North Hempstead, NY – North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Congressman Steve Israel hosted nearly 100 veterans from across North Hempstead and beyond on July 14th, as they joined with officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs for a Casework Seminar.

“Navigating the vast network of services available to veterans can be difficult,” Supervisor Bosworth said. “That is why it is so critical that forums like these are created in order for us to put our veterans in direct contact with experts that can help answer questions about the myriad of benefits available.”

Supervisor Bosworth also discussed the recently created Town of North Hempstead Veterans Advisory Committee that will meet for the first time this fall and will disseminate information to American Legions and VFW Posts throughout the Town.

Bosworth introduced Congressman Israel and lauded his many accomplishments for veterans including securing $7.5 million in back-pay for veterans from the Third Congressional District.

Congressman Israel spoke about his efforts in Washington in support of veterans including recently working to clear up the backlog of claims through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“When members of our armed forces are deployed they don’t have the luxury of waiting several months until they are ready to go,” Congressman Israel said. “So, by the same token, we have an obligation to ensure that our veterans are not made to wait to receive the benefits that they have earned.”

Kelly Chicko from the Department of Veterans Affairs and Laurence Mansfield of the Nassau County Veterans were also on hand to make a presentation and answer questions from the veterans.

Other elected officials in attendance included Town Clerk Wayne Wink, Councilwoman Anna Kaplan and Councilman Angelo Ferrara.

From left, Town Clerk Wayne Wink, Councilman Angelo Ferrara, Congressman Steve Israel, Williston American Legion Post 144 Commander Bob Guastella, Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Councilwoman Anna Kaplan, and Kelly Chicko of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

 

Supervisor Judi Bosworth addresses the crowd, flanked on her right by Congressman Steve Israel.

Supervisor Bosworth with Bob Valentine, membership coordinator of the Williston Park American Legion.

Supervisor Bosworth speaks with Joseph Ingino, Past President of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 82.