Niagara County Veterans Service Agency

08/07/2026

Tremendous event today. Thank you to all of our Purple Heart Veterans for your sacrifice.

07/08/2026

06/12/2026

From County Clerk Joseph A. Jastrzemski: "Tremendous event today with the students from DeSales Catholic School as we raised the America 250 Flag. Students performed God Bless American, Purple Heart Veteran Ron Krul delivered remarks and one student read part of the Declaration of Independence. Thank you to Legislators Tony Nemi and Rick Abbott for helping put the event together and thank you to the DeSales students, local leaders and community members who joined us."

04/24/2026

Niagara County Clerk Joseph A. Jastrzemski accepted a check from Teresa Manna, Commander of the Navy Marine Club Ship 110 in Lockport that will be used for the beautification of the county’s Purple Heart Monument and surrounding courtyard outside of the Niagara County Courthouse. Joining Clerk Jastrzemski and Commander Manna were County Legislators Tony Nemi and Rick Abbott as well as the county’s Veterans Service Agency (VSA) team.

Niagara County became a Purple Heart County in 2019 and dedicated the Purple Heart Monument in 2023. The Purple Heart is awarded to those wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the U.S. military. Nearly 500 names of Niagara County residents who received a Purple Heart are currently listed on the monument and in the Purple Heart Book which is on display in the courthouse rotunda.

“We thank Commander Manna and all the members of the Navy Marine Club for their generous donation that allows us to enhance the monument and surrounding courtyard so veterans, their families and other community members can visit and reflect on these great heroes who sacrificed so much serving our country,” said Jastrzemski.

12/10/2025

12/04/2025

Congrats, Bill Gosch. A truly great American.

Buffalo VA Hospital to Celebrate 102nd Birthday of WWII Vet Bill Gosch
Niagara County Declares December 8 “Bill Gosch Day”

The Buffalo VA Medical Center will host a private, invitation-only celebration on Monday, December 8, 2025, honoring World War II veteran William “Bill” Gosch on his 102nd birthday. The event will include family, invited guests, and select veteran and community representatives. In honor of the momentous occasion, the Niagara County Legislature has declared December 8 as “Bill Gosch Day.”

Gosch, a lifelong North Tonawanda resident, served honorably during World War II and is one of the region’s most cherished members of the Greatest Generation. Known for his humility, warm personality, and dedication to fellow veterans, he remains a symbol of service and resilience for Western New York.

Because of space limitations and the sensitivity of Mr. Gosch’s health and privacy, the event is closed to the public. Only those who have received an official invitation will be permitted to attend.

“Bill Gosch is a community treasure, answering the call of duty time and again, including a stint as a city alderman at the age of 97,” said Niagara County Legislator Rich Andres, a long-time friend of Gosch. “His extraordinary service in World War II and has exemplary life are worthy of honor and celebration as he turns 102. We are proud to declare December 8 as Bill Gosch Day in Niagara County.”

Pictured: Legislator Rich Andres with Bill Gosch in 2023.

11/11/2025

Today, we honor all U.S. military veterans—past and present. Originally called Armistice Day, it marked the end of WWI in 1918. In 1954, it became Veterans Day, expanding to recognize all who served in every war and peacetime.

This day reminds us that freedom isn’t free—it’s earned through courage, sacrifice, and dedication. Thank you to every veteran who has defended our nation.

11/04/2025

Niagara County Takes Part in Operation Greenlight

Niagara County Legislature Chairman Becky Wydysh announced today that the flagpole that carries the Niagara County and Purple Heart flags at the Niagara County Courthouse in Lockport has been illuminated green as part of “Operation Green Light for Veterans.” From November 4-11, county buildings and landmarks across the country will be illuminated green to show support for veterans and raise awareness around the resources available to them and their families.

“Operation Greenlight is a nationwide program designed to not only honor the men and women who served in our armed forces, but also highlight the services and programs available to help them” said Wydysh. “In Niagara County, our Veterans Service Agency (VSA) in Lockport is staffed with professionals who can help veterans with anything they need including filing important paperwork, fighting for benefits, securing medical appointments, finding counseling and more.”

Now in its fifth year, Operation Green Light is coordinated by the National Association of Counties (NACo), and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers. Over the last two years more than 450 counties participated in Operation Green Light. Residents, businesses and community organizations are encouraged to participate in Operation Green Light by changing one light to a green bulb to let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.

“Operation Green Light is an opportunity to thank veterans for both their service to our nation and their contributions to our communities,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “With hundreds of counties coming together to light up everything from courthouses to bridges, we know veterans will see and feel our gratitude for their selflessness and courage.”

Counties and residents across the country are sharing their participation on social media using the hashtag . For any veteran in need of assistance, the Niagara County VSA can be reached at (716) 438-4090.