August 6, 2026 — As a veteran, PEF member Kristine Gardner takes pride in her role as a veteran’s benefits advisor with the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services (NYSDVS) in Region 2, where she helps connect veterans with education benefits.
“My work includes outreach with SUNY and CUNY schools to make sure veteran students receive the benefits they may not know they’re eligible for — benefits they deserve,” she said. “I can’t stress enough how supportive NYSDVS is, and I’m thankful every day for my job.”
Gardner is active in her community, running a food pantry, serving as deputy mayor of Odessa, and working as vice president of Vets for Schuyler. When a local news anchor approached her about expanding the Warriors to Washington program to Elmira, she joined a trip and experienced history firsthand.
Through Warriors to Washington, veterans visited some of the nation’s most meaningful landmarks, including Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial, the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial, the U.S. Capitol and the Flight 93 Memorial in Pennsylvania.
Gardner described the trip as unforgettable.
“Veterans organizations have really expanded in the last 10 years,” she said. “It was breathtaking to go to Washington. Transportation, housing and meals were covered by Warriors to Washington.”
Connecting veterans with services and organizations that can help remains a challenge, but programs are available for needs ranging from fresh food to support during the transition from military to civilian life.
Gardner highlighted FreshConnect, which provides eligible veterans and their families with coupon booklets — typically worth $50 — to purchase produce, dairy and meats at participating farmers’ markets and farm stands. The program typically runs from May or July through December on a first-come, first-served basis.
She also praised the state’s collaboration with Operation Motorsport, a veteran-led foundation that supports the recovery of medically retired or retired service members through immersion in motorsports. She was most recently onsite at Watkins Glen International.
For active-duty service members transitioning out of the military, Onward Ops provides national transition support to help recently separated veterans reintegrate into civilian life. Gardner said the program connects participants with sponsors who can guide them through benefits, housing, food, employment, schools and more.
“Statistics show the first two years are when individuals are most likely to commit suicide,” she said. “Vets are always hesitant to ask questions about benefits. I strongly encourage them to go to their county or state veterans service organization and ask those questions. You might be surprised what you are eligible for — you never know until you ask.”
Visit the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services website to learn more about DVS’s mission of Serving All Who Served.