Greetings!

 

We hope you had a great month! August is always busy with sunny days to fill around our community and chances to speak with neighbors. As we mark the start of the school year and the end of August, we are ready for a full fall of delivering for New Jersey’s veterans. Please enjoy the long-weekend ahead for Labor Day and always remember to contact us if we can be of assistance with a federal agency!

 

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

 

Congressman Kim Named NJVFW’s Legislator of the Year

 

Congressman Kim was honored to receive New Jersey Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (NJVFW) Legislator of the Year Award this week! At his August town hall, NJVFW presented the award in recognition of his continued commitment to supporting our veterans and their families. The Congressman has fought for veterans since his first day in office and was previously recognized with this award in 2022. 

 

We are passionate about our service to our veteran communities, working to ensure they and our entire military community receive the benefits they have earned. Their service is a true lesson in courage, selflessness, and commitment to community. We are so grateful to NJVFW for recognizing Congressman Kim’s work and are looking ahead to what we can get done next.

78 Town Halls and Counting!

 

We had a wonderful time on Wednesday in Lumberton for Congressman Kim’s 78th town hall. At Medford Leas’ Lumberton Campus, a continuing care retirement community, Congressman Kim highlighted his continued work supporting seniors, including to reduce everyday healthcare costs and expand access to affordable housing. He also answered neighbors questions about the latest in Congress and about issues impacting them most! Thank you to everyone who joined.

Thank You for Your Service

 

At this week’s town hall, we also had the special opportunity to honor a local veteran. Congressman Kim presented David Tocco, a United States Air Force veteran, with the Presidential Unit Citation pin in honor of his extraordinary heroism in action. He was previously recognized by the military in the 1970s, but with our office’s help now has the formal honor on his official record. We were proud to assist him where we could and present him with a congressional certificate to thank him for his service.

Honoring our PACT to Veterans and Our Military Community

 

This month, we marked the two-year anniversary of the Honoring Our PACT Act becoming law. Congressman Kim helped pass the PACT Act to uphold our promise to have veterans’ backs and close major gaps in their care. It has since helped over a million veterans and survivors access the expanded care and benefits they deserve.

We continue working to look out for our military community’s needs. Learn more about the PACT Act and its impact here!

National Purple Heart Day

 

On August 7th, we helped recognize Purple Heart Day to remember and honor our brave servicemembers who were wounded or killed while serving our country. We are indebted to them for their selfless and courageous service to defend our freedoms.

 

Happy Birthday U.S. Coast Guard!

 

On August 4th, we wished the U.S. Coast Guard a very happy 234th birthday! It’s an important chance to honor all the brave servicemembers with the United States Coast Guard who protect our nation and serve with unwavering commitment.

 

WEBINAR RECAP: Know Your Rights - A Webinar for Older Adults, Caregivers, and Individuals with Disabilities

 

This week, we hosted a webinar to help elevate the civil rights of the disability community and look after the needs of aging New Jerseyans. Our office, Disability Rights New Jersey, and others talked about voting rights, nonpartisan voting resources, and understanding ADA regulations. We covered:

• Voting Methods: Ways to vote and overcome voting barriers 

• Voting Rights and Options: For those in long-term care facilities, group homes, and for individuals with cognitive issues 

• Caregiver Assistance in Voting: Allowable assistance in voting booths and mail-in voting support

• Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): What are the ADA requirements and actions to take if a building is not following necessary ADA regulations

Don’t worry if you missed us live. Catch-up with the recording here!

 

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 August 5th, JBMDL hosted their 10th annual Comprehensive Fitness Day.

 

On August 17th to 21st, the New Jersey National Guard launched Vigilant Guard, a disaster-preparedness exercise to enhance coordination between military first responders and civilian emergency services.

 

On August 26th, JBMDL hosted a Boots n' Brunch event in observance of Women's Equality Day.

 

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 September around our local community, including: 

• September 4th at 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM - Free Legal Advice/Assistance for Veterans hosted by phone U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

• September 7th at 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM - Transition/Retirement Seminar at the Joint Military & Family Assistance Center in Bordentown.

• September 7th at 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM - Education and Health Centers of America & Soldier On Resource Fair at Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Community.

• September 17th at 6 PM - Mercer County Flag Retirement Ceremony at Hamilton Township Veterans Park.

• September 26th at 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM - DMAVA Veterans Outreach Campaign at the Columbus Flea Market.

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