News and Events
News and information for the Tompkins County Veterans Community. For additional updates regarding the Coronavirus from the local, state, and federal levels, please check the links on our COVID-19 resources page.
September 2021
Register and Raise Awareness about Veteran Suicide at Tioga County’s Ruck March(PDF, 541KB)
Register by Wednesday – Sept. 22, 2021 – to “Ruck to raise awareness about Veteran suicide.” Sponsored by the Tioga County Veterans’ Service Agency, this event also honors those lost to the “War Within.” Attendance requires registration by Sept. 22 (form included).
Health Department Publishes PreK-12 COVID-19 Exposure & Contact Tracing Guidance(PDF, 288KB)
The County’s Health Department shares it’s new guidance regarding COVID-19 exposures and contact tracing in schools across Tompkins County.
New Program House Opens, Creating Community Among Student Veterans
Cornell University student Veterans and campus officials cut the ribbon Sept. 18, 2021, and officially welcomed Cornell’s new program house for Veterans attending Cornell. (Story link takes visitors to website of the Cornell Sun.)
District Updates from NYS Assemblywoman Anna Kelles(PDF, 639KB)
Updates on NYSEG’s auction of Bell Station property, invitation to farmers for Sustainable Agriculture Grants, and what to do if you find a Spotted Lanternfly from Tompkins’ and Cortland County’s New York State Assemblymember.
Sin Papeles (No Papers) Panel on Sept. 27(PDF, 188KB)
The County’s Office of Human Rights teams with advocates on Sept. 27, 2021, to highlight the plight of migrant workers in Tompkins County and the various issues faced by undocumented immigrants. This virtual panel is part of the observance of Latinx Heritage Month in Tompkins County.
Tompkins County Virtual Veterans Resource Fair, Sept. 16, 2021(PDF, 188KB)
The Vet Center in Binghamton invites all Veterans and their families, along with professional organizations and community stakeholders, to attend the first Tompkins County Virtual Veterans Resource Fair.
Honor the POWs and Missing in Action at 30th Annual Watchfire, Sept. 17, 2021(PDF, 119KB)
Join Veterans, family, and friends as they honor the Prisoners of War and Missing in Action from U.S. military conflicts. The event is sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #377.
TCHD Reports Two COVID-19 Deaths of Fully Vaccinated County Residents
The Tompkins County Health Department mourns the loss of two residents to the continuing pandemic and shares that the spread of the variant of COVID-19 will continue to spread as the community reopens and people travel and gather in large numbers.
Stand Down 2021, Sept. 22(PDF, 521KB)
Area Veterans are invited to "stand down" on Sept. 22. This drive-thru event, with a limited number of military surplus items, takes place at the American Legion Post 442 in Horseheads.
Nam Express, October Edition(PDF, 1MB)
Learn about the latest activities of Vietnam Veterans Chapter #377 including their fundraising and hands-on work to restore and improve the Eternal Flame Memorial in Cortland, NY, that's dedicated to Vietnam Veterans.
Memorial Day 2021
Memorial Day in Tompkins(PDF, 106KB)
A collection of events happening around, or involving people living in, Tompkins County. The events are open to the public. Social distancing and face-mask protocols will be in effect. All in attendance are asked to observe as such.
In the News(PDF, 102KB)
Memorial Day news and Veterans-related information about Tompkins County and beyond. News updates include state and national honors for Cornell University's ROTC Brigade, the newly-designated cemetery in this region for New York's Veterans, the relevance of Memorial Day for President Biden, and two video tributes to our fallen service members amid current conflicts.
Legislative Update from Assemblywoman Anna Kelles(PDF, 2MB)
An update on legislation developed in Albany from our Assemblymember Kelles. This update include information on the states Emergency Rental Assistance Program, COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program, legislation involving the hiring of people with disabilities, and a salute for Memorial Day 2021.
