Rep. Zeldin Reintroduces Legislation to Expand Dwyer Program Nationally

Press Release

Today, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) reintroduced the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act, which is cosponsored by Representatives Andrew Garbarino (R, NY-2), Tom Suozzi (D, NY-3), Elise Stefanik (R, NY-21) and others to expand nationally the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program, or "Dwyer Program," a peer-to-peer support program for veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

The Dwyer Program was created by Congressman Zeldin during his time serving in the New York State Senate in honor of PFC Joseph Dwyer, an Iraq War veteran from Mount Sinai, New York, who sadly lost his battle with PTSD. This successful peer to peer support model provides a safe, confidential, and educational platform where all veterans are welcome to meet with other veterans in support of each other's successful transition to post-service life and seeks to build vet-to-vet relationships that enhance positive change through common experiences, learning and personal growth.

Suffolk County served as one of four test counties in New York in 2013, the first year of the program, and since then, the program has successfully expanded to over 25 counties across New York, saving lives while assisting tens of thousands of New York veterans battling PTSD and TBI.

Congressman Zeldin said, "Expanding nationally the Dwyer Program, which is currently operating in both Nassau and Suffolk counties, eventually to all states in the U.S., will ensure that every veteran can have access to a peer-to-peer support group. With the VA reporting that an estimated 20 veterans a day commit suicide, this national expansion is long overdue. Time and time again, this program has received broad bipartisan support, and I look forward to continuing to work with my House colleagues across the aisle to advance this bill to ensure all veterans across this great nation receive the proper treatment, care and support that they need and deserve."

The PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act has garnered the support of the American Legion, Military-Veterans Advocacy, Blinded Veterans Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart, American Ex-Prisoners of War, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Catholic War Veterans, and NYC Veterans Alliance.

National Commander of The American Legion James W. "Bill" Oxford said, "On behalf of the nearly 2 million members of the American Legion, I am pleased to extend our support for the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act. With this piece of legislation, the socially taxing experience of transitioning into veteran life can be better managed with peer support. Peer support is a well-established pathway to reduce vulnerability to stress and depression by emphasizing strengths and coping resilience to overcome trauma. Thank you to Congressman Zeldin for leading the fight in expanding the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Program to the national level, which will undoubtedly save countless lives and help our veterans successfully transition back into civilian life."

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