Remembering Peter Potter: A Voice for Veterans
A Life Dedicated to Serving Others
Peter Potter, a Navy Veteran and fierce advocate for the local Veteran community, passed away at the age of 58. For nearly 20 years, he served as the Public Affairs Director at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, bridging the gap between the VA and his community.
Spreading Awareness and Support
As a strong advocate for Veterans, Potter ensured that people understood the benefits available to them. His tireless efforts often made the difference between receiving healthcare and not. He worked closely with news outlets, pitching stories and urging journalists to share information with Capital Region Veterans and their families.
Advocating for the PACT ACT
Potter made it his personal mission to spread the word about the PACT ACT, a law that expanded coverage for Vets exposed to toxic substances, burn pits, and Agent Orange. The mixture of herbicides known as Agent Orange is estimated to have affected 2.6 to 3.8 million Veterans from the Vietnam War era.
Understanding and Empathy
Potter understood the struggles of Vets from different generations, having served in the Navy from 1987 to 1991. He saw himself in them and worked to ensure their voices were heard. As Erwin Dominguez, Service Chief at the Center for Development and Civic Engagement, said, “I think he saw these younger Vets coming through after different engagements and conflicts that we were coming back from, and I think Peter saw himself in us.”
A Personal Story
After his honorable discharge, Potter came to the VA for treatment, where he met his wife, Mary, while she was working in the emergency room. They went on to have two sons, Peter II and Michael. Potter worked in Albany politics for 14 years, serving as the Director of Public Affairs for the New York State Senate and in Public Affairs for the State Assembly.
A Legacy of Service
“Peter was the consummate public servant,” said Charlie Diamond, former Chief of Staff for Congressman Mike McNulty. “Humility, humor, and a work ethic second to none.” Potter also assisted former Assemblyman Robert Prentiss in writing the state’s Veterans tax exemption legislation for New York as his Chief of Staff.
Conclusion
Peter Potter will be remembered as a dedicated public servant who touched and improved countless Veterans’ lives. His commitment to ensuring Vets received the recognition, care, and support they deserved was unwavering. As Congressman Paul Tonko said, “Peter will always be known as a dedicated public servant who embodied the spirit of service and his commitment to our Veterans was unwavering.”
FAQs
* What was Peter Potter’s role at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center?
+ He served as the Public Affairs Director for nearly 20 years.
* What was Peter Potter’s mission in spreading awareness about the PACT ACT?
+ He made it his personal mission to spread the word about the PACT ACT, a law that expanded coverage for Vets exposed to toxic substances, burn pits, and Agent Orange.
* What was Peter Potter’s experience in the Navy?
+ He served in the Navy from 1987 to 1991, following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps and following his love of the water on the USS Santa Barbara.
