Tag: veterans

One-stop-shop resource center has connected thousands of veterans with services, benefits and housing support

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Wednesday afternoon, Broome County marked the one-year anniversary of the Timothy M. Grippen Veterans Resource Center and its on-site tiny homes, highlighting the services provided to local veterans over the past year, all under one roof. Located at 11 Frederick Street in Binghamton, the $12.2 million project brought housing, veterans services and community support together in one place. The center includes office space for the Broome County Veterans Services Agency, Southern Tier Veterans Support Group, Clear Path for Veterans and the Binghamton Vet Center, while Soldier On manages the 10 on-site tiny homes.

From September 2025 through September 2026, Broome County Veterans Services recorded 2,581 veterans served through walk-ins, appointments, phone calls and written correspondence. During that time, the agency helped submit 394 applications to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for monetary benefits and provided extensive assistance with disability compensation, pensions, healthcare enrollment, military records and other veteran services. The agency’s work helped veterans secure more than $1.76 million in VA benefit awards, including retroactive payments and ongoing monthly benefits.

The Southern Tier Veterans Support Group also reported assisting or connecting approximately 900 veterans with resources over the past year. The organization has provided gas and grocery cards to veterans in need, helped a homeless veteran move into permanent housing in less than a week, and established a Veterans Coalition that brings together organizations from across the region to discuss the needs of the local veteran community.

Clear Path for Veterans served 1,018 individual veterans and 723 family members and caregivers between October 2025 and October 2026. Through peer and family support, social events, suicide prevention efforts and wellness programming, the organization helps veterans and their families connect with support and build community.

The 10 tiny homes on site provide veterans with a place to stay while working toward greater stability and permanent housing. All 10 homes have been occupied during the center’s first year, and one has recently become available as a veteran moved forward into the next chapter of their life. A new resident is expected to move in soon.

Free Green Light Bulbs Available for Residents at Locations Countywide

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Tomorrow marks the 5^th anniversary of Operation Green Light, a nationwide initiative encouraging residents and businesses to shine green lights in support of America’s veterans.

To kick off this year’s initiative, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar joined local veteran organizations and community partners at the new Timothy M. Grippen Veterans Resource Center to announce ways residents can get involved and show their support.

From November 4^th through Veterans Day on November 11^th, Broome County encourages residents and businesses to join in lighting their homes and buildings green in honor of our veterans.

 Residents can participate and pick up a free green light bulb from one of the following locations during open businesses hours:

• Broome County Office Building, 1^st floor lobby
• Visions Veterans Memorial Arena
• Broome County Public Library
• Timothy M. Grippen Veterans Resource Center
• Broome West Senior Center
• Eastern Broome Senior Center
• Northern Broome Senor Center
• Chenango Bridge Senior Center

For more information on Operation Green Light, visit nysac.org/operationgreenlight.  

If you are a Veteran who enjoys video gaming or table top gaming, connect with others that share a similar interest!

Contact the Binghamton Vet Center at 607.722.2393 or email jason.davis3@va.gov.

Also, consider downloading the Discord app to join the STNY Veteran Gamers Group or scan the QR code.

(BINGHAMTON, NY) – Veterans in Broome County can once again enjoy Binghamton Rumble Ponies games this season for FREE. Broome County Veterans Service Director Brian Vojtisek joined Rumble Ponies General Manager Richard Tylicki to announce the continued partnership at Mirabito Stadium on Friday afternoon.

Broome County has funded 1,000 tickets for the 2025 season, and the Rumble Ponies contributed 250 more, bringing the total to 1,250 free tickets available throughout the season. Veterans can claim up to two free tickets by presenting their Veterans ID card at the Rumble Ponies box office.

“Giving back to our veterans is an ongoing priority for us here in Broome County,” said Garnar. “Partnering with our local teams has enabled hundreds of veterans the opportunity to see sporting events, some for the first time ever. It also helps build the teams’ fan bases, encouraging families to come back again.”

The Rumble Ponies open the home season on Tuesday, April 8^th at 6:07 p.m. against the Hartford Yard Goats, AA affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. In addition to honoring veterans through the free ticketing partnership with Broome County, the Rumble Ponies will honor all men and women who have served during Military Appreciation Weekend, May 23^rd-25^th.

Displaying Green Light Bulbs This Week to Raise Awareness for Veterans’ Issues

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Broome County Executive Jason Garnar was joined Monday by representatives from several local veterans’ groups and Security Mutual Life Insurance to announce details of Operation Green Light. This initiative encourages businesses, local governments, and residents to display green lights during the week of Veterans Day to show support for the men and women who served in the Armed Forces.

Departments throughout the Broome County Office Building will display green lamps in solidarity with Operation Green Light; additionally, Security Mutual Life Insurance has agreed to light the façade of its building green throughout the week.

