McLaughlin Brings Experience with NYS Division of Veterans’ Affairs, NYS Dept. of Labor

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz welcomed Francis J. McLaughlin, United States Air Force veteran and member of the Eden Town Board, as Erie County’s new Director of Veteran’s Services. McLaughlin served as an Assistant Deputy Director in the New York State Division of Veteran’s Affairs from 2008-2011, with wide experience in planning, supervising, and coordinating the State’s Veterans’ Service programs to ensure uniformity in service delivery. Prior to that position, McLaughlin’s work at the New York State Department of Labor from 1982 -2008 included working with veterans as a Labor Services Representative, helping them to meet their employment and training needs, and as a Supervising Labor Services Representative at the Olean One Stop Career Center.

“I am pleased to appoint Fran McLaughlin to the position of Director of Veterans’ Services for Erie County, and I am confident that his experience in veterans’ affairs with New York State will be a valuable asset in helping our veterans navigate bureaucratic red tape to obtain the services and benefits they deserve,” said Poloncarz. “A veteran himself, Fran understands what his colleagues need and will advocate tirelessly on their behalf, and I look forward to working with him on issues affecting our veterans.”

McLaughlin added, “It is a profound honor and privilege to have the opportunity to serve Erie County’s veterans and their families as Director of the Erie County Veterans Service Agency and I would like to thank the County Executive and his administration for their support.”

McLaughlin entered service with the USAF in April 1969, reaching the rank of Sgt./E-4 as an aircraft mechanic working on B-52s and KC-1365s. He was stationed at Griffiss AFB Rome, NY, U-Tapao AFB Thailand, and Andersen AFB Guam prior to being honorably discharged in November 1972.