new jersey veterans guide › parole › docs › veterans › vetsguide2006.pdfnew jersey...

NEW JERSEYVETERANS GUIDE

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

A publication of theNew Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Eggert Crossing Road, PO Box 340Trenton, N.J. 08625-0340

1-888-8NJ-VETSWWW.STATE.NJ.US/MILITARY

As a "guide," this booklet does not contain the complete details or descriptions of Federal or State legislatedeligibility requirements or program components for included programs, entitlements and services. The intent of thisbooklet is not as a legal reference and should not be cited as such in applying for any entitlement or service. It is alsonot the intent of this booklet to contain complete details of every entitlement. Complete eligibility requirements andentitlement features should be obtained from the administering source by calling the phone number provided or aveterans service officer.

Phone numbers, addresses and services are subject to change.

NEW JERSEYVETERANS GUIDE

STATE OF NEW JERSEYJon S. Corzine, Governor

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARYAND VETERANS AFFAIRS

Major General Glenn K. RiethThe Adjutant General of New Jersey

Colonel (Ret) Stephen G. AbelDeputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs

NEW JERSEY VETERANS GUIDE1

TABLE OF CONTENTS1 Table of Contents2 Special Note about DD-214s3 Letter from the Governor4 Letter from The Adjutant General5 Overview of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs6 New Jersey War Dates7 Overview of the United States Veterans Administration7 New Jersey Medals7 New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal8 New Jersey Vietnam Service Medal8 New Jersey Meritorious Service Medal8 New Jersey Korean Service Medal9 Replacement of Medals10 Educational Benefits10 Operation Recognition10 State Approving Agency10 POW and MIA Tuition Benefits Program10 War Orphans Tuition Assistance10 Vietnam Veterans Tuition Credit Program11 Tuition Assistance11 New Jersey National Guard Tuition Program12 Veterans Preference for Civil Service and Other Employment Benefits12 DMAVA Determines Veterans Preference and Pension Status12 Veterans Preference for Hiring in New Jersey Civil Service13 Veterans Status Benefits for Pension Plans13 Other Civil Service Benefits for Veterans Preference13 Appointment of Veterans13 Application of statutes to promotions13 Preference in appointment in noncompetitive division13 Preference to veterans in layoffs13 Hearing on dismissal of veterans13 Veterans not to be discriminated against because of physical defects13 Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Air Force Cross or Navy Cross14 Purchasing Military Service for Civil Service Pensions - PERS14 Federal Employment Benefits14 Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)15 Home Ownership Benefits15 New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA)16 VA Guaranteed Home Loan16 Property Tax Exemption17 Property Tax Deduction18 Licenses18 Professional Licenses18 Licenses for Real Estate Brokers, Agents and Solicitors18 No Fee Automobile Registration18 Fishing and Hunting Licenses19 State Parks Admission20 Pensions and Compensation20 Catastrophic Entitlement


20 Disability Compensation21 Homeless Veterans Programs21 Veterans Haven21 Stand Down22 Healthcare Entitlements22 Transportation Program22 Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Readjustment Counseling22 Uniform Benefits Package23 New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes24 Death, Burial and Related Benefits24 Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery25 Federal VA Benefits26 Burial in a VA National Cemetery27 Reimbursement of Burial Expenses in a Service-Connected Death27 Burial Flag27 Military Funeral Honors28 Burial at Sea28 Presidential Memorial Certificate29 Memorials29 New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial30 New Jersey Korean War Memorial31 Battleship USS New Jersey (BB-62)32 State of New Jersey World War II Memorial33 Appendixes33 Appendix A - New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Veterans Service Offices34 Appendix A - Veterans Organizations' Service Offices34 Appendix B - New Jersey County Veterans Service Offices35 Appendix C - One-Stop Career Centers36 Appendix D - VA New Jersey Health Care System38 Appendix E - Federal Cemeteries39 Appendix F - New Jersey Veterans Service Agencies40 Appendix G - Veterans Websites41 Appendix H - Service Connected Disability Compensation42 New Jersey Forms43 Appendix I - Standard Form 18046 Appendix J - NJ Civil Service Veterans Preference Claim Form48 Appendix K - NJ Application for Award Program50 Appendix L - NJ Operation Recognition Program52 Appendix M - NJ Application for Veterans Designation for Pension

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Special note about the DD-214 commonly called Discharge PapersYour Separation Paper from active duty, commonly called Discharge Papers, (DD-214) or WD Form 53-

55 (for World War II veterans) is your most important military document. In this book we use DD-214,Discharge Papers and Separation Papers interchangeably. For World War II veterans your equivalent is theWD Form 53-55. When applying for veteran benefits, your most important document is your DD-214. Neversend away your original documents! Always submit a copy and keep your original. State Veterans ServiceOfficers (VSOs) can certify original DD-214s for VA purposes.

NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

For many veterans and their family members,keeping up with the constant changes in the rules,regulations and eligibility criteria for veterans entitle-ments is not paramount in their lives. Many believethat the information they received when leaving theservice has not changed, so any changes, whethergood or bad, that affect those entitlements and theireligibility may be overlooked. Entitlements added orlost may go unnoticed, until it is too late. Stateentitlements may be unknown. The information aWorld War II veteran received when leaving the ser-vice, in many cases, is different today -- in somecases, much different.

For those leaving the military now,the transition to civilian life can bejust as difficult as the transitionmade when entering the mili-tary, frequently more so.

For disabled veterans,the adjustment can be evenmore complex and frus-trating since the costs forrequired special servicesand medical attention areconstantly rising and jobsmay be scarce.

If there are times whenyou feel frustrated, discouragedor abandoned, or have questionsthat need to be answered, there is a place

to turn for help -- the New Jersey Department ofMilitary and Veterans Affairs.

Has your disability case been denied by the VA?Are you having a problem with your military pension?Do you need information on educational entitlementsor a home loan? Have you lost your discharge papersand need replacements? Those are just a few of themany questions the department's veterans serviceofficers deal with daily. Our veterans service officerscan provide assistance in obtaining state and federalentitlements, and give advice and support to theveteran re-entering civilian life.

The state of New Jersey provides many entitle-ments and services for those who served in the ArmedForces. Although most veterans entitlements arefederally funded and administered by the U.S. Depart-ment of Veterans Affairs (VA), significant additionalstate entitlements are available.

To qualify for most services a veteran must havecompleted at least 90 days of active duty in the ArmedForces (except for training purposes) and have adischarge other than dishonorable. Veterans whowere discharged before 90 days due to service con-nected disabilities are also eligible. Additionally,spouses, widows, widowers and parents of membersof the military killed during a time of war and certainmerchant seamen who served in active, ocean-goingservice from Dec. 7, 1941, to Aug. 15, 1945, may beeligible for certain federal entitlements. Receivingfederal entitlements does not disqualify a veteran from

receiving those offered by the state.The Office of the Deputy Commis-

sioner for Veterans Affairs super-vises two divisions, the Division

of Veterans Healthcare Ser-vices and the Division of Vet-erans Services. The Divisionof Veterans Healthcare Ser-vices oversees the opera-tion of the state’s threelong-term care veteransnursing homes, located in

Vineland, Menlo Park andParamus. The Division of Vet-

erans Services oversees theveterans service offices, maintains

the toll-free information line, veteran'spreference determinations, veteran's sta-


The New Jersey Department of Military and VeteransAffairs located in Lawrenceville, N.J.

tus determinations and the blind and catastrophicveteran pension entitlements. In addition, the Divisionof Veterans Services oversees the state's VeteransCemetery, the operation of the states' HomelessVeterans Transitional Housing Program, the state-owned monuments and memorials and the StateApproving Agency which is responsible for certifyingthe VA funded educational and training program.

Through its network of regional Veterans ServiceOffices, the Division of Veterans Services provides thestate's veterans and dependents with information andguidance in filing claims for benefits. Trained Veter-ans Service Officers (VSO) at those offices alsoassist veterans with issues pertaining to employ-ment, education, burial, counseling, housing, social


NEW JERSEY WAR/CONFLICT DATES

World War I April 6, 1917 - November 11, 1918World War II September 16, 1940 - December 31, 1946Korea June 23, 1950 - January 31, 1955Vietnam December 31, 1960 - May 7, 1975Lebanon Crisis July 1, 1958 - November 1, 1958*Lebanon September 26, 1982 - December 1, 1987*Grenada October 23, 1983 - November 21, 1983*Panama December 20, 1989 - January 31, 1990*Persian Gulf August 2, 1990 - February 28, 1991*Somalia December 5, 1992 - March 31, 1994*Bosnia and Herzegovina November 20, 1995 - June 20, 1998*

(Operations Joint Endeavor/Joint Guard)

Haiti September 19, 1994 - March 31, 1995*Operation Enduring Freedom On or after September 11, 2001*Operation Iraqi Freedom March 19, 2003 - Present*

*Must have served at least 14 days (one day if deployment results in injury) in a combatzone. Combat zone qualification is most frequently indicated by an Armed ForcesExpeditionary Medal.

NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

and medical services, and other areas of concern toveterans and their families. Office locations andphone numbers are listed in Appendix A.

Additionally, the department, along with otherstate and municipal agencies, administers manyother programs important to veterans and their fami-lies, such as pensions for certain disabled veterans,PTSD counseling, transportation to veteran servicefacilities, tuition assistance for war orphans, realestate tax abatements and civil service preferences.

Some entitlements (e.g. state property tax abate-ments) require the veteran to have served during aspecified war/conflict period. New Jersey "war pe-riod" dates are listed in the box below.


UNITED STATES DEPARTMENTOF VETERANS AFFAIRS

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs(VA) was established March 15, 1989, as a Cabinetposition, succeeding the Veterans Administrationand assuming responsibility for providing federal ben-efits to veterans and their dependents. Headed by theSecretary of Veterans Affairs, VA is the secondlargest of the 14 Cabinet departments and operatesnationwide programs of health care, assistance ser-vices and national cemeteries.

Today, VA provides the world's most comprehen-sive and diverse benefit programs for veterans anddependents.

For online access to the latest edition of the VAbooklet, "Federal Benefits for Veterans and Depen-dents," go to www.va.gov and click on "VeteransBenefits Booklet" in the lower right corner of the VAHome Page. That booklet lists federal benefitsavailable to veterans and their dependents.

New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal

The New Jersey Distinguished Service Medalwas originally issued in 1858 for those who haddistinguished themselves in the New Jersey Militia,but was infrequently used until re-authorized by Gov-ernor Kean in 1988.

After the Spanish American War, the MexicanBorder Expedition and again after World War I, theState of New Jersey minted special medals for return-ing NJ veterans to honor their service.

After WWII, Korea, Vietnam and subsequentcombat actions no such medal was available. TheState of New Jersey was looking for an appropriateway to honor all of these returning combat veteransand acknowledge the debt the state owed them fortheir service. The NJDSM was authorized for thatpurpose. It is New Jersey's highest military award.

Eligibility - To be eligible, a veteran must meet allthe following criteria:~ combat veteran as defined by law.~ current resident of New Jersey.~ a resident of the state at the time they entered intomilitary service.~ honorably discharged.~ proof of service in combat theater while on activeduty during wartime. No one shall be entitled to morethan one award of the medal and ribbon.

Oak Leaf Cluster - Those recipients whoseservice was recognized by the award of the BronzeStar, Purple Heart, Air Medal or equivalent medal willreceive a NJ Distinguished Service Medal with an oakleaf cluster.

Posthumous Award - The NJDSM can be awardedposthumously to the next-of-kin of a veteran whomeets the criteria.

Application - Anyone interested in applying forthe New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal shouldsend a completed application (see copy of applicationon page 48) together with copies of all pertinentinformation, discharge document, award citation, hon-orable discharge, together with your full name, homeaddress and daytime telephone number to:NJ Department of Military And Veterans AffairsAttn: DVS-VBB-MedalsPO Box 340Trenton, NJ 08625-0340

NEW JERSEYMEDALS

For online access tothe United States

Department ofVeterans Affairs,

logon to:www.va.gov

~ current resident of New Jersey.~ were on active duty in any branch of thearmed forces of the United States in Vietnam, Thai-land, Laos or Cambodia or the contiguous waters orairspace thereof on or after December 31, 1960 and onor before May 7, 1975.~ meet one of the following four "in country" require-ments:

(a) were attached to or served for one or moredays with an organization participating in or directlysupporting military operations.

(b) were attached to or served for one or moredays aboard a United States Naval vessel directlysupporting military operations.

(c) participated as a crew member in one or moreaerial flights into airspace above Vietnam and con-tiguous waters directly supporting military opera-tions.

