We are talking veterans’ services and benefits, as we recognize the sacrifice of New York’s military service members this Memorial Day weekend on In Focus. Peter Potter, public affairs, marketing and communications director at Albany’s Stratton VA Medical Center, sat down with JoDee Kenney to talk about a whole host of services and benefits available to the 838,000 New Yorkers who served our nation. In addition to six medical centers and 29 outpatient facilities, Potter said the VA connects with local providers to make sure veterans can access medical, mental health and educational services. There is no need to demonstrate a veteran disability status, Potter said, and, since funding is based on the number of veterans requiring services, he urged all service members to apply for benefits they are entitled to. This includes expanded eligibility for medical coverage under the PACT Act for veterans exposed to toxins, including burn pits and Agent Orange. Potter talked about the COMPACT Act, which covers suicide crisis services for any veteran at VA and non-VA hospital emergency rooms.

You can watch the full interview with Peter Potter via the video player above. And be sure to tune in for a look inside the biggest issues impacting upstate New York, on In Focus with JoDee Kenney — every Sunday on Spectrum News 1.