MORRIS TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — More than 60 veterans, service providers and community organization representatives gathered last week at the Morris County Veterans Services Office to discuss ways to strengthen support services for veterans throughout the region.
The meeting, part of the New Jersey SOS Veterans Stakeholders initiative, focused on collaboration among organizations that provide resources and assistance to veterans and their families.
Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of maintaining strong partnerships to address the changing needs of veterans.
“These meetings strengthen our network of services and ensure we remain focused on veterans’ evolving needs year-round — not just on holidays,” said Deputy Director Krickus, a Marine Corps veteran. “Years ago, a similar roundtable helped launch the CCM Veterans Resource Center. This kind of information sharing is invaluable.”
Representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the VA New Jersey Health Care System and the County College of Morris Veterans Resource Center attended the meeting, along with numerous veteran-focused nonprofit and community organizations.
NJ SOS Veterans Stakeholders Co-founder Ariel “AJ” Luna, a U.S. Army veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, announced that the “Remembering Our Fallen Moving Wall” exhibit will be displayed at the County College of Morris from Sept. 24-27, 2026.
The exhibit honors service members who died during the Global War on Terror and recognizes those continuing to cope with the physical and emotional effects of military service.
Attendees also received updates from Christine Hellyer, director of the Morris County Office of Aging, Disabilities and Community Programming, and Jessica Tomalo, program coordinator for the Morris County Office of Veterans Services, regarding ongoing efforts to expand outreach and awareness of services available to veterans.
Assemblywoman Aura Dunn attended the meeting and thanked veterans for their service. Representatives from the offices of U.S. Reps. Tom Kean Jr. and Analilia Mejia, as well as U.S. Sen. Andy Kim, also participated.
