East Hudson Valley News

Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) hosted the second annual luncheon in honor of Hudson Valley veterans. The event, held in partnership with local grocer Stop & Shop, Rep. Mike Lawler, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne, Putnam County Clerk Mike Bartolotti, and Putnam County Veterans Services Director Karl Rohde, celebrated 60 veterans from Putnam.

During the luncheon, veterans were recognized with the Putnam County Service Medal presented by Clerk Bartolotti. “I’m so proud we were able to hold this event for a second year to show our gratitude to the veterans of our community,” Slater stated. He acknowledged the support from local offices and Stop & Shop for making the event possible. “The opportunity to step up and give thanks to the men and women who gave so much for us is one I will always take because they absolutely deserve it.”

Rep. Lawler expressed his appreciation for collaborative efforts: “I’m lucky to have partners in government like Assemblyman Matt Slater, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne and Putnam County Clerk Michael Bartolotti, who care as deeply about serving our veterans as I do.” He emphasized ongoing efforts at various government levels to secure funding for veterans' medical care and benefits.

Executive Byrne highlighted the importance of listening to veterans’ concerns: “Any opportunity we can take to really listen to the concerns of our veterans has to be made a priority.” Despite being unable to host at Veterans Memorial Park due to heat, he commended the productive town hall meeting at VFW. "I thank him and his office for organizing it and look forward to the next one!”

Clerk Bartolotti extended gratitude towards participants: “Thank you to our veterans for your service to our nation, and for your participation in yesterday's event.” He praised Assemblyman Slater’s initiative in providing a platform for interaction between veterans and elected officials.

Slater concluded by expressing his admiration for local veterans: “The veterans of the Putnam community are inspiring, and I look forward to continuing this annual tradition of giving thanks for many years after this.”