MHA Dutchess Veterans Programs

10/09/2026

Trunk n Treat at American Legion Post 1302

10/05/2026

A weekend well spent. 🇺🇸

This weekend, our Vet2Vet team had the opportunity to be part of two local celebrations - the Eastdale Italian Festival (Ferragosto) and Spirit of Beacon Day.

Two different communities. Two different celebrations. One thing they had in common: connection.

We talked with Veterans, families, neighbors, community partners, and plenty of people who simply stopped by to ask, “What is Vet2Vet?”

And those conversations matter.

Thank you to Eastdale and Beacon for welcoming us this weekend — and to everyone who stopped by our tables, shared a story, asked a question, or just said hello.

We’ll see you at the next one.

10/02/2026

🎗️ Vet2Vet is out in the community!

We’re proud to have tabled today at Relay For Life of the Hudson Valley, supporting the American Cancer Society in the ongoing fight against cancer. We got to connect with families and community members while supporting an event that brings our community together for an important cause.

And shout out to Don, a Veteran currently battling Esophageal Cancer. You're a warrior! Keep kicking cancer's ass!

09/24/2026

County Executive Sue Serino and Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs invite local veterans to join them at free upcoming events — including the annual "Red, White & You!" Veterans Appreciation Picnic and two pasta dinners in East Fishkill and Red Hook — celebrating their service and connecting them with community support. Veterans and one guest can reserve their spot for any of these events by emailing [email protected] or calling 845-486-2000. Get more details about these events: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/County-Executive/47639.htm

09/23/2026

And one more Honoree for our Weekend For Warriors:

Daniel Morea, US ARMY born in the Bronx NY in 1948 and later moved to NJ with his family at the age of 5. Attending school in NJ Daniel graduated in June of 1966. Seeing that there was no work for him at the time he enlisted and entered the US Army in October 1966 completing boot camp at Fort Dix NJ. His next stop was Fort Pold LA for 13 months and then deployed to Vietnam in April 1968.

During his time in Vietnam, he worked with a construction battalion that built roads from Saigon to the Cambodian Border. Although he experienced and was exposed to many attacks, Dan was fortunate not to sustain any physical injuries during his campaign. His decorations include Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal. In May of 1969 Dan was honorably discharged from the US Army in Oakland, California. Two weeks later he made his move back to the East Coast.
After returning home, Dan entered the workforce with an Automobile Manufacturing Company in 1969 for 1 ½ years in their corporate office. He then followed his career path to Prudential Insurance for 2 years. Mr. Morea worked as an appliance sales associate at Sears, Transform SR Brands LLC in Poughkeepsie from 1977 to 1993. He also held positions at Lloyd's Center in Newburgh and contributed to sales at the William T. Grant Foundation.

In 1982 Dan was diagnosed the PTSD that led him to further research and study this disease. This placed him as one of the cofounders of the Mid-Hudson Veteran Outreach Center. The organization is one of the first Non For Profits to assist Veterans with PTSD. It was in 1995 that Dan obtained his second retirement. But Dan was not stepping away from his service to Veterans.

Dan’s story does not end here. Mr. Morea has a long and active record of civic involvement. He served as department vice commander for The American Legion's Department of New York and is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Beacon as well as the Beacon Elks Lodge. His dedication has earned numerous honors, including being named Service Officer of the Year by The American Legion's Department of New York in 2010, along with multiple recognitions for veterans advocacy from the New York State Legislature and acknowledgment by the City of Yonkers. For the past five years, he has served as a veterans counselor for Westchester County, New York, where his responsibilities include reviewing case files to identify necessary updates, responding to inquiries from veterans, conducting interviews and collaborating with nonprofit agencies that provide essential services.

Dan’s life is blessed with 2 children (one now deceased) 3 Grandchildren, and 1 Great Grandson. He and his wife enjoy their time together with their 2 dogs, a Bichon and a Great Pyrenees.

Dan is always supporting and building camaraderie with Veterans. He is always continues to prioritize strengthening systems that evaluate and support veterans, especially regarding mental health, and advocates for increased awareness about the unique challenges faced by those who have served their country. He represents the American Legion by supporting and advocating for all Veterans.

09/23/2026

09/23/2026

Introducing Weekend For Warriors Honoree
David V. Gunn, US Navy.
Born and raised in Poughkeepsie NY, David attended and graduated from Arlington High School. In January of 1967, in the mist of the Vietnam War, he felt the call to military service and enlisted in the US Navy. From 1967 to 1971 Dave was deployed many times within combat zones of Vietnam and the Mediterranean. Dave’s medals include A Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal with 1960 device, Vietnam Service medal with 3 bronze stars, the National Defense Service medal and a Good Conduct medal. He served on the USS Robert L Wilson DD 847. He also received a US Navy unit citation for outstanding performance of duty from Rear Admiral J W Schaffer USA.
Today Dave continues his service through various Veteran Organizations which include VFW Post 170 as Senior Vice Commander and is an active member of American Legion Post 37.
Dave is married to his loving wife, Beth Ann and has 4 children, 5 Grandchildren, and will be blessed this December with his first Great-Grandchild. Dave lives by the mottos “Life is Good” and “Every day is Gift from God”

09/21/2026

Congratulations James Metrando our next Weekend For Warriors Honoree.
Just about everyone knows Jimmy.
He grew up in Hyde Park, New York, and graduated from Franklin D. Roosevelt High School in 1963. Shortly after graduation, he was drafted and entered the United States Marine Corps, beginning his military career at Parris Island.
During his time in the Marine Corps, James served with 2nd ANGLICO and completed assignments that took him to Cuba and later the Dominican Republic as part of a U.S. military operation there. In September 1966, he was assigned to a communications battalion detachment in Brooklyn, New York, where he remained for the rest of his military service and was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1969.
James then returned home to undergo medical treatment for injuries and conditions related to his military service before beginning a career as an electrician. He joined Local 215, now Local 363, and worked in the trade for 30 years. His career came to an end in 1999 following a serious workplace accident in which he fell three stories through a floor while working at the post office in Newburgh.
For James, though, retirement did not mean stepping away from service.
After retiring, he began volunteering at the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System’s Castle Point campus, where he has continued to dedicate his time to helping fellow Veterans.
James continues to serve the Veteran community. He is also involved with VFW Post 170, American Legion Post 37, and Marine Corps League Detachment 861.
From his years in the Marine Corps to his decades-long civilian career and continued volunteer work, service has remained a constant throughout James Metrando’s life.

09/18/2026

09/18/2026

Introducing Weekend For Warriors Honoree
David V. Gunn, US Navy.

Born and raised in Poughkeepsie NY, David attended and graduated from Arlington High School. In January of 1967, in the mist of the Vietnam War, he felt the call to military service and enlisted in the US Navy. From 1967 to 1971 Dave was deployed many times within combat zones of Vietnam and the Mediterranean. Dave’s medals include A Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal with 1960 device, Vietnam Service medal with 3 bronze stars, the National Defense Service medal and a Good Conduct medal. He served on the USS Robert L Wilson DD 847. He also received a US Navy unit citation for outstanding performance of duty from Rear Admiral J W Schaffer USA.

Today Dave continues his service through various Veteran Organizations which include VFW Post 170 as Senior Vice Commander and is an active member of American Legion Post 37.

Dave is married to his loving wife, Beth Ann and has 4 children, 5 Grandchildren, and will be blessed this December with his first Great-Grandchild. Dave lives by the mottos “Life is Good” and “Every day is Gift from God”