Neighbor News
Hudson Valley Brunch Celebrates Women Veterans — Free for Those Who Served
Honoring Those Who Served: Patterson Rotary and Guardian Revival Celebrate Women Veterans
Most people don’t realize how many women veterans live quietly among us here in the Hudson Valley. They’re our neighbors, teachers, business owners, caregivers, and community leaders — yet too often their stories go untold.
On Saturday, November 8, 2025, the Rotary Club of Patterson, NY and Guardian Revival, Inc. will honor these local heroes at the Second Annual Women Veterans Recognition Brunch, held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Centennial Golf Club in Carmel. The event’s theme — “Your Story, My Story, Our Story: Thriving Beyond the Uniform” — celebrates resilience, identity, and sisterhood among women who have served in every branch of the military.
The brunch will feature food by Ledley Catering, an all-female ROTC Color Guard, and a keynote from Women Veterans Health Care. A highlight of the day will be a panel and Q&A moderated by Megan Castellano, Program Director of the Joseph P. Dwyer Vet2Vet Program of Putnam.
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“We were told there weren’t any women veterans in our community,” Castellano said. “Last year we had more than 80 guests — nearly a third of them women who served. This year, our goal is 100, and to fill half the room with women veterans who deserve to be seen and celebrated.”
Panelists include Kate Durkins (Air Force), Sharone Fuller (Navy), Breezy Grenier (Coast Guard), and an Army representative. Together they’ll discuss life after service — from rebuilding identity and careers to mental health and community belonging.
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According to the New York State Health Foundation, New York is home to about 800,000 veterans, including 58,000 women. Women veterans are the fastest-growing part of the military population and will make up nearly 20 percent of all veterans by 2040. In Putnam County alone, an estimated 3,850 women have served or are serving.
The brunch’s three discussion themes — Your Story, My Story, Our Story — cover identity, career and finances, and community connection. Topics include finding purpose beyond rank, mental fitness as “mission-critical,” and building trauma-informed workplaces and veteran-smart communities.
The event is free for all women veterans. General admission is $50, and $25 for other veterans. All proceeds will support local women veterans’ organizations through Guardian Revival.
Organized by members of the Rotary Club of Patterson, NY and Guardian Revival, the brunch is part of an ongoing effort to make sure every woman who has served feels seen, supported, and part of a thriving local network.
“Service doesn’t stop when you hang up the uniform,” Castellano said. “It just takes new forms — and that’s what we’re here to celebrate.”
Event Details
📅 Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
📍 Centennial Golf Club, Carmel Hamlet, NY
🎟️ Free for women veterans | RSVP: pattersonrotary.org/events/copy-of-womens-veterans-lunch
