Niagara County Veterans Service Agency

12/10/2025

12/04/2025

Congrats, Bill Gosch. A truly great American.

Buffalo VA Hospital to Celebrate 102nd Birthday of WWII Vet Bill Gosch
Niagara County Declares December 8 “Bill Gosch Day”

The Buffalo VA Medical Center will host a private, invitation-only celebration on Monday, December 8, 2025, honoring World War II veteran William “Bill” Gosch on his 102nd birthday. The event will include family, invited guests, and select veteran and community representatives. In honor of the momentous occasion, the Niagara County Legislature has declared December 8 as “Bill Gosch Day.”

Gosch, a lifelong North Tonawanda resident, served honorably during World War II and is one of the region’s most cherished members of the Greatest Generation. Known for his humility, warm personality, and dedication to fellow veterans, he remains a symbol of service and resilience for Western New York.

Because of space limitations and the sensitivity of Mr. Gosch’s health and privacy, the event is closed to the public. Only those who have received an official invitation will be permitted to attend.

“Bill Gosch is a community treasure, answering the call of duty time and again, including a stint as a city alderman at the age of 97,” said Niagara County Legislator Rich Andres, a long-time friend of Gosch. “His extraordinary service in World War II and has exemplary life are worthy of honor and celebration as he turns 102. We are proud to declare December 8 as Bill Gosch Day in Niagara County.”

Pictured: Legislator Rich Andres with Bill Gosch in 2023.

11/11/2025

Today, we honor all U.S. military veterans—past and present. Originally called Armistice Day, it marked the end of WWI in 1918. In 1954, it became Veterans Day, expanding to recognize all who served in every war and peacetime.

This day reminds us that freedom isn’t free—it’s earned through courage, sacrifice, and dedication. Thank you to every veteran who has defended our nation.

11/04/2025

Niagara County Takes Part in Operation Greenlight

Niagara County Legislature Chairman Becky Wydysh announced today that the flagpole that carries the Niagara County and Purple Heart flags at the Niagara County Courthouse in Lockport has been illuminated green as part of “Operation Green Light for Veterans.” From November 4-11, county buildings and landmarks across the country will be illuminated green to show support for veterans and raise awareness around the resources available to them and their families.

“Operation Greenlight is a nationwide program designed to not only honor the men and women who served in our armed forces, but also highlight the services and programs available to help them” said Wydysh. “In Niagara County, our Veterans Service Agency (VSA) in Lockport is staffed with professionals who can help veterans with anything they need including filing important paperwork, fighting for benefits, securing medical appointments, finding counseling and more.”

Now in its fifth year, Operation Green Light is coordinated by the National Association of Counties (NACo), and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers. Over the last two years more than 450 counties participated in Operation Green Light. Residents, businesses and community organizations are encouraged to participate in Operation Green Light by changing one light to a green bulb to let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.

“Operation Green Light is an opportunity to thank veterans for both their service to our nation and their contributions to our communities,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “With hundreds of counties coming together to light up everything from courthouses to bridges, we know veterans will see and feel our gratitude for their selflessness and courage.”

Counties and residents across the country are sharing their participation on social media using the hashtag . For any veteran in need of assistance, the Niagara County VSA can be reached at (716) 438-4090.

12/19/2024

Good morning, I hope this email finds you well. My name is Laney Hill, the Marketing Manager for the Veterans One-stop Center. As you know, our mission is to provide comprehensive support and services to local Veterans, ensuring they have access to the resources they need to thrive.

We are attempting to reach more Veterans who may benefit from our services and programs. Specifically, we host free monthly events designed to support Veterans in various aspects of their lives, from stress relief and career development workshops to social gatherings that foster community and camaraderie.

In addition to our events, we offer a range of services including a Fitness & Health Center, Veteran-only Community Center, Health & Wellness programs, and much more.

Our website link is: https://www.vocwny.org/

The link for our free monthly Peer Support events is: https://www.vocwny.org/peer-support-events

The link for our free monthly Health & Wellness events is: https://www.vocwny.org/health-wellness-events

Happy Holidays!

We invite Veterans to join us for a variety of free health and wellness events designed to help you de-stress, unwind, and rejuvenate. These events offer a wonderful opportunity to relax and take care of your well-being. Navigating emotional challenges is crucial, and our activities are tailored to....

11/22/2024

Since its inception, New York State’s Veterans Tuition Award was available for combat Veterans only. This created many extremely frustrating situations where, for example, a military retiree who had served for 20+ years without being sent on a combat deployment would be rejected for this benefit, or a Veteran who had engaged in extremely difficult service following a natural or human-made disaster in our own country would likewise be turned down.



I am excited to report that big changes are now on their way: the largest expansion of Veterans Tuition Award eligibility since this program was created!



Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature have reached an agreement on legislation that will provide Veterans Tuition Award eligibility for all New York State resident Veterans who served for four years on active duty and who were discharged therefrom under honorable conditions.



This means that Veterans who have rendered honorable service for at least four years of active duty outside of a combat theater can now be rewarded by their state of residence for this service through the receipt of the Veterans Tuition Award!



(Veterans with combat service on their resume, even if their total length of active duty service is fewer than four years, will of course retain their eligibility for the Veterans Tuition Award as well).



This is a huge change, and an important one, as it will open the door to an entirely new array of higher education opportunities for Veterans throughout our state, translating into life-changing results.



There are some mechanical steps that must be taken before this expanded eligibility goes into effect, primarily the drafting and signing of this agreed-upon arrangement (known as a “chapter amendment”) between the Governor and the Legislature. This will all be done during the next legislative session. As soon as we know the precise date when this eligibility expansion will go into effect, I will let all of you know right away.

