THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICE HAS RELOCATED TO

135 SUNNY SLOPE DRIVE, HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP

NEW PHONE NUMBER: (856) 453-2239

 

• Provides NACVSO accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) services, information, and referral to other resources to our county military veterans and their families.
  
• Advocates for clients with the application process for benefits from the Veterans Administration and other federal and state agencies.
• VA Benefits include Service Connected Disability, Non-Service Connected Pension, Aid and Attendance, Survivors Pension, DIC, Burial Benefits, TDIU and referrals for assistance with Education Benefits and Eligibility Certificates for home ownership.
• Oversees the operations and day-to-day activities of the Cumberland County Veterans' Cemetery to include working with all funeral homes servicing the families of our departed veterans, spouses and/or dependents.
• Orchestrates the issuance of interment memorial markers and Presidential Memorial Certificates.
• Maintains a close liaison-ship with county veterans' organizations.
• Responsible for distributing Memorial Day Flags to all organizations designated to place flags at the over 70 cemeteries in the county.
• Holds the annual "Military Honors" event with the presentation of the Cumberland County Military Service Medal.
• Works with the Rotary Club to hold the annual "Wreaths of Remembrance" event held each December.

  

 

This year marks the 24th anniversary of September 11, 2001—a day that changed our nation forever. We pause to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost and honor the extraordinary courage of the first responders who rushed toward danger, saving countless others with their selfless acts. We also pay tribute to the men and women of our armed forces who answered the call in the days and years that followed, serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world to defend our freedoms and protect our homeland from further harm. Their sacrifices - along with those of their families - stand as a lasting testament to the resilience and unity that rose from the ashes of that dark day. Each year we renew our commitment to never forget. 

 

Military Discharge Upgrades

           

 

If you have a less than fully Honorable discharge characterization and feel that you received this due to an unjust or erroneous reason, you may apply for a discharge upgrade. Discharge Review Boards (DRB) and Boards for Correction of Military/Navy Records (BCM/NR) have been directed by Congress and the Department of Defense (DOD) to apply new legislation and DOD Memoranda known as the Hagel, Kurta, Wilkie, and Carson memoranda. These documents direct that veterans who satisfy certain conditions receive "liberal consideration" from the DRB and BCM/NR. Liberal consideration requires that Boards determine whether PTSD, TBI, MST, or other mental health conditions mitigate and outweigh misconduct.

Additionally, some Service members were separated with less than a fully honorable discharge characterization solely for their refusal to take a COVID-19 vaccine, depriving them of veterans' benefits. The DRB and BCM/NR have been directed to remove adverse actions in a Service member's records if it is solely associated with their refusal to take a COVID-19 vaccination or sought an exemption. Discharge upgrade applications based on an unjust decision solely for refusal to take the vaccine are encouraged.

How can we help

• An accredited VSO will review your case and determine next steps in the discharge upgrade process
• Veteran must supply a copy of their DD-214 along with any documentation from their STR regarding the "misconduct", any court martials or Articles they were charged with, and any other supporting documentation they have to support the application for upgrade such as VA rated service connected disabilities that relate to their particular situation
• VSO will assist with forms (DD-293 and/or DD-149) and putting together a comprehensive packet for submission to the DRB

 

Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Establishing the Department of Veterans Affairs

Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Establishing the Department of Veterans Affairs

Legislation Will Reorganize the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA)

Announces Vincent Solomeno as the Intended Nominee for Commissioner of the New Department of Veterans Affairs

TRENTON – Governor Murphy today signed legislation that would establish a new cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs in New Jersey, reorganizing the existing Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA). 

“Veterans have selflessly fought for our hard-earned freedoms as Americans,” said Governor Murphy. “By establishing a department solely dedicated to the needs of Veterans, we will continue to ensure they have a seat at the table and direct access to the support and resources they deserve. Our Veterans and their families deserve nothing less.” 

Currently, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs manages both military operations and veterans’ services. Under this bill, the newly established Department of Veterans Affairs will exclusively focus on veteran-related matters, such as delivering housing, health care, mental health services, and benefits for veterans and their families. Military functions will continue at the current department, which will be renamed the Department of Military Affairs. 

“This realignment is a deliberate step toward strengthening operational efficiency, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring focused leadership in support of our Veterans and military communities,” said Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays, The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “It underscores our unwavering commitment to provide each community with the dedicated resources, advocacy, and attention they deserve.”

The law takes effect 120 days after enactment, allowing for anticipatory administrative actions, and maintains existing veterans’ services without creating new programs or appropriations.