Greetings!

 

We hope you had a great June! Over the past month, Congressman Kim continued to prioritize our servicemembers as Ranking Member of the Military Personnel Subcommittee and advanced legislation that puts people first, including through this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). In June, we helped celebrate Father’s Day and Juneteenth, as well as commemorate Pride Month and Gun Violence Awareness Month.

 

We are committed to finding new ways to assist New Jersey veterans’ unique needs and uphold our promise to have their backs for their service to our nation.

 

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

 

Care Packages for Our Troops!

Earlier this month, Congressman Kim stopped by the USO’s event to assemble 2,000 care packages for deployed military servicemembers. It’s a warm gesture to show our appreciation for their bravery and service!

Congressman Kim Attends JBMDL Change of Command Ceremony 

Congressman Kim was honored to join Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for their Change of Command Ceremony this month and help recognize a group of distinguished local servicemembers for their service and leadership. 

Talking TAP Program 

 

Congressman Kim spoke with the VA’s Chief Veterans Experience Officer to talk about efforts between the VA and Department of Defense to modernize the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). We want to help ensure servicemembers are well informed of their post-active duty benefits and can access this information prior to the beginning of their transition period.

 

Learn more about TAP program benefits here!

 

Congrats to JROTC Scholarship Award Recipients

This month, Congressman Kim helped celebrate two local cadets at the JROTC Scholarship Awards Ceremony. He joined the Military Officers Association of America’s New Jersey Lakes & Pines Chapter to celebrate their hard work, leadership, and accomplishment receiving their scholarships!

Congressman Kim Hosts Military Service Academy Information Day 

 

In June, Congressman Kim hosted a Service Academy Information Day in Hightstown. He delivered some welcome remarks and talked to the inquiring students about honorable service. The Congressman was pleased to be able to meet students and is always honored to be able to nominate such talented and passionate students each year.

Congressman Kim Meets with Guard and Reserve Leaders 

 

As co-chair of the National Guard and Reserve Components Caucus, Congressman Kim is proud to uplift the needs of our servicemembers in Congress.

Last week, he spoke with Guard and Reserve leaders about his work to deliver them the care and benefits they deserve.

Congressman Kim Reintroduces Dental Care for Our Troops Act 

 

As Ranking Member of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, Congressman Kim is committed to delivering for everyone serving in uniform. This month, Congressman Kim reintroduced his bipartisan Dental Care for Our Troops Act to help our nation uphold its promise to our servicemembers. This bill prioritizes military readiness and lowers costs for members of the National Guard and Reserve by making no-fee dental care coverage available to Guard and Reservists. Dental Care for Our Troops was also introduced and co-led in the Senate by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)

 

Congressman Kim Votes to Advance Bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act, Remains Focused on Supporting Servicemembers and Their Families, Securing Jobs in New Jersey, Bolstering U.S. Strength and Competitiveness

 

Last week, Congressman Kim helped advance an NDAA that would deliver troops a deserved pay raise, invest in child care facilities, and provide much-needed dental coverage for Guard and Reserve servicemembers through his Dental Care for our Troops Act. He is honored to represent and continue working to support the brave Guard, Reserve, and Active Duty Servicemembers living and working at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

 

Read more about this year's National Defense Authorization Act here.

 

Congressman Kim Hosts 64th Town Hall in East Windsor  

 

Thank you for another successful town hall! Congressman Kim held his 64th town hall at the East Windsor Township Senior Center this Monday, speaking with neighbors about issues concerning them and commemorating Gun Violence Awareness Month.

 

We look forward to Congressman Kim’s next town hall in July!

June is PTSD Awareness Month

 

As PTSD Awareness Month comes to a close, we extend our support to each and every veteran who will always carry their experience serving with them. Our appreciation for our servicemembers must extend into breaking down stigmas around mental health and expanding access to care.

 

We also want to elevate the Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans, active servicemembers, and their loved ones can dial 988 and Press 1 at any time, day or night, chat online, or text 838255 for confidential support.

 

For specific PTSD support through the VA or to learn how to help raise awareness, check out these resources from the National Center for PTSD.

 

New Path to Report Sexual Assault or Sexual Harassment at VA

 

Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors can now report incidents of sexual assault or sexual harassment at VA facilities by calling 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411, option 9). The call center will be ready to answer the phones 24/7. Follow-up health care and support will also be made available to those in need.

 

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 June 7th, the 305th Air Mobility Wing conducted a Water Survival Preparation Course at JBMDL.

 

On June 20th, U.S. Air Force Col. Wes Adams relinquished command of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and the 87th Air Base Wing to U.S. Air Force Col. Anthony L. Smith, during a change of command ceremony on JBMDL. Congressman Kim attended the ceremony to help honor the leaders for their service.

 

On June 22nd, The 305th and 514th Air Mobility Wings bid farewell to KC-10 tail number 84-0188 at JBMDL. We wish the KC-10 a happy retirement after 33,475.5 flight hours helping refuel and support missions across the world. Thank you to all of the servicemembers and personnel at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst who led the KC-10's impactful career and service to our nation.

 

Upcoming Local Events

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

• 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.  

• July 27th at 9 AM - DMAVA Veterans Outreach Campaign at the Columbus Farmers Market. 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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