11/22/2024

One of the most popular benefits for eligible Veterans is the ability to access the Commissary, Exchange, and MWR services on participating military installations.



Now, under the federal Patronage Expansion Act, Veterans can enroll in a new recurring installation access program that should make it easier for these Veterans to enter military bases on a recurring basis.



To do so, the Veteran needs to go to the visitor center/welcome center on that military installation and present either a VA Healthcare ID Card (“VHIC”) or a REAL ID Act-compliant driver’s license or non-driver’s ID card. (For information about what constitutes a REAL ID from the United States Department of Homeland Security, click here: REAL ID | Homeland Security).



Upon doing so, the team at the military installation will provide an on-the-spot background screening, including a criminal background check.



Once a VHIC or REAL ID is enrolled for recurring access at an installation, at future visits the eligible Veteran can go directly to the installation gate and present the same VHIC or REAL ID enrolled at the visitor center to gain fast access.



The enrollment for recurring access will be valid for up to three years, or one year after the last visit to that specific installation, whichever date arrives first. (If a patron's VHIC or REAL ID expires during this time period, they will need to reenroll with their new VHIC or REAL ID to have their recurring access switched back on).



One important note for commissary and exchange shoppers: If using a REAL ID (rather than a VHIC) for recurring access to the base, you will still need to bring a VA-issued service-connected disability letter, or VA Health Eligibility Center Form H623A to show eligibility at the commissary and/or exchange. According to the Department of Defense, this is because these facilities cannot electronically verify eligibility at this time.



Lastly, caregivers of Veterans who are enrolled in VA’s Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers Program are also able to access the commissary, exchange, and MWR facilities at most military installations by providing a VA-issued caregiver patronage letter. A caregiver is able to enroll in the recurring access program on a military installation by using their REAL ID.

10/18/2024

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Move is strictly for Niagara County property taxesBENJAMIN JOE BEN. JO

08/07/2024

Niagara County Celebrates Purple Heart Day with Flag Raising at Courthouse

Niagara County Clerk Joseph A. Jastrzemski, joined by members of the John Paul Bobo Chapter 264 – the local Purple Hear Chapter – and the county Veterans Service Agency, today celebrated national Purple Heart Day with a flag raising at the Niagara County Courthouse in Lockport. The Purple Heart is awarded to those wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the U.S. military.

In 2019, Niagara County became a Purple Heart County and maintains an official Book of Honor of all known residents who have received a Purple Heart. The book currently contains more than 400 names. In 2023, the county dedicated a Purple Heart monument and courtyard at the courthouse to honor these heroes.

“Niagara County is proud of our distinction as an official Purple Heart County as we are committed to the preserving the legacy of brave military personnel who were wounded fighting for our country,” said Jastrzemski.

Jastrzemski said any resident who has received a Purple Heart or knows of someone who has, living or deceased, should contact his office so they can be included in the book. More information on the Book of Honor, including the form for inclusion as well as the names of all Purple Heart recipients, can be found at https://www.niagaracounty.gov/departments/a-f/county_clerk/index.php

Pictured: Mike Targon, Russ Ward and Ron Krul form Chapter 264; County Clerk Jastrzemski; and Doug Kalota, Jeff Glatz and David Wohleben from the county VSA.

08/02/2024

Look who stopped by to support the troops. Sheriff Filicetti.

08/02/2024

Today, the VA launched their new “Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry.” Similar to the old Burn Pit Registry, the purpose of this tool is to guide VA in their research to better understand the health impacts of exposure to the harmful fumes from burn pits, as well as other toxic exposures.

However, the new Burn Pit Registry contains a few key differences from the original Burn Pit Registry. In particular:

(1) Veterans and Service Members will be automatically included in the Registry if, according to Department of Defense records, they served in any of the following campaigns or theaters:

** Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn

** Somalia at any point since August 2, 1990

** Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Djibouti, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, or the waters of the Persian Gulf or the Arabian Sea at any point between August 2, 1990, and August 31, 2021

** The Southwest Asia theater of military operations and Egypt any time after August 2, 1990

** Afghanistan, Djibouti, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Uzbekistan, or Yemen any time after September 11, 2001

** The airspace above any of the counties on this list

** Anyone stationed at a location where a burn pit was known to be used in Afghanistan, Iraq, Uzbekistan, Egypt, or Syria on or after September 11, 2001.

(Yes, there are some overlapping dates and locations on this list. Not exactly the most streamlined way of listing the covered locations . . .)

(2) Stored in the Registry will be deployment locations, military personnel information, and demographic information, including but not limited to gender identity, race, and ethnicity. The data will be accessible only to a select team of VA epidemiologists and researchers, and to a select group of institutional review board-approved researchers.

(3) Trends identified by using the data in the Registry will inform policymaking decisions by VA leaders, including decisions about the addition of any additional presumptive conditions related to burn pit exposure and other toxic exposures.

(4) Veterans from any of the covered locations and campaigns described above can opt out of the automatic inclusion of their data in the Registry if they wish. To opt out, the Veteran must complete the form found at this link: https://vethome.va.gov/BurnPitRegistryOptOut/

Opting out will have no adverse impacts on the Veteran’s past, present, and/or future VA benefits and services.

If a Veteran opts out of the Registry, but later wants to opt in, they can easily do so by filling out the form available at this link: https://vethome.va.gov/inquiry

To schedule an environmental health registry evaluation via telehealth or to contact VET-HOME coordinators about other environmental exposure related inquiries, please fill out the form below. Additionally, you can reach us via phone using the phone number below.