Joint Veterans Council in Concert with Wyoming County Veteran Services
Dwyer Programs &
Veterans Services Calendar
The Month's Events
January History
What is Dwyer?
Joseph P. Dwyer
The program was named in honor of PFC Joseph P. Dwyer, a native of Suffolk County who served as an Army medic in Iraq. During a combat mission in Baghdad, he was photographed carrying an injured Iraqi boy. The photograph became iconic and was featured in newspapers across the country. After returning home from Iraq, PFC Dwyer was honorably discharged from the U. S. Army, but was “never the same” and experienced a number of challenges reintegrating into the civilian community. He battled post-traumatic stress, depression and substance abuse for several years following his military discharge. In July 2008, PFC Dwyer passed away at the age of 31 years. The tremendous success of the Dwyer Program since late 2012 provides an important reminder of the ongoing impact of PFC Dwyer’s life and contributions to the veteran and military communities
Peer Support
Peer support within the veteran community is a vital lifeline, offering veterans a safe space to share their experiences and challenges with others who truly understand. This mutual support fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation, as veterans can relate to each other's journeys in ways that others may not. Through peer support groups and programs, veterans provide each other with emotional encouragement, practical advice, and a shared sense of purpose. This network of support not only enhances individual well-being but also strengthens the overall resilience of the veteran community.