def #104

def #104 05/26/10

OCEAN COUNTY REMEMBERS ITS VETERANS; SERVICE BUREAU PROVIDES PROGRAMS AND HELP

TOMS RIVER – With more than 63,000 veterans calling Ocean County home, the county Veterans Services Bureau is prepared to help in a variety of ways.

“Each Memorial Day we take time to remember our veterans and the ultimate sacrifice made by so many of them,” said Freeholder Gerry P. Little, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Veterans Services Bureau. “Since the Revolutionary War, more than 42 million men and women have served in America's military. More than 600,000 died in combat while fighting for freedom.

“Here in Ocean County we recognize and honor all of our veterans,” Little said. “We work hard to provide them with services and programs that will help to improve their quality of life.”

Among it’s many services, the Ocean County Veterans Services Bureau, located at 1027 Hooper Ave., here, provides help to veterans who need assistance with filing claims for compensation and pensions.

Little noted that with the support of the Board of Freeholders, the county Veterans Service Bureau is participating in a claims submittal pilot project with the Veterans Administration Regional Office in Newark, which is helping to expedite some decisions on claims in less than 60 days.

“Veterans Services Bureau Director John Dorrity has been asked by the VA to be a member of an ad hoc subcommittee that will discuss methods and implement strategies in order to reduce the backlog of claims even further,” Little said. “This Board is providing positive support to help our veterans.”

In addition, the bureau works with the county’s transportation service, Ocean Ride, in helping to provide transportation to various Veterans Administration clinics and hospitals. More than 2,500 trips were provided last year.

Ocean County also contracts with VetGroup Inc. to provide assistance for Ocean County’s veterans, which includes help with transportation, housing needs, and emergency food assistance.

“This partnership provides a host of benefits and services to many of our veterans, who are frail and elderly, and in need of assistance and outreach,” Little said.

The Ocean County Veterans Services Bureau also helps veterans and their families during the holidays helping to provide toys and food baskets.

“For the Memorial Day weekend, the office distributes more than 10,000 American flags to the various veterans service organizations for distribution and placement at cemeteries throughout the county,” Little said. “This is our way of saluting all of the men and women who have proudly served in the military and have gone to their final resting place.”

Little also encouraged county residents and visitors to attend Memorial Day services this weekend.

“Most towns in Ocean County, along with many veterans organizations will be holding ceremonies honoring our fallen soldiers,” Little said. “I encourage everyone to attend and thank a veteran for protecting what we cherish - our freedom.”