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BY: Keith S. Shikowitz & Robert Jowaiszas
Rockland County Veterans Services Agency (RCVSA) is helping former service members access the government benefits they’re entitled to, including pensions, medical care and other programs created to help them adjust to civilian life.
While not a VA organization, the RCVSA is heavily invested in the wellbeing of veterans and acts as a liaison between former military personnel and the bureaucracy created to support them.
“We have a great staff giving 100% and I couldn’t be more proud and grateful of their work, but we are overwhelmed and short staffed and have requested hiring another service officer in the last budget ” said Susan Branam, the director of the RCVSA when discussing the needs of the organization with Rockland News. A disabled veteran herself, Branam is acutely aware of the needs of her fellow service members – and the difficulty they can face finding help.
Not being a part of the VA (Veterans Administration), they do not get any funding from the federal government. They get their funding through Rockland County, with some additional funds coming from New York State. This often falls short of the programs total funding needs. “The state gives a grant having this requirement, but it’s not fully funded by this grant.” explained Branam, who is appealing to the County Legislature to support their request for further funding.
She adds that those funds are vital for supporting veterans struggling with physical and mental health issues who lack the time and energy to navigate the systems put in place to support them.
On March 27, 2024, the RCVSA showed its support by honoring two female service members, Major Mattie Moore and Captain Mary Frances Contreras with the annual Freedom Award.
Lisa Rubio opened the ceremony by explaining the problems that female service members face upon discharge from the military and the hurdles they must jump and what they can do for them. “For those unfamiliar with the problems faced by women veterans, we wanted to highlight some sobering statistics that encapsulate much of their lived experiences. So, as you can see, the struggle of women veterans is profound at the Veteran Service Agency, we are committed to doing our part to end this cycle. We have identified two key action items to do this. It starts with advocacy. We want the women veterans of Rockland County to know that we are here for you. We will fight alongside you so you can access and utilize every benefit you have earned; the Veterans Health Administration is also recognizing the specific needs of women veterans at Hudson Valley Healthcare system. There is a women’s health program dedicated to those needs.”
Rebecca Delgado the program manager, went on to explain the services the program has to offer to these veterans.
“Forty Four percent of female veterans are enrolled in the VA currently, and we’re trying to let them know that you belong at the VA and that’s why we’re here. Pointing to a this is many of the services that we have in VA Hudson Valley and many other services just directly to female veterans, including reproductive health right now. And I will help you navigate the system. You’re more than welcome to call me directly. My business card is on that table in the behind table. You’re more than welcome to talk to me. You know, after the event and I will help you to get enrolled, get your services, the eligibility, we have an entire new team in VA Hudson Valley.
Somebody dedicated to female veterans we just hired, I am new in my role too as well and we just hired a new mental health provider, a social worker, two navigators that help you with cervical and mammary cancer. And we also have a new GYN provider and all of them have been hired in the last year just to improve the services that have somebody for all female veterans. So, thank you for your service and any questions, I’m here for you.”
The one problem with giving this award is that they have trouble finding women veterans who are willing to accept it according to Branam. https://youtu.be/oyFclOmlhuA
She went on to describe why women veterans are like this when it comes to being recognized for their service.
After Delgado finished her presentation of the Veteran’s Health Administration’s services, Rubio introduced County Executive Ed Day.
“The second part of our action plan is focused on recognition. Part of this recognition involves our two awards. Today, we gather to recognize the exemplary service of two outstanding veterans. First, I would like to invite our County Executive Ed Day to present the 2024 Freedom Award to U.S. Army veteran Major Maddie Moore.
Day thanked everyone for joining the event. “It’s a special day today. It’s a day we celebrate. It’s a day we commemorate two award recipients. We’re honoring Major Maddie Moore, U.S. Army Reserve, retired. Maddie served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1991. She’s a registered nurse since 1971 and she has worked in numerous hospitals as a member of the US Army Reserve. She’s worked for 30 years at Keller Army Community Hospital in West Point. She is dedicated to her country and to her community. Maddie has also volunteered with many organizations, including. United Negro College Fund healing the children and the American Legion hunger program. She is also a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority and the Buffalo soldiers with Rockland County.” Major Moore came up to accept her award.
The next award was presented to the family of the late Captain Mary Frances Contreras, who passed away a month ago. She and her husband were stationed at the 93rd Evacuation Hospital where they met. She taught him English, and he jokingly said, “Yeah, I eventually married the teacher. Her youngest daughter Michelle spoke about her mother’s service as a nurse in Vietnam. “In spite of the horrors of war she witnessed she never lost her call to service.” She added that her mother’s legacy will live on through her grandchildren who were an incredible source of joy and pride for her.”
Captain Contreras’ husband, Jose, accepting the award on her behalf.
Tony Earl from the Rockland County Legislature also presented the recipients with certificates from the Legislature. Representatives from Senator Bill Weber’s office and Assemblyman John McGowan’s office were also present to award certificates from the State Legislature.
Even though many feel isolated and were told they did not belong in the veterans’ organizations when they first applied, they are now making strides to overcome these obstacles in order to change this through the efforts of women veterans like Branam and Rubio who did not give up and just walk away when they were refused admission to those veteran’s organizations.
What was it that made these two women stand out for this year’s honoring? Branam explained.
Since its inception, a number of women have been recipients of this honor, but what is the Freedom Award all about. Branam explained how the name came to be. https://youtu.be/OCDorAJZcQc
The first time the award was given there was one recipient. That number has increased over time, even through the pandemic years. Branam and Rubio hope that the future will bring out more women veterans who will be willing to accept the recognition they truly deserve.