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Zeldin Appeals To Trump In Effort To Grow Veteran Support Program

Sgt. Sarah D. Sangster
/
U.S. Army

New York Congressman Lee Zeldin has written to President Trump to urge him to expand a popular peer-to-peer support group for veterans that started on Long Island. 

The PFC Joseph Dwyer Peer Support Program uses unconventional methods, like fishing and horse training, to help military veterans transition back into their post-service lives. 

Zeldin wants President Trump to incorporate the Dwyer Program as part of a federal push to help prevent suicide among veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and brain injuries.

“This program has been proven to save lives. I've heard it firsthand, from veterans in Suffolk County, who credit the Dwyer Program for having saved their lives. I would like to see every veteran everywhere in America having that same ability to have access to a program like this.”

PFC Joseph Dwyer was an Iraq War veteran from Mt. Sinai. Zeldin created the peer support program eight years ago, when he was a state senator. It has since expanded to 23 counties across New York. 

Desiree D'Iorio serves as the Long Island Bureau Chief for WSHU.
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