From Combat to Community: The Continued Impact of Black Veterans | NYS DVS Black History Month 2025 скачать в хорошем качестве

From Combat to Community: The Continued Impact of Black Veterans | NYS DVS Black History Month 2025

As part of Black History Month 2025, the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services presented a powerful and necessary conversation: “From Combat to Community: The Continued Impact of Black Veterans.” Moderated by Dr. Lessie Branch, Special Assistant for Community Engagement, this forum examined the enduring influence of Black Veterans — not only in uniform, but in the communities they continue to shape long after their military service ends. Joining Dr. Branch in moderating the discussion was Deputy Commissioner Angela Indardeo, whose leadership helped guide a dialogue rooted in reflection, truth, and recognition. The program opened with the Black National Anthem, beautifully performed by Burgundy Williams, a United States Army Veteran who served eight years as an 88M (Motor Transport Operator) during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Welcome remarks were delivered by Reverend Viviana DeCohen, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, who reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to honoring service while advancing equity, visibility, and opportunity. This powerful discussion explored the historic and ongoing contributions of Black service members — from the Buffalo Soldiers, the Tuskegee Airmen, and the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, to Veterans who stood at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement, and those who today lead in government, business, advocacy, and community transformation. Their stories are too often overlooked, their challenges misunderstood, and their impact underappreciated. This conversation sought to change that narrative. Featured speakers included: Dr. Annette Tucker Osborne, Retired Colonel, United States Army Nurse Corps. Commissioned in August 1984 as a Second Lieutenant assigned to the 307th General Hospital in New York, her distinguished career included service as a clinical intensive care nurse, medical-surgical nurse, participant in medical missions in El Salvador, and Officer in Charge of the Trauma Training Program at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn. Fenton Reese, United States Marine Corps Veteran with 30 years of service and Founder of the Veteran Coaching Project, whose work continues to mentor and empower Veterans beyond active duty. The Honorable Dr. Kimberly McClain, United States Air Force Veteran with nearly 30 years of service in active duty and reserve components. She formerly served as Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under Secretary Marcia Fudge during the Biden-Harris Administration. She currently serves as Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett of Texas. Ryan Waller, Retired United States Army Veteran, who completed two combat tours in Iraq and later continued his commitment to service through civil service and community advocacy, supporting military families, education initiatives, and Veteran-focused programs. Together, these voices reflected the full arc of service — from combat to community leadership — demonstrating that the mission does not end when the uniform comes off. This conversation stands as both recognition and call to action. Black Veterans have shaped every chapter of American history. Their legacy continues to build stronger communities today. Learn more about programs and services: 🌐 veterans.ny.gov 📞 1-888-838-7697 #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackVeterans #NYSDVS #FromCombatToCommunity #ServingAllWhoServed #VeteransLeadership #LivingLegacy #CommunityImpact