Joining Forces

04/23/2026

🇺🇸 Today’s meeting was nothing short of powerful.

We were honored to welcome New York State Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, Viviana DeCohen — “Mama V.” — whose presence and words truly moved the room.
New York State Department of Veterans' Services
She shared deeply inspiring stories and real-world insight into the work being done to support veterans and their families across New York. Her leadership and dedication are helping shape the future of veteran services, breaking barriers and creating stronger pathways for those who have served.

It’s moments like these that fuel our mission and remind us of the importance of coming together to support our veteran community.
NYS Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Project CoalitionClearPath Mortgage Solutions

04/20/2026

New York State Department of Veterans' Services

JOINING FORCES NEW YORK – APRIL STATEWIDE MEETING 🇺🇸

We’re bringing together leaders, organizations, and community partners from across New York to strengthen support for our service members, veterans, and military families.

🎤 Keynote Speaker:
Commissioner Viviana DeCohen (“Mama V”)
NYS Department of Veterans’ Services

📅 April 22, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
💻 Live via Zoom

This monthly meeting continues our mission to:
✔️ Connect veteran-serving organizations statewide
✔️ Strengthen employment and transition pathways
✔️ Support military families through education & resources
✔️ Build a true “No Wrong Door” network across New York

Whether you’re a nonprofit, employer, advocate, or supporter — you belong in this conversation.

📲 Contact Michelle to get the Zoom link & join the movement:
📞 518-573-4414
📧 [email protected]

Together, we are building stronger partnerships and making a real impact across New York State.

04/15/2026

JOINING FORCES NEW YORK – APRIL STATEWIDE MEETING 🇺🇸

We’re bringing together leaders, organizations, and community partners from across New York to strengthen support for our service members, veterans, and military families.

🎤 Keynote Speaker:
Commissioner Viviana DeCohen (“Mama V”)
NYS Department of Veterans’ Services

📅 April 22, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
💻 Live via Zoom

This monthly meeting continues our mission to:
✔️ Connect veteran-serving organizations statewide
✔️ Strengthen employment and transition pathways
✔️ Support military families through education & resources
✔️ Build a true “No Wrong Door” network across New York

Whether you’re a nonprofit, employer, advocate, or supporter — you belong in this conversation.

📲 Contact Michelle to get the Zoom link & join the movement:
📞 518-573-4414
📧 [email protected]

Together, we are building stronger partnerships and making a real impact across New York State.

03/25/2026

🇺🇸 Don’t miss this Months Joining Forces New York meeting!

We’re honored to welcome two incredible leaders who will share real-time insights on how we can better support veterans, service members, and military families across New York:

🎤 Senator Jacob Ashby (U.S. Army)
🎤 Lee C. Kindlon (USMC), Albany County District Attorney

🗓 March 25, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
💻 Virtual via Zoom

Joining Forces continues to unite partners statewide to strengthen collaboration and improve support systems for those who serve.

Interested in joining the conversation and being part of this growing network? Reach out to Joining Forces NY Chairwoman Michelle for zoom link
📞 518-573-4414
[email protected]
And to be added to the distribution list

The purpose of this group is to expand our connections.

Let’s keep building stronger communities for our military and veteran families. 🇺🇸

03/23/2026

🇺🇸 Don’t miss this week’s Joining Forces New York meeting!

We’re honored to welcome two incredible leaders who will share real-time insights on how we can better support veterans, service members, and military families across New York:

🎤 Senator Jacob Ashby (U.S. Army)
🎤 Lee C. Kindlon (USMC), Albany County District Attorney

🗓 March 25, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
💻 Virtual via Zoom

Joining Forces continues to unite partners statewide to strengthen collaboration and improve support systems for those who serve.

Interested in joining the conversation and being part of this growing network? Reach out to Michelle to get connected:
📞 518-573-4414

Let’s keep building stronger communities for our military and veteran families. 🇺🇸

03/18/2026

Great opportunity!!!

Applications are now open for our Veterans for Public Office (VPO) program, in collaboration with Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

Designed for veterans and military-connected family members, VPO helps participants explore what it takes to run for public office—from early ideas to building a campaign plan.

Since launching, 349 participants have completed the program, with 40+ running for office and 20+ winning, serving in roles from town councils to Congress.

Learn more and apply today! https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/vpo/

03/16/2026

Joining together… To empower and support.

A Message for Our Veterans there is help out there, and you are not alone.

Connect with one of the Dwyer Programs below or community partner:

PeertoPeer - Warren & Washington Counties
The Hudson Valley National Center for Veteran Reintegration
Salute to Allegany County Veterans
P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program in Lewis County
P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program in St. Lawrence County
of Sullivan County
WNYHeroes.org
Path for Veterans


County NY Vet2Vet
Chautauqua
Cattaraugus County Dwyer Veteran Program
County Dwyer Program
Homeward Bound Adirondacks
Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project
P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program, Rockland County, NY


New York State Office for the Aging

Guardian Revival
CORPS - Veteran social & support services
Compeer Rochester

of Sullivan County

03/14/2026

🇺🇸 Joining Forces New York – March 25 Meeting

On March 25, 2026, we will be joined by two outstanding leaders as special guest speakers:

🎤 Lee C. Kindlon, USMC
Albany County District Attorney

🎤 Senator Jacob Ashby, U.S. Army

They will provide updates and insights on veteran services, military support, and what they are seeing across New York State.

Joining Forces, established in 2011 as a White House initiative, brings together agencies, organizations, and community leaders to strengthen support for service members, veterans, active duty personnel, reservists, and military families.

📅 March 25, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
💻 Zoom Meeting

If you would like to be part of the Joining Forces initiative and join this growing statewide collaboration, contact Michelle to be added to the Zoom invitation.

📞 518-573-4414

Together we are building stronger coordination and support for those who serve across New York State. 🇺🇸

03/13/2026

🇺🇸 Joining Forces New York – March 25 Meeting

On March 25, 2026, we will be joined by two outstanding leaders as special guest speakers:

🎤 Lee C. Kindlon, USMC
Albany County District Attorney

🎤 Senator Jacob Ashby, U.S. Army

They will provide updates and insights on veteran services, military support, and what they are seeing across New York State.

Joining Forces, established in 2011 as a White House initiative, brings together agencies, organizations, and community leaders to strengthen support for service members, veterans, active duty personnel, reservists, and military families.

📅 March 25, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
💻 Zoom Meeting

If you would like to be part of the Joining Forces initiative and join this growing statewide collaboration, contact Michelle to be added to the Zoom invitation.

📞 518-573-4414

Together we are building stronger coordination and support for those who serve across New York State. 🇺🇸

03/10/2026

Joining Community Forces New York – Next Meeting

Our next Joining Community Forces New York meeting will take place:

📅 March 25, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
💻 Interactive Zoom Meeting

Joining Forces, established in 2011 as a White House initiative, brings together organizations, agencies, and community leaders across New York State to strengthen coordination and support for service members, veterans, active duty personnel, reservists, and military families.

🎤 Special Guest Speaker:
Lee C. Kindlon
Albany County District Attorney
U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Colonel

Served active duty as a Marine Corps Judge Advocate at Camp Lejeune and deployed to Fallujah, Iraq as a Battalion Judge Advocate. He will share insights from his military and civilian leadership experiences.

This meeting will focus on strengthening collaboration, sharing resources, and continuing to build a stronger support network for the military community across New York State.

📩 To receive the Zoom link, contact:
Michelle Viola Straight
📞 518-573-4414
[email protected]

We welcome veteran-serving organizations, agencies, community leaders, and partners from across the state to join the conversation.