Livingston County veterans services reports program growth, surveys and seeks additional trainee

David Cherry, director of the Livingston County Veterans Service Agency, reported to the Livingston County Board of Supervisors that his office has expanded outreach and services this year, processed 257 federal claims to date and conducted 84 community engagement events that reached more than 1,000 veterans.

Cherry said his office has increased daily contacts with veterans to an average of about 22 per day and has recorded 5,357 contacts to date this year, compared with just over 4,000 at the same point in 2024. "To date, 0 indigent burials for veterans this year," he said during his presentation, noting the office has not needed to process reimbursements from the state for indigent veteran burials.

The presentation highlighted local programs and statewide connections. Cherry credited Livingston County’s Operation Greenlight — a public awareness campaign the county helped start — with influencing federal policy tied to the Elizabeth Dole Act and said the Dole Act has created federal funding streams for some rural counties that lack the resources to hire veteran service officers. He also noted that New York State law already requires counties to maintain a veteran service officer.

Cherry described the county’s Joseph P. Dwyer peer-support program as one of the year’s most successful efforts. He said Livingston County had 137 survey responses — among the highest responses for a rural county in the statewide survey conducted by the University at Albany School of Social Welfare — and reported high satisfaction rates: 97% of respondents said they were satisfied with the program, 95% were comfortable discussing needs with staff, and 98% reported feeling welcomed. "Camaraderie and fellowship" were recurring participant comments, Cherry said.

He listed recent events and activities, including a Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall exhibit in Geneseo (which he estimated drew roughly 3,000 veterans and about 1,500 family members), an honor flight participation, a camping trip at Letchworth State Park, and a Gettysburg weekend. Cherry also described a local "tranquil trail" at Allarends Park and reported interest from a landowner seeking to extend a mindfulness trail.

Cherry recognized staff changes and training: Darren Hamilton has been promoted to deputy director, and Ashley Buckley completed a one-year trainee period and became a veteran service officer. Cherry said he currently has one vacant position and that he plans to consider filling it in February 2026 to support growing programs, especially the Dwyer peer-support effort. "We are getting to the point he can't do it by himself, as we grow up," Cherry said of program staffing needs when referencing Dwyer program staff.

Cherry also described the agency's outreach and public affairs success on social media and thanked county public affairs staff for promotional support. He noted a community fundraising gift: donations totaling more than $2,000 were received in honor of the late Paul Phillips, designated for Livingston County Veterans Services.

Asked about the vacant position, Cherry said he could fill it now but is waiting to ensure fiscal responsibility and proper timing; he said he has steps in place to hire in early 2026. He asked supervisors and town offices to participate in Operation Greenlight by displaying green lights during the week of Veterans Day to raise awareness and publicize county efforts.

Cherry closed by inviting supervisors to the county’s veteran appreciation events, including the "Bronze Boots" hockey game and a July 3 car show planned next year that will tie into 250th-anniversary activities.

Ending: The presentation was informational; no formal board action was taken during the report. Supervisors asked clarifying questions about staffing and partnerships; Cherry said he would proceed cautiously on hiring and continue to report back to the board.