Oswego County Launches Peer Support Program for Veterans

The Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Program will provide comprehensive services to veterans and their families.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 1:33pm

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The Oswego County Veterans' Services Agency (VSA) is implementing the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Program to offer peer-to-peer mentorship, crisis intervention, resource connection, and family support for local veterans. The program was founded in memory of PFC Joseph P. Dwyer, a combat medic who struggled with PTSD and other issues after returning from the Iraq War.

Why it matters

The Dwyer Program aims to address the unique challenges that veterans face during their transition to civilian life and in managing mental health conditions like PTSD. By providing peer-led support, the program seeks to improve overall well-being and reintegration for veterans in the Oswego County community.

The details

The Dwyer Program will offer a variety of core services, including peer support groups, one-on-one peer mentorship, crisis intervention, resource connection, and family support. Through these initiatives, the VSA will be able to facilitate group discussions, host guest speakers, organize free events, and make referrals to additional resources as needed.

  • The Oswego County VSA announced the implementation of the Dwyer Program in March 2026.
  • The Dwyer Program was originally launched as a pilot project by the New York State Senate and Office of Mental Health in 2012.

The players

Oswego County Veterans' Services Agency (VSA)

The government agency responsible for implementing the Dwyer Program and providing comprehensive support services to local veterans.

Michael Solowy

Oswego County Legislator and chairman of the Legislature's Human Services Committee, who expressed pride in bringing the Dwyer Program to Oswego County.

Eric Boozer

Director of the Oswego County VSA, who emphasized the importance of peer connection and the variety of services offered through the Dwyer Program.

PFC Joseph P. Dwyer

A combat medic who served in the U.S. Army during the Iraq War and later struggled with PTSD, depression, and substance abuse, ultimately dying by suicide in 2008. The Dwyer Program was founded in his memory.

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What they’re saying

“We're proud to bring the Dwyer Program to Oswego County to help support our veterans with the unique challenges that they face.”

— Michael Solowy, Oswego County Legislator, Chairman of the Legislature's Human Services Committee

“Peer connection is essential for veterans, especially those who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injuries. No one better understands the struggles veterans endure than fellow veterans who have gone through the same experiences.”

— Eric Boozer, Director, Oswego County Veterans' Services Agency

What’s next

The Oswego County VSA will be hosting an informational event about the Dwyer Program on April 15, 2026 to provide more details and sign up interested veterans.

The takeaway

The launch of the Dwyer Program in Oswego County demonstrates a commitment to supporting the mental health and overall well-being of local veterans, recognizing the unique challenges they face and the value of peer-to-peer support in the transition to civilian life.