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 “We Applaud Our Heroes” By Rockland County Executive Ed Day

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1 year ago

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Every year during February we present the Buffalo Soldiers Award to outstanding African-American veterans who live in Rockland County. A “Buffalo Soldier” is the nickname first given to members of African-American cavalry regiments of the U.S. Army who served in the western United States from 1867 to 1896, noted for their courage and discipline.

Last week I had the honor and privilege of presenting the 2024 Buffalo Soldiers Award to Army Veteran James Epps while Army Veteran Grady Anderson, Jr was presented with the Buffalo Soldiers Lifetime Achievement Award. 

James Epps joined the Army in 1953 and was later stationed in Germany, where he served as a machine gunner until September of 1956, when he was honorably discharged. James has continued to serve his community delivering meals to senior citizens with the Prince Hall Freemasonry Tappan Zee Lodge No. 79, which he has been a member of since 1975.

Grady Anderson, Jr. joined the army in 1959 and where he served overseas in Germany. Upon his discharge in 1963, he returned to Spring Valley. On top of a fulfilling career as an x-ray technician when he came home, he has been a member and Past Commander of Moscarella Post 199, Member of VVA 333, and Member and past Chef de Gare of the 40&8. He also served as Oratorical Chairperson for Rockland County American Legion for 8 years.

Not only is he a past recipient of our Buffalo Soldier Award in 1993 he was co-founder and historian of Buffalo Soldier Awardees and presents that history every year at the event. 

He has received several honors over the years for his tireless devotion to our community including his 60-year membership with First Baptist Church of Spring Valley, where he is also Deacon.

George Crouch, a WWII & Korean War Veteran, was also presented with an Unsung Hero Award by the Buffalo Soldiers of Rockland County. 

It takes a certain kind of person to put your own life on hold to put your country first, but both awardees did it without hesitation. 

Their sacrifice is why we get to enjoy the freedoms we have today.

For that, we are incredibly proud to add their names to the list of Rockland County Buffalo Soldiers recognized over the past 26 years. On behalf of the people of Rockland I thank them for their service to our country and county. 

I also thank the Buffalo Soldiers of Rockland County for granting myself and our Veterans Service Agency Director Susan Branam with Honorary Membership. We will not stop fighting for the wellbeing of veterans and soldiers, both past & present.

* This is a weekly article by Rockland County Executive Ed Day.

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Government

Rockland County Legislators Call on Congress to Protect Medicaid Funding Amid Proposed Cuts

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7 hours ago

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April 4, 2025

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Rockland County Legislators unanimously passed a resolution urging Congress to protect Medicaid funding, which is crucial for many vulnerable residents, including seniors, low-income families, and individuals with disabilities. Legislator Dana G. Stilley introduced the resolution, emphasizing that nearly 150,000 county residents rely on Medicaid for essential services. The resolution comes in response to a proposed federal budget that includes $800 billion in cuts to Medicaid. These cuts could severely impact local nonprofits that provide care for individuals with disabilities. Stilley urged action, saying that the lives of those dependent on Medicaid cannot be disregarded in budget decisions.

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Government

Rockland Health Department Is Offering Free Rabies Shots For Cats, Dogs and Ferrets April 27th

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1 day ago

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April 3, 2025

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The Rockland County Department of Health announces free rabies vaccinations for cats, dogs, and ferrets belonging to Rockland residents on Sunday, April 27th, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at 50 Sanatorium Road, Building A in Pomona. 

To get a free rabies shot, please be sure:

  • Your dog, cat, or ferret must be healthy
  • Your pet needs to be at least 4 months of age
  • Your dog must be on a leash
  • Your cat or ferret must be on a leash or in a carrier

Appointments are required for each animal.  To make an appointment or for more information, visit http://rcklnd.us/rabiesvax or call 845-364-2656. Please check Facebook.com/rocklandgov for weather-related cancellations before arrival. The shots are free, however, a $5 donation per animal will help defray costs. Please bring exact cash or check payable to Commissioner of Finance. Please arrive 15 minutes before your pet’s scheduled appointment time.

New York State law requires that all dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age. Owners can be fined up to $250 if they fail to get their pets vaccinated and keep them up to date. All animal bites and animals suspected of having rabies must be reported to the Rockland County Health Department at (845) 364-2656.  After hours, callers should contact the Rockland Sheriff’s Office at (845) 364-8600.

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