Putnam County Veterans’ Benefits Town Hall
You’ve earned your benefits — don’t leave them on the table. Get informed & empowered!
We’ve gathered trusted experts ready to help you save money, secure your benefits, and take the next step toward greater peace of mind:
VA Home Loans & Homeownership Tools
Property Tax Savings & Exemptions
Putnam County Real Estate Market
Veterans’ Benefits, Claims, and Compensation
NYS Legislation Affecting Veterans & Families
Joins us and make sure you’re accessing all the benefits you’ve earned and strengthening your financial well-being.
WHO: Veterans, Active Duty, Guard, Reserve — and families!
WHEN: Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 6:45 PM
WHERE: Mahopac Public Library
668 US-6, Mahopac, NY 10541
No cost!
Questions? Reach out any time: dwyerputnam@guardianrevival.org
Please Register
Limited seats available; additional RSVPs will be placed on a waitlist.
All who RSVP will receive a recap of the meeting to the email provided.
Expert Speakers & Topics to Help You
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Kevin Byrne – Putnam County Executive
Todd Dorris – Program Coordinator, Dwyer Vet2Vet of Putnam County
VA Home Loans & Homeownership Tools
Michael Aharoni – NYS Appointed VA Home Loan Counselor
Avoid predatory lending and make smart home buying decisions
Maximize benefits like fee waivers and property tax reductions
Property Tax Savings & Exemptions
Chris Paleo – Carmel Assessor’s Office
Updates on state and local exemption laws and policies
Learn the steps to apply and the documents you’ll need
Putnam County Real Estate Market
Angela Briante – Owner, Briante Realty
Market insights for buyers and sellers
Understanding the Buyer Broker Agreement
Veterans’ Benefits, Claims, and Compensation
Tanya Pennella – Deputy Director, Putnam Veterans Service Agency
Eligibility and enrollment
Education benefits for veterans, dependents, & survivors
County benefits in addition to VA benefits
NYS Legislation Affecting Veterans & Families
Aaron Leonard – Chief Executive Officer, Guardian Revival
Meet Your Host
Todd Dorris is originally from New Mexico and served in the Navy (7 years), Army (8 years), and Homeland Security (12 years). He has a BA in Psychology from Manhattan College, and was a residential counselor at Green Chimneys for 6 years.
Todd has been with Guardian Revival for 4 years, guiding trips for Another Summit before becoming the Program Coordinator for Putnam County Dwyer Vet2Vet, administered by Guardian Revival.
PFC Dwyer Vet2Vet Program
The Putnam County Veterans Service Agency PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Vet2Vet (Veterans’ Peer Services Project) provides services such as support groups, social activities, helping Vets get their benefit claims back on track, advise them on how to access their education benefits, and much more.
Joseph P. Dwyer was an Army Medic whose face was well known as a result of a photo that was published of him carrying a young, injured Iraqi boy during a battle on March 25, 2003. Army Times photographer Warren Zinn saw the situation unfold and clicked away as Dwyer met the boy’s father — who carried a white flag and his injured son to the soldier, eventually bringing the 4-year-old to safety. Dwyer suffered from severe PTSD and died at age 31 from an overdose on June 28, 2008.
Guardian Revival
Guardian Revival is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that improves the mental health & well-being of military, veterans, and first responders — our guardians — and their families, at no cost to them.
Our Programs
Another Summit | Outdoor adventures — walking, hiking, backpacking, paddling, and fly fishing
Boots & Paws | Providing dogs for the therapeutic benefits of animal companionship
Encore | Opportunities to learn, write, play, record, and share music
Homefront | Support & resources for military & first responder families
Peer Services | Individual & group peer support for guardians by guardians
RISE | Strength & resilience through fitness & wellness