Congressman Garbarino Launches Veterans Advisory Council

MASSAPEQUA, NY – Today, Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02) launched his Veterans Advisory Council comprised of local veterans and veterans’ groups. The Council is a standing advisory body that will provide guidance and recommendations to Rep. Garbarino on issues of importance to our nation's heroes so that he can make informed policy decisions on behalf of Long Island veterans.

"Long Island veterans have served this country bravely and they deserve a voice," said Rep. Garbarino. "It's frustrating to hear how difficult it is for so many veterans to receive basic healthcare or to find jobs and adequate housing. It's unacceptable how many veterans with PTSD and depression as a result of their service go untreated or undertreated due to roadblocks to care. Our veterans deserve the federal government's full and unwavering support and, while there are many issues to address, it is within Congress' power to solve many of these problems. It is my hope that this Advisory Council will help me better advocate for the veteran community and address the challenges veterans are facing through policy change at the federal level."

The inaugural meeting was held on Friday at the American Legion in Babylon, New York. Topics covered included:

• The withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan
• Needed improvements to VA services and processes
• Veteran mental health services
• Women veterans health services and lack of women participation in VA services
• Veteran homelessness and food insecurity
• Veterans in the workforce

This was the first in what will be a reoccurring series of meetings where Rep. Garbarino will update the council on legislative efforts and hear from council members about issues and concerns of top priority to the veteran community on Long Island. Members of the Veterans Advisory Council include:

• Kevin Imparato: Nassau Police Veterans Association
• Danny Gavigan: Suffolk Police Veterans Association
• Joseph Burns: American Legion Post of Sayville
• David Isaac: American Legion Post of Sayville
• Fred DiFabio: Long Island Air Force Association
• Dave Rogers: Former Senior Vice Commander at Suffolk County Council VFW
• Stacy Tapler: Women's Marines Corps Association
• James Beecher: American Legion Nassau County
• Eileen Shannahan: Warrior Ranch Foundation/PTSD Services for Veterans
• Michael Hernandez: American Legion Post 94 Commander
• Ray Raguso: Former US ARMY Captain 
• Kevin Gallagher: Veteran, Town of Islip

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