On Thursday, Sept. 29 the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) Veterans Programs and Services kiosk display will be stationed at the Ocean County Mall.  This is the first in a series of monthly visits to major commercial malls throughout the Garden State.

      The “one-mall-a-month” program is part of a greater veterans information outreach intended to establish contact with as many veterans as possible to ensure that they and their family members are receiving every benefit for which they are eligible.  The kiosk display titled "Serving Those Who Served" will be situated outside BOSCOV's Department Store near the Food Court and remain in place at the Ocean County Mall through Saturday, Oct. 1.  The information tables will be open between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on each of those three days.

      John Dorrity, the Ocean County Veterans Service Officer together with personnel representing the Veterans Programs and Veterans Services Divisions of DMAVA will provide personal assistance to mall visitors seeking information or help in applying for veterans benefits.

      The new DMAVA outreach effort was in direct response to the recent Inspector General Report documenting the inequity in United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Service Connected federal compensation to New Jersey veterans vs. veterans living in other states. This new information program is designed to better inform veterans as to the specifics of the benefits and entitlements for which they may be eligible and includes the following new services and outreach efforts:

      A new, toll-free, 24/7 benefits information contact number for Veterans and their dependents - 1-888-8 NJ VETS.

      A new toll-free, 24 / 7 veterans mental health helpline for returning veterans of Southwest Asia and their family members 1-866-VETS-NJ–4 geared specifically to PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and other service related issues.

      Widespread distribution of new bumper stickers featuring our new Veterans Benefits toll-free phone number - 1-888-8-NJ-VETS.

      Airing a series of radio and television Public Service Announcements that provide contact numbers and detail specific information about services available in New Jersey for our veterans and their dependents.