Cherry Hill Gold Star Mom, County Recognized For Service To Vets

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Camden County Commissioner and Cherry Hill resident Melinda Kane has been recognized by the state for her contributions to the veterans community, county officials announced Tuesday morning.

Kane, liaison to the Camden County Office of Veteran Affairs, accepted the “We Value Our Veterans Community” award on behalf of the county during a ceremony last week.

The award, distributed by the Governor’s office, recognizes municipalities, businesses, or academic institutions that go above and beyond to value and honor the sacrifices, patriotism, and bravery displayed by men and women in the armed forces.

“Receiving this award on behalf of the Camden County Office of Veterans Affairs is truly an honor,” Kane said. “The work this office does is indescribably important, and I’m proud to be a part of a team that provides crucial aid and resources to these brave men and women.”

Kane is a proud member of the American Gold Star Mothers, a nonprofit organization of mothers who lost children in the service. Her son, Marine Lance Corporal Jeremy Kane was killed in Afghanistan.

Her loss motivated her to run for public office, and she was nominated to what was then known as the county freeholder board in 2019.

The Camden County Office of Veterans Affairs was given the Community Award for its array of services and initiatives including:

• providing parking spots for Purple Heart recipients and disabled veterans
• providing discounts to veterans at establishments around the county and offering discount booklets
• holding quarterly veterans round tables
• honoring veterans at least quarterly at ceremonies and presentations
• recognizing veterans at monthly town hall meetings
• holding annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies
• having staff attend Service Organization meetings to inform members on what veterans affairs does
• listing veterans’ resources on the county website
• honoring Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Day and Gold Star Families Day
• participating in volunteer work at veterans related events

“I’m committed to giving back to those who sacrificed so much for this country,” Kane said. “To me, this award not only celebrates the accomplishments this office has been able to reach for our veterans, but it also motivates us to continue providing the best services to those who sacrificed so much for our country.”

The Office of Veterans Affairs serves all veterans and their family members within Camden County. The office is available Monday through Friday to give assistance to all veterans and dependents. Residents with questions regarding services can call 856-374-5801.