LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the New York State Division of Veter-
ans' Affairs upon the occasion of celebrating its 65th Anniversary

WHEREAS, In the course of the evolving development of this Empire State,
if the ingredients of shared concern and responsive endeavor combine in
the symmetry of commitment to heritage, there have emerged among the
distinguished citizenry of the State of New York, certain organizations
that warrant special recognition; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend organiza-
tions of such magnanimous conduct and bearing, specifically the New York
State Division of Veterans' Affairs, upon the occasion of celebrating
its 65th Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, On April 11, 1945, the New York State Division of Veterans'
Affairs was created under Chapter 763 as part of the Executive Depart-
ment to assist veterans, members of the armed forces, their families and
dependents in securing benefits earned through military service; and
WHEREAS, The Division of Veterans' Affairs has approached its mission
without compromise for the 65 years it has served the community of
veterans of New York; it was created to provide quality advocacy for New
York State veterans, armed forces members, their dependents and survi-
vors through benefits counseling and programs, claims and outreach
services; to reach out to the people they serve through traditional
public relations, community involvement and by initiation and implemen-
tation of activities that encourage them to access their rightfully
earned entitlements and benefits; and to respond to the needs of New
York State veterans, armed forces members, their dependents and survi-
vors and to provide linkage for them to other support services; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the Division of Veterans' Affairs remains as
relevant and essential today as it was when it was created in 1945, and
as the Division approaches its 65th Anniversary, it does so with deter-
mination and enthusiasm to serve the State's veterans, spouses and
dependents, surviving spouses of veterans, and current members of the
armed forces and their dependents; and
WHEREAS, The veterans' community touches all sections and societies
throughout New York, requiring the Division to address vast and varied
needs of constituents; among them: the young, the old, the disabled, the
emotionally scarred, the homeless, the incarcerated, the poor, and the
unemployed; and
WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by the New York State Division of Veter-
ans' Affairs is in direct correlation to the efforts of a superbly
skilled staff whose involvement is and has been characterized by an
impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising
standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the veterans and
their dependents; and
WHEREAS, In the year 2009, 105,051 veterans and their families viewed
the Division's website, and there were 7,000 plus phone calls to the
Division's 1-888 number and 650 plus emails to
DVAINFO@VETERANS.STATE.NY.US; currently, there are 108 staff members and
72 division points of service; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the New York
State Division of Veterans' Affairs has so unselfishly advanced that
spirit of united purpose which is the unalterable manifestation of our
American Experience; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs upon the occa-
sion of celebrating its 65th Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs.