Greetings!

 

We hope you had a great month! Every February we help celebrate Black History Month and uplift the everyday and extraordinary contributions and experiences of Black Americans. From celebrating our brave Buffalo Soldiers to Congressman Kim’s work in Congress to supporting a diverse and strong military force, we are committed to honoring Black voices and Black lives. We hope this month has served as an opportunity of recognition and celebration across our community.

 

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

 

Celebrating Black History Month and Honoring a True Trailblazer

 

What an incredible honor to speak with Dr. Sandra Ortega earlier this month at Willingboro High School. Dr. Ortega at 21 became the first woman officer in the United States Air Force. Congressman Kim had the privilege to learn more from her story, from her perseverance against discrimination, and help celebrate her service to our nation as well as generations who followed in her footsteps.

Valentine’s for our Veterans!

 

Every year, we love taking a special opportunity to show veterans our community’s love and appreciation on Valentine’s Day! Thank you to all the community partners and students and teachers from elementary schools around our district for creating so many special and thoughtful messages for local veterans.

Congressman Kim Hosts 72nd Town Hall Honoring Black History Month

 

Earlier this month, Congressman Kim held his 72nd town hall in Willingboro to honor Black History Month and share updates about his recent work in Congress! We were honored to be joined by Willingboro Mayor Kaya McIntosh and a group of terrific guest speakers. During the event, former Willingboro Mayor Martin Nock spoke about his membership in the first Black fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, and the organization's commitment to service; Sarah Holley, Social Action Chair of the Rancocas Valley, Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, discussed education, advocacy, and community service; and lastly, Congressman Kim was joined by Patricia Lindsay Harvey, Chair of the Willingboro Municipal Utilities Authority, who has worked closely with our office to secure Community Project Funding for clean water and well upgrades.

 

We are grateful to everyone who joined our conversation commemorating Black History Month and highlighting the important work our speakers have accomplished throughout our community!

Committed to Honoring our Buffalo Soldiers

 

One year ago, Congressman Kim introduced legislation to deliver Buffalo Soldier regiments a long-overdue recognition for their service. During Black History Month, we honor their bravery for our nation and continue working to deliver them the Congressional Gold Medal.

 

Learn more about the Buffalo Soldiers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023!

 

Second Service Spotlight of the Year!

We are excited to share our February Service Spotlight, Mary Beth! Mary Beth says, “you don’t need a lot of time to make a difference.” A few hours here and there, she makes an incredible impact across our local community helping out wherever she can. Read her full story and consider nominating our next spotlight from our local community!

Department of Defense Reduced On-Base Childcare Fees for Military Families

Since coming to Congress, Congressman Kim has worked hard to reduce costs and increase access to childcare for our local servicemembers. We were excited to share the great news that the Department of Defense has taken steps to support military families with more affordable childcare and reduced on-base childcare fees!

 

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 February 3rd, Airmen from the 305th Air Mobility Wing’s 2nd Air Refueling Squadron, and the 108th Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, returned to their home station at JBMDL after completing the Bamboo Eagle 24-1 exercise at Travis Air Force Base, California.

 

On February 7-8, Airmen assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing’s 6th Airlift Squadron collaborated with units from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, during the Tactics Advancement Course (TAC). TAC allows aircraft maintainers to gain experience with aircraft they do not commonly work with, expanding their toolkit for more versatility in future operations.

 

On February 8th, JBMDL hosted their Annual Awards ceremony to honor excellence and celebrated exceptional performances throughout 2023.

 

On February 8th, U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. John Klein, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Courtney Freeman, USAFEC command chief, toured the 87th Air Base Wing at JBMDL.

 

On February 9th, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Lakehurst hosted an annual science symposium featuring local students.

 

Earlier this month, members of the (LGBTQ+A) Diversity Action Teams from across NAVAIR came to Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Lakehurst for a 3-day meeting designed to strengthen the connection between the groups and find ways to help develop the workforce.

 

Upcoming Local Events

The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is helping host various events throughout March around our local community, including: 

• March 2nd at 9 AM - Veterans Resource Fair at JBMDL Commissary/Exchange Parking Lot. DMAVA will have a VSO present to brief and discuss benefits.
• March 2nd at 9:30 AM - First Aid/CPR/AED Certification at Bordentown JMFAC hosted by the Child and Youth Program of the New Jersey National Guard. Registration is required.
• March 2nd at 10 AM - PACT Act Information and VA Claims Consultation/Clinic at JBMDL Commissary Parking Lot.
• March 7th at 12 PM - VA Women Veterans Fireside Chat Series: All Things Women’s Health. Register.
• March 9th at 9 AM - Veterans Resource Fair at REVA Foster Senior Center in Willingboro.
• March 14th at 12 PM - VA Women Veterans Fireside Chat Series: All Things Memorial Affairs. Register.
• March 16th at 9 AM - 6th Annual Virtual Women Veterans Summit “Impact and Empower!”

• March 21st at 12 PM - VA Women Veterans Fireside Chat Series: All Things Benefits. Register.

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

To subscribe to additional newsletters or to unsubscribe, please click here