Vets coalition
seeks public input

By Dan Hust
MONTICELLO — Last week’s meeting of the Sullivan County Legislature’s Veterans Committee began with a moment of silence for Vinnie Scotti, a Narrowsburg veteran who passed away the week before.
The meeting ended by going directly into what some members called the first “official” gathering of the newly incorporated Sullivan County Veterans Coalition.
Representatives of local posts of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Jewish War Veterans, Rolling Thunder, American Legion and AMVETS discussed staggering Memorial Day events to better facilitate participation, creating an all-inclusive color guard for the annual Firefighters’ Parade, and holding a dinner for veterans.
The group has been chartered to serve as an advocate for all veterans, regardless of service, age, disability or location. Though board membership is currently restricted to authorized representatives of existing veterans’ groups, meetings are open to all – not only to listen but to participate in the discussions.
The result of Thursday’s meeting was the creation of a picnic where an outstanding local veteran will be honored. The picnic will be held “all day” on Saturday, September 13 at Lake Superior Park.
The next meeting of the coalition is scheduled for Tuesday, September 2 at 7 p.m inside the Legislative Committee Room in the Government Center in Monticello.
For more information on the coalition, contact John Lacey at 888-4958.