Ryan invites community to drop off cards at his Newburgh office to deliver to veterans in advance of Valentine’s Day

 WASHINGTON, DC  –  Congressman Pat Ryan kicked off his second annual “Valentines for Vets” initiative, inviting Hudson Valley community members to send or drop off cards to his Newburgh office to deliver to local veterans and veteran caregivers for Valentine’s Day.

“Veterans put their lives on the line to keep us safe and protect our democracy – it’s the ultimate expression of love for their fellow Americans and for our country,” said Representative Ryan. “Last year, it was remarkable to see the community’s outpouring of gratitude to our local veterans. I’m looking forward to rallying together again this year to show them how much the Hudson Valley values their heroism and service.”

In 2023, Congressman Ryan collected over 9,000 valentines made by Hudson Valley students and community members and hand-delivered them to veterans at Castle Point VA and Vassar Brothers Medical Center. Valentines were also delivered by his office to Hudson River Housing and Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) across the Hudson Valley. 

 Participants are asked to drop off or mail valentines to Congressman Pat Ryan’s Newburgh office at 605 Broadway, Newburgh, New York 12550. Cards should be postmarked no later than February 7, 2024 to ensure timely delivery. If delivering multiple valentines, please include a count of the number of cards on a sheet of paper enclosed with the cards. Please contact Joe Paone at (845) 443-2930 with any questions or for more information. 

Congressman Pat Ryan is a U.S. Army veteran, having served two combat tours in Iraq, and is the first West Point graduate to represent the Academy in the U.S. House of Representatives. He sits on the House Armed Services Committee and has prioritized sponsoring and cosponsoring extensive legislation to deliver relief for veterans, service members, and military families. In November, Congressman Ryan launched a “Veterans Week of Action” in advance of Veterans Day with multiple stops by his Constituent Advocacy Resources Empowerment Services (C.A.R.E.S.) Van to assist veterans at Hudson Valley VSOs, the introduction of his “Never Forgotten Korean War POW Act,” and presentation of a posthumous Purple Heart to a Hudson Valley veteran’s surviving family.