Local veterans group helps SUNY Adirondack students

Vietnam Veterans of America provide gas cards to veteran students

QUEENSBURY, New York (March 31, 2022) — When Vietnam Veterans of America formed, the organization made its mission to advocate for all veterans. In honor of Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Day on Tuesday, the Adirondack Chapter #79 delivered gas cards to SUNY Adirondack for the college’s veteran students. 

“A few weeks ago, I attended lunch with [SUNY Adirondack president] Dr. Duffy and she mentioned she’s concerned some students, with the price of gas, will not be able to make every class because they don’t have gas money to go back and forth,” said Sam Hall, president of Chapter #79 and a Washington County supervisor. “At the next meeting with the Vietnam Veterans of America, I said, ‘Hey, I’ve got an idea of something we can do to really help veterans.’” 

The group bought 30 gift cards for gas at Stewart’s Shops, each valued at $30, and donated them to SUNY Adirondack’s Foundation, for disbursement among veteran students.  

“If we have a veteran we know is in need, we support them,” Hall said. The group also provides for veterans at the holidays, buys gift cards at the Veterans Affairs Center in Albany so veterans staying at the hospital can purchase items they need from the Commissary, donates to food banks and Adirondack Veterans House, and holds a Vietnam Veterans service on Veterans Day, among other acts of service. 

“We are grateful for the generosity of Chapter #79 of Vietnam Veterans of America,” said Taylor Testa, director of Student Engagement & Diversity at SUNY Adirondack and a U.S. Marines veteran. “This gift will directly help veteran students overcome new and emerging financial barriers in their academic pursuits."

SUNY Adirondack’s student body includes 43 students who identify as active duty, guard, reserve or veterans, as well as 98 dependents of veterans.