Archive
DD214 for Vets
Ulster County Legislature
United States House of Representatives
2120 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515
May 17, 2011
I hope you are well. I am sure you are busy. I met you in Albany New York at the New York State Conservative Party Political Action Conference earlier this year. I had spoken to you regarding possibly creating a new DD 214 , Report of Separation, format. I suggest we give our service members a DD 214 in the form of a credit card complete with photo identification. The DD 214 is such an important document. It is used to facilitate all veterans benefits. A paper copy could be issued as well but the credit card would be more durable. Our young men and women are accustomed to the credit card format and I believe they would understand the value of keeping it secure.
Many businesses are offering military personnel special pricing contingent on proof of their military service. It is difficult for veterans to carry a paper copy of their DD 214 with them at all times and thus the lack of proper identification can cause them delays in obtaining benefits.
I also think there may be less loss of DD 214’s in a plastic format and hence less time consuming (and expensive) duplicating activities.
I would appreciate anything you may be able to do to move this forward. I realize it is a small matter but everyone (mainly Vets) I have spoken to about the concept was very interested. I thank you in advance for your efforts.
Respectfully,
Jack Hayes
Cc file, McKeon
Ulster County executive news release
----- Forwarded by Karen L Binder/Legislature/Ulster County on 04/07/2011 10:12 AM ----- James J Hanson/County Executive/Ulster County 04/06/2011 05:08 PM To cc Subject ulster county executive news release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 6, 2011 Contact: James J. Hanson 845.802.3138 COUNTY EXECUTIVE MIKE HEIN ANNOUNCES NEW DIRECTOR OF THE ULSTER COUNTY VETERANS’ SERVICE AGENCY. County Executive Appoints Naval Commander Steven Massee to lead Agency Kingston, NY –County Executive Mike Hein has selected Naval Commander and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran Steven Massee to head the Ulster County Veterans’ Service Agency. Commander Massee has extensive military and private sector experience. He achieved the rank of Commander in the United States Navy in June 2004. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of Commander Massee,” said Ulster County Executive Mike Hein. “During his impressive career in the private sector and with the United States Navy, Commander Massee has demonstrated the management skills that will serve the veterans of Ulster County well. I am confident that he will be an asset to Ulster County and a valuable resource for our veterans.” “I want to thank County Executive Mike Hein for the opportunity to serve the veterans of Ulster County,” said Commander Massee. “I look forward to helping all veterans, past, present and future to access the many veterans’ services they have earned through their hard work and dedication in defending our nation.” Commander Massee was born at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital and grew up in Enfield, Connecticut. He earned a bachelors degree from the University of Connecticut and holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Western New England College. While serving in the United States Navy, Commander Massee was awarded the Bronze Star, Navy Commendation Medal (4th award), Joint Service Achievement Award, Navy Achievement Medal (3rd award), Joint Military Unit Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation (2nd award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and the Sea Service Deployment ribbon. In addition to his exceptional military record, Commander Massee has extensive managerial and oversight experience from several large corporations including United Technologies, National Micronetics, General Datacomm, Follett and his most recent position with Alcoa. Commander Massee’s community involvement includes serving as a past president of the Board of Directors of the Rip Van Winkle Council of Boy Scouts. He resides in West Hurley with his wife and has two adult children. ###
VFW – AMERICAN LEGION – VET CONCERNS – 2011
Ulster County Legislature
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Jack Hayes, Chairman Law Enforcement & Public Safety Committee |
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P.O. Box 1800 |
12-30-10
Dear Commander,
I hope this finds you well and in good circumstances. I am a veteran of the United States Navy and the New York State Air National Guard. I am also an Ulster County Legislator. I am a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. I want to make sure our veterans past and present are given the respect and gratitude of the communities they served so bravely.
I have heard that some of our active duty personnel were deprived of their absentee ballots in this last election. If you have any knowledge of any of Military Personnel having been denied their right to participate in this past (or any) election please advise me. I will do everything in my power to rectify and investigate any irregularities in voting laws.
I have also heard that some members of the current administration have tried to minimize celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War (enclosed article form Washington Post). I am appalled by the possibility that this might be true. I will pursue inquiries into this matter and contact our national headquarters for further guidance. If you have any information regarding this matter I would appreciate your input.
We must recognize the courageous service of our Vietnam Veterans and insure there is no slight to this anniversary celebration. I will be contacting State and Federal Representatives to review anniversary celebration preparations to mandate the utmost respect is paid for those veterans who served so honorably.
Please accept my warmest wishes for you and your command during this holiday season. If I can be of any assistance on a Military or other issue please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at home at 845 633 8733 and by mail at 24 Tinkers Lane Gardiner NY 12525.
Respectfully,
Jack Hayes
Ulster County Legislator
VETERAN’S INFO
NEW PALTZ VFW
With the increasing importance of caring for our war veterans and the unfinished business of meeting the needs of our aging veterans we clearly have our work cut out for us. We have to support those re-adjustment and counseling services that are effectively helping our service men and women to heal from the trauma and displacement they have incurred in our name. And we have to remember our commitment to those aging veterans who’s sacrife is not forgotten.
We will endeavor to compile a list of the people helping effectively our veterans in Ulster County.
Jack
John J. Hayes 