Skoufis Announces Over $750,000 for Veterans’ Organizations

Senator James Skoufis joined members of several local veterans’ organizations to announce over $750,000 in new grant funding to enable much-needed upgrades to their aging facilities. Individual $50,000 grants are being distributed to sixteen VFW and Legion posts throughout Orange County in what may be the single largest award to local veterans’ organizations.

In the wake of pandemic shutdowns and without a consistent stream of public funding, many local posts have struggled to keep their meeting halls and buildings in good working order. Senator Skoufis’ funding initiative will enable various, costly upgrades to roofs, heating/air conditioning systems, septic systems, exterior and interior improvements, and other projects.

“In regular meetings with our local veterans, my team and I heard time and time again that our vets were struggling not only to keep a roof over their members’ heads, but also to attract new membership,” said Skoufis. “Given all these brave men and women have sacrificed in service to this country, I am honored to provide this well-deserved shot in the arm, allowing them to better serve their members, their community, and veterans throughout the Hudson Valley.”

“American Legion Post 353 would like to thank Senator Skoufis for his continued support and for the funds that will help our post get a much needed update of its HVAC system,” said Cornwall’s American Legion Post 353 Member J. Scott Teresi. “The new system will improve the overall comfort for our members and be much more efficient. Thank you from the entire post.”