CASSADAGA – Gary Chilcott, after 11 years in service to those who served their country, is retiring. Chilcott is stepping down from his post as director of Chautauqua County Veterans Services, and his fellow veterans didn’t let him go without a heartfelt goodbye.

At the Chautauqua County American Legion meeting Friday, hosted by Cassadaga American Legion Post 1280, Chautauqua County American Legion Commander Jack Hood presented Chilcott with a certificate of appreciation and a gift for his years of dedication.

Hood said he presented the certificate “in recognition and sincere appreciation for outstanding service and assistance to all veterans in Chautauqua County.”

The certificate also noted that Chilcott is himself a retired Air Force officer, and that his “can-do attitude is infectious to everyone who comes into contact with him.”

Taking over for Chilcott is Greg Carlson, who was introduced to attendees at the meeting along with Dave Adams, who will be the new veterans service officer in Dunkirk. Hood noted that he has big shoes to fill; Lori Dispenza, like Chilcott, will be missed. Both Carlson and Adams said they look forward to working with the area veterans.

When Chilcott’s turn to speak came around, he didn’t waste his breath bloviating. Instead, he did what he always does: He told everyone to support their VA clinics, to reach out for help, and to assist their fellow veterans in any way they could.

Specifically, he told meeting attendees that they should make use of the Veterans Endowment Fund whenever they need to, and to spread the word about its availability.

“If you know of needy vets out there … send them our way,” he said.

The Veterans Endowment Fund has had a record year, Chilcott said, in terms of funds available and how many veterans it has helped.

“The community and our outreach has been outstanding this year,” he shared, saying the Fund helped 27 veterans with loans of up to $500 for things like rent, mortgage payments, utility bills, auto repairs and more.

“Thanks to everybody for making a difference,” Chilcott said, “for helping each other and our community.”

Officials stated that there are over 11,000 veterans in Chautauqua County, but that many of them are struggling alone, without the support of fellow service members. “Reach out and pull them in,” was the message – if Legion members see someone at the store or in a parking lot with a veteran’s cap on or a bumper sticker proclaiming that they served proudly, ask them to join the Legion. Ask them if they need help. Tell them about their local VA clinic, or pass along the contact information of their area’s veterans service officer.

And, to all of those who served, thank you!