In an effort to have as many green lights on display throughout the community as possible, Broome County is distributing FREE green light bulbs to residents. They are available at the following locations during regular business hours:

• Broome County Public Library
• Broome County Office Building Security Desk
• Broome West Senior Center
• Deposit Senior Center
• Eastern Broome Senior Center
• Northern Broome Senior Center
• Visions Veterans Memorial Arena

All Broome County Senior Centers will also provide free lunches for veterans on Wednesday, November 6^th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Thursday, November 14^th at 4 p.m. in Deposit).

Additionally, Visions Federal Credit Union is hosting a FREE Veterans Expo tonight from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena, where veterans and their families can connect with local resources.

Operation Green Light is a collaboration between the New York State Association of Counties, New York State County Executives Association, and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association to show support for veterans of all military conflicts, with a special emphasis on the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Not only is it a way to show support for these men and women, but to remind them that resources are available locally to assist them.

(BINGHAMTON, NY) – Veterans in Broome County can see the Binghamton Rumble Ponies for FREE once again this season. Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and Rumble Ponies General Manager Richard Tylicki announced the partnership Monday, along with Broome County Veteran’s Service Director Brian Vojtisek. Local veterans can claim up to four tickets to any home game by showing their Veterans ID card at the Rumble Ponies box office.

“Giving back to our veterans is an ongoing priority for us here in Broome County,” said Garnar. “Partnering with our local teams has enabled hundreds of veterans the opportunity to see sporting events, some for the first time ever. It also helps build the teams’ fan bases, encouraging families to come back again.”

A total of 1,200 tickets will be available throughout the season.

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – The Veterans Resource Center and Tiny Homes project is underway as Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, along with Congressman Marc Molinaro, Chairman of the Broome County Legislature Dan Reynolds, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, Senator Lea Webb, City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham, Sheriff Fred Akshar, veteran service organizations, and community members gathered to officially break ground today.

The project at 530 State Street in Binghamton will feature 10 ADA-accessible tiny homes, the first of its kind ever constructed in Broome County, consisting of five single units and five double units, fully furnished with appliances. Additionally, it will host a comprehensive resource center designed to serve the over 10,0000+ veterans who live in Broome County. The facility will include office spaces for organizations such as Broome County Veterans Services, Clear Path for Veterans, and Southern Tier Veterans Support Group, along with a shared workspace available for other community partners who provide veteran support services with veterans. A dedicated community room will be provided for educational and fellowship events, and the Food Bank of the Southern Tier will conduct weekly mobile pantry visits to the site.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, “Today marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to honoring and supporting our veterans. The groundbreaking of the Veterans Resource Center and Tiny Homes project signifies not just construction of physical structures, but our gratitude and dedication to those who have served. Together, we are building not only roofs over heads but the foundations of support for our veterans.”

Brian Vojtisek, Director of Broome County Veterans Services said, “Today’s historic announcement to provide a multi-function Veteran’s Resource Center here in Broome County, after years of postponement and delay, will finally provide our veterans a place they can call their own.”

Chris Flaherty, President and Chief Executive Officer of Clear Path for Veterans said, “Clear Path for Veterans has supported this initiative from the very beginning because having so many partners together in one place builds the community and connections that will be transformative for the veterans, service members, and military-connected families of Broome County.”

Ben Margolius, President of the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group said, “The groundbreaking for the Broome County Veteran Center represents a unified component of the county’s veteran-centric approach to our area veterans. Once operational, we will have many veteran services and agencies in one central location in proximity to the VA Clinic and the Binghamton Vet Center. With easy access, lots of parking, and location on the bus route, veterans will have easy access to many services in one location. The addition of veteran housing will also be a wonderful addition to house homeless or needy veterans. The Veteran Center will be a beacon of hope for our veterans.”

The project total cost is $12.2 million. Broome County will fund $9.05 million, while the remaining $3.15 million will come from partners Congressman Molinaro, Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Governor Hochul, Assemblywoman Lupardo, Senator Webb, Sheriff Akshar, and NY Empire State Development. The resource center and tiny homes will be substantially completed in early May of 2025.

“Our Veterans, who have sacrificed so much for us, deserve a first-class facility that they can call their own,” said Broome County Legislature Chairman & 5th District Legislator Dan J. Reynolds. “This new resource center will equip our Veterans will the critical services, support, and housing they need and rightfully earned while defending our freedom.”

“Every veteran in the Southern Tier should have access to safe, affordable housing and essential services. I am proud to have secured the federal investment needed to break ground on this long-sought project that will provide veterans in Broome County with a one-stop shop to access the important services they are fully-deserving of after bravely serving our country, all while creating good-paying construction jobs in the region,” said Senator Chuck Schumer. “Our veterans put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms, and that’s why I fight for them. I promise to continue to deliver resources for veterans all across Upstate New York.”

“When these brave men and women return home, we owe it to them to make sure they have the resources they need to provide for themselves and their families. I’m proud to support Broome County’s work to provide our country’s veterans with wraparound services and housing, and I’m grateful to everyone involved for helping get this done,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

Congressman Marc Molinaro said, “I am honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with Broome County officials to celebrate the progress of the Veterans Resource Center and Tiny Homes Project. This groundbreaking reflects our commitment to see this project through and deliver high quality care and support to our local veterans. I’m proud to see this step forward and will continue my fight for federal funding.”

