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Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project:
New York State Dwyer Coalition

"We Are Dwyer Strong"

Supporting Our Local Veteran Community

Image by Steve Knutson

+35k 

Veterans Experienced Homelessness Annually

Image by Ryan Stone

17.9 
Million

Veterans

Approximately

in United States

Image by Holly Mindrup

20

Veterans

Die by 

Suicide Daily

Image by Susan Holt Simpson

30,177 

Active and veterans have died by suicide as compared with the 7,057 killed in post-9/11 war operations

Image by sydney Rae

580K

Veterans

Approximately

in NY State

US Army Soldier in Universal Camouflage Uniform

Over 5k

Reported Sexual Assaults Annually

We Are Dwyer Strong

Sitting by Campfire

Peer Support

Peer support within the veteran community is a vital lifeline, offering veterans a safe space to share their experiences and challenges with others who truly understand. This mutual support fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation, as veterans can relate to each other's journeys in ways that others may not. Through peer support groups and programs, veterans provide each other with emotional encouragement, practical advice, and a shared sense of purpose. This network of support not only enhances individual well-being but also strengthens the overall resilience of the veteran community.

Conference

Raising Awareness

Raising awareness about veteran issues and challenges involves shedding light on the unique struggles they face, such as mental health concerns, housing insecurity, and the transition to civilian life. By sharing their stories and experiences, we can foster a greater understanding and empathy within the broader community. Advocacy efforts, educational campaigns, and community engagement play crucial roles in highlighting these issues, driving support for policies and programs that address veterans' needs. Through collective action and informed dialogue, we can ensure that veterans receive the respect, resources, and care they deserve.

Group Planting a Tree

Building A Community

In the veteran community, a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support prevails, fostering deep bonds that transcend individual backgrounds and experiences. Veterans come together to share resources, offer emotional support, and participate in activities that honor their shared service, creating a tight-knit and resilient network. This community thrives on collective efforts to address common challenges, celebrate achievements, and maintain the dignity and honor of their service. By uniting around their common experiences and goals, veterans ensure that no member feels alone in their journey.

Joseph P. Dwyer

The program was named in honor of PFC Joseph P. Dwyer, a native of Suffolk County who served as an Army medic in Iraq. During a combat mission in Baghdad, he was photographed carrying an injured Iraqi boy. The photograph became iconic and was featured in newspapers across the country. After returning home from Iraq, PFC Dwyer was honorably discharged from the U. S. Army, but was “never the same” and experienced a number of challenges reintegrating into the civilian community. He battled post-traumatic stress, depression and substance abuse for several years following his military discharge. In July 2008, PFC Dwyer passed away at the age of 31 years.  The tremendous success of the Dwyer Program since late 2012 provides an important reminder of the ongoing impact of PFC Dwyer’s life and contributions to the veteran and military communities. 

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Joseph P. Dwyer Projects at a Glance

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Chautauqua County_edited
Dutchess County_edited
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Genesee Dinner_edited_edited
Walk-A-Mile 2021- End_edited
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Chautauqua County_edited
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