rap # 20

rap # 20 02/09/11

FREEHOLDERS URGE STRONG COUNTY REPRESENTATION ON STATE VA HOSPITAL TASK FORCE

OCEAN COUNTY should have a "strong presence" on a new state task force charged with studying the possible construction and operation of a veterans’ hospital in the southern half of the state.

The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders sent a letter to Governor Chris Christie asking that he appoint county representatives to the new panel.

"With more than 68,000 veterans calling Ocean County home, we have more veterans than any other county in New Jersey," said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. "Our veterans need to be heard on this important topic."

Christie recently signed a bill into law creating the task force, which will be chaired by Major General Glenn K. Rieth, Adjutant General of the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Vicari and Freeholder Deputy Director Little called on Gov. Christie to appoint Ocean County residents with experience in veterans’ affairs to the panel.

"Our veterans’ population warrants a strong presence on this important task force," Vicari and Little said in the letter. "There are many dedicated and experienced veterans whose insights would be of great value to this distinguished panel."

While there will be debate on the possible location and construction of a new hospital, most officials agree there is a need for the new facility.

While the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs does operate the James J. Howard Clinic in Brick Township, veterans needing access to a full hospital must travel to Philadelphia, East Orange or Newark.

Little said the Freeholders have been leading the charge for a new facility for the past several years.

He noted that many local veterans served during World War II and Korea and have a growing need for medical care.

Little added a VA hospital serving the region would also help the caregivers and family members who provide the transportation to and from the hospitals located more than an hour outside of the area.

"Our veterans deserve nothing but the best for all the sacrifices they have made," Little said. "Convenient access to medical care for our local brave men and women must be a priority for the VA."

The task force legislation was co-sponsored by Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove, all R-Ocean.