February 2021
NYS COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Fireside Chat, Feb. 4, 2021(PDF, 677KB)
Join this "Fireside Chat" at 6:30p on Thursday, Feb. 4, that focuses on "COVID-19 Vaccines: Taking a Closer Look." Panelists include physicians with the New York State Department of Health sharing insight on the state's commitment to breaking down barriers to vaccination and ensuring equitable vaccine distribution. Register on the Fireside Chat's sign-up page.
Sign up for "Mental Health First Aid for Veterans and Their Families"(PDF, 744KB)
Learn how you can help a Veteran or active military member who shows signs of a developing mental-health or substance-use concern. The course takes place Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, and requires completion of a two-hour online pre-training. Registration deadline is February 15, 2021.
The COVID-19 Vaccine and You
Topics collected by the VA to help answer questions regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine and the wait to a scheduled appointment with the VA. Topics include what Veterans can do now, what about mediations, and information regarding Veterans' family caregivers.
Concerned About Airborne Hazard Exposures?
Tips from the VA on understanding the effects of exposure to airborne hazards, such as burn pits in Southeast Asia, and how to monitor yourself while helping others.
VA Seeks Feedback to Guide Future Vision of VA Health Care
In accordance with the MISSION Act, the VA is conducting market assessments for each of VA’s markets to design high-performing networks of care. Learn how you can provide feedback to the VA and help shape the future of the healthcare it provides.
January 2021
Today: 'Strengthening Systems and Bridging Gaps in Care'
Register for this Jan. 27 discussion from 2p to 3p to hear featured speakers explore the unique needs of military families in health care access and quality.
Today: New Assemblywoman Kelles Holds Town Hall on COVID-19 Vaccine(PDF, 145KB)
Join newly elected Assemblywoman Anna Kelles on Jan. 27 when she hosts a forum focused on the COVID-19 vaccine and featuring local experts. This link also premieres Ms. Kelles' newsletter since taking office earlier this January.
Warrior Writers-Tompkins Assembles Thursday, Jan. 28(PDF, 84KB)
Warrior Writers-Tompkins come together again 1900-2100 on Thursday, Jan. 28. Veterans from any time of military conflict are welcome to participate in the virtual sessions via Zoom.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update: 600 Doses Allocated This Week, Prioritized for First Responders, Corrections Staff, and P-12 Schools
The Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) received a total of 600 doses for the week of January 25 and will offer the available doses to first responder agencies, corrections staff, and workers in P-12 schools.
Tompkins County Health Department launches COVID-19 Vaccination Page
New Tompkins' Health Department web page provides its visitors links to updated information regarding eligibility, registration, FAQs, and other information related to the new vaccine and its deployment in Tompkins.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information from the VA
General information regarding the VA's provisions of the COVID-19 vaccine including eligibility, basic information on getting the vaccine, and helpful resources. This page also offers an option to sign up for info updates.
NY Sen. Schumer Announces $8B in New Health Benefits for Agent-Orange-Exposed Vets
Sen. Chuck Schumer announced this month the inclusion of $8 billion in new benefits for Vietnam Veterans dealing with health issues on expanded presumptives list for Agent Orange exposure.
NYS Division of Veterans' Services January's Newsletter on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion(PDF, 214KB)
New legislation, highlight of oldest Veteran and other news from the Deputy Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion for the New York State Division of Veterans' Services.
Tompkins County COVID-19 Updated with Cayuga Health Systems
Jan. 6, 2021 COVID-19 Update from Tompkins County Government administration leaders and Cayuga Health System CEO Dr. Martin Stallone. This link goes to the Tompkins County Channel on YouTube.
VVA's Nam Express - February 2021 Edition(PDF, 1MB)
Find the latest news from our local chapter (#377) of the Vietnam Veterans of America. This edition contains a tribute by writer and Vet Harvey Baker to the chapter's 33-year history and highlights of recent activities including members' participation with Wreaths Across America.
- 2020 Archive
- 2019 Archive