Veterans Affairs
The Susquehanna County Veterans affairs office proudly serves the Veterans of our County and their families.
Anyone with questions about the vast array of benefits available is encouraged to contact the County VA office, and we will be happy to answer your questions and provide assistance. The office is located in the County Courthouse at 31 Lake Ave. Montrose, Pa. and the office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:30 A.M. until 4:30 P.M. except for scheduled holidays or required Certified Veterans Services Officer (VSO) training.
Individuals may also find complete information on veteran's federal benefits by visiting the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs web site at www.va.gov and state benefits at www.dmva.pa.gov/veterans/pages
Veterans in crisis or contemplating suicide may call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 option 1 or text at 838255 for help
Finally to all our veterans, “thank you for your service” we look forward to serving you.
Veterans Corner
The Susquehanna County Veterans Affairs office writes an article once each month that is published in the “Weekender”. These articles called “Veterans Corner” provide information related to veteran’s issues and benefits. The articles are published once per month and can be found in one of the editions of the weekender which is distributed each Friday of the month. The weekender has a wide distribution in Susquehanna County. For your convenience we also make the articles available here on the County website.
Anyone with any questions about the benefits available to Veterans and their family members can call the Susquehanna County Veterans Affairs Office at (570) 278-5955.
Veterans during the Holidays 2025
Submitted By: Jeffery Mead
Susquehanna County Director of Veterans Affairs/Veterans Service Officer
One of the biggest problems for veterans is maintaining good mental health, which can be especially challenging for everybody during the holidays. Some of the reasons the holidays may be challenging for Veterans are the large crowds and lots of noise, which can cause many to experience PTSD symptoms. Younger veterans might also have vivid memories of a specific date during the holidays during a past deployment and might even experience survivor's guilt. It should be noted that a larger percentage of Veterans do not have mental health challenges and many who have seen combat experience post traumatic growth. Calling an old buddy from the military can do wonders for mental health. Depression and suicide rates are higher among people who have served in the military. The reason people do not get the help that they need is that there is a social stigma attached to it. (Wikipedia)
Veterans, like most people, can become susceptible to loneliness during the holidays. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as social isolation, the loss of a loved one or family member, financial difficulties, mental health struggles or just having unrealistic expectations. Having the right tactics and strategy can be a real help for Veterans who face holiday loneliness. Below are some tips to help get you through the next few months:
Reach out to friends and family. Even if you can’t be together in person, make time to talk or video chat with your loved ones. Let them know how you’re feeling and what would be helpful for you.
Connect with other Veterans. There are many Veteran support groups and tools from VA that serve as a great way to meet others who understand what you’re going through. Locally there is the Vietnam Support Group which meets the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month at 10:30 AM upstairs at the Lenox/Elk Mountain VFW Post 8488. The Global War on Terror/ Gulf War Support group meets on the 1st Monday of the month at 5:30 PM upstairs at the Lenox/Elk Mountain VFW Post 8488. Those interested can just show up or call Rob Parfitt from the Vet Center at 570-239-5191. Rob is also available for individual counseling appointments. Also, locally there is the Java for Joes at 798 Erie Ave Susquehanna, Pa at the Erie & Main Coffee House on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 10:00 AM to 12:00, contact Melissa Dubas 607-765-1366.
Veterans can join the many local VFWs and American Legions in Susquehanna County which provide multiple opportunities for comradery and volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer your time. Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and to feel connected to others.
Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. These things can help to improve your mood and reduce stress.
Having compassion for yourself and understanding that you are not alone with loneliness during the holidays is a great first step, but there are other steps you can take to help yourself as well:
Plan ahead. If you know that you’ll be feeling lonely around the holidays, start planning activities and events in advance. This will give you something to look forward to and help you to stay busy.
Be realistic. Don’t expect to feel happy and festive all the time. It’s okay to feel sad or lonely, especially if you’re missing loved ones.
Be kind to yourself. Allow yourself to feel your emotions, and don’t judge yourself for feeling lonely.
Remember that you’re not alone. Many people struggle with loneliness, especially during the holidays. There are people who care about you and want to help.
Seek professional help if needed. If you’re struggling to cope with loneliness or other mental health issues, don’t be afraid to seek professional help from VA. The resources available can provide you with support and guidance on how to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. (The Resilient Veteran, Coping with Holiday Loneliness by Bob McDonald, Former Secretary of Veterans Affairs)
Anyone experiencing a mental crisis can call 988, veterans use option 1. There is also a text line at 838255 for veterans with a mental health crisis, and a chat line at va.gov and search “VA mental health services”, go to “How do I talk to someone right now?”, and scroll down to “start a confidential chat”. ANY veteran can go to a VA medical center emergency room for a mental health crisis. It does not matter what the veteran’s discharge status is or if they are enrolled in VA health care.
