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Freeholders Seek More Help For New Jersey Veterans
By Bill McLaughlin
OCEAN COUNTY - Where do the needy families of service personnel go for help when their loved ones are stationed overseas?
Ocean County Freeholder Gerry Little confronted this question at the monthly public meeting of the board last Wednesday.
Little congratulated Governor Jon Corzine for adding $150,000 to the state Military Spouses Assistance Program. The program helps National Guard members' families while they are stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"I'm very pleased Governor Corzine did this," Little explained. "I would now call on the Legislature to increase the amount of money available."
Only those with very low income qualify, Little said. Young families often are left to cope with a sudden reduction in income when one parent is called to active duty.
"These families are left at home struggling to make ends meet. I'm hoping the governor will extend and increase that amount in the future," the freeholder concluded.
Grants have ranged from $76 to $2,500 for those who meet the federal income standards. More than 60 families statewide have been helped by the program, according to government figures. The National Guard Armory in Toms River is the county contact office to apply for the state grants.
"This is a start," Little said. "But the state could do so much more."
Little, a retired Marine, said the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau also works to get help where it's needed.
John Dorrity, county Director of the Veterans Service Bureau, said the large and active veterans service populace in Ocean County have worked behind the scenes to help.
"With the help of some of our local veterans' organizations, we've been able to help some families pay their bills," Dorrity said.
Little said taking care of the families of loved ones at home is equally as important as supporting the troops overseas.
"Programs like this can ease the minds of our combat troops," Little said.
Relatives of those deployed overseas can get more information of available help by calling 732-929-2096.
In other news, Little announced that the final five county flu shot clinics will be held in the coming weeks. Log on to www.ochd.org for a list of clinics.
Little said there are now three confirmed cases of the flu in New Jersey, none in Ocean County. To date, more than 20,000 vaccinations have been given along with 586 pneumonia shots for seniors. Pneumonia shots need not be given every year.
Finally, Freeholder James Lacey said the paving work in Lakewood will continue to the end of the job this week or next.
"Because of the warm weather, we were able to keep working on the roadways," Lacey said.
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