(d) served on temporary duty for 30 consecutivedays or 60 nonconsecutive days in Vietnam or con-tiguous areas, except that this time limit may bewaived for persons participating in actual combatoperations.

Posthumous Award - The surviving spouse orimmediate family member of any resident of the Statemeeting the above requirements for a medal and whowas killed while on active duty or died after receivingan honorable discharge from the armed forces mayapply for a posthumous awarding of the medal. Seepage 48 for a medal application form.

New Jersey Meritorious Service MedalThis medal is awarded to those combat veterans

who were not residents of New Jersey when theyentered the military service, but who are currentresidents of New Jersey and have resided in the statefor the previous five years. All other qualifications arethe same as for the Distinguished Service Medal.See page 48 for a medal application form.

New Jersey Korean Service MedalApproved February 3, 2003

"The Legislature finds and declares July 27, 2003will mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of thearmistice which ended the Korean War. The conflict,often referred to as the "Forgotten War" began on


Contact - For more information call (609) 530-6980.

New Jersey Vietnam Service MedalApproved November 13, 2000

"The Legislature finds and declares the year 1998marks the 25th anniversary of the United States,North Vietnam, South Vietnam and the NationalLiberation Front's provisional revolutionary govern-ment signing an agreement to end the war in Vietnam.The conflict that was declared over in 1973 was auniquely important event in the political and domestichistory of Southeast Asia and of this country. TheUnited States' involvement in that conflict resulted ingreat domestic turmoil and dispute in this nation, aswell as more than 50,000 American soldiers killed,including 1,515 from New Jersey. It is fitting andproper for this State to recognize and honor thoseamong its residents who served proudly and thosewho died bravely in that conflict on the 25th anniver-sary of its ending, because in 1973 those sameindividuals were often ignored or scorned for theirservice to their country."

Eligibility - To be eligible, a veteran must meet allof the following criteria:

New Jersey medals left to right: New Jersey Distin-guished Service Medal, New Jersey Vietnam ServiceMedal, New Jersey Meritorious Service Medal and theNew Jersey Korean Service Medal.

NEW JERSEY MEDALS


June 25, 1950 when the North Korean Army crossedthe border and invaded South Korea in an unprovokedattack. Their goal was the reunification of the Koreanpeninsula, divided after World War II along the 38thparallel. The United States involvement in that conflictresulted in 33,742 Americans dead and 92,134 Ameri-cans wounded. It is fitting and proper for this State torecognize and honor its residents who served andthose who died in that conflict on the 50th anniversaryof its ending.

The Adjutant General is hereby authorized toissue a medal and ribbon to commemorate the 50thanniversary of the signing of the armistice on July 27,1953, which ended the Korean War."

Eligibility - To be eligible, a veteran must meet allof the following criteria:~ New Jersey residents who were on active duty in anybranch of the armed forces of the United States inKorea, Japan, or the contiguous waters or airspacethereof on or after June 23, 1950 and on or beforeJanuary 31, 1955, who have been given an honorabledischarge for their service and:~ were attached to or served for one or more days withan organization participating in or directly supportingmilitary operations; or~ were attached to or served for one or more daysaboard a United States Naval vessel directly support-ing military operations; or~ participated as a crew member in one or more aerialflights into airspace above Korea or contiguous areas,except that this time limit may be waived for personsparticipating in actual combat operations; or

Posthumous Award - the surviving spouse orimmediate family member of any resident of the Statemeeting the requirements for the medal who waskilled while on active duty or who died after receivingan honorable discharge from the armed forces.

Application - Anyone interested in applying forthe New Jersey Korean Service Medal should mail acompleted application form (see page 48) togetherwith copies of all pertinent information to the sameaddress as the Distinguished Service Medal.

Replacement of Federally Issued MedalsVeterans may request issuance or replacement

of their medals and awards. Family members mayonly request medals and awards of living veterans byobtaining their signed authorizations. For deceased

veterans, requests will be accepted from next-of-kin(unremarried widow or widower, son or daughter,father or mother, brother or sister of the deceasedveteran.)

For information contact a State Veterans ServiceOffice listed in Appendix A.

Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General of NewJersey awards a New Jersey Distinguished Service Medalto a World War II veteran.

New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal recipients com-pare certificates at a DSM ceremony.

NEW JERSEY MEDALS

EDUCATION BENEFITS

Operation Recognition: High SchoolDiplomas for Veterans

The New Jersey Department of Military and Vet-erans Affairs (DMAVA) and the Department of Educa-tion jointly launched a program on October 5, 2000 tohonor World War II era veterans who left school to jointhe military and never received a high school diploma.Known as Operation Recognition, the program willaward a state-endorsed high school diploma to anyNew Jersey veteran who left a New Jersey high schoolto enter military service during World War II. Becauseof the overwhelming success of this program, TheAdjutant General and the Commissioner of Educationexpanded the program to include veterans from theKorean and Vietnam conflicts.

Programs similar to Operation Recognition havebeen established in other states including New York,Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts,Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, Wisconsin andWest Virginia.

Eligibility - New Jersey veterans who are:~ Current New Jersey residents.~ Left a New Jersey high school directly to join themilitary between:

September 16, 1940 - December 31, 1946June 23, 1950 - January 31, 1955December 31, 1960 - May 7, 1975.

~ Discharged honorably or under honorable condi-tions.~ Veterans who were a member of any branch ofservice including Merchant Marine and Coast Guard,or those who have since earned a GED are eligible.~ Diplomas may also be issued posthumously.Surviving family members of eligible veterans areencouraged to apply.

Required Documentation - Submit the follow-ing (see page 50):~ A copy of your DD-214 or discharge papers, do NOTsend originals!~ Name and address of the high school attended.~ The year you would have graduated.~ Your name, address and daytime phone.

Send your request to Operation Recognition,New Jersey Department of Military & Veterans Affairs,PO Box 340, Trenton, NJ 08625-0340. For moreinformation call 609-530-6876.

State Approving Agency

The office provides oversight, approval, and super-vision of programs of education and training for the G.I. Bill. Eligible persons may use their entitlements atapproved colleges and universities, non-college de-gree schools, apprenticeship, and on the job trainingprograms, flight, and correspondence schools. Inaddition, certain license and certification tests areapproved.

Contact the State Approving Agency directly at609-530-6849 for information regarding the approvalprocess or currently approved opportunities.

POW-MIA Tuition Benefit ProgramFree undergraduate college tuition is available to

any child born or adopted before, during or after theperiod of time his or her parent was officially declareda prisoner of war (POW) or person missing in action(MIA) after Jan. 1, 1960. The POW-MIA must havebeen a New Jersey resident at the time he or sheentered the service or whose official residence iscurently in New Jersey. The child must attend eithera public or private institution in New Jersey. A copyof DD- 1300 must be furnished with the application.

War Orphans Tuition AssistanceChildren of those service personnel who died

while in the military or due to service-connecteddisabilities, or who are officially listed as missing inaction by the U.S. Dept. of Defense may claim $500per year for four years of college or equivalent training.To qualify, the child must be a resident of New Jerseyfor at least one year immediately preceding the filingof the application and be between the ages of 16 and21 at the time of application. The veteran must havebeen a state resident upon enlistment.

Vietnam Veterans Tuition Credit ProgramThe Veterans Tuition Credit Program provides

additional education benefits to veterans eligible forfederally funded education programs and who servedon active duty from December 31, 1960 to May 7, 1975and who were legal residents of New Jersey at thetime of induction into the Armed Forces or at the timeof discharge from active service or for a period not lessthan one year prior to making application. The amountof the award is $400 annually or $200 per semester forfull-time attendance and $100 per semester for part-time. For further information contact your school



official in charge of veteran's affairs or by calling NewJersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs at609-530-6876. Deadlines for applying are October 1and March 1 each year.

Education Benefits for current New JerseyGuardsmen

Two programs are available for currently servingNew Jersey National Guardsmen (Army or Air).Tuition Assistance

This program pays up to $250 per credit hour toa maximum of $4,500 per Fiscal Year (October 1 toSeptember 30 ) for tuition costs at any accreditedschool, other than a state school. The tuition assis-tance cannot be used together with any other federalprogram such as the G.I. Bill.New Jersey National Guard Tuition (Waiver)Program

Any member of the New Jersey National Guardshall be permitted to attend regularly scheduledcourses at any of the thirty one public institutions ofhigher education in this state, and receive up to 15credit hours per semester of free tuition.

Eligibility - In order to be eligible New JerseyNational Guardsmen must:~ Have completed Initial Active Duty Training.~ Be in good standing with their unit.~ Have been accepted to pursue a coarse of under-graduate or graduate study.

Once enrolled, the student must:~ Complete a “Commander’s Certification (NJDMAVAForm 621-2-R) every semester.~ Maintain academic standards set by the school.

EDUCATION BENEFITS

~ Must apply for financial aid annually (FAFSA,WWW.FAFSA.ED.GOV.)

Contact the Financial Aid Office prior to registra-tion for the college’s policies and procedures inadministering NJNGTP. This is a tuition waiver pro-gram, institutions are not reimbursed. All other costsare the responsibility of the student.

For information on these programs, contact theNJARNG Education Center at 3650 Saylors PondRoad, Ft. Dix, NJ 08640 or phone 609-562-0654. Youmay also obtain information at WWW.STATE.NJ.US/MILITARY/EDUCATION.

ELIGIBLE STATE SCHOOL LIST:

Atlantic Cape Community CollegeBergen Community College

Brookdale Community CollegeBurlington Community College

Camden County CollegeCounty College of Morris

Cumberland County CollegeEssex County College

Gloucester County CollegeHudson County Community College

Kean UniversityMercer County Community College

Middlesex County CollegeMontclair State UniversityNew Jersey City University

New Jersey Institute of TechnologyOcean County College

Passaic County Community CollegeRamapo College of NJ

Raritan Valley Community CollegeRichard Stockton College of NJ

Rowan UniversitySalem Community College

Sussex County Community CollegeThe College of New Jersey

Thomas Edison State CollegeThe State University of NJ - Rutgers

Union County CollegeUniv. of Medicine & Dentistry of NJWarren County Community CollegeWilliam Paterson University of NJ

CIVIL SERVICE BENEFITS

Veterans Preference and Pension StatusThe NJ Department of Military and Veterans

Affairs is the agency that determines veterans prefer-ence for hiring in New Jersey civil service and veteranstatus for New Jersey civil service pension plans.

Veterans Preference for Hiring in NewJersey Civil Service

War period veterans who pass state civil serviceexaminations are given absolute preference over non-veterans when applying for state, county or municipalemployment. Absolute preference is not extended topromotions, but if a veteran ranks highest on apromotional certification, a non-veteran cannot beoffered the appointment before the veteran. Veteranswith service-connected disabilities (at least 10 precent)who pass civil service examinations are given prefer-ence over other veterans and non-veterans for state,county or municipal employment.

Spouses, widows, widowers and the parents ofdisabled or deceased veterans are eligible underspecific circumstances.

Eligibility - To be eligible, veterans must haveserved at least 90 days of active duty during one of thefollowing periods:~ World War II: September 16, 1940 - December 31,1946; Korea: June 23, 1950-January 31, 1955; orVietnam: December 31, 1960 - May 7, 1975. Theactive duty service during these three wars does nothave to be "in country" or "in combat." MerchantMarines from World War II are eligible.~ a veteran who served at least 14 days in a combatzone during any one of the following:

Lebanon Crisis: July 1, 1958-November 1, 1958Lebanon peace keeping mission: September 26,

1982-December 1, 1987Grenada peace keeping mission: October 23,

1983-November 21, 1983Panama peace keeping mission: December 20,

1989-January 31, 1990Persian Gulf-Operation Desert Shield/Storm:

August 2, 1990-February 28, 1991Somalia Operation Restore Hope: December 5,

1992-March 31, 1994Operations Joint Endeavor and Joint Guard in the

Republic of Bosnia or Herzegovina:November 20,1995-June 20, 1998

Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti: Septem-ber 19, 1994 - March 31, 1995


Operation Enduring Freedom on or after Septem-ber 11, 2001

Operation Iraqi Freedom: March 19, 2003 - presentCombat zone qualification is most frequently

indicated by the receipt of an Armed Forces Expedi-tionary Medal.~ a veteran with a service connected disability of atleast 10 percent. The veteran must have received thedisability during service in one of the wars or opera-tions listed above, although the veteran need not meeteither the 90 days of active duty requirement or 14days in combat zone requirement. A service con-nected disability is indicated by federal VeteransAdministration service connected compensation be-ing received or entitlement to receive, a U.S. militarymedical board finding or retirement from active mili-tary service with a disability rating of 10 percent ormore. Current proof of disability is required.

