Greetings!

We hope you had a great May, Military Appreciation Month, and a peaceful Memorial Day. Near the end of every May we honor Memorial Day to show our deep appreciation for the service and ultimate sacrifice of our servicemembers. It is an important opportunity to honor our fallen men and women in uniform and show them and our military families how much we care. Congressman Kim joined with community members this weekend to recognize those we’ve lost and their commitment to our nation.

As always, we hope you find the following updates and resources helpful!

Congressman Kim Officially Opens Doors in Monmouth County!

Congressman Kim hosted an open house at his new office in Freehold Borough, New Jersey early in May. He enjoyed speaking with community members, introducing people to members of his staff, and welcoming everyone to our new office space! The Congressman appreciated everyone who came and looks forward to welcoming many more people to the office as we continue our work helping address issues people have with federal agencies.

Congressman Kim Celebrates Armed Forces Day

Congressman Kim helped recognize Armed Forces Day on May 20th. As Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee Military Personnel Subcommittee, the Congressman prioritizes putting people first and meeting the needs of our servicemembers and their families to honor their service and sacrifices for our country.

On Armed Forces Day, Congressman Kim joined Hamilton Township Patriotic Committee’s ceremony to help honor our U.S. Armed Forces. Through incredible rain, it was moving to see so many from the community out to recognize our servicemembers.

That weekend, Congressman Kim also visited Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for their Power in the Pines Air and Space Show! It was a great time for the whole family with incredible performances and displays by our local servicemembers.

Congressman Kim Hosts 63rd Town Hall in Marlboro

Thank you for another successful town hall in May! Congressman Kim held his 63rd town hall at Marlboro High School, sharing updates on his work in Congress and celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month with neighbors.

We were excited to start the town hall with incredible performances by students and teachers from the Huaxia South Chinese School in Marlboro!

Congressman Kim Helps Pass Korean American VALOR Act

Congressman Kim cosponsored the Korean American VALOR Act, which passed in the House this week! This bill would finally deliver Korean immigrants who served with U.S. troops during the Vietnam War the VA benefits they earned. It will help us uphold our promise to have all our vets’ backs for their service.

Honoring Memorial Day at Doyle Cemetery

Congressman Kim joined Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough and Governor Phil Murphy at BG William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery again this year to help honor the fallen with veterans and local military families. The cemetery always stands as a beautiful tribute to New Jerseyans who braved served and a lasting reminder of their sacrifices.

A Special Memorial Day Moment

On Memorial Day, Congressman Kim and his boys had the special opportunity to honor Fred Hampton, a World War II veteran in Medford for his incredible service to our nation. 

On top of that, it was his 99th birthday! Congressman Kim enjoyed introducing his boys to a local WWII hero and recognizing his life and service.

Burlington County Memorial Day Ceremony 

Yesterday, Congressman Kim spoke at the Burlington County Memorial Day Ceremony. The event is held every year on May 30th to reflect the first call for a national day of remembrance in 1868 for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the country.

Visit to American Legion Post 509

Yesterday, Congressman Kim toured the American Legion Post 509 in Westampton. Last year, the Congressman secured $20,000 for repairs to the building. He was able to see what repairs the funding will complete and discuss further work to support local veteran organizations.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Our office helped recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month! Congressman Kim believes all our students, servicemembers, veterans – everyone should have access to support when they need it. We can keep working to expand resources and mental healthcare so no one struggles alone.

Remember, If you or a loved one are in distress, you can always call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for help. Press 1 after dialing to reach the veterans crisis line for free and confidential support.

 

Do you have a copy of your DD-214?

 

If you do not have a copy of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), you should request a copy from the National Archives and Records Administration since it can take up to 6-12 months to receive. DD-214s are necessary to apply for many of the benefits you are eligible for as a veteran. If you don’t have your DD-214, medical treatment can be delayed for a long time. If you have questions about this, you can contact our office here.

DMAVA Newsletter

 

The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ newsletter provides information to Servicemembers, Veterans, Employees, Families, Caregivers, Community Partners and those inspired to support our collective mission. You can sign-up for DMAVA’s mailing lists on their website.

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) Update

 

On May 15th, JBMDL helped celebrate Police Week on the base with ground displays and aircraft statistics.

On May 23rd, after a five-year hiatus JBMDL brought back their Power in the Pines, 2023 Air and Space Open House. This is the largest public event the Base hosts with displays and demonstrations. 

On May 23rd, the Base hosted the U.S. Army Reserve 200th Military Police Command’s annual exercise, Guardian Shield. This will be the last iteration of Guardian Shield.

 

Upcoming Local Events

 

The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is hosting various events throughout June, including: 

• June 12th at 12:00 PM - NJ DMAVA's Women Veterans Appreciation Day ceremony at the New Jersey World War II Memorial in Trenton.
• June 15th at 10 AM - Veteran Employee Resource Fair at the New Jersey Department of Corrections Garden State Youth Correction Facility. DMAVA will have a VSO present to help and assist any veteran.  
• June 17th, time TBD - VET2VET monthly support group meeting at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Museum in Holmdel. DMAVA will have a VSO present to help and assist any veteran.  
• June 29th at 9 AM - DMAVA Veterans Outreach Campaign at the Columbus Farmers Market. DMAVA will have a VSO present to help and assist any veteran.  
• June 29th at 11 AM - DMAVA Medal Ceremony and Veterans Outreach Campaign at Trenton City Hall. DMAVA will have a VSO present to help and assist any veteran.  

Do You Know Someone Else Who Would Find These Updates Helpful?

If so, please encourage them to sign up here. Please don’t hesitate to be in touch if we can be of assistance to you.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you every day!

 

The Office of Congressman Andy Kim

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