Hunterdon County hosts second annual Veterans Resource Fair to connect veterans with essential services
KINGWOOD TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Hunterdon County hosted its second annual Veterans Resource Fair on Oct. 16 at Razberry’s Banquet Hall in partnership with Congressman Tom Kean (NJ-7) and the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce, bringing together nearly 50 vendors and more than 180 veterans and family members for a day focused on support, connection, and gratitude.
The free community event featured representatives from county, state, and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses offering information and assistance on healthcare services, veterans benefits counseling, employment and housing support, mental health resources, and educational opportunities.
Congressman Kean joined Hunterdon County Commissioner Director John Lanza in addressing attendees, emphasizing the county’s commitment to ensuring veterans have access to vital services close to home.
“Our veterans have earned our deepest respect and gratitude for their service to our nation,” said Commissioner Director John Lanza. “We continue to call on the Veterans Administration to establish a Community Access Point in our county, and we have offered county government space free of charge to make that a reality. Veterans should not have to travel long distances for essential services, and we will continue to fight to bring those services closer to home.”
Hunterdon County Sheriff Fred Brown led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Deputy Commissioner Director Shaun C. Van Doren, Commissioners Jeff Kuhl and Susan Soloway, and Hunterdon County Veterans Service Officer Rich Booth were also in attendance.
Commissioner Jeff Kuhl, who serves as a co-liaison for veterans affairs for the Board of County Commissioners, underscored the event’s purpose. “Today is about connection—connecting our veterans with the services, programs, and benefits they have earned,” Kuhl said. “We are grateful to our many partners who attended the event and made it meaningful to those who served our nation.”
In addition to the Veterans Resource Fair, the County continues to support initiatives that honor and assist veterans, including the Veterans Headstone Cleaning Program, launched in 2022. To date, nearly 200 volunteers have cleaned more than 1,400 veteran headstones across 14 cemeteries in Hunterdon County.
The Veterans Recognition Medal Program, established in 2002, also remains an important tradition. More than 4,000 Hunterdon County veterans have received medals in recognition of their service to the United States Armed Forces.
The Veterans Resource Fair reflects the county’s ongoing commitment to honoring and supporting veterans through advocacy, recognition, and expanded access to services that improve their quality of life.