Family members who are eligible:~ spouse of a disabled veteran. The veteran must beeligible for civil service veterans preference as adisabled veteran (see qualifications above), not beemployed in a New Jersey civil service jurisdictionand agree to waive the preference for the duration ofthe spouse's employment.~ a disabled (see qualifications above), veteran'ssurviving spouse who has not remarried. A copy ofthe Death Certificate is required with the "VeteransPreference Claim" form.~ surviving spouse of veterans who died while onactive duty in the U.S. Military service. A copy of theReport of Casualty is required with the "VeteransPreference Claim" form.~ Gold Star Parent - parent of a veteran who died whileon active duty in the U.S. Miliary service. A copy ofthe Report of Casualty is required with the "VeteransPreference Claim" form.

To Apply - Use "Civil Service Veterans Prefer-ence Claim Form" - NJDMAVA Form 05A-1. SeeAppendix H for a copy of the form.

File the claim form with a copy of your separationpapers (DD Form 214). Mail to the NJ Department ofMilitary and Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Bu-reau, PO Box 340, Trenton, NJ 08625-0340. Youmust obtain a veterans preference from NJ Depart-ment of Military and Veterans Affairs BEFORE apply-ing for a job or a test.

Contact - For information call Veterans Benefits

4 through 11A:5-6 shall apply to promotions, butwhenever a veteran ranks highest on a promotionalcertification, a non-veteran shall not be appointedunless the appointing authority shall show causebefore the Merit System Board why a veteran shouldnot receive such promotion.

Preference in appointment in noncompeti-tive division

From among those eligible for appointment in thenoncompetitive division, preference shall be given to aqualified veteran. Before an appointing authority shallselect a non-veteran and not appoint a qualifiedveteran, the appointing authority shall show causebefore the Merit System Board why a veteran shouldnot be appointed. In all cases, a disabled veteranshall have preference over all others.

Preference to veterans in layoffsWhen a layoff occurs, preference shall be given

first to a disabled veteran and then to a veteran, but thepreference shall apply only where the disabled veteranor veteran has seniority in title equal to that of a non-veteran also affected by the layoff.

Hearing on dismissal of veteransBefore any department head shall dismiss any

veteran, such department head shall show causebefore the board why such veteran should not beretained, at which time such veteran or veterans maybe privileged to attend. The Merit System Board shallbe the sole judge of the facts constituting suchqualification.

Veterans not to be discriminated againstbecause of physical defects

Veterans suffering from any physical defect causedby wounds or injuries received in the line of duty in themilitary or naval forces of the United States during warservice shall not be discriminated against in anexamination, classification or appointment becauseof the defect, unless this defect, in the opinion of theMerit System Board, would incapacitate the veteranfrom properly performing the duties of the office,position or employment for which applied.

Employment or promotion of persons awardedMedal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, AirForce Cross or Navy Cross

Any individual who has served in the Army, AirForce, Navy, or Marine Corps of the United States andwho has been awarded the Medal of Honor, theDistinguished Service Cross, Air Force Cross or Navy


Bureau at (609) 530-6954, or visit any state VeteransService Office listed in Appendix A or the One-StopCareer Centers listed in Appendix C.

Veterans Status for Civil Service andPension Plans

A pension is available to qualified veterans. Toqualify, a veteran must apply for veterans status forcivil service pension plans after employment and mustbe in active employment until the effective date ofretirement. These benefits cannot be deferred. Vet-erans who continue in employment covered by PublicEmployees' Retirement System (PERS) until theyare at least age 60 with 20 or more years of servicecredit are entitled to an annual benefit equal to one-half of the salary on which pension contributions weremade in any consecutive 12-month period whichwould provide the largest possible benefit to themember.

Veterans who are at least age 55 with 35 or moreyears of service credit are entitled to an annualallowance based on the following formula: Years ofService divided by 55, multiplied by the last 12 monthssalary, which yields the Maximum Annual Allowance.Veterans benefits cannot be deferred and membersmust meet all the requirements to qualify. Veteranmembers may retire on the same basis as non-veteran members if it would result in a higher benefit.

Application - Use NJDMAVA Form 05A-02 (seepage 52) for a copy of the form. Mail the claim formwith a copy of your separation papers (DD Form 214)to the NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs,Veterans Benefits Bureau, PO Box 340, Trenton, NJ08625-0340. NJDMAVA will mail you a letter ofqualification or denial.

Contact - For information, call Veterans BenefitsBureau at 609-530-6954 or visit any state VeteransService Office listed in Appendix A.

Other Civil Service Benefits for VeteransPreference

Appointment of veteransWhenever a disabled veteran or veteran shall be

certified to an appointing authority from an opencompetitive employment list, the appointing authorityshall appoint the disabled veteran or veterans in theorder of ranking.

Application of statutes to promotionsNothing contained in New Jersey statute 11A:5-



Cross, while a resident of this State, and any indi-vidual who has served in the United States CoastGuard and who has been awarded the Medal of Honoror the Navy Cross while a resident of this State, shallbe appointed or promoted without complying with therules of the Merit System Board. The appointingauthority to whom the individual applies for appoint-ment or promotion shall, at its discretion, appoint orpromote that person. Upon promotion or appoint-ment, that person shall become subject to the rulesof the Merit System Board. A person who qualifiesunder this section shall not be limited to only oneappointment or promotion.

Purchasing Military Service for Civil ServicePension - PERS

Military Service Before Enrollment - Membersof Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS)may purchase up to 10 years of active duty militaryservice rendered prior to enrollment provided themember is not receiving or eligible to receive a militarypension or a pension from any other state or localsource for such military service.

The statute specifically provides that the em-ployer shall not be liable for any portion of the cost topurchase. The member is responsible for the full costof the purchase.

Partial purchase is permitted.Military Service After Enrollment - Members

may purchase military service rendered after August1, 1974 if:~ you were a member of a New Jersey State-administered retirement system when you enteredthe peacetime military service, and~ you return to employment within the time periodsprescribed by federal law in a position covered by aNew Jersey State-administered retirement systemwhen you are discharged from or otherwise end yourmilitary service, and~ within one year following the date of return toemployment or the date initial pension contributionsare certified to begin, you apply for or inquire in writingabout the purchase.

To Apply - A member may obtain a quotation ofthe cost of purchasing additional service credit bysubmitting a written request to: Supervisor of Pur-chases, Division of Pensions and Benefits, PO Box295, Trenton, NJ 08625-0295 or by calling609.292.7524.

It is the member's responsibility to obtain certifi-cation of the employment from the former employer forthe service credit being purchased if it is not on filewith the Division of Pensions and Benefits. Noquotation of cost will be calculated until verification ofemployment is received by the Division of Pensionsand Benefits.

Federal BenefitsUniformed Services Employment and Reem-

ployment Rights Act (USERRA) - USERRA re-placed the Veterans' Reemployment Rights (VRR.)

USERRA guarantees reemployed persons pen-sion plan benefits that accrued during military service,regardless of whether the plan is a defined benefit planor a defined contribution plan.

USERRA provides health benefits continuationfor service members and their families during militaryservice for up to 18 months.

USERRA is enforced by Department of Labor'sVeterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS).

Eligibility - The Act applies to persons whoperform duty, voluntarily or involuntary, in the Army,Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, andPublic Health Service commissioned corps, as wellas the reserves of each. Federal training or service inthe Army National Guard and Air National Guard isalso included. Uniformed service includes activeduty, active duty for training, inactive duty training(such as drills), and initial active duty training.USERRA covers all employees except those servingin positions where there is "no reasonable expecta-tion that employment will continue indefinitely or for asignificant period" i.e. seasonal work.

Basic Provisions/Requirements - Service mem-bers returning from a period of service in the uniformedservices must meet five eligibility criteria to be cov-ered by USERRA:~ The person must have held a civilian job;~ The person must have given notice to theemployer that he or she was leaving the jobfor service in the uniformed services;~ The period of service must not have exceeded fiveyears;~ The person must have been released from serviceunder honorable conditions; and~ The person must have reported back to the civilianjob in a timely manner or have submitted a timely



application for reemployment.USERRA establishes a 5-year cumulative total

on military service with a single employer, with certainexceptions allowed for call-ups during emergencies,for reserve drills and annually scheduled active dutyfor training, etc. USERRA also allows an employeeto complete an initial period of active duty thatexceeds 5 years, not including reenlistments. UnderUSERRA, restoration rights are based on the durationof military service rather than the type of military dutyperformed, e.g., active duty for training, inactive duty,etc.

Time limits for returning to work under USERRA,with the exception of fitness-for-service examina-tions, depend upon the duration of a person's militaryservice. The applicable time limits are as follows:~ Less than 31 days service: By the beginning of thefirst regularly scheduled work period after the end ofthe calendar day of duty plus time required to returnhome safely. If this is impossible or unreasonable,then as soon as possible.~ 31 to 180 days: Application for reemployment mustbe submitted no later than 14 days after completion ofa person's service. If this is impossible or unreason-able through no fault of the person, then as soon aspossible.~ 181 days or more: Application for reem-ployment must be submitted no later than 90 daysafter completion of a person's military service.~ Service-connected injury or illness: Reporting orapplication deadlines are extended for up to two yearsfor persons who are hospitalized or convalescing.

Contact - Information regarding USERRA may beobtained by calling the U.S. Department of Labor at 1-866-487-2365 or going online to: www.dol.gov.

HMFA MortgageThe New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance

Agency (HMFA) offers low interest rate HMFA mort-gages that provide veterans and their families withincreased buying power and a savings of thousands ofdollars in interest over the life of the loan. HMFA offersresidential mortgages to United States veteransthrough the Veterans Administration (VA) home buyerprogram. Most HMFA homeownership loans are origi-nated by private lenders that are approved to partici-pate in the programs.

Details - Veterans can apply for an HMFA mort-gage for any of the following:~ first time and urban home buyers.~ purchase and rehabilitation mortgages.~ reverse mortgages for seniors.

More than 55 participating lenders with hundredsof locations throughout the state offer HMFA mort-gage products, and can help determine the rightmortgage for you.

VA home buyer loans often require no downpayment and HMFA offers a below-market, fixedinterest rate. Closing costs may not be included in theloan, however the seller is allowed to pay most costs,which makes it possible for a veteran to buy withvirtually no cash down. Closing costs generallyinclude VA appraisal, credit report, escrow, titleevidence, recording fees, a one percent loan origina-tion fee and discount points.

A reverse mortgage loans allow seniors (62 andover) to access the equity in their home without amonthly repayment schedule for as long as they livein the home. Loan proceeds can be taken in a lumpsum, monthly payments, line of credit or somecombination of these options. The loan amount isdetermined by property value and borrower age.Counseling is required. No restriction on value ofproperty. No income requirements or verification.

Eligibility - State residents must first be eligiblefor a federal VA guaranteed home loan. Contact anystate Veterans Service Office see Appendix A.

Contact - For information on HMFA consumermortgage programs, call 1-800-NJ-HOUSE. Speechor hearing impaired individuals may call the TTYhotline at 1-877-325-6524. New Jersey Housing andMortgage Finance Agency, 637 South Clinton Av-enue, PO Box 18550, Trenton, NJ 08650-2085.

Complete HMFA program information is also

HOME OWNERSHIP BENEFITSCIVIL SERVICE BENEFITS

New Jersey Department ofMilitary and Veterans

AffairsToll Free Number1-888-8NJ-VETS

available at WWW.STATE.NJ.US/DCA/HMFA/

Federal VA Guaranteed Home LoanThe loan is made by a lender, such as a mortgage

company, savings and loan or bank. VA's guaranty onthe loan protects the lender against loss if the pay-ments are not made, and is intended to encouragelenders to offer veterans loans with more favorableterms. The amount of guaranty on the loan dependson the loan amount and whether the veteran usedsome entitlement previously. With the current maxi-mum guaranty, a veteran who hasn't previously usedthe benefit may be able to obtain a VA loan up to$240,000 depending on the borrower's income leveland the appraised value of the property. The local VAoffice can provide more details on guaranty andentitlement amounts.

Note: Although the veteran may be approved fora VA home loan guarantee, the veteran still needs tohave a good credit rating to obtain a loan from alending institution, such as a bank or credit union.Contact State Veterans Service Offices listed inappendix B for more information on loans

New Jersey Property Tax BenefitsThe New Jersey Property Tax Exemption and

Deduction require veterans to serve during a specificwar time period. See New Jersey War/Conflict Dateson page 6.

