Greetings!

 

We hope you had a great month! May marks Military Appreciation Month, with Memorial Day falling on the last Monday each year. These designations are critical opportunities to show our entire military community our appreciation for their service and honor fallen servicemembers for their sacrifice. Congressman Kim was proud to help demonstrate our gratitude this month and continues to work in Congress to ensure his words are followed with action to deliver military families and veterans the support they deserve.

 

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

 

Honoring the Fallen this Memorial Day Weekend

 

On Memorial Day, we honor the memory and service of our fallen servicemembers and reflect on the sacrifice they and their loved ones gave for our country. We hope everyone could take a moment this weekend to show our appreciation for our military community. On Saturday, Congressman Kim joined the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs at Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery to pay tribute to the fallen. In these moments of solemn remembrance, we help carry their memory forward for future generations to understand and appreciate.

On Monday, the Congressman joined with neighbors in Bordentown to remember those lost and show our appreciation for their courage, as well as the sacrifice their loved ones gave for our country.

Congressman Kim Votes to Advance Bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act that Provides Historic Pay Raise for Troops, Secures Jobs in New Jersey, and Bolsters U.S. Global Strength

 

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves as the Ranking Member of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, Congressman Kim participated in what’s called a “mark-up” of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) this month. This annual legislation is critical to delivering for our country’s military and national security needs.

 

The Congressman was proud to advance a bipartisan NDAA that will work to ensure America is investing in our brave 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.

Congressman Kim on advancing this year’s NDAA out of committee

“I’m proud to have delivered a deserved pay raise for our troops and to advance a bill that invests in servicemembers and their families. This bill makes our country safer and will make the lives of the men and women in uniform at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and across New Jersey better. I look forward to seeing it passed through the House and will work to bring it to President Biden’s desk.”

 

Look in-depth at more provisions championed by Congressman Kim in this year’s NDAA!

 

NDAA Spotlight! Congressman Kim’s Amendment to Open Up Military Contracts for Local Manufacturers and Businesses

 

During a 12-hour hearing to advance the NDAA, we were excited to highlight one of Congressman Kim’s amendments when it was voted to be included in this critical legislation. The amendment would create more opportunities for local hiring from military construction projects. This brings us one step closer to helping prioritize local contractors and workers around Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst  for military construction projects.

 

Hearing from the Local Military Community on Mental Health Needs

 

During Mental Health Awareness Month as well as Military Appreciation Month, Congressman Kim hosted a group of women veterans and military spouses from New Jersey to hear their experiences of trauma and mental health challenges from service. Their courage and stories guide our work to deliver the entire military community the comprehensive care and support they deserve.

 

Congressman Kim is committed to expanding mental healthcare in our community, including through increasing access to local healthcare services and working with the local military community to address unique mental health challenges for servicemembers and veterans. We have a duty to address the levels of mental health challenges and suicide rates seen in military communities. Together, we are working to expand access to care, reduce stigma, and make sure our servicemembers and veterans always have a place to go for help.

Major PACT Act Milestone

 

No servicemember or veteran should have to go without the care they need. Congressman Kim helped pass the PACT Act into law to deliver the critical care that our veterans deserve. This month, we were proud to celebrate that the law is now responsible for approving 1 million claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs from veterans injured by toxic exposure during service.

As a part of his efforts to protect veterans’ benefits, Congressman Kim is also following this progress with the PACT Act with action to make sure these benefits are as accessible as possible to veterans. Unfortunately, some private firms are trying to find ways to make profits off of these benefits. It is despicable for veterans' hard-earned benefits to be used for others' profit. That's why Congressman Kim supports the GUARD VA Benefits Act to create criminal penalties for non accredited groups trying to charge veterans fees like this.

 

Congressman Kim Reintroduces Legislation to Support Veteran-Owned Businesses

 

Earlier this month, Congressman Kim was proud to help reintroduce his bipartisan Better Utilizing Infrastructure for Lasting Development of Veterans Businesses Act, referred to in short as the BUILD Veterans Businesses Act. This legislation would create a new program for veteran owned small businesses to win up to 3 percent of federal-aid highway and public transportation contracts. As we continue to see funding made possible from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this legislation would help lift up veteran entrepreneurs who have the unique technical skills and knowledge to tackle these infrastructure projects.

 

The BUILD Act would go a long way to lift up our vets as we tackle our country's infrastructure needs!

 

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

 

From April 29th to May 10th, members across JBMDL participated in a deep-dive hurricane preparedness exercise to reinforce and enhance security and preparedness.

 

On May 14th, JBMDL hosted their first ever Joint Base Heritage Conference where members of neighboring historical organizations came together to establish a professional network and share information pertaining to the joint base and its surrounding community.

 

On May 15th, JBMDL recognized National Peace Officers Memorial Day as well as National Police Week to honor law enforcement officers who lost their lives and others for their committed service to our communities. 

 

On May 23rd, JBMDL hosted the 41st annual Parade of Wreaths. Each year, the wreath laying ceremony is held in conjunction with Memorial Day to commemorate the ultimate sacrifice paid by service members and police officers, past and present.

 

Upcoming Local Events

 

The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are helping host various events in June around our local community, including: 

• June 1st at 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Free first aid, CPR, and AED certification training for military families and CYP volunteers at Bordentown JMFAC, hosted by the New Jersey National Guard’s Child and Youth Program 

• June 4th at 9AM - First aid, CPR, and AED certification training hosted by DMAVA at 101 Eggerts Crossing Road, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648. Registration required.

• June 5th at 11AM - 20th Anniversary Observance of NJ Army National Guard Soldiers Killed in the Global War on Terrorism hosted by DMAVA at the Global War on Terrorism Memorial in Lawrenceville.

• June 5th at 1:30 PM - Free Legal Advice for Veterans hosted virtually by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

• June 6th at 9:30 AM to 3 PM - Military Appreciation Day/Resource Fair at the Bordentown Armory.

• June 8th at 1 PM - LGBTQ+ Veterans Outreach Symposium hosted virtually by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

• June 27th at 9 AM to 3 PM - Veterans Outreach Campaign at the Columbus Farmers Market. DMAVA will have a VSO present to assist any veteran.

• June 29th at 10 AM - Family Transition Assistance Program at JBMDL

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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