New York veterans agency plans Hispanic Heritage Month virtual event on Oct. 14

The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services will host a free virtual Chat & Chew on Oct. 14 to honor Hispanic and Latino veterans, service members and military families. The event will center on present-day experiences, available support and the role these communities continue to play in New York and the military.

Why it matters: - The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services is using Hispanic Heritage Month to spotlight the service and needs of Hispanic and Latino Veterans, Service Members and Military Families. - The event is designed to connect participants with resources, benefits and support that can affect daily life for military-connected communities. - The program also aims to strengthen awareness of the experiences of Hispanic and Latino service members in New York.

What happened: - The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services will host a Hispanic Heritage Month Virtual Chat & Chew on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026. - The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Eastern time and is open to all. - The theme is “Nuestra Herencia, Nuestro Presente, Nuestro Futuro – Our Heritage, Our Present, Our Future.” - Registration is available through the event link.

The details: - The program will focus on ancestry, identity, culture, service, sacrifice and resilience. - This year’s conversation will center on the present-day experiences of Hispanic and Latino military-connected communities. - The discussion will also highlight the people and organizations serving those communities. - The event will include information about resources, benefits and systems of support available today. - DVS Commissioner Dr. Viviana M. DeCohen said Hispanic and Latino veterans have served the nation with courage and distinction for generations. - DeCohen said Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor that legacy and listen to veterans and military families today. - Dr. Lessie Branch, DVS Special Assistant for Community Engagement, will moderate the program. - Branch is an award-winning author, scholar, advocate and U.S. Navy veteran. - Branch said the conversation will honor those who came before while creating space for Hispanic and Latino veterans, service members and military families to share what they are experiencing today.

Between the lines: - The event reflects a broader shift from commemoration alone toward practical support and community connection. - DVS is framing heritage as both history and a current set of lived experiences that still shape service and family life. - By centering resources and benefits, the agency is signaling that recognition events can also function as access points for services.

What's next: - DVS will hold the virtual program on Oct. 14 and use the discussion to connect attendees with support available through the department and its partners. - New York veterans and military families can also contact DVS at 888-838-7697 or through the department website to meet with an accredited Veterans Benefits Advisor. - DVS says accredited advisors can meet with veterans in person or virtually to help them receive earned benefits. - The department also directs people to follow its social channels, including LinkedIn, Bluesky, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X.

The bottom line: - The October program blends celebration with practical guidance, aiming to honor Hispanic and Latino military communities while connecting them to services they can use now.