Last Saturday, local veterans and their families visited the American Legion Post 1038 meeting hall in Pine Bush for the hamlet’s annual Veterans Appreciation Day.

Between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., veterans received resources and goodies from various organizations, filed claims and benefits at a mobile office, and enjoyed free ice cream provided by Stewart’s Shops and prepared by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1308.

This event was courtesy of Heroes, Cowboys & Companions Inc., the American Legion Post 1308, the Catholic War Veterans Post 1937, and the VFW Post 5492. These four groups partnered with several local and state organizations, including Clear Path for Veterans, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Hudson Valley Honor Flight, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, the MHA Of Dutchess County Veterans Programs, Middletown Vet Center, the Orange County Department of Social Services, the Orange County Office of the Aging, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Vet2Vet.

“This year’s event was huge! There were a lot of people and interactions today,” said Jacque Transmeier, co-founder of HCC. “We love meeting new veterans and networking with different organizations. It’s great helping veterans learn what’s available to them.”

It’s all about the veterans, and that’s a good thing,” said Commander Cory Kilvert of VFW Post 5492. “A lot of veterans are misinformed about their benefits and what they’re eligible for. They need to join veteran groups to learn more about their benefits.