“In the spirit of service and gratitude, we recognize the profound sacrifices made by our veterans and the importance of providing them with the essential resources they deserve,” said Senator Lea Webb. “I am deeply appreciative of the collaborative efforts among our partners at the County, State, and Federal levels, which have culminated in the creation of the Broome County Veterans Resource Center. This initiative, coupled with the establishment of new affordable housing options, marks a significant step forward in our mission to reduce the challenges faced by veterans in securing housing and accessing vital services. It is paramount that we support efforts that enrich the lives of those who have bravely served in our armed forces.”

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said, “I am very happy to see work underway on the new Veterans Resource Center and Tiny Homes development. This center will provide the kind of comprehensive support our veterans need and deserve, along with opportunities for housing. I’m proud to join together with many government partners and community leaders in support of this project. The $500K Assembly grant I secured is in recognition of the sacrifices our veterans have made, and the debt of gratitude we owe to each and every one of them.”

City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham said, “It’s our moral and patriotic duty to care for our veterans. Binghamton is proud to count so many past and present service members among our residents. Making sure they have the support and resources they deserve is a priority. This project builds on our ongoing commitment to the men and women who have selflessly served our country and helped protect our freedoms.”

The following events are scheduled for Memorial Weekend in Broome County:

Sunday, May 28^th
The Broome County Veterans Memorial Association will be performing Memorial Honors at the following locations:

8:00 AM  Floral Park Cemetery
8:25    Spring Forest veterans section
8:45    Spring Forest Cemetery at Gen. John C. Robinson grave (Medal of Honor)
9:05    Glenwood Cemetery  veteran’s section

11:10  Vestal Hills Cemetery veteran’s section (gravesite of Mark Payne KIA Beirut)
11:20 Vestal Hills Cemetery (gravesite of Lawrence E. Johnson KIA Vietnam)
12:00 PM Chenango Valley Cemetery veteran’s section (split ceremony at gravesite of Sgt Lester Stone and Sgt. Lawrence Peter’s (Medal of Honor recipients Vietnam)

Monday, May 29^th (Memorial Day)

9:00 AM Washington Street Memorial Service at Spanish American War Memorial –  Confluence Park, Binghamton

9:00   Town of Maine Parade – begins at Maine Memorial Elementary  and proceeds to Maine Cemetery
9:30   Town of Lisle parade – Main Street

10:00 Town of Binghamton parade – begins at Hawleyton Fire Station and proceeds to Hawleyton Cemetery

10:30 Endicott Parade – begins at North end of Washington Avenue followed by emmorial service at Western Broome Veteran’s Memorial

10:30 Memorial Service – Riverhurst cemetery, Endwell
11:00 Whitney Point parade  – begins at American Legion on 119^th Street
11:00 Johnson City Memorial Service – Veteran’s Park Gazebo

Veterans in Broome County can see the Binghamton Rumble Ponies for FREE once again this season. Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and Rumble Ponies owner David Sobotka announced the partnership Thursday, along with Broome County Veterans’ Service Director Brian Vojtisek. Local veterans can claim up to four tickets to any home game by showing their Veterans ID card at the Rumble Ponies box office.

“Giving back to our veterans is an ongoing priority for us here in Broome County,” Garnar said. “Partnering with our local teams has enabled hundreds of veterans the opportunity to see sporting events, some for the first time ever. It also helps build the teams’ fan bases, encouraging families to come back again.”

            A total of 1,200 tickets will be available throughout the season, double the number that was offered last year. The Rumble Ponies open the home season on Tuesday, April 11^th at 6:35 against the Somerset Patriots, AA affiliate of the New York Yankees. In addition to honoring veterans through the free ticketing partnership with Broome County, the Rumble Ponies will honor all men and women who have served during Military Appreciation Weekend, May 26-28^th.

Vouchers will be available at Veterans Expo at Arena

Veterans in Broome County will once again be able to score free tickets for Binghamton Black Bears games this season. Broome County Executive Jason Garnar was joined Tuesday by Binghamton Black Bears Owner Andreas Johansson and Broome County Veterans’ Service Director Brian Vojtisek to announce the initiative. This is the second year in a row that the County and hockey team have partnered to give back to local veterans.

            Ticket vouchers will first be available on Monday, November 7^th, at the inaugural Visions Veterans Expo at the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena from 3:00 – 7:00 PM; any veteran who attends the expo can receive a free hockey ticket good for any home game. The expo is free of charge and will feature important information from community agencies that assist veterans. Veterans who are unable to attend the expo can still take advantage of the free ticket offer by visiting the Black Bears team office, located on the third floor of the Arena, and presenting their veterans ID. 500 total tickets will be available throughout the Black Bears season.