Residents Donate $3,000 To Returning Soldiers

With donations made at the Navy Band concert on May 25, the residents of Bernards collected just under $3,000 in gift cards, which were presented to the VA NJ Health Care System Lyons at this Tuesday's Township Committee meeting.

The gift cards will be presented to returning veterans from the Iraq War as a part of the VA's Operation Enduring Freedom / Operation Iraqi Freedom Care Management Program.

Program Manager Michelle Stefanelli accepted the award on behalf of the VA and OEF / OIF. Stefanelli explained that the program she runs helps to transition veterans back into mainstream life after a tour of duty oversees.

"We've developed transition units, and the concept has been one-stop shopping," Stefanelli said. "We've received best practice awards nationally for our program. It's one area where the soldiers returning can come in and see a case manager, physicians, etc, all in one place."

"It's not a 15-minute intervention anymore," she said.

The program currently serves over 6,000 veterans in the NJ area, with transition units at the VA Lyons and East Orange campuses. The annual homecoming event for veterans, including outreach, a job fair, health services and information, and fun activities for the family, will be held at Caldwell College in Caldwell, NJ on Saturday, August 14.

Stefanelli also said that the VA appreciates donations of gift cards, which often help veterans get out to stores for the first time after they are back.

"I really can't say enough about the gift cards," she said. "Gift cards are sometimes what really helps veterans get over the edge."

Deputy Mayor John Malay said, "As a town we really appreciate what (the armed services) do for us. We try the best we can to understand the sacrifices they've made, and when they come back, we look forward to doing anything we can do to help."

Mayor Scott Spitzer added, "Bernards Township wants to honor its veterans every day of the week, not just on Memorial Day."