SOMERVILLE, N.J. (Somerset County) — U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr. hosted a veterans services and advocacy roundtable with U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins last week, bringing together officials and veterans organizations to discuss issues affecting veterans and their families.
The roundtable included federal, state and local leaders, Veterans Service Organizations, veteran-serving nonprofits and veterans from New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District.
Participants discussed priorities and challenges facing veterans and their families, including VA health care, transportation, benefits claims and the transition from military to civilian life.
“It is my priority to ensure that New Jersey’s veterans receive the care, benefits, and support they have earned,” said Congressman Kean. “I appreciate Secretary Collins coming to New Jersey and hearing directly from the veterans and organizations serving our communities. From the Lyons VA to local veterans’ organizations across our district, I am focused on identifying what is working, fixing what is not, and strengthening the services veterans rely on. I will continue working to cut through obstacles and make sure the men and women who served our country can access the care and support they deserve.”
Collins said the Department of Veterans Affairs will continue working with Kean on services for veterans.
“Under President Trump and thanks to the steadfast support of strong leaders like Rep. Kean, VA is making major improvements for Veterans in New Jersey and across the nation,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “We look forward to continuing to work with Rep. Kean to make VA benefits better, faster and easier to use than ever before.”
Ken Hagemann, state commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of New Jersey, also participated in the discussion.
“The Veterans of Foreign Wars thanks Congressman Kean and Secretary Collins for their leadership and cooperation with veteran advocates to improve the lives and welfare of New Jersey’s veterans,” said Ken Hagemann, VFW State Commander, Department of New Jersey.
Warren County Veterans Service Officer Jacquie Petersen said participants were given an opportunity to raise concerns directly with officials.
“It was a true privilege to sit at this table. I was honored to contribute to this vital conversation with our leadership, focusing on how we can better support our veterans, their needs and valuable community presence,” said Jacquie Petersen, Warren County VSO. “Participants were given time to discuss our concerns. Topics ranged from VA Healthcare, Transportation, VA Claims and the concerns for our veterans as they transition back to civilian life.”
Stacia McDonough, founder of Independence for Veterans, said bringing together advocates from different backgrounds helped create a productive discussion.
“Congressman Kean’s Veterans Advocacy Roundtable was truly a brilliant way to gather Veterans Advocates from various backgrounds to share their insights and suggestions, resulting in a highly productive meeting,” said Stacia McDonough, founder of Independence for Veterans. “It’s clear that the Congressman and his dedicated team are committed to making meaningful improvements in the Veterans’ services. As someone from a family extraordinarily rich in military history, it brings me great joy to witness progress being made for their benefit. Words alone cannot fully convey my gratitude for his outstanding efforts.”