Note: For New Jersey Property Tax Exemptionand Deduction, Haiti service is not included as a wartime period.

The dwelling house is the veteran's primary legalresidence.

The veteran or surviving spouse must own andoccupy the house.

If the house is a multiple family building, theexemption is only granted for the portion actuallyoccupied by the veteran or surviving spouse.

The definition of resident is the same for theproperty tax exemption and deduction. It is the legaldomicile within the state. Seasonal or temporaryresidence in the state is not considered being aresident of New Jersey. Absence from the state for aperiod of 12 months shall be sufficient evidence ofabandonment of domicile. The burden of establishinglegal domicile in the state is the claimant's burden.

New Jersey Property Tax ExemptionEligibility for Veterans - Applies to veterans

who meet all of the following criteria:~ Served during a specified wartime period.~ Received an honorable discharge or under honor-able conditions.~ Rated 100 percent permanent service-connected bythe VA. The 100 percent rating cannot be temporaryor as a result of hospitalization, surgery or recupera-tion.

Eligibility for spouses who meet the followingcriteria:~ Not remarried.~ Even if the marriage is terminated by death/divorce,the spouse is no longer entitled. However, if themarriage is annulled, the surviving spouse regainseligibility.~ Veteran previously received exemption prior todeath.~ Veteran would have been found eligible if an appli-cation had been filed prior to death.

And one of the following criteria:~ The veteran had to be rated 100 percent permanentVA service-connected prior to death. A spouse is noteligible if the veteran was rated less than 100 percent


HOME OWNERSHIP BENEFITS


permanent service-connected, but died of that ser-vice-connected disability.~ The veteran died in active service during wartime inany branch of the United States Armed Forces.

Application ProcessApplication forms are available at your local

municipal property tax assessor's office. In additionthe following documentation is required:~ property deed~ discharge (DD214)~ VA Property Tax Exemption Letter. The letter mustbe requested by contacting the VA at 1-800-827-1000. Do NOT submit the VA Award Letter indicatingthe monetary award. That may delay the effectivedate of the exemption.

Do NOT submit any medical documentation ex-cept for the VA property tax exemption letter even ifthe tax assessor demands it. The VA deems a veteran100 percent permanent service-connected disabled,not the tax assessor.

The spouse may need to submit the propertydeed, a marriage certificate, death certificate, dis-charge (DD-214) to the tax assessor especially if theveteran did not claim the exemption but would havebeen eligible. If the veteran or surviving spouse movesto another residence (dwelling house) in the samemunicipality, a new application must be filed tocontinue the exemption.

Effective Date of AbatementThe exemption unlike the deduction is PRO-

RATED from the date the veteran or spouse filed theapplication with ALL required documentation. EX-AMPLE: A veteran completes the application on April7, but does not submit all the documentation until May3. The veteran's property tax exemption is effectiveMay 3. Many tax assessors exempt the property taxJanuary 1 of the next year. The same prorationprocess applies to the surviving spouse.

Retroactive AbatementEach city council or governing body, at its discre-

tion, may grant a retroactive abatement for 100percent permanent VA rated service-connected dis-ability cases. Taxing authorities are only mandatedto exempt property tax from the date the applicationis filed with all required documentation.

From the effective date of 100 percent permanentVA service-connected disability rating is determinedby each city council by resolution. The governing body

has the discretion to grant a retroactive payment.They are only mandated to exempt property tax fromthe date the application is filed with all requireddocumentation.

New Jersey Property Tax DeductionThere is an annual property tax deduction of two

hundred and fifty dollars.Veterans - To be eligible:

~ a citizen of the United States~ resident of New Jersey~ honorably discharged or released under honorableconditions from active service in a war-time period, inany branch of the U.S. Armed Services.

Surviving spouse's - To be eligible:~ The surviving wife or husband of a veteran who wasa citizen of the United States and resident of NewJersey and one of the following:~ Was receiving the deduction prior to the veteran'sdeath.~ Would have been eligible for the deduction had theveteran filed an application prior to death.~ Has died on active duty in a wartime period.

Application processThe application must be filed with all required

documentation prior to December 31 of the precedingtax year in order to be effective in the next year..Documentation includes the property deed and dis-charge (DD-214) for the veteran. The widow may needto submit the property deed, marriage certificate,death certificate and discharge (DD-214).

Continuation of DeductionThe tax assessor MAY at any time require the

filing of a new application or request documentation todetermine continuation of the deduction. However,the tax assessor cannot require a new applicationfrom every veteran or spouse every year.

Deduction for CooperativesFor cooperatives, the procedure is different. The

manager or superintendent must submit forms to thetax assessor indicating the names and locations ofthe veterans or spouses within the co-op. Thededuction is then granted to the co-op, the co-op isresponsible to either reduce the rent or present acheck to the veteran or spouse.

Refunds for DeductionsNO RETROACTIVE deduction is available for any

previous year(s) where proper documentation was notfiled in a timely manner.

HOME OWNERSHIP BENEFITS

No Fee Automobile Registration for Medal ofHonor Recipients

Medal of Honor recipients are eligible for a no-feeregistration and will receive special license platesnoting their award.

Contact - For information call 1-888-486-3339.

Free Hunting and Fishing LicensesThe NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife will annually

issue the following licenses FREE to each qualifieddisabled veteran: a fire arm, bow & arrow, fishing or allaround hunting license, a pheasant and quail stamp,a state duck stamp and a trout stamp. In addition,disabled veterans may apply for free permits: one bowand arrow deer permit *; one firearm (muzzleloader orshotgun) deer permit *; and one spring and one fallturkey permit * for use during applicable huntingseason.

*Special deer and turkey permit applications willbe available at the Division offices listed below or bymail from the Trenton office. All rules and regulationspertaining to the lottery system and laws for eachseason still apply. In other words, you will be allowedto enter the lottery for free but will not be guaranteeda permit. Your odds of winning a permit depend uponwhat zone and/or time period you select. Additionalpermits for added hunting opportunities may be pur-chased.

Eligibility - To be eligible, the veteran must be:~ A resident of New Jersey that has been honorablydischarged, or released under honorable circum-stances, from active service in any branch of theArmed Forces of the United States; and~ Declared by the U.S. Department of VeteransAffairs to have a service-connected disability of anydegree.

Verification - Applicants must provide verifica-tion of discharge and service connected disability.This may be completed by presenting the followingcredentials:~ Proof of disability by producing a letter of certifica-tion from the Department of Veterans Affairs, a wallet-sized card from the VA indicating status or a photocopyof your monthly disability check indicating your sta-tus.~ Proof of honorable discharge (DD-214or similar document).~ Proof of residency by showing a driver's license, or

Professional LicensesLicense to Vend Honorably discharged veter-

ans may obtain a no-fee license to vend any goods,wares or merchandise, or solicit trade within the state(NJSA 45:24-9). Licenses are procured from thecounty clerks office (NJSA 45:24-10) and regulated bymunicipalities. Contact your county clerk for anapplication.

Vendors must also register with the N.J. Divisionof Taxation, and collect and remit sales tax onrequired items. Contact the Division of Taxation formore information.

Food vendors must also comply with state andlocal health licensing requirements.

Licenses for real estate brokers, agents andsolicitors are also available at no charge to a veteranwho has served during a war period and a service-connected disability certified by VA . The veteran isrequired to take any prescribed qualifying coursesand necessary state examinations. The 1947 statuteproviding honorably discharged wounded or disabledwar veterans with a free license to operate as aninsurance broker, agent or solicitor (NJSA 17:22-6)was partially repealed in 1972. In 1987, NJSA 17:22A-21 FEES; Section d provided "The commissionermay, by rule or regulation, provide for the waiving offees for disabled war veterans of the U.S. MilitaryService."

Automobile RegistrationThe veteran must be 100 percent disabled and:

~ also be eligible for the automobile financial assis-tance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs(VA).

In addition, the veteran must have sustained thefollowing injuries incurred or aggravated during activemilitary service:(1) loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet(2) loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands(3) permanent impairment of vision of both eyes to a

prescribed degree. Veterans with best-correctedvision no better than 20/200 or less or field defectof 20 degrees or less are considered eligible.To apply - Application for plates and registra-

tions are processed by Motor Vehicle Services.Applications are available at local Motor VehicleAgencies. For more information, call 888-486-3339.


LICENSES


resident hunting/fishing license.Details - If you wish to obtain the free hunting

related offers, you must show proof of having satisfiedthe applicable state hunter education requirementsby providing a previous year's Resident Firearm orBow & Arrow license, All Around license, or aResident Senior hunting license. A hunter educationcourse completion card is also acceptable. Residentlicenses from other states issued to hunters prior toestablishing residency in NJ will also be accepted, ifthe license indicates which type of hunting it vali-dates. Non-resident licenses from other states areNOT acceptable.

STATE PARKS

Free admission to New Jersey State Parks formembers of the New Jersey National Guard

The New Jersey Division of State parks andForestry administers more than 325,000 acres ofland. Facilities include 38 parks, 11 forest, threerecreation areas, one golf course, 42 natural areasand 57 historic sites.

The New Jersey Division of State Parks andForestry does not charge an admission fee for en-trance into a State park or forest by any resident of theState who is an active member of the New JerseyNational Guard who has completed Initial Active DutyTraining.

As used in this section, "Initial Active DutyTraining" means Basic Military Training, for membersof the New Jersey Air National Guard, and BasicTraining and Advanced Individual Training, for mem-bers of the New Jersey Army National Guard.

Note - This does not cover federal or local parksthat are also located within the state of New Jersey.It only covers those run by the New Jersey Division ofState Parks and Forestry.

Contact - New Jersey Department of Environ-mental Protection, Division of Parks and Forestry,501 East State Street, PO Box 404, Trenton, NJ08625 or call 609-984-0370.

LICENSES

Contact - Documentation may be brought to afield office listed below or mailed in to the Divisionat the following address:

NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife501 East State Street, 3rd floor,PO Box 400Trenton, NJ 08625-0400Attn: Disabled Veteran LicensingNJ Division of Fish & Wildlife Trenton Office501 East State St., PO Box 400Trenton, NJ 08625-0400Mercer County 609-292-2965The Central Region Office386 Robbinsville/Clarksburg RoadRobbinsvilleMonmouth County 609-259-2132Nacote Creek(Issues clamming and crabbing licenses only.)Rt. 9, Mile Marker 51Port RepublicAtlantic County 609-748-2020The Pequest Trout Hatchery605 Pequest RoadOxfordWarren County 908-637-4125The Southern Region Office220 Blue Anchor RoadSicklervilleGloucester County 856-629-0555

Catastrophic EntitlementsA monthly entitlement of $62.50 is provided to

veterans who meet the following eligibility criteria:Eligibility - The veteran or widow/widower is

eligible if the veteran meets all the following criteria:~ Is a wartime veteran. See page 6 for New Jerseyapproved war dates.~ Was a legal resident of New Jersey at the time ofinitial induction into the Armed Services of the UnitedStates.~ Provides proof of discharge from the Armed Servicesindicating character of service that was other thandishonorable or undesirable.~ Was a legal resident of New Jersey at the time ofapplication and continues to reside in New Jerseyexcept for reasons of health or employment. Proof ofresidency may be a New Jersey driver's license, aNew Jersey voters registration card, a paid NewJersey real estate tax bill with the appropriate name(s),a deed to New Jersey property in the appropriatename(s), utility bills with veteran's name and NewJersey address thereon or other similar documenta-tion.~ The veteran must be in receipt of a 100 percentpermanent service-connected disability rating fromthe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that resultedfrom wartime service resulting in one of the followingseven catastrophic disabilities or a combination ofmedical symptomatology of one or more of the cata-strophic disabilities resulting in a 100 percent rating:

Loss of sight;Amputation of both hands, both feet or one hand

and one foot;Hemiplegia and permanent paralysis of one leg

and one arm or either side of the body;Paraplegia and permanent paralysis of both legs

and lower parts of the body;Osteochondritis and permanent loss of use of

both legs;Multiple Sclerosis and the loss of use of both feet

or both legs;QuadriplegiaThe widow/widower of those veterans who were in

receipt of the entitlement prior to their death or wouldhave been entitled to make such application, are alsoeligible.

Apply - Use New Jersey Catastrophic Entitle-ment Application. Contact a State VSO (see Appen-


dix A) for an application.Approvals are retroactive to application date

If an application is approved, the starting date forveteran's approved payment is the date of the applica-tion. The widow's/widower's retroactive payment dateis the date of the application when the application isfiled within one year of the veteran's death.

