Veterans and their families can learn about and utilize all of the programs and services available to them.
Burlington County residents who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and their families will soon have a new opportunity to learn about and utilize all of the programs and services available to them, thanks to an initiative led by Burlington County officials.
The officials announced that they have partnered with the County Veteran’s Services Office and more than 20 other local agencies to organize the first annual Burlington County Veteran’s Expo on Wednesday, Oct. 3, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the County Human Services Building in Westampton.
“The least that we can do for all of the brave men and women who served this great country with honor is to ensure they are aware and take advantage of all the programs and benefits afforded to them,” Burlington County Freeholder Director Kate Gibbs said. “That’s why I am thrilled to join Sheriff (Jean) Stanfield and County Clerk (Tim) Tyler to host this new annual event and bring all of these agencies under one roof at the same time. Our goal is to make it as convenient and efficient as possible for our veterans to access their benefits.”
Residents will be able to learn about how the county veteran’s office can help them navigate what officials describe as the cumbersome state and federal benefit enrollment process.
Officials say residents are often unaware of all the veterans programs they may quality for, such as health care, pensions, mental health, widower’s support, legal assistance, job training, caregivers, and more. Veterans can also receive identification cards through the Sheriff’s Department, tour a mobile military museum, and register their Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 with Tyler.
“Assisting veterans with recording their discharge paperwork and providing certified copies free of charge is one of the many services offered by my office,” Tyler said. “This important document is the key to unlocking all the benefits a veteran and their family should receive. I look forward to participating in this event and further supporting our military community in Burlington County.”
Earlier this year, Tyler worked alongside Gibbs in a public information campaign to remind veterans that they are eligible for a new $3,000 exemption when filing their New Jersey income tax forms. Then, to coincide with Memorial Day, Tyler began offering special Gold Star Parent identification cards at no cost to any mother or father who lost a child serving on active duty. Gold Star ID’s will be available during the expo.
Just recently, Tyler launched an initiative to honor and remember local veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice in a new way throughout Burlington County. Tyler is in the process of visiting town halls and distributing official Killed in Action flags that will fly over government buildings in all 40 municipalities.
While in attendance, veterans can enjoy light refreshments, participate in raffles to win door prizes and receive free medical screenings. Tote bags will be given to the first 300 attendees.
The County Human Services Building is located at 795 Woodlane Road in Westampton. For more information, veterans may contact the Sheriff’s Department at (609) 265–3788.
