Governor Phil Murphy

Senator Joseph Lagana, Senator Vin Gopal, and Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker Commend National Guard Mission Extension at State Veterans Facilities

06/1/2020

Senators Joseph Lagana and Vin Gopal, and Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker today applauded the announcement of continued on the ground assistance from the New Jersey National Guard soldiers and airmen at the Paramus, Menlo Park, and Vineland veterans homes, and at New Jersey’s two veteran transition centers through the end of the summer. Guard members played a critical role in supporting the facilities during the height of the pandemic and will continue to be an invaluable resource as we move forward.

“Our heroes served us during times of great need,” said Senator Joseph Lagana. “it is our responsibility to now serve them. This virus has created tremendous pain and suffering for so many in our state and sadly among the hardest hit have been our veterans homes. The need for additional personnel and equipmentto battle this virus remains high. The entire Paramus community is so grateful for the National Guard’s presence at our Veteran’s Home and in the others across the state.”   

"I am incredibly grateful for all of the incredible work that the members of our New Jersey National Guard are doing to protect and support the vulnerable residents of our state's veterans homes. With these long-term care facilities endangered by the threat of COVID-19, it has never been more important for our state to defend the brave men and women who have courageously fought to defend our nation,” said Senator Gopal. “Thank you to all of the National Guard members who are currently providing support to our veterans and staff members - New Jersey deeply appreciates your service."

“After the last meeting we had, I  am pleased to hear the National Guard is going to continue their assistance with Veteran’s Homes. We are more than appreciative of all the work they are doing to make our veteran senior citizens safe,” expressed Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Chairwoman Cleopatra Tucker.

The three legislators have met with Department of Military and Veterans Affairs leadership on a regular basis and advocated for the continued critical support that the members of the New Jersey National Guard have provided to veterans throughout state-run facilities. DMAVA will keep National Guard members at the facilities throughout the end of the summer and will continue to provide support to veterans and staff members.  New Jersey National Guard (NJNG) members are expected to continue supporting COVID-19 efforts at our state veterans homes by offsetting staffing levels, providing medical assistance (CNA) with combat medics, environmental services, disinfecting, cooking, and general assistance to residents.   

“I would like to thank Senator Lagana, Senator Gopal, and Assemblywoman Tucker for their advocacy and their support of DMAVA’s mission. To be able to provide support to our veterans at the state memorial homes is a wonderful opportunity to continue the care and contact with their families that these former uniformed service members deserve,” said Brig. Gen. Jemal J. Beale, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and The Adjutant General, New Jersey National Guard. “Just like on the battlefield, we never leave a man behind. We will continue to care for our beloved veterans through extra support staff who, in addition to providing crucial services, also bring positive energy for the residents and families.”