Appeal - The appeal authority is the Director ofthe Division of Veterans Services. Veterans who havebeen denied the catastrophic entitlement may submitan appeal of the denial to:

State of New JerseyDept. of Military & Veterans AffairsPO Box 340Attention: Director, Division of Veterans ServicesTrenton, NJ 08625-0340A veteran or the veteran's representative may

submit an appeal to a denial regarding eligibility forentitlement within one year of their notification of thedecision.

Appeals will be in writing and will contain any newand material evidence for consideration. The Directorwill respond within 60 days.

Note - An annual re-certification is necessary.Contact - Division of Veterans Services at 609-

530-7049.

Federal VA Benefits Disability CompensationThe VA compensation program provides you

monthly benefits if you are disabled because of aninjury or disease incurred in or aggravated during yourmilitary service and for certain conditions which maydevelop after your release from active duty. Benefitsare authorized based upon the severity of your claimeddisability(ies). If your service-connected disabilitiesare evaluated as 30 percent or more, you are entitledto additional allowances for your dependents. Con-tact State Veterans Service Offices listed in appendixA for more information on federal VA compensationand pensions.

PENSIONS AND COMPENSATION

NEW JERSEY VETERANS GUIDE

21

Veterans HavenThe Transitional Housing Program for homeless

veterans occupies one large building on state propertyin Winslow Township. The program is divided intothree phases: treatment; self-reclamation; and com-munity reintegration. Each phase lasts three to sixmonths and is tailored to individual treatment needsand vocational interests.

Eligibility - Eligible veterans are referred from aVA Medical Center after receiving a medical evalua-tion. To be admitted into the program, the veteranmust agree to a long-term program focusing onpsychological, social and vocational rehabilitation.The program is drug and alcohol free, and has a staffcomprised of professionals in the fields of mentalhealth, addictions, social work, vocational rehabilita-tion and nursing.

Contact - For more information on the Transi-tional Housing Program (Veterans Haven) for home-less veterans call 609-561-0269.

Veterans Haven is located at 202 Spring Garden Road,Winslow, NJ 08095.

HOMELESS VETERAN PROGRAMS

Operation Stand Down at the National Guard Armory atCherry Hill.

Stand Down OperationsStand Down helps the New Jersey's homeless

veterans "combat" life on the streets by providing abroad range of necessities, including food, clothing,medical, legal and mental health assistance, jobcounseling, and referrals, in a venue that fosterscompanionship and camaraderie.

Program Goals:1. Provide immediate short-term relief from the

trauma and stress of homelessness and a safe havenfor a short period;

2. Bring services and assistance into the fielddirectly to the homeless veteran; provide access toshort term services and assistance such as food andclothing;

3. Provide access to longer-term solutions suchas VA and social services benefits;

4. To build strong long term interagency andvolunteer community working relationships;

5. To raise local and national awareness of theplight of homeless veterans with the hope of increas-ing community involvement;

6. Start the healing process by returning self-respect to a lost segment of our nation's veteran'spopulation;

7. To encourage replication of the program inother cities across the United States.

Contact - If you are interested in volunteeringyour time, efforts or resources in the Stand DownProgram, call 1-888-8NJ-VETS.

Veteran learning computer skills at Veterans Haven.

Transportation ProgramThis program assists the veteran in need of

transportation. The program originated due to thedistance many N.J. veterans had to travel to get to aVA facility for medical care. Free transportation isoffered to VA medical centers and clinics, otherhospitals, private physicians, VA Regional Office andlocal Veterans Service Offices in most counties. TheState Veterans Service Officer in the county should becontacted to explain the details of the program, levelof service in that county, qualifications and require-ments, and assist in scheduling the transportation.

Contact - For more information call a VeteransService Office listed in Appendix A.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder andReadjustment Counseling

This program addresses the readjustment prob-lems of veterans and offers treatment to veterans of allwar periods. Treatment extends to family membersaffected by the veteran's affliction. State VeteransService Officers assist the veteran with schedulingcounseling and the filing of any applicable VA claims.Contracted clinicians, experienced in PTSD counsel-ing, determine the best course of treatment for theveteran and the veteran's family. Assistance is notlimited by VA regulations or restrictions.

Contact - For more information call a VeteransService Officer listed in Appendix A.

Federal VA Uniform Benefits PackageVeterans' Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of

1996 is the legislation that paved the way for thecreation of the standard enhanced health benefitsplan generally available to all enrolled veterans.

Eligibility - In October 1996, Congress passedPublic Law 104-262, the Veterans' Health Care Eligi-bility Reform Act of 1996. This legislation paved theway for the creation of a Uniform Benefits Package -a standard enhanced health benefits plan available to

all enrolled veterans. The Law also simplified theprocess by which veterans can receive services.

Public Law 104-262 was enacted to simplify therules for providing health care to veterans and tointroduce improvements in the quality and timelinessof the care you receive. Like other standard healthcare plans, the Uniform Benefits Package empha-sizes preventive and primary care, offering a full rangeof outpatient and inpatient services.

VA has also placed a priority on improved veter-ans satisfaction. Their goal is to ensure the quality ofcare and service you receive is consistently excel-lent, in every location, in every program.

Under the new Uniform Benefits Package, VAoffers you, the veteran, a comprehensive health careplan that provides the care needed, when needed.

Eligibility Details - To be eligible for enrollmentfor healthcare, you must have:~ Been discharged from active military service underhonorable conditions.~ Served a minimum of 2 years if discharged afterSeptember 7, 1980 (prior to this date there is no timelimit.)~ If a National Guardsmen or Reservist, served theentire period for which you were called to active dutyother than for training purposes only.

Coast Guard - Individuals who served in theCoast Guard are veterans and are eligible for VAhealth care benefits in the same manner as any otherveteran who served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corpsor Air Force.

Merchant Marine - Merchant Marines who servedon U.S. flagged merchant ships between December7, 1941 and August 5, 1945, may be eligible forenrollment for VA health care benefits. See AppendixA for a Veteran Service Office for information.

Priority GroupsOnce you apply for enrollment, your application

eligibility will be verified. Based on your specificeligibility status, you will be assigned a priority group.

There are currently eight priority groups for veter-ans healthcare. Priority groups are subject to changeby VA regulation. All health services may not beavailable in each area of service.

Help and information on enrollment may be ob-tained by visiting, calling or writing any VA location ofcare or any Veterans Service Office. See Appendix Band Appendix D.


HEALTHCARE ENTITLEMENTS


NEW JERSEY VETERANS MEMORIAL HOMES

NEW JERSEY VETERANS MEMORIAL HOME ATPARAMUS, (201) 634-8200, 1 Veterans Drive, PO Box608, Paramus, NJ 07653-0608

NEW JERSEY VETERANS MEMORIAL HOME ATMENLO PARK, (732) 452-4100, 132 Evergreen Road,PO Box 3013, Edison, NJ 08818-3013

NEW JERSEY VETERANS MEMORIAL HOME ATVINELAND, (856) 405-4200, 524 North West Boulevard,Vineland, NJ 08360-2895

The Division of Healthcare Services of the NewJersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairsoperates three Veterans Memorial Homes within thestate. These homes provide long-term care for nearly1,000 New Jersey veterans. The homes areconveniently located in Paramus (northern NewJersey), Menlo Park (central New Jersey), and Vineland

(southern New Jersey), providing effective andconvenient service through out the state.

Facilities: The homes offer private and semi-private rooms, with special secured units available forresidents who tend to wander. Each room is equippedwith a nurse-call system for immediate nursing care.The homes are inspected and licensed annually bythe New Jersey Department of Health and SeniorServices and the United States Department of Veter-ans Affairs.

Medical Services: Comprehensive services anda deep concern for the residents go hand-in-hand atNew Jerseys’ three state-operated veterans nursinghomes. Around-the-clock medical and nursing care isprovided by a full-time staff of physicians, registerednurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nurs-ing assistants. Rehabilitative services, such asphysical therapy, occupational therapy, and speechtherapy are provided under the direct supervision oflicensed therapists. A wide range of other medicalservices is also offered, including psychological coun-seling dental, podiatric, dermatological care, andshort-term respite care.

Other Services: Spacious dining rooms providea welcoming setting for residents to enjoy wholesomemeals prepared under the supervision of licenseddietitians. Tray service is available when necessary,and special care is given to those who have individu-ally prescribed diets.

For the convenience and comfort of the residents,the homes feature fully equipped barber and beautyshops, lounges for socializing and watching televi-sion, computers, snack bars, libraries outdoor patiosand recreation areas, picnic grounds, and chapels forreligious services for all faiths.

Activity Programs: The special camaraderieamong veterans is recognized and incorporated intothe daily experiences of our residents.

Activity programs include ceramics, dinner parties,socials, bingo, shopping, movies, arts and crafts andgames. Off-site events include fishing excursions,bowling, day trips to places such as Atlantic City, theracetrack, and many sporting events.

Volunteers regularly visit residents and assistwith a wide range of programs and musical events.They include local school groups, veteran’sorganizations, and military units from the New Jersey

Brigadier General William C. Doyle VeteransMemorial Cemetery

The BG William C. Doyle Veterans MemorialCemetery provides eligible veterans the opportunityto be interred in a state operated cemetery dedicatedto them. Located in Arneytown, North Hanover Town-ship, Burlington County on 225 partially woodedacres, the cemetery provides a picturesque setting asa final resting place and memorial. The cemeteryfeatures a modern, nondenominational chapel andadministration building, and will accommodate 215,000veterans and eligible family members. Areas areprovided for the interment of cremated remains and forthose veterans whose remains have never been recov-ered.

Burial entitlements include a plot, grave liner,interment service, use of the chapel and maintenancein perpetuity, all at no charge to the veteran orveteran’s family. The U.S. bronze grave marker isprovided by the United States Department of VeteransAffairs. The state provides the granite base.

Eligibility - Applicant to be interred must havebeen a legal resident of the state of New Jersey at thetime of death or have lived at least 50% of his or herlife within the state. In addition, at least one of thefollowing criteria must be met:~ Service members who died while on active duty.~ Veterans whose last active service ended underother than dishonorable or undesirable conditions.~ Members of any reserve component of the ArmedForces (Army National Guard, Air National Guard orthe Reserve Officers Training Corps of the Army, Navy

The Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memo-rial Cemetery is located at Wrightstown 350 ProvincelineRoad, Wrightstown, NJ 08562. 609-758-7250.


DEATH, BURIAL AND RELATEDBENEFITS

National Guard. These organizations add immenselyto the quality of life of our residents.

Admissions: Resident accommodations areassigned based on the level of care required andvacancies. The facilities are open to veterans whowere honorably discharged, to the veteran’s spouse,and to spouses and parents of members of the militarywho were killed in action during a period of war (GoldStar Parent). A spouse or widow/widower must be atleast 50 years of age and must have been married tothe veteran for a period of not less than 10 years.Preference is given to applicants who were stateresidents for at least two years immediately prior toapplication for admission. Applicants must meetcertain asset limitation criteria. Residents payaccording to ability, based on income.

If you are responsible for the long-term care andwell being of a New Jersey veteran, a New JerseyVeterans Memorial Home may be the right nursinghome choice for your loved one. If you are interestedin applying to one of our veterans homes, pleasecontact the homes directly.

Transition: Before a resident is admitted to aveterans home, members of our staff work with familyand loved ones to ease the transition. We strive tokeep the family informed of important aspects of theresident’s nursing home life.

We maintain a special association with the U.S.Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), all veteran’sorganizations, and many other civic groups to makethe transition from community to assisted living lessdifficult.

Employment Opportunities: If you are interestedin employment at one of the New Jersey VeteransMemorial Homes as a Registered Nurse, LicensedPractical Nurse, or Certified Nurses’ Aide, please call(609) 530-6767.

