Above: Veterans resources panel discusses opportunities for jobs and health services for veterans in North Jersey. Left to Right: Tony Gallopo, AJ Luna, Congressman Josh Gottheimer, Lillie Nuble, and David Brimmer.

Today, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) brought together federal and local veterans service providers at the Bogota VFW Post 5561 to support the men and women of North Jersey who have served America in the line of duty. In addition to the resources available, Gottheimer moderated a panel of Lillie Nuble from the Department of Veteran Affairs, David Brimmer from VA New Jersey Health Care System, AJ Luna from Bergen County Veterans Services, and Tony Gallopo, a former Vice Commander in the American Legion. Also in attendance were Bergen County Freeholder Tracy Zur and Assemblyman Gordon Johnson from the 37th legislative district.

Dozens of veterans and their families were in attendance, with veterans from the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq War, and Afghanistan War arriving to learn what services are available to them. The Fifth District is home to 32,000 veterans and their families.

“This last week in Washington, we lost a great American veteran in John McCain, who represented the best our nation had to offer. For me, America holds no commitment more sacred than that we have to those who have served our nation, so I am deeply thankful to the dozens of staff and volunteers who came out today to be a resource for North Jersey veterans,” Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) said. “I want any veteran or military family in the Fifth District facing problems with a federal agency to contact my office.”

Local experts that participated in Gottheimer’s Veterans’ Resources Fair:

– The Small Business Administration’s Boots to Business Program
– The VetAssist Program
– The Heroes to Heroes Foundation
– Rebuilding Together Bergen County
– Hurwitz Strategic Staffing
– Soldier On
– The Red Cross
– Disabled Bergen Veterans
– Bergen County Veterans Services
– The Bergen County Clerk’s Office
– The Bergen County One Stop Career Connection
– New Bridge Medical Center
– Catholic Charities
– Ramapo College Veterans Services Office
– Felician College Veterans Services Office
– Office of Congressman Josh Gottheimer’s Casework Team

Gottheimer noted that his office is eager to help local veterans and military families cut through the red tape. Just last week, Gottheimer’s casework staff helped 3rd Class Petty Officer Edward Frick of Andover Township qualify for his real estate tax exemption. He has also helped secure medals for numerous World War II veterans who had either never received them, or their families had lost them. And in Fair Lawn, Gottheimer broke through the bureaucratic roadblocks for Marine Corps Corporal Lance Pilant, who was initially denied a certificate of eligibility from the VA, preventing him from closing on the purchase of his new home, but we were able to move the VA along and secure the home loan guarantee. Any veteran in need of help is encouraged to contact Gottheimer’s office in Glen Rock at 201-389-1100 or in Newton at (973) 940-1117. Gottheimer’s office is eager to help veterans in the Fifth District with claims, backpay, medals, VA benefits, or any other matter.

Gottheimer has championed North Jersey veterans in Congress, consistently voting to increase funding for veterans programs. In August, the President signed Gottheimer’s amendment into law to boost hiring of young veterans and improve care at the VA. Gottheimer also passed an amendment to extend the authorization for the Suicide Prevention and Resilience Program for National Guard members, their families, and veterans for 2018.

Above: The veterans resource panel discusses opportunities for North Jersey veterans with the audience.