VETERANS ASSISTANCE OFFICES AT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Veterans and eligible dependents may seek assistance with educational entitlements at veterans assistance offices located on the campus of most private and public colleges throughout the state. These offices are certified by the State Approving
Agency, Division of Veterans Services, and will assist in processing the paperwork required to receive educational entitlements. Personnel are employees of each institution.

VETERANS ASSISTANCE OFFICES AT THE COUNTY LEVEL

Following honorable separation or discharge from the service, veterans are encouraged to bring their discharge papers to the clerk or registrar of deeds of
their county of residence who will record the document without cost to the veteran. If the original is ever lost by the veteran, the clerk will provide a certified copy for a nominal fee.

Every county is required to hire a Supervisor of Veterans Interment to assist families of deceased veterans with information and arrangements concerning burial entitlements and services.

Some counties have gone one step further and have established a veterans affairs office which provides veterans with information on services and entitlements or can refer them to the proper agency equipped to handle the specific problem or question.

County-operated veterans service offices are listed in Appendix B.

ASSEMBLY COMMERCE AND MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

The seven member committee works to identify the needs and concerns of the veterans of N.J., explores various avenues of addressing those needs and concerns, and reviews and recommends legislation affecting veterans and their dependents to other assembly committees and the General Assembly.

For Legislative information call 1-800-792-8630 or 609-292-4840.

SENATE SENIOR CITIZENS, VETERANS AFFAIRS AND HUMAN SERVICES
COMMITTEE

The six member committee reviews and recommends legislation affecting veterans and their dependents to other committees and the Senate. For Legislative information call 1-800-792-8630 or 609- 292-4840.

VETERANS SERVICES COUNCIL

The Veterans Services Council was established by the legislature in 1948. It is composed of nine veterans, all of whom are appointed by the governor and serve four-year terms. Its principal responsibility is the formulation of policies and recommendations, which are subject to the approval of the Adjutant General, to improve the availability and coordination of services offered to veterans and their dependents. To achieve this goal, the council continually assesses and identifies the needs of the veterans of NJ; informs the public and legislative bodies of those needs;
assists in the development of and recommends public policy to meet those needs; and monitors those agencies which provide services to veterans to ensure that public policy is being implemented effectively.

OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE SERVICES

Coordinates numerous programs aimed at educating the public about legislative activity. For copies of bills, resolutions, legislative calendars or other publications, call the Legislative Information and Bill Room at 1-800-792-8630 or 609-292-4840. Information is also available online at: WWW.NJLEG.STATE.NJ.US

VETERANS FACILITIES ADVISORY COUNCILS

Under general policies established by The Adjutant General, the four Veterans Facilities Advisory Councils recommend standards and procedures for application and determination of eligibility for admission to state veterans facilities and recommend standards for quality care. The council also recommends standards and procedures for determination and payment of amounts which members may be required to
contribute toward the cost of care and treatment in accordance with their financial ability. There is a council for each veterans memorial home and the cemetery.

BLUE STAR MEMORIAL HIGHWAY ADVISORY COUNCIL

Originated as a joint project of the Garden Club of N.J. and the Highway Dept. in 1944, as a way to provide a living memorial to veterans. The original project established a five-mile planting of flowering dogwood trees in a landscaped area along US Route 29 (now Route 22) between Mountainside and North Plainfield. The project was named Blue Star Drive, for the blue star in the service flag that families would hang in their windows for each family member on active duty. In 1945, it became a national project. In 1948, the N.J. Blue Star Advisory Council was established. New Jersey Interstates 78, 80, 287 and 295 have been dedicated as memorial highways; the entire length of Route 22 has been designated as the state's
link in the national chain. For more information on designated highways, by-ways and cemeteries contact the local Garden Club.

VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

For information on the state memorial and educational center located at Exit 116 on the Garden State Parkway, Holmdel. For more information call 1-800-648-VETS(8387).

WOMEN VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The committee serves as a forum for addressing the needs and concerns of women veterans, works to support equality of services and stresses the availability of entitlements to women.

For more information call 609-530-6766.