Earlier this year we announced that the US Veterans' Administration had agreed to fund a $22 million expansion and improvement program at the cemetery over the next 5 to 7 years. Bill Jayne, from the Veterans Administarion, informed us recently that the VA will provide $7 million this year for the first phase of the project. This year's funding will include two one-acre crypt fields ($2 million), 3,500 columbarium nitches ($1.25 million), a new administration and maintenance complex ($3.5 million), and $250,000 in design costs. This is great news for New Jersey and its veterans.
Korean War Memorial Update
The New Jersey Department of Military and Veteran Affairs has hired a local company to perform maintenance at the memorial that is outside of the scope of work that is performed by Atlantic City. Our Contractor visits the memorial daily and is responsible for maintaining the granite, statues, waterfalls, reflecting pools, and irrigation system. They will also do snow and ice removal in the winter.
Additionally, if you have visited the Memorial recently, you will notice that the severe winter has caused some damage to the coating on the cement walls. We will be meeting with the manufacturer and the contractor to determine what the best fix is for the problem. The warranty will cover these repairs.
NJ Veteran Memorial Homes Update
The Vineland facility is currently in the process of architectural design for accommodations for assisted living and reconstruction of the existing facility.
The Menlo Park facility plans to offer Adult Day Care Services for thirty-two clients in May 2001.
Within our system of three homes and more than 1,000 beds, we can admit a veteran within two to three weeks. Normally if there is any further delay it is because a veteran is unwilling to accept temporary placement in one facility while awaiting a transfer to the facility of his or her choice. Those veterans who refuse a temporary placement, can currently expect a wait of six to eight months for admission to the Menlo Park home. Each of these veterans is offered a temporary placement at Paramus or Vineland while waiting for an opening at Menlo Park.
For information or an admission package, call (609)530-6979
NJ World War II Memorial
Legislation passed last year authorizing a World War II Memorial Commission to recommend a suitable location for a WWII Memorial here in the State. The commission is expected to hold a first meeting this spring and recommend a site to the Govenor and Legislature by mid-summer.
NJ Women Veterans Advisory Committee
A monthly meeting is held at the Menlo Park Veterans Memorial Home the second Friday of each month at 10:00AM. For more information call Catherine Viscito at (609)698-3985
Tricare for Life
Recently an unidentified group has been contacting military retirees more than 65 years old and offering to enroll them in Tricare for Life for a $50 fee. Tricare for Life does NOT charge an enrollment fee. For more information call Bob Washington at (800)372-1924.
TROA Career Fair 2001
The Retired Officers Association is holding a career fair May 17, 9 AM to 7 PM at the Washington Convention Center, 900 9th Street NW in Washington, DC. No fees, business attire or uniform. More than 100 companies plan to recruit military personnel, veterans and spouses. For more information, call toll free (877)533-8677.
Vietnam Era Educational Center Upcoming Events
Saturday, April 21, 1:00PM,
The Real Deal -
A film presentation by Marc Levy, Vietnam veteran and poet. Lecture attendees are asked to RSVP one week prior to the event to (732)335-0033. A donation of $5 per person is suggested.
Saturday, April 28, 1:00PM,
Organizing Resistance to the Vietnam War -
Oral history presentation by Leonard Amada, WWII veteran and community activist. Lecture attendees are asked to RSVP one week prior to (732)335-0033. A donation of $5 per person is suggested.
Monday, May 7, 11:00AM,
NJ Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day Ceremony -
Keynote speaker: Hela Young.
Thursday, May 17, 7:00PM,
A Long Time Coming -
Oral history presentation by Robert Maras, Vietnam veteran and past president of VVA, about his return trips to Vietnam. Lecture attendees are asked to RSVP one week prior to the event to (732)335-0033. A donation of $5 per person is suggested.
Monday, May 28, 11:00AM,
Memorial Day Ceremony.
Thursday, June 7, 7:00AM,
Dreaming Through the Twilight -
A play about loss and healing, presented on video by Tom Tunnington. Lecture attendees are asked to RSVP one week prior to the event to (732)335-0033. A donation of $5 per person is suggested.
Sunday, September 16, 11:00AM,
Rolling Thunder - Ride for Freedom VI - 6th Annual motorcycle cavalcade organized by Rolling Thunder, Inc. to keep the issue of America's prisoners of war and missing in action in the public eye. Departs from Warinanco Park, Roselle, NJ at 11:00AM, travels the Garden State Parkway and arrives at the NJ Vietnam Veterans' Memorial.
All events and notices are included as space is available. Events must be opened to the general public, without discrimination or membership. Submissions must include hosting organization; event description, date, time and place; point of contact and cost if any. Submissions may be sent to: Veteran Journal Editor, NJDMAVA, PO Box 340, Eggert Crossing Road, Trenton, NJ 08625-0340.