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August 31, 2022

Greetings!

We hope you've had a great August! We are excited to share what Congressman Kim has been up to this last month on behalf of our veterans. Firmly committed to expanding healthcare for millions of veterans, last month Congressman Kim helped send the Honoring Our PACT Act to the President’s desk. On August 10th, it was finally signed into law! On top of impactful legislative action, the Congressman enjoyed speaking with veterans directly around the district and looks forward to continuing these conversations. As always, we hope you appreciate the following updates and resources. 


Congressman Kim Helps Pass Honoring Our PACT Act into Law

On August 10th, Congressman Kim celebrated President Biden signing the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring Our Pact Act into law, securing 3.5 million veterans the healthcare coverage they have earned.

On July 13th, Congressman Kim helped pass the bipartisan Honoring Our PACT Act for the second time and sent it to the U.S. Senate, where it had already been negotiated and expected to pass in July. After Senate Republicans received backlash for filibustering this crucial bill, on August 2nd the U.S. Senate also voted to pass the Honoring Our PACT Act.

The legislation will expand healthcare access for veterans exposed to toxic substances during service and provide a presumption of service connection for hypertension and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) for Vietnam veterans. Congressman Kim will continue working to make sure veterans receive the care they have earned through their service to our country.

Learn How the PACT Act Could Help YOU

The new law expands VA healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. It delivers veterans and their loved ones the care and benefits they deserve. You can visit the PACT Act VA Benefits webpage to see how this law affects your benefits and care, file a claim for PACT Act-related disability compensation, or apply for VA healthcare.

You can also call 800-698-2411 with any questions.

Congressman Kim Holds Roundtable on Supporting Veteran Employment and Transition to Civilian Life

On August 19th at Rowan College at Burlington County’s campus, Congressman Kim met with Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and local veteran advocates to discuss how to remove bias against disabled veterans, how we can support homeless veterans in finding housing, help veterans find quality employment, and ease the transition back into civilian life after service.


This year, Congressman Kim helped deliver better healthcare and streamlined benefits for veterans and servicemembers through the Honoring Our PACT Act and FY23 NDAA respectively. For their bravery and sacrifice, Congressman Kim is working to expand our veterans’ access to affordable housing, job opportunities, comprehensive healthcare, and mental health resources.

Honoring WWII Merchant Mariners with the Congressional Gold Medal

On August 25th, Congressman Kim was honored to present four World War II Merchant Mariners with the highest medal awarded by Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal, for their bravery and service. At a reception in Brick, the Congressman celebrated their courage and contributions during the war.

In 2020, Congress passed the Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act to recognize the merchant mariners.

Congressman Kim Helps Pass Inflation Reduction Act into Law, Securing Major Savings and Lowering Healthcare Costs

On August 16th, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law. Congressman Kim voted to pass the Inflation Reduction Act on August 12th. Included in the provisions of this legislation are major savings on everyday health costs for Americans. 

Congressman Kim’s Capping Drug Costs for Seniors Act is included in the legislation to cap out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for seniors on Medicare. No senior will now pay no more than $166 per month or $2000 a year on these costs and no more than $35 a month on insulin. The legislation also finally allows Medicare to negotiate for lower prescription drug costs.

Learn more on how the Inflation Reduction Act will lower the national debt, lower health and energy costs for Americans, and make American energy independent and safeguard our environment 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.

The DMAVA to Launch New Newsletter

The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is launching a new bi-weekly newsletter on September 14th. The DMAVA newsletter will connect our military community by providing information to our Servicemembers, Veterans, Employees, Families, Caregivers, Community Partners and those inspired to support our mission. Sign-up for DMAVA mailing lists on their website here.

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) Update

JBMDL’s tour program is up and running! Veteran Service Organizations and ROTC units that are interested in a base tour can contact [email protected] for more information.

On August 2nd, the New Jersey Civil Air Patrol and Governor Phil Murphy honored the life and legacy of Maj. Thomas B. McGuire Jr., World War II hero and one of the U.S. military’s most decorated fighter pilots.

On August 19th, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the Army Aviation Facility Project, a MILCON effort made possible through the joint effort of ASA Fort Dix and the U.S. Marine Corps Marine Aircraft Group 49.  The building hosts an Army Ramp Management Area that provides for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft such as the C-130, CH-47S, and UH-60S. The addition of the new Army Ramp will provide enhanced load out and aviation operation training capabilities, parking for Army aviation aircraft, refueling, troop movement and flight planning operations for approximately 216,000 people that use JBMDL to meet readiness requirements.

On August 20th, the JBMDL welcomed another KC-49A Pegasus, a wide body, multirole tanker that can refuel all U.S., allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling procedures.

Upcoming Local Events

The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is hosting a Veteran Outreach Campaign on September 1st from 10 AM - 2 PM at the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk. They will have a VSO present to help and assist any veteran.

This month, JBMDL historians are celebrating 75 years of the U.S. Air Force with a  lunch and learn series. Upcoming discussions are on September 9th, 16th, and 23rd at 12 pm to 1 pm at Heritage Hall-ASA Fort Dix Bldg. 6501 Pennsylvania Ave. Click here for discussion topics and other information.

On September 10th, the New Jersey National Guard is hosting a seminar at the Bordentown Armory on retirement programs, benefits, and entitlements for Soldiers and Airmen who are within 12 to 24 months of their retirement eligibility date. Registration is required. Register and find more information here.

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! 

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