Westchester County focuses on the needs of veterans and those currently in service -- not just on Veterans Day or Memorial Day but every day. The Westchester County Veterans Service Agency works year-round to ensure that they and their dependents receive the maximum benefits from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies at all levels of government.

Formed in 1945 to assist Wold War II servicemen, the county agency now seeks to honor and help those who are serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. A section of our Web site is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the ongoing conflicts.  

Veterans and Service Members Appreciation Day was held Memorial Day at Playland Park, where veterans and service members were honored for their military service to our country. The U.S. Marine Corps executed a spectacular helicopter demonstration.

The veterans agency is currently working on an important inititative of County Executive Andy Spano -- to create a "Veterans Village" for the Montrose VA Hospital Campus. Local groups are raising funds in a countywide effort to provide a service dog to a disabled combat veteran.

Westchester County has the fifth largest veterans population in the state. There are approximately 100,000 veterans representing all periods of conflict, up to and including the current conflict in the Middle East. In this section, you will find out detailed information about specific veteran benefits, and what you need to do to apply for them.

As an advocate for veterans and their families, Westchester County counselors work closely with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal, state, local, and private agencies to provide optimal service at the local level. Services include free accredited representation, securing military and personal records, obtaining medals and awards and assistance with veterans real property tax exemption filing and veterans medical ID card enrollment.