Columbia County Veterans Service Agency
About Us
Rachel Hamilton, Director
389 Fairview Ave Suite 7, Hudson, NY 12534
e-mail: rachel.hamilton@columbiacountyny.com
518-828-3610 (office) | 518-671-6149 (fax)
Aneli Poland, Deputy Director
389 Fairview Ave Suite 7, Hudson, NY 12534
e-mail:aneli.poland@columbiacountyny.com
518-828-3610 (office) | 518-671-6149 (fax)
About the Columbia County Veterans Services Agency
In Columbia County, we are extremely fortunate to have a highly active Veterans Services Agency, led by Director Rachel Hamilton, an Iraq Combat Veteran who served in the Army National Guard and Deputy Director Aneli Poland, a Navy Veteran. The agency currently serves 5,900 veterans, assisting with issues ranging from compensation claims to veterans’ ID cards that can be used to take advantage of discounts from county businesses.
Services Provided: Assistance with submitting claims for all veterans benefits, assist veterans returning from war zones with re-integration into the community/family, provide mentoring in the courts for any veteran who has been in trouble with the law and has issues with their war experiences, assist with arranging funerals, helping veteran's widows with the benefit process, participate in the Battle Buddy Program, coordinate with the Veteran's Administration for all services veterans are entitled to, provide daily transportation to/from VA Hospital appointments to include the wheelchair bound.
Objective: Providing maximum services to veterans and active duty members
Target Population: Veterans, their families and widows.
Eligibility: As determined by the Department of Veteran Affairs.
Director Rachel Hamilton and Deputy Director Aneli Poland welcome calls – with any issue whatsoever -- from veterans in need of services.
Types of Support Offered
TRANSPORTATION
Currently, the Veterans Agency operates a daily van service to the VA in Albany, with pickup stops in Ghent, Chatham, Philmont, Claverack, Hudson, Greenport, Columbiaville, and Valatie. Veterans interested in using this service are advised to call 24 hours in advance. The van returns following the last appointment of the day. Click here for Veteran's Van Pick-Up locations and schedule.
SEPARATION OF SERVICE
One of the most important things any service person can do upon separation from service is to file their DD Form 214 with the county clerk. This is the form needed before any benefits can be obtained.