Suffolk Reporter

Rep. Nick LaLota, a Navy veteran representing Suffolk County, organized a Veterans Roundtable at the Rocky Point VFW. The event brought together key stakeholders and experts to address issues affecting Long Island's veteran community.

"As a Navy veteran, I deeply appreciate everyone who joined our roundtable in Rocky Point. Hearing directly from those on the front lines of veterans' issues is crucial in tackling the challenges our service members face every day," said LaLota. "I am fully committed to ensuring that those who served our great country receive the care and support they've earned. By working closely with local leaders and advocates, we can enhance the quality of care for veterans and make sure no one who wore the uniform is left behind."

The discussion covered several important topics:

- Veteran mental health, including LaLota’s Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act.

- Improving healthcare options for veterans, focusing on increasing VA access and LaLota’s Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act.

- Housing challenges for veterans, addressing affordable housing shortages and homelessness through LaLota’s Supporting Veteran Families in Need Act.

- Issues at the Northport VA, such as construction updates and hospital conditions.

- State Veterans Homes concerns, particularly high medication costs and specialty care needs.

Participants included Suffolk County Legislature Majority Leader Nick Caracappa; Marcelle Leis and Tom Ronayne from Suffolk County VSA; Fred Sganga of Long Island State Veterans Home; Francis Amalfitano of United Veterans Beacon House; Bill Hughes from Suffolk County VFW District 11; Kenneth Dolan of Suffolk County American Legion; Mel Cohen from Vietnam Veterans of America; Rich Dellasso from Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk - Veterans Affairs; Nancy Tappin from Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project; Joe Cognitore of Rocky Point VFW Post 6249; along with staff members from the House Veterans Affairs Committee.