Vietnam Veterans of America
Chapter 333 Rockland County
New York
30th Anniversary Dinner
October 28, 2017
In Honor of Jerry Donnellan
"Rockland Veterans Agency Director Jerry Donnellan has announced his retirement — well, to the extent that Jerry can retire. We fully expect Donnellan to continue advocating for his fellow veterans, and welcome his rabblerousing on their behalf.
Donnellan, who has served at the agency for three decades, leads by example. He tells of his own catastrophic injury — riddled with shrapnel, a leg blown off in battle during the Vietnam War. He frequently discusses personal and ongoing struggles with post-traumatic stress. He has worked closely with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs but has called out its shortcomings loudly and repeatedly.
Donnellan, 70, has done much to make sure local vets are remembered and properly honored. He worked for years to get notification from the VA when a servicemember returned home. He helped establish FAVOR, which stands for Find and Assist Vets of Rockland, which provides discounts from local merchants. He helped establish the county's Public Service Medal to honor those who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, or as part of the global war on terrorism. These and similar efforts, though, were also about connecting with local veterans who may be wary of government. That way, his office could provide support and advocacy now or whenever it was needed.”
These Words Delivered in Loving Tribute
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