In addition to being able to go to a VA facility, Veterans in acute suicidal crisis can get treatment at non-VA health care facility for emergency health care at no cost – including inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VA system to use this benefit.
This expansion of care will help prevent Veteran suicide by guaranteeing no cost, world-class care to Veterans in times of crisis. It increases access to acute suicide care for up to 9 million Veterans who are not currently enrolled in VA.
As part of the COMPACT ACT the VA will:
- Provide, pay for, or reimburse for treatment of eligible individuals’ emergency suicide care, transportation costs, and follow-up care at a VA or non-VA facility for up to 30 days of inpatient care and 90 days of outpatient care.
- Make appropriate referrals for care following the period of emergency suicide care.
- Determine eligibility for other VA services and benefits.
- Refer eligible individuals for appropriate VA programs and benefits following the period of emergency suicide care.
Eligible individuals, regardless of VA enrollment status, are:
- Veterans who were discharged or released from active duty after more than 24 months of active service under conditions other than dishonorable.
- Former members of the armed forces, including reserve service members, who served more than 100 days under a combat exclusion or in support of a contingency operation either directly or by operating an unmanned aerial vehicle from another location who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
- Former members of the armed forces who were the victim of a physical assault of a sexual nature, a battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment while serving in the armed forces.
Veterans can Fill out a Claim for Payment of Cost of Unauthorized Medical Services on VA Form 10-583 which can be found on va.gov or contact your nearest VA health facility’s community care office.
Combat veterans (those veterans who have served on active military duty in any combat theater or area of hostility) and certain other eligible veterans (such as those veterans who experienced a military sexual trauma regardless of gender or service era) also have the option of using the Vet Centers in Binghamton (607-722-2393) or Scranton (570-344-2676) to address their mental health needs and readjustment counseling. (va.gov)
Supporting a Veteran During the Holidays
For families and friends of veterans, providing thoughtful support during the holiday season can make a significant difference. Understanding and adapting to their unique needs can help veterans feel more at ease and included.
Communicate openly: Ask veterans how they’re feeling and what support they might need instead of making assumptions. Open-ended questions like “What would make this holiday feel more manageable for you?” can help guide the conversation.
Offer flexibility: Be accommodating if a veteran needs to take breaks, leave gatherings early, or skip events altogether. Let them know it’s okay to prioritize their well-being.
Encourage professional help: If they seem to be struggling, gently suggest resources or professional support without judgment, emphasizing that seeking help is a strength.
Providing consistent, empathetic support can help a veteran in your life feel understood and cared for, easing the potential stress of the holiday season. (“How Veterans Can Manage Mental Health Challenges During the Holidays”- Clinically Reviewed By Dr. Jeremy Dubin)
Upcoming Veteran Events:
Free Christmas Eve Meal To Go for Veterans and their families!!!-Montrose VFW Post 5642 consists of Ham, Mashed Potatoes, & Gravy, Stuffing, Mac & Cheese, Glazed Carrots, Dinner Roll and Dessert. Call 570-396-1796 or 570-278-9984 or stop by VFW to reserve number of meals by December 20th.
Locally the Montrose VFW auxiliary will be distributing holiday food to veterans in need using the proceeds from the fill the cruiser event.
December 1st & January 5th and every, first Monday of Month at 5:30 PM- Gulf War/Global War on Terror Veterans’ Support Group at Lenox/Elk Mountain VFW Post 8488, call Rob Parfitt 570-239-5191.
December 1st, December 15th & January 5th, every 1st, and 3rd Monday at 10:30 AM-Vietnam Support Group at Lenox/Elk Mountain VFW Post 8488, call Rob Parfitt 570-239-5191.
December 11th & (January 15th, 2026-the third Thursday, due to New Years being a Thursday) Java for Joes from 10:00 AM to 12:00 at 798 Erie Ave Susquehanna, Pa at the Erie & Main Coffee House the Second Thursday of the month, contact Melissa Dubas 607-765-1366.
Susquehanna Veterans Affairs office is always here to assist Veterans in accessing Veterans Administration and State benefits. We humbly thank all Veterans for their service to this great Country and wish them a Happy and Joyous Christmas/Holiday Season.
Contact Information
Veterans Affairs
Department of Veterans Affairs
31 Lake Avenue (PO Box 218)
Montrose, PA 18801
Telephone: (570) 278-5955
Fax: (570) 278-5977
Jeffery Mead, Director / VSO