Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and members of the Town Board joined with state senators from Nassau County and hundreds of happy veterans as they celebrated victory in a "battle" with New York State's Division of Veterans' Affairs. The clash focused around the division's planned closure of the only N.Y.S. Veterans' Affairs Counseling Center in Nassau County.

"When it really counted, our veterans fought for us...I am glad that some government officials were able to return the favor and fight for them," announced Murray. "Hempstead Town and our state senators joined in a battle against the New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs and we forced it to reverse its decision to close the counseling center in our county."

Murray received a letter from the state's Division of Veterans' Affairs, dated May 24, 2006, indicating the plan to shutter the veterans service center located at Hempstead Town Hall. In a written response to George Basher, Director of New York's Veterans' Affairs Division, the supervisor objected to the planned June 20 closure of the veterans counseling center, and asked the director to reconsider. Having been rebuffed by Basher, the town turned to New York State Senator Michael Balboni, chairman of the Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee, to intercede. Balboni, along with the entire New York State Senate Delegation from Nassau County, joined the fight to keep the center open. On Wednesday, June 14 the state division of Veterans Affairs reversed its position, announcing that the facility in Nassau will remain open.

Nassau County has the second largest veteran population of any county in New York State, boasting 100,000 men and women who have served in the various branches of the armed services. Every other major suburban county in the metropolitan area is served by a state veterans affairs office.

"We owe our veterans an enormous debt of gratitude, and government should be doing everything within its power to repay that debt," said Murray. "As we have just observed Flag Day and prepare to celebrate this nation's independence, I am relieved that the state's Division of Veterans Affairs' has recognized the importance of honoring government's commitment to our vets."

At the event, Pat Cassetta, a World War II veteran who served with the Marines and is a member of the Town of Hempstead Veterans Advisory Committee, discussed the need for the center located at Town Hall. Cassetta observed that the division of veterans' affairs Nassau office provides a convenient location for many former service personnel and their families to receive information and assistance in securing veterans benefits provided under the law.

"New York's Division of Veterans' Affairs says in its mission statement that it wants to be recognized as 'best in class' in delivering services to veterans," stated Cassetta. "Keeping this center in Nassau is an important first step in achieving that goal."

"This nation has enjoyed many military victories," concluded Murray. "I am proud that together, the town, our state senators and our veterans were able to win another battle to ensure they receive the services they deserve."