NEW JERSEY VETERANSMEMORIAL HOMES


who died on active duty.~ Veterans who were discharged under conditionsother than dishonorable. Generally, an enlistedperson with service beginning after September 7,1980, and an officer with service after October 16,1981, must have served for a minimum of 24 monthsor the full period for which the person was called toactive duty. A VA Regional Office will make determi-nation in the case of an undesirable, bad conduct, orother than honorable discharge.~ Any citizen of the United States who served in thearmed forces of an ally of the U.S. during any war, inwhich the United States has been engaged. The lastactive service must be terminated honorably. Theperson must have been a U.S. citizen at the time ofentry into such service and at the time of death.~ Reservists and National Guard members with 20years of qualifying service, who are entitled to retiredpay or would be entitled, if at least 60 years of age.~ Members of reserve components who were disabledor died from a disease or injury incurred or aggravatedin line of duty during a period of inactive duty trainingor active duty for training.~ For members of the Reserve Officers' TrainingCorps, commissioned officers of the National Oce-anic and Atmospheric Administration and the Regularor Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service, andWorld War II Merchant Mariners, please call a Veteran'sBenefits Counselor at 1-800-827-1000 for details.~ The spouse or surviving spouse of an eligibleperson, even if that person is not buried or memorial-ized in a national cemetery, is eligible for interment ina national cemetery. In addition, the spouse of amember of the Armed Forces of the United States lostor buried at sea or officially determined to be perma-nently absent in a status of missing or missing inaction or whose remains have been donated to sci-ence or cremated and the ashes scattered is alsoeligible.~ Eligible children must be unmarried and under theage of 21; unmarried and under 23 years of age andpursuing a course of instruction at an approvededucational institution; or be an unmarried adult childwho became incapable of self support before reachingthe age of 21 because of mental or physical disability.

Persons NOT ELIGIBLE for Burial in a VA Na-tional Cemetery and other VA death related benefits:~ Former Spouses - A former spouse of an eligible

DEATH, BURIAL AND RELATED BENEFITS

and Air Force) who died under honorable conditionswhile on active duty for training or performing full-timeservice.~ Members of a reserve component who has attained20 years of service creditable for retired pay.~ Certain World War II Merchant Marines and thosewho have attained veteran status.~ The spouse, widow, or dependent child of anyeligible New Jersey veteran. Eligible children must beunmarried and under the age of 21 or be an unmarriedadult child who became incapable of self supportbefore reaching the age of 21 because of mental orphysical impairment.

Application - Requests for burial may be madeat the time of death through any funeral director. Thefamily may make requests for interment of crematedremains directly to the cemetery-office.

Veterans are encouraged to pre-register theirintent to be interred at the cemetery.

Pre-registration may be done at any state Veter-ans Service Office listed in Appendix A or at thecemetery itself.

Federal VA BenefitsAll federal death-related veterans benefits must

be applied for after the death of a veteran. You maynot pre-register or file requests in advance.

Eligibility for VA burial, death and relatedbenefits - To confirm your eligibility, call a Veteran'sBenefits Counselor at 1-800-827-1000. Applicantsmustmeet at least one of the following criteria:~ Members of the Armed Forces of the United States(Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard)

View of the Brigadier General William C. Doyle VeteransMemorial Cemetery.

The same procedures are followed if the veteran'seligible spouse or dependent predeceases the vet-eran. In most cases, one gravesite is provided for theburial of all eligible family members and a singleheadstone or marker is provided.

When both spouses are veterans, two gravesitesand two headstones or markers may be provided ifrequested.

Viewing facilities are not available and funeralservices cannot be held at VA national cemeteries,but a final committal service may be performed.

For information on VA National Cemeteries nearNew Jersey see Appendix E.

VA Headstone for Burial in a PrivateCemetery

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant,a government headstone or marker to mark the graveof an eligible veteran in any cemetery around theworld. Flat bronze, granite or marble markers andupright granite and marble headstones are available.The style chosen must be consistent with existingmonuments at the place of burial. Niche markers arealso available to mark columbaria used for intermentof cremated remains.

Eligibility - Spouses and dependents buried in aprivate cemetery are not eligible for a government-provided headstone or marker.

Details - By law, government markers are notprovided as foot stones and should not be used todouble-mark a veterans' grave. VA frequently callsthe cemetery to verify the grave is not, or will not be,marked with a private headstone or marker.

Application - A funeral director or VeteransService Officer can assist the family, completing VAForm 40-1330, Application for Standard GovernmentHeadstone or Marker for Installation in a Private orState Veteran's Cemetery. A Veterans Service Of-ficer may also assist, see Appendix A.

Reimbursement of Burial Expenses Service-Connected Death

VA will pay a burial allowance up to $2,000 if theveteran's death is service-connected. In some in-stances, VA also will pay the cost of transporting theremains of a service-disabled veteran to the nationalcemetery nearest the home of the deceased that has



individual whose marriage to that individual has beenterminated by annulment or divorce, if not otherwiseeligible.~ Discharge from Draft - A person who was ordered toreport to an induction station, but was not actuallyinducted into military service.~ Subversive Activities - Any person convicted ofsubversive activities after September 1, 1959, shallhave no right from and after the date of commission ofsuch offense, based on periods of active militaryservice commencing before the date of the commis-sion of such offense.~ Active or Inactive Duty for Training - A person whoseonly service is active duty for training or inactive dutytraining in the National Guard or Reserve Component,unless the individual meets the eligibility criteria listedabove.~ A person convicted of any Federal Capital crime orany State capital crime involving the death of one ormore people is denied burial or memorialization in anational cemetery. (Public Law 105-116, Nov. 1,1997)

Burial in a VA National CemeteryEligibility - Criteria listed above. VA national

cemetery directors have the primary responsibility forverifying eligibility for burial in VA national cemeteries.

Details - Gravesites in VA national cemeteriescannot be reserved in advance; however, reservationsmade prior to 1973 will be honored. No special formsare required when requesting burial in a VA nationalcemetery. The person making burial arrangementsshould contact the national cemetery in which burialis desired at the time of need. Scheduling can bedone seven days a week for interments on Mondaysthrough Fridays.

If possible, the following information concerningthe deceased should be provided when the cemeteryis first contacted: full name, military rank, branch ofservice, social security number, service number, VAclaim number (if applicable), date and place of birth,date and place of death, date of retirement or lastseparation from active duty, and a copy of any militaryseparation documents, such as the Department ofDefense Form 214 (DD-214). The discharge docu-ments must specify active military duty and show thatrelease from active duty was under other than dishon-orable conditions.


Contact - A funeral director can assist the family,complete VA Form 21-2008 in obtaining the flag. AVeterans Service Officer may also assist, see Appen-dix A.

Department of Defense Benefits MilitaryFuneral Honors

The core elements of the funeral honors cer-emony, which will be conducted on request, includea minimum two-person detail, flag folding, flag presen-tation and playing of taps, which may be from arecording. The veteran's parent service representativewill present the flag. Military Funeral Honors areprovided by the Department of Defense at no cost tothe family.

The military service requires at least 48 hoursadvance notice in order to organize the funeral honorsdetail.

Eligibility - Veterans must meet one of thefollowing criteria:~ Military members on active duty or in the SelectedReserve.~ Former military members who served on active dutyand departed under condition other than dishonor-able.~ Former military members who completed at leastone term of enlistment or period of initial obligatedservice in the Selected Reserve and departed underconditions other than dishonorable.~ Former military members discharged from theSelected Reserve due to a disability incurred oraggravated in the line of duty.

Points of Contact for Military Funeral Honorsin New Jersey

Funeral Directors - Department of Defensetollfree hotline is only for funeral directors. 1-877-MIL-HONR (1-877-645-4667.)

Army, Army Reserve and Army NationalGuard - Ft. Dix office covers entire state. 609-562-4453 or 562-3147.

Headquarters Marine Corps, 866-826-3628Marine Corps including Reserves - USMC

reserve units divide the state by counties.Dover (Picatinny Arsenal) 973-724-4700/4701

covers Sussex, Passaic, Bergen, Warren, Morris,Essex, Hudson, and Union Counties.

Red Bank 732-530-4500 Ext. 548 or after hours


available grave sites. In such cases, the person whobore the veteran's burial expenses may claim reim-bursement from the VA.

Death while eligible for pension orcompensation

VA will pay a $300 burial and funeral expenseallowance for veterans who, at time of death, wereentitled to receive pension or compensation or wouldhave been entitled to compensation except for receiv-ing military retirement pay. Eligibility also may beestablished when death occurs in a VA facility, anursing home under VA contract or a state veteransnursing home. Additional costs of transportation ofthe remains may be paid.

VA will pay a $300 plot allowance when a veteranis not buried in a cemetery that is under U.S. govern-ment jurisdiction under one of the following circum-stances:~ the veteran was discharged from active duty be-cause of disability incurred or aggravated in the line ofduty.~ the veteran was in receipt of compensation orpension or would have been except for receivingmilitary retired pay.~ the veteran died in a VA facility.

The $300 plot allowance may be paid to the stateif a veteran is buried without charge for the cost of aplot or interment in a state-owned cemetery reservedsolely for veteran burials. Burial expenses paid by thedeceased's employer or a state agency will not bereimbursed.

Time Limits - There is no time limit for filingreimbursement claims of service-connected deaths.In other deaths, claims must be filed within two yearsafter permanent burial or cremation.

Contact - For information on monetary benefits,call 1-800-827-1000.

Burial FlagA United States flag may be issued for burial or

memorial purposes in connection with the death of aneligible veteran. Funeral directors will often obtain thisflag for the family. This is the same flag that ispresented during military funeral honors.

Eligibility - The same veteran eligibility criteriaused for burial in a VA cemetery is used for burialflags.

formed services.~ Veterans dischargedhonorably or under honor-able conditions.~ United States civilianmarine personnel of theMilitary Sealift Command.~ Dependents of mem-bers, retirees and honor-able discharged veteransof the United States uni-formed services.

Presidential Memo-rial Certificate This is a parchmentcertificate with a calli-graphic inscription ex-pressing the nation'sgrateful recognition of ser-vice in the Armed Forces.The veteran's name is in-scribed and the certificatebears the signature of thePresident. Eligibility - Honorablydischarged, deceased vet-eran. There is no timelimit to apply for the certifi-

cate. Application - The family may request a Presiden-tial Memorial Certificate either in person at any VAregional office or by U.S mail. Requests cannot besent via e-mail. There is no form to fill out whenrequesting the certificate. When requesting by mail,a return address and a copy of the veteran's dischargedocuments must be enclosed.

Send requests to: U.S. Department of VeteransAffairs, National Cemetery Administration (403A),810 Vermont Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20420.

More information is available at: WWW.CEM.VA.GOV/PMC.HTM


Remembering and honoring those who fell in defense ofthe United States.


732-239-7526 cell phone,covers Somerset, Middle-sex, Monmouth and OceanCounties.

Trenton 609-882-5133Ext. 1 or after-hours 609-743-2506 covers Hunter-don, Mercer, Burlington,and Atlantic Counties.

Wilmington, DE 302-998-6695 covers CapeMay, Cumberland and Sa-lem Counties.

Willowgrove, PA 215-443-6740 24-hour duty cov-ers Camden and Glou-cester Counties.

Navy including Re-serves and Merchant Ma-rines - All funeral honorrequests must be throughGroton, Connecticut. Thephone number there is 860-694-3475. They will in turncontact either Naval Weap-ons Station Earle, orLakehurst Naval Engineer-ing Station, depending ongeographic location of in-terment site (North or South of Interstate 195.)

Air Force, Air Force Reserves, and Air Na-tional Guard - The McGuire Air Force Base officecovers the entire state. 609-754-4117.

U.S. Coast Guard contact 757-298-6390.Comments or concerns may be directed to

Military Funeral Honors, 9504 IH-35 North, Suite 320,San Antonio, TX 78233-6635, or go online to: WWW.MILITARY FUNERALHONORS.OSD.MIL

Burial at SeaBurials at sea services are performed on naval

vessels while deployed on official maneuvers. Due tooperational commitments, allow a minimum of eightweeks for committal to take place. The commandingofficer of the vessel will notify the family of the date,time, longitude and latitude of the committal. Eligibility -~ Members and retirees of the United States uni-

NEW JERSEY VIETNAM VETERANS' MEMORIAL AND VIETNAM ERAEDUCATIONAL CENTER


The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial,located in Holmdel, New Jersey, allows us to remem-ber and honor 1,557 New Jersey men and one womanwho lost their lives or remain missing in action inSoutheast Asia. It also publicly recognizes more than80,000 New Jerseyans whose heroism and couragewas unjustly ignored when they returned home.

Dedicated in May 1995, the Memorial is a circu-lar, open-air structure containing 366 polished blackgranite panels - one for each day of the year. En-graved on those panels are the names of each of the1,557 New Jersey soldiers, marines, sailors, or air-men killed or reported missing in action on that date.At the center of the Memorial stands a red oak, NewJersey's official state tree. It shades a grouping ofthree bronze statues representing those who died inSoutheast Asia, those who came home, and thewomen who served.

The Vietnam Era Educational Center is the firsteducational center and museum of its kind in theUnited States or the world. Dedicated in September1998, the center is devoted solely to gaining anunderstanding of the violent conflict in SoutheastAsia and the surrounding political strife in America.

