Senator Gordon: Veterans Deserve Access to Benefits They Earned

This Memorial Day, we will honor New Jersey’s and our nation’s veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedoms that make America the great country that it is.

As we salute their distinguished service and their memories, we must also pay tribute to the men and women who are serving our country both overseas and at home, and those who are – or may soon be – making the transition back to civilian life.

When our soldiers return from active duty, we must remember that some are returning with physical or emotional scars, and they are returning to a post-recession America where jobs remain scarce.

It is our collective responsibility as a state and as a nation to provide them with the services they need to advance their education, access health care, to find employment and obtain a home for themselves and their families.

Unfortunately, far too many veterans are unaware of the benefits that are available to them and that they have earned through their service. According to a published report, more than half of America’s veterans have little or no understanding of the benefits due to them.

While post-9/11 war veterans are better versed in the programs and services available, 40 percent still have little or no understanding of those they are eligible for, according to the analysis of Veterans Administration information. In this day and age, this is not a situation we can, nor that we should, accept. Our veterans deserve the very best we have to offer and that means ensuring their access to the benefits they were promised.

New Jersey has offices around the state to assist veterans in obtaining state and federal benefits, including housing assistance, education, counseling, healthcare, disability pension and tuition assistance. In addition, my legislative offices in Fair Lawn and Bergenfield are available to any veteran who needs assistance.

On this Memorial Day, let us honor those who have served our country selflessly during times of peace and in war and have paid the ultimate sacrifice.  Let us honor those who continue to serve, both at home and abroad. And let us make an effort, together, to provide our family members, friends and neighbors who have served us with distinction and that have returned home, with the services they deserve.

Senator Bob Gordon
District 38