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October 27, 2022
Greetings!
We hope your October is wrapping-up well as we head into Halloween and November! Over the last month, the Congressman and our office continued to break down how the recently enacted PACT Act could impact veterans’ benefits. Congressman Kim also enjoyed his visits around the community speaking with veteran organizations and advocates.
We appreciate your time and as always, we hope you find the following updates and resources helpful!
UPCOMING: Virtual Veterans Town Hall on November 16th
Congressman Kim will host his annual town hall on veteran issues virtually on November 16th at 6 PM. Pre-registration is required here!
We will be joined by a group of local veterans to speak on their military experience and share their story from active duty to civilian life. The town hall provides servicemembers an opportunity to speak on their experience serving and issues of concern to them. Be sure to register and see you on the 16th!
Congressman Kim Hosts Webinar on PACT Act and Veterans Benefits
On October 7th, Congressman Kim hosted a webinar on the PACT Act’s expansion of veteran benefits and what veterans and their families should know on how it could impact their own benefits and healthcare. The PACT Act expands access to healthcare for millions of veterans exposed to toxic chemicals during service.
Earlier this year, Congressman Kim voted to pass the PACT Act, which was then signed into law this August.
Our office was proud to partner with the Crescenz VA Medical Center to host the webinar. If you missed the webinar live, watch the full conversation 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, delivering 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.
Check out this fact sheet to get information on changes to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and additional benefits.
You can also call 800-698-2411 with any questions.
Congressman Kim Joins Small Business Roundtable at Joint Base, Introduces Legislation to Increase Access to Capital
This month, Congressman Kim introduced the Access Business Credit (ABC) Act to ease tax burdens for community banks to help incentivize increased lending to small businesses. The legislation seeks to address one of the most common challenges small business owners across Burlington and Ocean counties have brought to Congressman Kim: lack of access to capital.
Congressman Kim continues to work closely with our diverse small business community to address their individual needs. On October 20th, he spoke with the Small Business Roundtable and other small business leaders at an Industry Day at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. In conversation with local entrepreneurs, the group discussed the need to expand opportunities for small businesses through government contracts and loans.
Read more on the ABC Act’s support for small businesses here.
Congressman Kim Speaks with the City of Angels NJ on Veteran Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Early this month, Congressman Kim discussed veteran mental health and substance use disorder treatment access with the City of Angels NJ. The Congressman is proud to partner with local organizations to provide the support veterans deserve and work together to create better programs, research, and healthcare that can save lives.
Congressman Kim recently introduced the Solutions Not Stigmas Act which aims to expand and develop education and training programs for substance use disorder (SUD) prevention and treatment. He was also proud to recently help pass the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act and his Synthetic Opioid Danger Awareness Act through the House earlier this year.
Congressman Kim Meets with NJ VFW Leadership
On October 3rd, Congressman Kim met with 2021-2022 NJ VFW Commander, Luddie Austin to discuss the Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act. This legislation would impose criminal penalties on individuals who solicit, contract for, or receive any compensation with respect to any claim for Department of Veterans Affairs benefits. We’ve been hearing from many veterans and their families about predatory companies reaching out to assist with claims assistance. Congressman Kim is proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation and will work with NJ VFW and other veteran service organizations to warn New Jersey veterans and their families about these risks.
The Congressman is honored to be connected with local veterans organizations that provide important feedback on legislation impacting their lives.
NJ DMAVA Releases Updated New Jersey Veterans’ Benefits Guide
This month, Congressman Kim shared the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ updated veterans’ benefits guide. We want to make sure our local veterans and servicemembers are up-to-date on the benefits they’ve earned.
Find the full guide here.
House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Launches New Effort Focused on Reproductive Health Care Access for Veterans
The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs announced a new committee effort focused on reproductive healthcare access for veterans and is working to gather feedback on the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision and how that will impact VA services.
You can voice your past experiences with and future hopes for women’s healthcare at the VA using their form 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 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.
On October 8th, JBMDL’s First Sergeant Council led a ruck march to honor Gold Star Families and their loved ones. Later in the month, thirty-nine soldiers participated in Operation Blind Man’s March at JBMDL, marching 25 miles.
Upcoming Local Events
The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is hosting various local events throughout November:
- A medal ceremony at the “Venue at Smithville Green” senior community living center on November 4th at 11 AM.
- A medal ceremony at Hainesport Township’s Veterans Day Ceremony at the Hainesport Volunteer Fire Department on November 7th at 11 AM.
- A veterans outreach campaign at Whiting’s Veterans Day Ceremony on November 9th at 2 to 4 PM. A VSO will be present to help and assist any veteran.
- A VA Disability Claim Process Briefing on November 17th starting 10 AM at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. A VSO will be present to help and assist any veteran.
- On November 18th, there will be a Veterans Resource Fair from 4 PM - 7:30 PM at VFW Post 9503 in Berkeley Township. A VSO will be present to help and assist any veteran.
- A Job and Resource Fair for soldiers and their families on November 19th at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. A VSO will be present to help and assist any veteran.
October 31st marks the beginning of National Veterans Small Business Week. This week is a unique opportunity to support and celebrate our local veteran entrepreneurs. The Small Business Administration will be offering workshops for current service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouse entrepreneurs.
On Tuesday, November 1st at 10 AM, join SBA’s “Government Contracting Resources for Veterans” workshop. Register for the virtual workshop here. On Wednesday, November 2nd at 11 AM, join SBA’s “Women Veteran Owned Businesses: Resources & Certification” workshop. Register for the virtual workshop here.
Veterans Day is November 11th. We look forward to the events in Bordentown, Willingboro, and more across our community that will help honor our veterans.
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.
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