The Center enables visitors to attain a greaterunderstanding of the myriad of forces that producedthe conflict abroad and the dissension at home. Itprovides an atmosphere where appropriate materialsand exhibits help visitors understand the significanceof the Memorial, the reality of the conflict, and thesocial, political and cultural complexities of the waryears. It complements the solemnity of the Memorialwith a dynamic and lively learning environment.

The 10,000 square-foot facility in-cludes an exhibition area with historictimeline, a circle of personal correspon-dence, flip books of personal photo-graphs, touch-screen computers, and atestimony theater. The resource roomcontains hundreds of books, videos, andCD-ROMS. The multipurpose roomserves as both a classroom and meetingroom for various functions. There is alsoa gift shop with Memorial merchandiseand items relating to the Vietnam Era.

Special, temporary exhibits, a filmand lecture series, issue-related forums,ceremonies and other special events

held at the Memorial and Educational Center through-out the year. Guided tours and facilities rental areavailable.

The NJ Vietnam Veterans' Memorial is open 24hours a day, 7 days a week. The Vietnam EraEducational Center is open to the public Tuesday -Saturday, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is $4 foradults, $2 for senior citizens and students, children10 and under are free. Veterans of military service andactive military personnel are admitted free of charge.

For more information, call 1-800-648-VETS (8387)or 732-335-0033.

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial at Holmdel.

The Memorial and EducationCenter is located on the grounds of

the PNC Bank Arts Center,Garden State, Parkway,

Exit 116, Holmdel

NEW JERSEY KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL

Mourning Soldier (right) and Combat Squad statues atthe New Jersey Korean War Memorial.

The Korean Conflict, 1950-1953 claimed morethan 540,900 lives, including 889 New Jersey veter-ans.

Dedicated on November 13, 2000, The New Jer-sey Korean War Memorial stands on land donated byAtlantic City, in Brighton Park, where Park Placemeets the Boardwalk.

Sculptors J. Tom Carrillo and Thomas Jay Warrendesigned the memorial featuring bronze figures ofheroic proportions, representing the servicemen andwomen who fought in Korea, which include the “Mourn-ing Soldier” clutching dog tags and remembering hislost comrades, a soldier and nurse helping a woundedsoldier, and two battlefield reliefs behind sheets ofwater cascading into reflecting pools. It also includesa wall bearing the names of all the service memberskilled or missing in action, as well as a wall honoringthe four New Jersey servicemen who were awardedthe Medal of Honor for heroism in Korea.

For more information, call the Division of VeteransServices at (609) 530-7049 or visit the New JerseyKorean War Memorial website at www.state.nj.us/military/korea.

New Jersey Korean War Memorial located at Brighton Park, Atlantic City where Park Place meets the Boardwalk.



BATTLESHIP USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62)The Navy announced

July 21, 2000, that Sec-retary of the Navy Rich-ard Danzig signed thedonation contract offi-cially transferring the his-toric battleship NewJersey (BB 62) to theHome Port Alliance forUSS NEW JERSEY Inc. inCamden.

Built at the Philadel-phia Naval Shipyard, theNew Jersey was commis-sioned on May 23, 1943,and saw active service from1944-1948, 1950-1957 and1968-1969. After undergo-ing modernization, she wasrecommissioned in 1982,serving almost nine moreyears and demonstratingglobal U.S. naval presenceas part of the MultinationalPeacekeeping Force inBeirut, Lebanon and in de-velopments to the EasternMediterranean and Western Pacific.

Beyond her imposing size, the "Big J" has animpressive record of service to her country, winningmany awards for the noteworthy actions of her crew,including sixteen battle stars - nine in World War II,four during the Korean War, and three during theVietnam War - as well as two Navy Unit Commenda-tions, eight service medals and eight service ribbons.

The Navy donates ships as a way of preservingnaval history and tradition, educating the public, andcommemorating the men and women who built andsailed the vessels.

The USS New Jersey completed her final voyagehome from Bremerton, Washington to the formerPhiladelphia Naval Ship Yard, arriving there appropri-ately enough, on Veterans' Day 1999. The Navy'sdecision to berth the Battleship permanently in Cam-den was announced on June 20, 2000.

The Battleship New Jersey, our Nation's mostdecorated battleship, is now a floating museum on the

Contemporary photo of the BB-62, The USS New Jersey. Courtesy United States Navy.

Delaware River, along the Camden Waterfront acrossfrom Center City, Philadelphia.

History comes to life as visitors experience a two-hour guided tour through the Iowa - class ship, one ofthe largest battleships ever built.

The tour takes visitors around the upper and lowersections of the Battleship complete with a multi-media room for disabled visitors.

Guided Tours are as follows:9 AM - 3 PM October - March9 AM - 5 PM April - SeptemberFor general information and directions call The

Home Port Alliance Group, 2500 Broadway, Drawer18, Camden, NJ 08104; 856-966-1652, Fax 856-966-1883.

APPENDIX A - NJDMAVA STATE VETERANS SERVICE OFFICES


ASBURY PARK 07712-6904630 Bangs Avenue, Suite 320732-775-7009 or -7005

ATLANTIC CITY 08401-69011601 Atlantic Avenue7th Floor609-441-3060 or -3061

BRICK 08724-3550970 Route 70(in the James J. Howard VA Clinic)732-840-3033 or -3034

ELIZABETH 07201-10531196 Chestnut Street908-820-3133 or -3134

HACKENSACK 07601-2570385 Prosepect Avenue, 3rd Floor201-996-8050 or -8051

JERSEY CITY 07306-3158438 Summit Avenue3rd Floor, Room 302201-798-7040 or - 7051 or -7026

MT. HOLLY 08060555 High St., Suite 6A609-518-2273 or 2274

NEWARK 07102-3174(Liaison office)20 Washington Place973-297-3230

NEW BRUNSWICK 08901-2102711 Jersey Avenue732-937-6347 or -6348 or -6349

NEWTON 07860-5000Armory, 5 South Park Dr.(off U.S. Highway 206)973-383-4949 or -1363Dover (Wednesday)973-366-8347

PATERSON 07505-2101100 Hamilton Plaza, 6th Floor973-977-4050, 4051 or -4556

PHILADELPHIA, PA 19144(Liaison office)5000 Wissahicken Avenue215-381-3054

PORT MURRAY 07865-9482Armory, 550 Route 57908-689-5840 or -5845

THOROFARE 08086215 Crown Point Road, Suite 300856-853-4184, 4185 or -4186

TRENTON 08625-067128 W. State Street, 5th Floor, Room 514609-292-5880 or -5881

VINELAND 08360-2895524 Northwest BoulevardNJ Veterans Memorial Home856-696-6452 or -6445 or -6451

VETERAN ORGANIZATIONS SERVICEOFFICES

All offices are Located at 20 WashingtonPlace, Newark, NJ 07102

AMERICAN LEGION973-297-3377

AMVETS973-297-3376

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS973-297-3378

UNITED SPINAL ASSOCIATION973-297-3387

JEWISH WAR VETERANS973-297-3388

MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART973-297-3389

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS973-297-3226

VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA973-297-3227


APPENDIX B - NJ COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICES

ATLANTICAtlantic County office ofVeterans Affairs6601 Ventnor Avenue,Suite 307Ventnor NJ 08406609-487-6932

BERGENDivision of VeteransServicesOne Bergen County Plaza,2nd FloorHackensack NJ 07601201-336-6325, 6328, 6329,6326, 7406

BURLINGTONDept. of Veterans Affairs795 Woodlane RoadHuman Services BuildingMt. Holly NJ 08060609-265-5008, 5154

CAMDENDepartment of VeteransAffairs315 South White Horse PikeMagnolia NJ 08049856-566-7297856-566-7295 Fax

CAPE MAYVeterans Bureau4005 Rte 9 SouthRio Grande NJ 08242609-886-2762

CUMBERLANDCumberland Veterans AffairsOffice122 E. Main Street,Suite 100Millville NJ 08332856-293-0437

ESSEXVeterans Bureau50 South Clinton Street,Suite 3200East Orange NJ 07018973-395-8394

GLOUCESTEROffice of Veterans Affairs211 County House Rd.Washington TwpSewell NJ 08080856-401-7660

HUDSONVeterans ServicesCounty of HudsonDept. of Health & HumanServices595 Newark Avenue,Room 104Jersey City NJ 07306201-795-5610

HUNTERDONInterment Officer24 Stryker StreetLambertville NJ 08530609-397-8190

MERCERDepartment of VeteransAffairs2280 Hamilton AvenueHamilton NJ 08619609-989-6120

MIDDLESEXDept. of Human ServicesMiddlesex County Admin.BuildingJohn F. Kennedy Square,5th FloorNew Brunswick NJ 08901732-745-4051

MONMOUTHInterment OfficePO Box 3000, KozloskiRoadFreehold NJ 07728732-308-2988

MORRISCounty Dept. of HumanServicesVeterans Services340 W. Hanover AvenueMorris Township NJ07960-2777973-285-6868

OCEANVeterans Service Bureau1027 Hooper Avenue,Building 2PO Box 2191Toms River NJ 08754-2191732-929-2096

PASSAICVeterans Service OfficeAdministration Building309 Pennsylvania AvenuePaterson NJ 07505973-881-4173

SALEMVeterans Service Office92 Market StreetSalem NJ 08079856-339-8603

SOMERSETDepartment of VeteransServices92 E. Main StreetSomerville NJ 08876908-704-6329

SUSSEXInterment OfficerP.O. Box 844Stanhope NJ 07874973-347-8333

UNIONOffice of Veterans AffairsUnion County AdministrationBuilding3rd Floor10 Elizabethtown PlazaElizabeth NJ 07207908-659-7407or 866-640-7115908-558-2566 Fax

WARRENInterment Officer8 Hughes LaneBelvidere NJ 07823908-475-2413Assistant Supervisor6 Hemlock LaneBelvidere NJ 07823908-475-5098


APPENDIX C - ONE-STOP CAREER CENTERS

Atlantic County One-Stop CareerCenter2 South Main StreetPleasantville, NJ 08232-2728609-813-3900Bayonne One-Stop Career Center690 BroadwayBayonne, NJ 07002-2920201-858-3037Bergen County One-Stop CareerCenter60 State StreetHackensack, NJ 07601-5427201-996-8950Bloomfield One-Stop CareerCenter57 Park StreetBloomfield, NJ 07003-2598973-680-5550Bridgeton County One-StopCareer Center40 E. Broad StreetBridgeton, NJ 08302-2876856-453-3900Burlington County One-StopCareer Center795 Woodlane RoadWesthampton, NJ 08060-6100609-518-3900Camden County One-Stop CareerCenter2600 Mount Ephraim AvenueCamden, NJ 081041-877-995-2600Clifton One-Stop Career Center388 Lakeview AvenueClifton, NJ 07011973-340-3400Dover One-Stop Career Center107 Bassett HighwayDover, NJ 07801-3896973-361-9050East Orange One-Stop Center50 S. Clinton StreetEast Orange, NJ 07018973-266-1990Elizabeth One-Stop CareerCenters208 Commerce PlaceElizabeth, NJ 07201-2306908-820-3181

Essex County College ContinuingEducation Yellow SectionNewark, NJ 07102973-733-5370Flemington One-Stop CareerCenter1 East Main StreetFlemington, NJ 08822-1787908-782-2371Fort Dix One-Stop Career CenterUSARTC-Fort Dix DelawareAvenueFort Dix, NJ 08640-6904609-723-5494Franklin One-Stop Career Center12 Munsonhurst RoadFranklin, NJ 07416973-209-0284Hammonton One-Stop CareerCenter44 No. White Horse PikeHammonton, NJ 08037-1860609-561-8800Jersey City One-Stop CareerCenter438 Summit AvenueJersey City, NJ 07306-3175201-795-8800Jersey City One-Stop CareerCenter121-125 Newark AvenueJersey City, NJ 07302201-860-0080Lakewood One-Stop CareerCenter231 3rd Street 2nd FloorLakewood, NJ 08701732-905-5996Mayor‘s Office of Employmentand Training57 Sussex Avenue 2nd FloorNewark, NJ 07103973-733-8500Mercer County One-Stop CareerCenter26 Yard AvenueTrenton, NJ 08625-0954609-292-0620Morristown One-Stop CareerCenter30 Schuyler PlaceMorristown, NJ 07960-3834973-631-6321

