“New York City is currently home to more than 225,000 veterans who have proudly served our nation. From World War II through the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, our brave men and women have answered the call. As we approach Veterans Day, we are also reminded of the fact that many servicemen and women from New York and around the country remain in harm’s way. We honor their service and sacrifice today and every day. That is why we are proud to announce today that the City Council will be passing landmark legislation to create a stand-alone New York City Department of Veterans Services.

This agency will be a one-stop-shop for the City’s large and diverse veterans’ community. New York will become the largest municipality in the country to establish an agency solely dedicated to those who have served in our military. The Department of Veterans Services will continue the good work done by the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs (MOVA) on addressing homelessness, unemployment and other challenges facing our veterans and their families. We believe that by elevating MOVA to the department level, the city will be in a better position to deliver more resources and services to veterans throughout the five boroughs.

Whether it’s finding affordable housing to securing good paying jobs and quality healthcare, far too many veterans struggle to transition back into civilian life. Far too many of them feel helpless or ignored. We fundamentally believe we have a moral obligation to help those New Yorkers. This agency is going to listen to the veterans community and be more responsive to their needs and we’re proud to have their backs. We look forward to working with Mayor de Blasio and General Sutton to make New York City a better home for all veterans.”

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