‘Cuse Vet Fest Brings Together Central New York Veterans and Community Services

A male student in military uniform engages in conversation with two students wearing "Military and Veterans Law Society" T-shirts. Behind them is a Syracuse University D'Aniello Institute for Veterans & Military Families banner.

The recent ‘Cuse Vet Fest was attended by over fifty Central New York veterans who learned about VA benefits and other community resources available to them. The ‘Cuse Vet Fest was a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Syracuse VA Medical Center and Syracuse University College of Law’s Military and Veterans Law Society (MVLS).

“It is important that veterans know about all the benefits available to them and engage with VA professionals that can help them navigate the various processes needed to obtain their benefits. This was a helpful event that connected many veterans directly with the resources they earned and deserve.”

—Beth Kubala, Director of Veteran and Military Affairs for Syracuse Law

During this free event, attendees were able to enroll in VA Healthcare, file a claim with the Veterans Benefits Administration, obtain a Veteran Health ID Card, and learn how the PACT Act (Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxic Acts) expands healthcare benefits for Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras and were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. PACT Act also extends eligibility to survivors of these exposed Veterans.

A female representative, seated at a table covered with a blue cloth, smiles at the camera. She sits beside promotional materials for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Veterans Crisis Line. A banner offers confidential help for veterans.

Representatives from Syracuse University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, and the Office of Veteran Success were in attendance. MVLS students facilitated interactions with community partner organizations such as Clear Path for Veterans, Onondaga County Veterans Service Agency, and the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services.

“It is important that veterans know about all the benefits available to them and engage with VA professionals that can help them navigate the various processes needed to obtain their benefits. This was a helpful event that connected many veterans directly with the resources they earned and deserve,” said Professor Beth Kubala, Director of Veteran and Military Affairs for Syracuse Law.

A man in a suit and an orange Syracuse University hat stands at a podium, speaking into a microphone. He is addressing attendees at the event inside a bright space with green flooring.

Central New York veterans with questions about their VA benefits can call 315.425.4400.

A Syracuse University Law student wearing a "Military and Veterans Law Society" T-shirt speaks with two other attendees near a table covered with promotional materials. A signboard promoting the society stands next to him.
A large VA Vet Center truck parked outside, with two representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs standing beside it. A banner and table with brochures are set up in front of the truck.
A group of individuals are seated at a table displaying prosthetic devices and orthotics for veterans. A man and woman explain the devices to a visitor standing by.
A Syracuse University representative sits at a table with banners promoting the Veterans Affinity Group and Veteran Career Services. She is wearing a cap and T-shirt, smiling at the camera.
A group of three individuals converse near a table displaying "Syracuse University" and veteran-related promotional items. Two people stand, while one is seated behind the table.
able covered with an orange cloth. Brochures and promotional materials are displayed on the table.