"When New York City's Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) was established as a standalone agency more than nine years ago, its mission was clear: to provide veterans and their families with the support and access to resources that had long been missing. Unfortunately, for many, DVS has become a source of frustration and disappointment. With fewer than 40 full-time staff and less than 1% of the city's budget, capacity is undeniably constrained."
"Last month, the mayor-elect skipped the city's Veterans Day parade to visit the Bronx, where he spent time listening to veterans and hearing their concerns. Afterwards, he told them, The days of thanking you today and forgetting you tomorrow have to come to an end."
"Those results will be especially urgent for veterans and their families, a community that has long been promised support but has far too often been treated as low-hanging fruit. Veterans at the luncheon echoed what many have been saying: they have been overlooked by the nation they served and, more importantly, by the city they call home."
Zohran Mamdani will take office facing mounting financial challenges and an ambitious progressive agenda. He inherits an affordability crisis, intergovernmental conflicts and the immediate task of building a capable administration while turning campaign promises into tangible results. Veterans and their families require urgent attention after repeated promises but inadequate follow-through. The Department of Veterans' Services was created to provide support and access but has often frustrated the community. DVS operates with fewer than 40 full-time staff and less than 1% of the city's budget, constraining capacity and eroding trust. Leadership shortcomings and inefficient programs have contributed to veterans feeling overlooked by the city and nation.
Read at www.amny.com
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