroes Homecoming, which will focus on assisting active-duty personnel transition from military to civilian life. Albany County is partnering with the U.S. Department of Defense and the New York National Guard to identify recently discharged Veterans and provide them with information about the benefits and services they are entitled to. This is a first of its kind program in New York State and has the potential to greatly improve the health and wellbeing of our Veterans.

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