Morris Leader

Nearly 100 people attended an event at the Morris County Veterans Services Office to learn about resources available for local veterans. The session was organized by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners and included representatives from federal, state, and county offices, as well as veteran service providers.

Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo noted that a previous outreach session in Montville had been successful and led to the expansion of these efforts. "We have strengthened our VSO with expanded staff and funding, and we will continue to grow these critical programs," he said.

The event featured presentations by Christine Hellyer, director of Aging, Disabilities and Community Programming, and Jessica Tomalo, program coordinator for the VSO. Commissioner John Krickus emphasized ongoing support for veterans: "Morris County doesn’t recognize our veterans only on Memorial Day and Veterans Day -- we honor them every day."

Attendees were informed about various services including a federal Veteran Center Community Access Point established in Morristown in 2024. Marie Fragomeni from the County Clerk’s Office discussed the “Operation Give Back” program offering discounts to veterans.

Other speakers included Nicholas Henry from U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr.'s office; Willy Tolba from U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill's office; Alex McConnell from State Sen. Anthony Bucco's office; Jon Hinker from New Jersey VFW; and Shenandoah Ellis-Ullmer from CCM.

Service providers such as Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris Inc., Atlantic Behavioral Health’s True North Program for Veterans were present at the event.

Hellyer provided updates on 2025 human services veterans grants supporting mental health services, food distribution by Interfaith Food Pantry, legal assistance by Legal Services of Northwest New Jersey, and emergency housing services by Community Hope.

The event concluded with a Q&A session where attendees could ask questions and share input while accessing informational materials at a resource table.

For more information on veteran resources in Morris County, visit morriscountynj.gov/veterans.