New York’s veterans are the focus of this Memorial Day weekend’s conversation on In Focus. Emil Baker, outreach volunteer specialist at Albany’s Stratton VA Medical Center, and Sgt. Trawn Smith, U.S. Army recruiter, sat down with JoDee Kenney to discuss the benefits of mentorship for younger veterans. Sgt. Smith said his work with Baker is expanding his career path and inspiring him to connect with other veterans to access vital services. Baker spoke about his initial hesitation to apply for VA benefits, as a Vietnam Veteran exposed to Agent Orange during combat, and urged other veterans not to make the same mistake. In addition to helping veterans navigate applications and appeals for VA benefits, Baker is also employer outreach director for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, which assists veterans returning to the civilian workforce and the employers who hire them.
Emil Baker also highlighted the Seven Seals Award presented to our own JoDee Kenney on May 23, recognizing her support for those who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
You can watch the full interview with Emil Baker and Sgt. Trawn Smith 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.