Inaugural Burlington County Veteran's Expo Set For Oct. 3

The inaugural Burlington County Veteran’s Expo is set for Wednesday, Oct. 3, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the County Human Services Building in Westampton, county officials announced. Burlington County residents who served in the Armed Forces and their families will have the opportunity to learn about and utilize all of the programs and services available to them at the event.

“The least that we can do for all of the brave men and women who served this great country with honor is to ensure they are aware and take advantage of all the programs and benefits afforded to them,” Burlington County Freeholder Director Kate Gibbs said. “That’s why I am thrilled to join Sheriff Stanfield and County Clerk Tyler to host this new annual event and bring all of these agencies under one roof at the same time. Our goal is to make it as convenient and efficient as possible for our veterans to access their benefits.”

Residents are often unaware of all the veterans programs they may quality for, such as health care, pensions, mental health, widower’s support, legal assistance, job training, caregivers, and more, officials said. Residents will be able to learn about how the county veteran’s office can help them navigate the cumbersome state and federal benefit enrollment process at the expo.

Veterans can also receive identification cards through the Sheriff’s Department, tour a mobile military museum, and register their Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214, with Burlington County Clerk Tim Tyler.

“Assisting veterans with recording their discharge paperwork and providing certified copies free of charge is one of the many services offered by my office,” Tyler said. “This important document is the key to unlocking all the benefits a veteran and their family should receive. I look forward to participating in this event and further supporting our military community in Burlington County.”

While in attendance, veterans can enjoy light refreshments, participate in raffles to win door prizes, and receive free medical screenings. Tote bags will be given to the first 300 attendees.

Earlier this year, the county put together a public information campaign to remind veterans that they are eligible for a new $3,000 exemption when filing their New Jersey income tax forms.

Then, to coincide with Memorial Day, the county clerk’s office began offering special Gold Star Parent identification cards at no cost to any mother or father who lost a child serving on active duty. Gold Star IDs will be available during the expo.

Recently, Tyler launched an initiative to honor and remember local veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice in a new way throughout Burlington County. Tyler is in the process of visiting town halls and distributing official Killed in Action flags that will fly over government buildings in all 40 municipalities.

The County Human Services Building is located at 795 Woodlane Road in Westampton. For more information, veterans may contact the Sheriff’s Department at 609-265-3788.

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