Greetings!

 

We hope you had a great month and a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. To all who celebrated, a very happy Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa this December! Congressman Kim has been hard at work throughout December to finish 2023 out strong for our military and veteran communities. As we close out the year, we are looking forward to continuing to hear from local veterans, address their needs, and work in congress to make sure they have the benefits and support they earned.

 

We wish you all an early happy New Year! As always, we hope you find the following updates and resources helpful!

 

Our End of Year Report is Here!

 

We simply cannot believe 2023 is already over. We are proud of the work we accomplished this year and ready to continue working on your behalf in 2024.

 

Last week, we released a report covering a lot of what we worked on this year. We are especially excited to highlight direct funding that is helping renovate a local American Legion, the implementation of the Honoring Our PACT Act which expanded benefits for millions of veterans, and Congressman Kim’s legislation in congress to support veterans and our entire military community. Check it out here!

 

Congressman Kim Hosts 70th Town Hall

 

Thank you to everyone who tuned in this month for Congressman Kim’s 70th town hall! Congressman Kim was glad to be able to speak with neighbors about his work in congress and answer your questions. From discussing his ongoing work to lower costs and implement major healthcare savings secured in the Inflation Reduction Act, his legislation to combat corruption in government, to the constituent services available to the community through his office, we were glad to be able to cover a lot of what’s on your minds. 

 

The Congressman was also joined by Melissa Acree, Executive Director of NJ 211, who discussed 211’s resources, information, and referral services they provide to New Jerseyans. If you missed the call, a full recording of the town hall can be found here.

 

Congressman Kim Votes to Pass Bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act with Focus on Supporting Servicemembers and Military Families

 

This month, Congressman Kim voted to pass the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), sending the bill to President Biden for his signature. As the Ranking Member on the Military Personnel Subcommittee, he worked to ensure we are investing in servicemembers and their families, while also securing historic investments in technology and innovation that will help keep jobs in New Jersey and ensure the United States remains the most powerful country in the world.

 

The NDAA delivers troops a pay raise, invests in child and maternal care, enhances job training, expands access to healthcare, and does so much more to put people first and uphold our commitment to servicemembers and military families. Listen to the Congressman speak about the importance of this legislation earlier this week on the House floor.

 

A Very Happy 100th Birthday to Local Vets

 

It is a special opportunity to wish local veterans a happy 100th birthday! Congressman Kim was honored earlier this month to have a chance to thank a group of local veterans for their service and celebrate their lives in Burlington.

The VA Marks Milestone: 5 million Veterans Screened for Toxic Exposure

 

Congressman Kim is proud to have helped deliver veterans expanded benefits through the PACT Act. It is incredible that this month, the VA reached a huge milestone with 5 million veterans screened for toxic exposure. We want to reach everyone though! The screenings take just a few minutes with your VA health provider. Be sure to request a screening if you haven't already!

 

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

 

Thursday, December 7th marked Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. We joined in honoring the 2,403 Americans who were killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor and reflecting on a day that changed lives and the course of history. It is important that we always remember the servicemembers and civilians lost and honor our veterans for their service to our nation.

 

Happy Birthday National Guard!

 

On the 13th, we celebrated 387 years of United States National Guard service! From our neighbors at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to across the country, thank you to all the Guard members who have served in our Armed Forces. As co chair of the bipartisan House National Guard and Reserve Caucus, Congressman Kim is proud to be a champion for our National Guard and their families for all they’ve given.

 

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

 

Starting December 4th, units across JBMDL participated in a seven-day Air Force Generation exercise.

On December 12th, U.S. Air Force Col. Anthony L. Smith, JBMDL commander and the 87th Air Base Wing commander, hosted a commanders call for members of the 87th ABW at JBMDL to highlight recent accomplishments, the Warrior Connect program and present awards.

 

Upcoming Local Events

The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is helping host various events throughout January, including: 

• January 3rd at 1:30 PM - Free legal advice event hosted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• January 11th at 10 AM - DMAVA Medal Ceremony at Lockheed Martin in Moorestown.
• January 11th at 9 AM and 6 PM - Veterans Coffee Group at St. Pete’s Episcopal Church in Medford
• January 12th at 12 PM - Evesham Township’s Coffee with a Vet at the Gibson House
• January 21st at 8:30 AM - Reserve & National Guard Transition Benefits Workshop at Bordentown NG Armory
• January 25th at 9 AM and 6 PM - Veterans Coffee Group at St. Pete’s Episcopal Church in Medford

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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