Dear Veteran:

Greetings from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs! I hope this letter finds you all well as we start the New Year. In an effort to keep you informed on what we are doing at the Department, it is my intention to send you an update similar to this one on a quarterly basis. These updates will include information papers from each of my Division Directors (Division of Veterans Healthcare Services, Division of Veterans Programs, and Division of Veterans Services), which will address specific programs or activities relevant to their divisions.

When I sent my last letter to you, I just had been nominated for the position of Deputy Commissioner. I am pleased to report that I have subsequently been confirmed by the senate, appointed by the Governor, and sworn in by The Adjutant General - so, I guess I am official now. I would like to thank all of the Veterans who supported me through the confirmation process. It clearly was your support that carried the day at the Judiciary Committee hearing.

Well, mine is not the only new face on the Veterans Affairs staff. In November of last year, we filled the vacancy left by Kathy Morrissey when she retired. BG Frank Carlini is now the Director for the Division of Veterans Healthcare Services. Frank is a Vietnam Veteran who has been with the New Jersey Army National Guard in a variety of positions culminating with his current assignment as the Deputy Commander, Joint Force Headquarters. I could not be happier to have Frank on the Veterans Affairs Team.

I believe that exchange of ideas and information will be the key to our success so I encourage you to communicate with me by phone, mail or e-mail. Tell me what we need to do better, tell me what issues are important to you, and also tell me who is doing a particularly good job because patting folks on the back is often the best motivator. I can be reached by phone at (609) 530-7062, at the address listed above, or at Stephen.Abel@njdmava.state.nj.us by e-mail.

Finally, I have included an updated contact list of the key Veterans Affairs personnel for you. Once again, I thank you for your support. I have truly enjoyed my first three months on the job and as I look to the future, I am excited about what you and I can accomplish for our Veterans.

Attachments:
- VSO Directory List (PDF)