Congressman Lee Zeldin to Announce Legislation to Make the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Program Available on a National Level
Tomorrow, Congressman Lee Zeldin along with his Veterans Advisory panel will be joined by local officials, the American Legion, Veterans, their families and family members of PFC Joseph Dwyer to announce a piece of legislation in support of Veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI. At 10:30 AM, on February 8th at the American Legion Post 269 in Patchogue, members of the public are invited to witness the announcement of the bill, which would expand a peer-to-peer support program on a national level.
The Dwyer Program, named after Mount Sinai native PFC Joseph Dwyer, was created by Congressman Zeldin in 2012 while serving as a New York Senator. The peer-to-peer support initiative was created to help Veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. With initial success in Suffolk, Jefferson, Saratoga and Rensselaer Counties, the program expanded to a dozen counties throughout New York State, helping over 1500 Veterans. Congressman Lee Zeldin will introduce a bill this week, which would expand the Dwyer Program nationally, giving Veterans across America access to the peer-to-peer support group.
About PFC Joseph Dwyer
Mount Sinai resident, PFC Joseph Dwyer, received nationwide recognition for a photograph of him cradling a wounded Iraqi boy, while his unit was fighting its way up to the capital city of Baghdad. PFC Joseph Dwyer struggled with PTSD, after returning home. The soldier died in 2008, leaving behind his young widow, Matina, and his two year old daughter, Meaghan. The Dwyer program is created in his honor.
American Legion Post 269 is located at 215 South Ocean Avenue in Patchogue