Photo credit: Peter Lyons Hall
L to R: Mayor Tom Howley; Anthony Jorge; Mayor Michael Newhard; Assemblyman Karl Brabenec; Trustee Mary Collural Orange County Veterans Agency Christian Farrell; County Legislator Barry Cheney; Mayor Dan Harter, Jr.; and Town Councilman Russ Kowal.
By Peter Lyons Hall
In a testament to the belief that caring for veterans is a responsibility shared by the entire community, elected officials from across the region served guests at this year’s Annual “At Your Service Brunch,” Sunday, November 16, 2025, lending their support to the Rumshock Veterans Foundation and its growing Veterans Village initiative in Port Jervis, NY.
The brunch, hosted at The Landmark Inn in Warwick, NY, drew strong bipartisan participation from all levels of government. This year’s attendees included representatives from New York State, Orange County, and several local municipalities, all united in their commitment to expanding housing, services, and community support for veterans in the region.
Among those serving guests this year were:
- Anthony Jorge for New York State Senator James Skoufis
- New York State Assemblyman Karl Brabenec
- Orange County Legislator Barry Cheney
- Christian Farrell, Orange County Veterans Services Agency
- Warwick Town Councilman Russ Kowal
- Village of Florida, NY Mayor Dan Harter Jr.
- Village of Greenwood Lake Mayor Tom Howley
- Village of Warwick Trustee, Mary Collura
Also present were board members of the Rumshock Veterans Foundation, including Roxanne Lopilato, Jack Laroe, Manny Tirado, and Vice President Peter Lyons Hall. Tirado thanks guests for their strong support for Rumshock’s mission. Hall reminded guests of the $400,000 grant first provided by then NYS Senator Jen Metzger to acquire property, and later the $1 million in federal funding Congressman Pat Ryan secured in 2024 to help launch the Port Jervis Veterans Village. “No veteran should be without a home in the country they put their lives on the line to defend,” said Tirado.
Rumshock Foundation volunteers rely upon the state and federal leaders to highlight their ongoing work to strengthen programs for veterans across New York. Assemblyman Brabenec has expressed similar views, saying, “Any step we can take to ensure our veterans find safe, comfortable, and affordable housing when they return home is a worthwhile effort.”
Rumshock’s Mission in Port Jervis
Rumshock Veterans Foundation continues to advance its vision of providing stable housing and supportive services for local veterans. The Foundation is constructing a village of ten 20×20’ tiny homes in the City of Port Jervis, designed to help veterans rebuild their physical, mental, and emotional well-being while reintegrating into a supportive community.
Its sustainable five-part program includes:
- Rumshock Village – a community of ten single-family tiny homes
- Hydroponic Farming – maintained by residents
- Transportation Services – to access healthcare and daily necessities
- E-Waste Recycling – repurposing materials for new production
- Canine Companionship – providing emotional support through certified companion animals
Students in the construction program at the Orange-Ulster BOCES campus, led by instructor Corey Moore, are building the homes in a prefabricated format before their final assembly in Port Jervis. The first three homes are expected to be completed and erected on the site in the coming weeks.
Rumshock Veterans Foundation (RumshockVF.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Plans for the Veterans Village and program details can be viewed on its website. Guests at this year’s brunch enjoyed an exceptional brunch menu prepared by award-winning chef Michael DiMartino, with beverages generously provided by sponsor Desi Smyth, founder of SecureWatch24.com.
To learn more about Rumshock Veterans Foundation activities and the progress of its community, click on Rumshockvf.org.
