September 29, 2022

Greetings!

We hope you had a great end to your summer and have enjoyed the first few official days of fall! As always, we are grateful to be able to share updates about Congressman Kim’s work on behalf of our local veterans and other information that could be helpful to you. After a busy summer passing legislation to expand veterans’ benefits, the Congressman is building off of this work to keep delivering impactful legislative action to our servicemembers and their loved ones.

We hope you appreciate the following updates and resources. 

Congressman Kim Votes to Pass Legislative Package That Will Improve VA Benefits and Support Veterans

• Student Veteran Emergency Relief Act of 2022
• Veterans’ Compensation Cost of Living Adjustment Act of 2022
• Improving Access to the VA Home Loan Benefit Act of 2022
• Wounded Warrior Access Act
• Faster Payments to Veterans Survivors' Act of 2022

Read more about the legislation here.

Honoring Our Gold Star Families

During the last week of September, we honor Gold Star Remembrance Week and recognize the sacrifice and service of fallen servicemembers' and their loved ones.

Congressman Kim is proud to stand up for Gold Star Families. Last year, the House passed the Congressman’s bipartisan Gold Star Mothers Family Monument Extension Act to extend the authorization for the establishment of a monument in honor of Gold Star Families. We are continuously working to get this legislation passed in the Senate and signed into law.

Congressman Kim to Host Veterans Webinar on PACT Act Benefits

Join our office and the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center for a webinar on October 7th, at 5 PM to learn more about how the recently enacted PACT Act could impact your VA benefits. The webinar will review changes made by the PACT Act and the process for eligible veterans to file a claim. There will also be an opportunity to ask VA representatives questions.

All veterans, caregivers, and community stakeholders are welcome to join, but be sure to register for the webinar here. Pre-registration is mandatory.

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.

VA Extends Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers Eligibility for “Legacy” Veterans and Their Family Caregivers

On September 15, Congressman Kim helped share the great news that the VA will be extending a key program for veteran families and caregivers. A new rule by the Department of Veterans Affairs will extend eligibility for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers through September 30, 2025. Program eligibility will be extended for legacy participants, legacy applicants, and their family caregivers.

Read more about the new rule here.

Learn More on 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.

Verification of Veteran-owned Small Businesses Moves to Small Business Administration

On September 23rd, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that effective January 1, 2023 the complete verification process of Veteran-owned small businesses will transfer to the Small Business Administration.

The Department of Veterans Affairs will stop taking applications for verification or reverification on October 24th, 2022. Until then, veterans can apply for verification 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 Launches New Newsletter

The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs launched a new bi-weekly newsletter on September 14th. The DMAVA newsletter connects 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.

This September, JBMDL recognized Suicide Prevention Month by signing a Suicide Awareness declaration. JBMDL leadership signed their names to the declaration as an oath to promote suicide awareness, increase and enhance mental health, and continue to support suicide prevention towards the joint base community.

On September 22nd, the AMC Surgeon General visited JBMDL and spoke with 87th Medical Group staff onboard a KC-46A Pegasus.

Upcoming Local Events

The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is hosting a Veterans Expo on October 11th from 5 PM - 8 PM at Rowan College at Burlington County. They are also hosting a Veterans Outreach Campaign on October 13th from 9 AM - 2 PM at the Columbus Farmers Market. They will have a VSO present to help and assist any veteran.

A DMAVA medal ceremony will be held on October 14th at 12 PM at the Four Seasons at Harbor Bay-Little Egg Harbor.

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!