Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced Tuesday that the local Veterans Service Agency has helped secure $533,000 total for two local widows whose husbands died from the effects of Agent Orange exposure.

Bello says the VSA obtained that funding from settlements with the U.S. Veterans Administration.

In both cases, the women's husbands were exposed to Agent Orange while stationed on a Navy ship during the Vietnam War. Bello's office says an Irondequoit woman has been awarded $370,000, while another local widow will receive $163,000.

“I’m so grateful for the work that the VSA did on these cases, and the relentless efforts they continue to make to ensure veterans receive all of the benefits they’re entitled to,” Bello said in a statement. “We owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who served our country, who made sacrifices to ensure our freedom and preserve our way of life. I want to thank VSA Director Nick Steafnovic and his team for making sure we back our words of thanks with action, and they do that every day.”

The VSA says it's helped secure millions of dollars for veterans and their families whose claims had previously been denied.

“The Monroe County Veterans Service Agency is a cornerstone in this community for good reason. The work that our staff performs is hard work, it’s emotional, and often the staff find themselves emotionally invested in fighting a case on behalf of a Veteran” VSA Director Nick Stefanovic said in a statement. “That is why we bring in as much money as we do to the Veterans in Monroe County. We are fortunate to have a staff that is experienced, well trained, well supported, and most importantly determined to win these cases regardless of the challenges that face them. I’m proud to lead this staff and to carry out this work under the leadership and support of County Executive Adam Bello.”