Greetings!

We hope your February is wrapping up well. From delivering Valentine’s to our veterans, and recognizing our local Buffalo Soldiers during Black History Month, to the first Armed Services Committee hearing, Congressman Kim had a productive and busy last few weeks around the district and in Washington.

As our community continues to recover from severe storms last Tuesday, we want to say thank you to the Lawrence Township Police Department, Red Cross, and other volunteers who are helping our displaced neighbors and with clean-up.

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

Happy (Belated) Valentine’s Day New Jersey!

This month, Congressman Kim had the opportunity to hand deliver some of our Valentine’s for Our Vets to veterans at the Burlington County VA Clinic in Marlton. Every year our office helps gather cards for our veterans from our community. This year, a special thanks goes to Burlington City High School, Hamilton Township Schools, including Reynolds Middle and Greenwood Elementary, and the Burlington County Institute of Technology in Westampton for the sweet cards!

Congressman Kim Hosts Town Halls in Allentown and Lawrence

In January, Congressman Kim held his first town hall of the new year and new Congress to hear from neighbors on issues that are important to them and share updates from the start of the 118th Congress.

Last week, Congressman Kim hosted the second town hall of the year and his 60th in Congress. In Lawrence, Congressman Kim shared updates on his new office openings and celebrated Black History Month with a discussion about the history of Eggerts Crossing Village.

Congressman Kim Introduces Legislation to Honor Buffalo Soldiers with Congressional Gold Medal

To close out Black History Month, Congressman Kim and Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland introduced the Buffalo Soldiers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023, to honor their contributions to our country.

Congressman Kim on the Importance of Recognizing the Buffalo Soldiers’ Service

“The Buffalo Soldiers represent the best of America, working tirelessly and selflessly to break down barriers for future generations simply by serving. Their example is a beacon of inspiration and their bravery deserves recognition with the highest honor Congress has to offer. I am proud to represent a lot of Buffalo Soldier veterans that live in my district and distinctly remember the first time I met with many of them and heard their personal experiences and their stories. Everyone in America should learn about the Buffalo Soldiers. Their decades of service through numerous conflicts began during a time when racism and segregation were barriers and a constant threat. I hope this recognition can show our country’s gratitude for their service, and I urge members on both sides of the aisle to support this bill.”

Congressman Kim Meets with NJ American Legion Members

Today, Congressman Kim spoke with members of the NJ American Legion about how he will continue to prioritize servicemembers and their families as Ranking Member of the Military Personnel Subcommittee and co-chair of the Guard and Reserve Caucus. They discussed priorities including mental healthcare access, pay parity, and protecting veterans from scams.

Congressman Kim Appointed Ranking Member on the Military Personnel Subcommittee

Congressman Kim will continue his work on behalf of our servicemembers and their families as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee’s Military Personnel Subcommittee. We are committed to serving our servicemembers at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and their families as well as military families stationed at home and abroad. From meeting local needs to delivering for men and women in uniform, Congressman Kim holds this commitment close to his heart in all of his committee work.

Committee Assignments Finalized for 118th Congress

Congressman Kim was recently appointed to the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. This Congress, he will also return to the House Armed Services Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Congressman Kim Announces Two New Office Locations Across New Jersey’s 3rd District

We are excited to share that we have two new offices opening across Mercer and Monmouth Counties! We look forward to opening the new offices soon in Hamilton and Freehold to continue helping address your issues with federal agencies. In the meantime, you can contact us through our website and at our Willingboro and Washington, D.C. offices.

Q&A at First Full Committee Hearing of the House Armed Services Committee

At a House Armed Services Committee hearing this month, Congressman Kim emphasized the need for Congress to better prioritize and uplift the voice of the American people when discussing our nation’s most pressing challenges abroad, including our strategic competition with the Chinese Communist Party. You can watch all of his questions from the hearing on our Youtube page.

Maximum Veterans and Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Coverage Amount Increases

On March 1st, the maximum coverage for Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) will increase by $100,000 to $500,000. The increase must be requested through the Department of Veterans Affairs. With this increase, the VA will now be the 12th largest group life insurer in the country.

Servicemembers will automatically receive an extra $100,000 of life insurance coverage as of March 1st, increasing the maximum Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage amount to $500,000 and monthly premiums by $6. This applies to all who are eligible for SGLI, including active duty, Guard, and reserve members.

Expanded Info on PACT Act Eligibility

The PACT Act is one of the largest expansions to VA benefits in history. Congressman Kim was proud to pass it into law and wants to ensure veterans know how to access the assistance if eligible. Check out these online resources covering eligibility guidelines by year of service and other helpful resources.

 

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

 

Earlier this month, Congressman Kim wished the 305th Air Mobility Wing luck as they deployed to Turkey to help with relief efforts. We are proud of our servicemembers as they help Turkey recover and are glad to see the Federal Government working to help as well.

On February 11th, JBMDL hosted the New Jersey Wing of Civil Air Patrol’s annual cadet competition.

On February 14th, JBMDL announced that the 87th Medical Group can now provide Advanced Life Support to patients. This status means they can operate at a more advanced level and administer a broader range of medication and life-saving interventions.

For the first time, JBMDL personnel completed the “Radiant Phoenix” training initiative to help be proactive and operate in any environment.

Upcoming Local Events

 

On March 1st, the VA is hosting a virtual S.A.V.E. training on suicide prevention, information, and awareness to help break through the fear and learn to recognize signs, share tips, and resources. You can learn more and register online.

The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is hosting various events throughout March, including a Vet2Vet Monthly Support Group Meeting on March 18th at 12 PM at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Museum Holmdel. A VSO will be present to help or assist any veteran.

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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