Greetings!

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and loved ones. This month, Congressman Kim helped honor our servicemembers and recognize their sacrifice for Veterans Day. We were glad to have another month of connecting directly with our local veteran community and hearing their needs.

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

Congressman Kim Honors Veterans Day in Bordentown! 

Each November, Congressman Kim values the opportunity to celebrate Veterans Day with our community. Early in the month, he spoke at Bordentown’s Veterans Day ceremony, thanked our veterans for their service and bravery, and discussed how we can be helpful to them.

Congressman Kim Joins NJDMAVA’s Annual Medaling Ceremony

On November 4th, Congressman Kim helped honor a group of Burlington County veterans at the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans’ annual medaling ceremony.

Recognizing Military Family Appreciation Month

As November ends, we also end Military Family Appreciation Month. Congressman Kim is committed to our veterans and servicemembers' loved ones and recognizing their service to our nation.

Thank you to all our military families, we are honored to work on your behalf. 

Congressman Kim Hosts Virtual Veterans Town Hall

On November 16th, Congressman Kim hosted his annual town hall with veterans to talk specifically about veterans’ issues. We were grateful for the group of local veterans who shared their stories and experiences during service. These conversations are vital to hearing what issues are top of mind for our veterans and how we can help address their needs.

A special thank you to our wonderful panel:

• Valerie P Starks, Sergeant, U.S. Army
• Michael Schaffter, Machinist Mate, U.S. Navy
• Lisa Post, Captain, U.S. Army (Reserve Retired)
• Gordon Bocher, Major, U.S. Air Force
• James Thompson, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, Member of the Buffalo Soldiers

Congressman Kim Cosponsors Resolution to Honor Korean War Veterans

This month, Congressman Kim cosponsored the Acknowledging the Courage and Sacrifice of Veterans of the Korean War and Korean Defense Veterans resolution to do exactly that. This resolution honors the members of the United States Armed Forces who served in the war as well as the following efforts to preserve the armistice.

REMINDER: 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.

VA Health Centers Start New Toxic Exposure Screenings

Thanks to the recently enacted PACT Act, all veterans enrolled in VA healthcare are eligible for a new toxic exposure screening. The 10-minute screening will help decipher if veterans have experienced any toxic exposures while serving.

Toxic exposure screenings at VA health centers are a first step to ensure any exposed veteran is heard and can access the care they need.

New Funding Opportunities from VA to Help Veterans Experiencing Homelessness

Late last month, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced three grant opportunities for Fiscal Year 2024 that are intended to help veterans who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The grants will fall within the VA’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families program and the Grant and Per Diem program. 

If you are interested in receiving our monthly Guide to Grants newsletter with available nonprofit and governmental funding opportunities and grant-specific webinars from our office, please contact us at 202-225-4765 and ask to be added, or sign up here. 

SBA On Its New Veteran Small Business Certification Program

In January 2023, the Small Business Administration will begin operations and accept new applications to its Veteran Small Business Certification Program. The program will certify whether veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) are eligible for federal contracting opportunities.

Do You Know About Combat-Related Special Compensation?

Combat-Related Special Compensation provides tax-free payments to retired veterans with combat-related disabilities. You can apply for CRSC through your uniformed service. Learn about eligibility, evidence you’ll need to provide, and how to apply 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 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 November 3rd, JBMDL announced the 787th Civil Engineer Squadron is entering phase two of the base-wide energy savings performance contract to increase energy resiliency and capability at the base.

On November 28th, JBMDL announced a new Privatized Housing Resident Advocate to work on behalf of the residents and assist them with the identification and resolution of privatized housing challenges. The Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act required every military installation with privatized housing to create this position.

Upcoming Local Events

The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is hosting various events throughout December. In Burlington County on December 7th, they will be hosting an NJNG retirement benefits briefing at the Bordentown National Guard Armory from 9 AM to 2 PM. VSO will be present to assist 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.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you every day!

The Office of Congressman Andy Kim

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