Veterans Connection 10/31/2025

On Monday October 27, the staff of the VSC gathered for a special lunch, honoring Commission President Jerry Hays for his almost 10 years of service as a commissioner. Dr. Hays retired from the Commission and his last day was October 31.

Commissioner Hays represented Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and was first appointed in 2017. In 2019 he was elected by his fellow commissioners to serve as Commission President, a post he held until October 2025. Commission Hays also held leadership positions at the state level serving on the board of the Ohio State Association of County Veterans Service Commissioners. Dr. Hays served honorably both as a Marine and Navy Sailor. For more than two decades he taught NJROTC for Dayton Public Schools.

Godspeed and smooth waters ahead sir!

October 31, 2025

Today the Montgomery County Veterans Service Commission met in a special meeting to approve a SNAP Relief program for Montgomery County Veterans.

Kim Frisco, MCVSC Executive Director, reported to the commission that many of the hundreds of Financial Assistance clients served by the commission receive SNAP benefits. Anticipating SNAP benefits not arriving on 1 November, the commission moved to provide an equal amount via Kroger gift certificates for the month of November.

Commission President Jerry Hays stated “this suspension of Federal SNAP benefits will affect veterans especially hard so near the holidays, we are proud that we can provide this relief to our veterans in need”.

To qualify, Veterans must be honorably discharged, have a copy of their DD-214, provide documentation of their monthly SNAP benefit and be a resident of Montgomery County. Affected and qualified veterans should call the Veterans Service office at 937-225-4801 to schedule an appointment with a Veteran Service Officer.

The Montgomery County Veterans Service Commission is a county agency that provides support and assistance to Montgomery County’s 39,000 veterans. Information about all their services included Emergency Financial Assistance can be found at mcvsc.org

MCVSC Executive Director Kim Frisco

REGISTRATION

Prior to November 1st: Reg. fee $100

After November 1st: Reg. fee $150

Join us for Hearts of Service, a day of learning, connection, and renewal designed for caregivers, educators, counselors, healthcare professionals, community organizers, advocates, and all who walk beside others in need.

Through expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, participants will deepen their understanding of how to identify, uplift, and empower helpers in our communities — and themselves.

Conference Schedule

• 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Antioch Coffee Talk
• 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Keynote Speaker: Melinda S. Kavanaugh, PhD, LCSW
• 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Networking
• 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: First Learning Sessions
• 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch and Learn Sessions:

• Lunch session a. Accessing Benefits & Caregiver Program or,
• Lunch session b. How to Become a Purple Star School
• 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Learning Sessions, Round Two
• 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Panel Discussion
• 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Learning Sessions, Round Three
• 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Networking & Wrap Up

Valor Therapeutics: Connections Workshop

Connections Workshop

Art, Music & Movement (yoga) to reduce anxiety and stress.

For service members, veterans, first responders & family members +12yo

• Learn evidence-based techniques to manage stress and anxiety.
• Reconnect with your body, mind, and emotions in a safe space.
• Experience guided sessions led by board-certified art and music therapists.
• Enjoy calming practices with a certified RYT-200 yoga teacher.
• Share meaningful connections with peers who understand your journey.
• Leave with practical tools to continue your path to peace

All materials provided

Lunch & snacks included

Supportive, veteran-centered environment. Space is limited. Reserve your spot today.

The Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS), in partnership with the Ohio Arts Council held the Grand Opening for the 2025 Ohio Veterans Art Exhibition on Wednesday.

The exhibition, which featured more than three dozen works by veteran artists from across Ohio, will be on display in the lobby of the Riffe Center directly outside the Riffe Gallery beginning Oct. 21 and will remain viewable through Dec. 6.

The short program will included remarks from ODVS Director John C. Harris Jr.; Cat Sheridan, Director of the Ohio Arts Council's Riffe Gallery; and Daniel King, the juror for the exhibition.

An art instructor and Air Force veteran, King juried more than a hundred eligible submissions in early September — and had some difficult decisions to make.

"I was immediately struck by the number of different artists whose work embodied deep levels of engagement with both medium and subject," he said. "Selecting one piece over another can be a fraught exercise, and everyone who submitted their work has added complexity and nuance to my understanding of the landscape of veterans in the arts across the state of Ohio. I have a deep respect for every contributing artist — and I am humbled to have the chance to support this exhibition."

Location:  Riffe Center for Government and the Arts, first-floor lobby 77 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Exhibition Dates: Tuesday, Oct. 21 — Saturday, December 6

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