Neptune One-Stop Career Center60 Taylor AvenueNeptune, NJ 07753-4844732-775-1566New Brunswick One-Stop CareerCenter506 Jersey AvenueNew Brunswick, NJ 08901-1392732-937-6200Newark One-Stop Career Center990 Broad StreetNewark, NJ 07102973-648-3370Newton One-Stop Career CenterRoute 206 NorthNewton, NJ 07860-1818973-383-2775Passaic County One-Stop CareerCenter14-16 Howe StreetPassaic, NJ 07055-4007973-916-2643Paterson County One-StopCareer Center370 BroadwayPaterson, NJ 07501-2192973-977-4350Perth Amboy One-Stop CareerCenter339 Maple StreetPerth Amboy, NJ 08861-4193732-293-5016Phillipsburg One-Stop CareerCenter75 South Main StreetPhillipsburg, NJ 08865908-859-0400Plainfield One-Stop CareerCenter200 East 2nd StreetPlainfield, NJ 07060–1306908-412-7980Plainfield One-Stop CareerCenter120 West Seventh StreetPlainfield, NJ 07060908-757-9090Red Bank One-Stop CareerCenter170 Monmouth StreetRed Bank, NJ 07701732-747-2282


APPENDIX D - VA NEWJERSEY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

Veterans Benefits Administration - Eastern AreaOfficeNewark Regional Office20 Washington Place Newark, NJ 071021-800-827-1000Philadelphia Regional OfficeRo and Ins. Center, PO Box 8079, 5000Wissahicken Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19101Information: 1-800-669-8477

Veterans Health Administration - VISN 3:Veterans Integrated Service NetworkEast Orange Campus of the VA New JerseyHealth Care System385 Tremont Avenue, East Orange, NJ 07018973-676-1000Elizabeth Community Clinic654 East Jersey Street, Suite 2A, Elizabeth, NJ07206908-994-0120Ft. Monmouth Community ClinicPaterson Army Health Clinic, Building 1075,Stephenson Ave. Fort Monmouth, NJ 07703732-532-4500Hackensack Community Clinic385 Prospect Avenue Hackensack, NJ 07601201-487-1390James J. Howard Community Clinic (Brick, NJ)970 Rt. 70 Brick, NJ 08724732-206-8900Jersey City Community Clinic115 Christopher Columbus Drive Jersey City, NJ07302201-435-3055/3305Lyons Campus of the VA New Jersey HealthCare System151 Knollcroft Road, Lyons, NJ 07939908-647-0180Morristown Community Clinic340 West Hanover Ave Morristown, NJ 07960973-539-9791/9794New Brunswick Community Clinic317 George Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901732-729-0646Newark Community Clinic20 Washington Place, Newark, NJ 07102973-645-1441

Rio Grande One-Stop Career Center1304 Route 47 SouthRio Grande, NJ 08242609-886-0975Salem County One-Stop Career Center174 East BroadwaySalem, NJ 08079856-935-7007Somerville One-Stop Career Center75 Veterans Memorial DriveSomerville, NJ 08876-2950908-704-3001Toms River One-Stop Career Center1027 Hooper AvenueToms River, NJ 08753-6577732-286-5616Trenton One-Stop Career Center650 S. Broad StreetTrenton, NJ 08611609-989-6523Union City One-Stop Career Center4800 BroadwayUnion City, NJ 07087201-866-4100Vineland One-Stop Career Center275 North Delsa DriveVineland, NJ 08360-3670856-696-6600Wildwood One-Stop Career Center3810 New Jersey Ave.Wildwood, NJ 08260-0210609-729-0997Woodbury One-Stop Career Center215 Crown Point RoadWoodbury, NJ 08086856-251-6800Cherry Hill One-Stop Career Center1873 Route 70 EastCherry Hill, NJ 08003856-751-8550Toms River One-Stop Career CenterOcean County PICToms River, NJ 08755732-286-6446

APPENDIX C - ONE-STOPCAREER CENTERS


Paterson Community Clinic275 Getty Avenue, St. Joseph’s Hospital & MedicalCenter, Paterson, NJ 07503973-247-1666

Trenton Community Clinic171 Jersey Street, Bldg. 36, Trenton, NJ 08611-2425609-989-2355

Veterans Health Administration - VISN 4: VAStars & Stripes Healthcare Network

Cape May VA Outpatient Clinic1 Monroe Avenue Cape May, NJ 08204609-898-8700

VA Clinic NJ Veterans Memorial Home520 Northwest Boulevard Vineland, NJ 08360856-692-1588

VA Outpatient Clinic at Marshall Hall8th and Alabama Ft. Dix, NJ 08640609-562-2999

Ventnor VA Health Clinic6601 Ventnor Avenue, Suite 303 Ventnor, NJ08406609-823-3122

Veterans Health Clinic at Gloucester County211 County House Road Sewell, NJ 08080-2525856-307-4825

APPENDIX D - VA NEW JERSEY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

VETERAN CENTERS

BLOOMFIELD 070032 Broad St.Suite 703973-748-0980

JERSEY CITY 07302115 Christopher Columbus DriveSuite 200201-748-4467

PHILADELPHIA 19107801 Arch St.Suite 102215-627-0238

PHILADELPHIA 19120101 East Olney Ave.Box C-7215-924-4670

EWING 08618934 Parkway Ave.Second Floor609-882-5744

VENTNOR CITY 08406Ventnor Professional Campus6601 Ventnor Ave.Suite 105609-487-8387


APPENDIX E - FEDERAL CEMETERIES

Beverly National CemeteryR.D. #1, Bridgeboro Road, Beverly, NJ 08010609-877-5460.

Finn's Point National CemeteryRFD #3, Fort Mott Road, Box 542, Salem, NJ 08079.Contact Beverly National Cemetery 609-877-5460

Bath National CemeteryVA Medical Center, Bath, NY 14810.607-776-5480, Ext. 1293

Calverton National Cemetery210 Princeton Boulevard, Calverton, NY 11933-1031.631-727-5410 or 631-727-5770

Cypress Hills National Cemetery625 Jamaica Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11208. Contact:Long Island National Cemetery. 516-454-4949

Long Island National Cemetery2040 Wellwood Avenue, Farmingdale, NY 11735-1211. 516-454-4949

Saratoga National Cemetery200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871-1721. 518-581-9128

Woodlawn National Cemetery1825 Davis Street, Elmira, NY 14901. Contact: BathNational Cemetery 607-776-5480, Ext. 1293

Indiantown Gap National CemeteryR.R. #2, P.O. Box 484, Annville, PA 17003-9618.717-865-5254

Philadelphia National CemeteryHaines Street and Limekiln Pike, Philadelphia, PA19138. Contact Beverly National Cemetery609-877-5460


SENATE SENIOR CITIZENS, VETERANSAFFAIRS AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

The six member committee reviews and recom-mends legislation affecting veterans and their depen-dents to other committees and the Senate. ForLegislative information call 1-800-792-8630 or 609-292-4840.

VETERANS SERVICES COUNCIL

The Veterans Services Council was establishedby the legislature in 1948. It is composed of nineveterans, all of whom are appointed by the governorand serve four-year terms. Its principal responsibilityis the formulation of policies and recommendations,which are subject to the approval of the AdjutantGeneral, to improve the availability and coordination ofservices offered to veterans and their dependents. Toachieve this goal, the council continually assessesand identifies the needs of the veterans of NJ; informsthe public and legislative bodies of those needs;assists in the development of and recommendspublic policy to meet those needs; and monitorsthose agencies which provide services to veterans toensure that public policy is being implemented effec-tively.

OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE SERVICES

Coordinates numerous programs aimed at edu-cating the public about legislative activity. For copiesof bills, resolutions, legislative calendars or otherpublications, call the Legislative Information and BillRoom at 1-800-792-8630 or 609-292-4840. Informa-tion is also available online at: WWW.NJLEG.STATE.NJ.US

VETERANS FACILITIES ADVISORY COUNCILS

Under general policies established by The Adju-tant General, the four Veterans Facilities AdvisoryCouncils recommend standards and procedures forapplication and determination of eligibility for admis-sion to state veterans facilities and recommend stan-dards for quality care. The council also recommendsstandards and procedures for determination and pay-ment of amounts which members may be required tocontribute toward the cost of care and treatment in

APPENDIX F - NJ VETERANS SERVICE AGENCIES

VETERANS ASSISTANCE OFFICES ATINSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Veterans and eligible dependents may seekassistance with educational entitlements at veteransassistance offices located on the campus of mostprivate and public colleges throughout the state.These offices are certified by the State ApprovingAgency, Division of Veterans Services, and will assistin processing the paperwork required to receive edu-cational entitlements. Personnel are employees ofeach institution.

VETERANS ASSISTANCE OFFICES AT THECOUNTY LEVEL

Following honorable separation or discharge fromthe service, veterans are encouraged to bring theirdischarge papers to the clerk or registrar of deeds oftheir county of residence who will record the docu-ment without cost to the veteran. If the original is everlost by the veteran, the clerk will provide a certifiedcopy for a nominal fee.

Every county is required to hire a Supervisor ofVeterans Interment to assist families of deceasedveterans with information and arrangements concern-ing burial entitlements and services.

Some counties have gone one step further andhave established a veterans affairs office which pro-vides veterans with information on services and en-titlements or can refer them to the proper agencyequipped to handle the specific problem or question.

County-operated veterans service offices are listedin Appendix B.

ASSEMBLY COMMERCE AND MILITARY ANDVETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

The seven member committee works to identifythe needs and concerns of the veterans of N.J.,explores various avenues of addressing those needsand concerns, and reviews and recommends legisla-tion affecting veterans and their dependents to otherassembly committees and the General Assembly.For Legislative information call 1-800-792-8630 or609-292-4840.


APPENDIX G - VETERANSWEBSITES

NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairswww.state.nj.us/military

Federal VA Home pagewww.va.gov

TRICAREwww.tricare.osd.mil/

Federal Veterans’ Preferencewww.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp

Small Business Administrationwww.sba.gov/VETS/

Arlington National Cemeterywww.arlingtoncemetery.org/

Military Funeral Honorswww.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil/

National Archiveswww.archives.gov/index.html

Military Officers Association of Americawww.moaa.org/

Defense Finance and Accounting Servicewww.dod.mil/dfas/

accordance with their financial ability. There is acouncil for each veterans memorial home and thecemetery.

BLUE STAR MEMORIAL HIGHWAY ADVISORYCOUNCIL

Originated as a joint project of the Garden Club ofN.J. and the Highway Dept. in 1944, as a way toprovide a living memorial to veterans. The originalproject established a five-mile planting of floweringdogwood trees in a landscaped area along US Route29 (now Route 22) between Mountainside and NorthPlainfield. The project was named Blue Star Drive, forthe blue star in the service flag that families wouldhang in their windows for each family member onactive duty. In 1945, it became a national project. In1948, the N.J. Blue Star Advisory Council was estab-lished.

New Jersey Interstates 78, 80, 287 and 295 havebeen dedicated as memorial highways; the entirelength of Route 22 has been designated as the state'slink in the national chain.

For more information on designated highways,by-ways and cemeteries contact the local GardenClub.

VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

For information on the state memorial and educa-tional center located at Exit 116 on the Garden StateParkway, Holmdel, call 1-800-648-VETS (8387).

WOMEN VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The committee serves as a forum for addressingthe needs and concerns of women veterans, works tosupport equality of services and stresses the avail-ability of entitlements to women.

APPENDIX F - NJ VETERANSSERVICE AGENCIES


APPENDIX H - SERVICE CONNECTED DISABILITY COMPENSATION


NEW JERSEY FORMS

The following forms have been included for your convenience. The forms may be removed from the bookor copied. If you copy the form, remember to copy the reverse side. New Jersey Forms pages are not numbered.

The forms areincluded in the following order:

Appendix/Page Form/Title Number of pages in form

Appendix I/43 Standard Form 180Request For Military Records 3

Appendix J/46 NJDMAVA Form 05A-1NJ Civil ServiceVeterans Preference Claim Form 2

Appendix K/48 NJ Application for Award Program 2

Appendix L/50 NJ Operation Recognition Program 2

Appendix M/52 NJDMAVA Form 05A-2NJ Application for Veterans Designation for Pension 1

A note about obtaining New Jersey Army and Air NationalGuard records

To obtain New Jersey Army National Guard records (some New Jersey Air National Guardrecords are available) from all time periods and any service branch discharge after 1974contact 609-530-6823.

To obtain discharges from any service branch, logon to http://vetrecs.archives.gov or fillout a Standard Form 180.


NOTES

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARYAND

VETERANS AFFAIRS

new jersey veterans guide › parole › docs › veterans › vetsguide2006.pdfnew jersey...

Documents