The head of Mount Vernon's Veterans Services is about to embark on a brand-new job that serves veterans across the state.

Viviana DeCohen, who is also known as "Momma V" by the veterans, will become the state Veterans Affairs director - responsible for overseeing services to millions of veterans across New York.

She says her principal mission to make sure veterans feel seen and heard. The former Marine says too often, they are hiding in plain sight - never getting their just due.

DeCohen says she plans to spend most of her time crisscrossing the state, making sure she meets as many veterans as she can. She says they need to know the state is here to support them.