Year-Round Veteran Support Highlighted in Morris County

Veteran Issues Were Focus of Stakeholders Meeting at Veterans Services Office

Morris County welcomed veterans and service providers last week to the Morris County Veterans Services Office for a meeting hosted by New Jersey SOS Veterans Stakeholders Group to encourage networking and understanding of veterans' support needs across the region.

(l-r) Nicholas Henry, Field Representative for the Office of U.S. Rep. Tom Kean (NJ-07), Morris County Commissioner and Marine Corps Veteran John Krickus, and Willy Tolba, Navy Veteran and Veterans Liaison/Constituent Service Representative for the Office of U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11).

More than 60 participants attended, including representatives from the offices of U.S. Rep. Tom Kean, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill and the N.J. State Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Organizations represented included Catholic Charities Diocese of Paterson, Veterans Affairs Healthcare, Welcome Home Vets of NJ, Morris Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill Industries of Greater New York & Northern New Jersey, Inc., and the Mental Health Association of NJ.

“Supporting our veterans is crucial to honor their sacrifices and ensure their well-being,” said Commissioner John Krickus, a Marine Corps veteran. “While holidays often spotlight their service, we want our veterans to know that Morris County is here throughout the year providing essential services for their transition to civilian life, whether it be access to healthcare, employment opportunities and training or mental health support.”

Christine Hellyer, Director of the Office of Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming, and Jessica Tomalo, Program Coordinator for the Morris County Office of Veterans Services, provided updates on county veterans services. Over the past two years, Morris County has expanded its Veterans Services Office to include a fourth full-time Veterans Services Officer position, which is currently being recruited, as well as a seasonal intern who started last week and participated in the event.

“In 2022, Morris County allocated $350,000 to veteran services, and last year contributed an additional $300,000 to address the growing demand for mental health, shelter placement, transportation services, meal assistance, counseling, legal services and other veteran services currently being provided by the Morris County Human Services Department,” said Krickus.

A new federal Veteran Center Community Access Point (CAP) opened in May at the Morris County VSO located at 540 West Hanover Avenue in Morris Township. Morris County volunteered to share and improve its county VSO space to host the VA CAP.

Two VA counselors from the federal Bloomfield Vet Center are available to provide services every Thursday by appointment only. Veterans interested in these services should call the Bloomfield Vet Center at 973-748-0980 to schedule an appointment.

Norus Achtemov, Vice Commander of Morristown’s American Legion Post 59.

A Veteran Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training event is scheduled tomorrow, June 12 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the County College of Morris. The workshop is open to the public and will feature S.A.V.E. Training, a gun safety demonstration, and other resources that will be especially helpful for veterans, veteran providers, case workers, and community partners.

The event is being presented by the New Jersey SOS Veterans Stakeholders Group, the Morris County Sheriff's Office, Catholic Charities Diocese of Paterson, the County College of Morris, and the Veterans Health Administration NJ Health Care System.

A veterans appreciation event is also being planned for later this summer at a park in Morris County. Sign up for the Morris County weekly email newsletter for updates about this event and other veteran events throughout the county.