The federal government has acknowledged that it is struggling to keep up with the health care needs of veterans, and it is currently reorganizing the Canandaigua Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Veterans were most upset this fall when it was disclosed that the center's acute-care psychiatric unit would soon be closed.

"Veterans contribute so much and sacrifice so much, that the least we can do is honor this country's commitment to give back when they return home," said Supervisor Sandra Frankel. "My hope is that our resolution and our support will motivate other communities right here in Monroe County and across the country to speak out ... to let Congress know that this is important to us."

The resolution, which came before the Brighton board this week, passed unanimously.

Operation Firing For Effect, a Rochester-based veterans rights organization, pushed for the Brighton resolution and claims it is the first in the country.

The group has also contacted the city of Rochester and the town of Irondequoit and asked those governments to pass the resolution as well.

"It is a national initiative," said Chris M. Hollfelder, a civilian advocate for mandatory funding. The Rochester group has coordinated its push with several New York unions and also plans to reach out to labor leaders in other states.

"There are a lot of other things that need to be fixed for veterans, but funding should come first," said Hollfelder, whose group organized after the government announced that it would reorganize the Canandaigua Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

"When a veteran comes home on an airplane (from a tour of duty) in his uniform, everyone wants him to ride in first class," Hollfelder said.

"But when he's in civilian clothes, he has to re-engage in battle to get the health care he deserves," Hollfelder said.

"We feel that the veterans were promised health care and we're not going to let (Congress) underfund it away."

MGREGORY@DemocratandChronicle.com