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Veterans Health Fair & Luncheon Hosted By 9th Legislative District

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 16:46 GMT by Patch

Veterans Health Fair Luncheon Draws Community to Berkeley, NJ

On Tuesday, October 16, a well‑attended Veterans Health Fair Luncheon unfolded at the historic St. Francis Church Community Center in Berkeley, New Jersey, bringing together former service members, health professionals, and local leaders for a day of camaraderie and care. The event—hosted by the New Jersey Legislature’s 9th Legislative District and organized in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Veteran Affairs (NJVA), the Berkeley Veterans’ Association, and the local health clinic—was designed to spotlight the unique health challenges veterans face while providing tangible resources and screenings to help them navigate the complex world of benefits, mental health, and primary care.

A Community‑Centered Mission

The luncheon’s goal, as articulated by Representative James “Jimmy” McCormick, the district’s senior congressman and a former Army veteran himself, was “to bring veterans and their families a tangible reminder that they are not forgotten. We want to make sure they know where to turn for help, whether that’s medical, financial, or simply a listening ear.” McCormick, who represents the 9th Legislative District, underscored that the area has the second‑highest veteran population in New Jersey, a demographic that has historically been underserved in terms of healthcare access.

“We’ve seen an uptick in veterans returning home with PTSD, chronic pain, and a cascade of health problems stemming from years of service,” McCormick told reporters. “This luncheon is a first step in turning those challenges into solutions.”

A Schedule of Services and Speakers

The fair opened with a keynote address from NJVA Commissioner Dr. Karen S. Hayes, who highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment to veterans’ health. “We’re expanding tele‑medicine access, offering expanded mental health services, and investing in mobile health units that bring care directly to veterans who live in rural or underserved communities,” Hayes said. The address was followed by a brief presentation on the new “Veterans Wellness Initiative,” a $12 million grant aimed at bolstering mental health counseling across the state.

A panel of local veterans, including Sgt. (Ret.) William “Bill” Rios, who served in Afghanistan, and 1st Lt. (Ret.) Maria Hernandez, a Vietnam veteran, shared personal stories that underscored the urgency of the event. Rios recounted how he had struggled to find a primary care provider willing to accept his VA health insurance until a local clinic director, Dr. Emily Chen, introduced him to a “Veteran Care Liaison” program that streamlined his appointments.

Medical professionals on hand provided on‑the‑spot services. Participants were offered a battery of free screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and body mass index (BMI) checks. The New Jersey Department of Health’s mobile unit, co‑funded by the county, delivered comprehensive eye exams and hearing tests, ensuring that veterans received a holistic health assessment during the luncheon. A group of volunteer counselors from the local Veterans Mental Health Alliance conducted a guided meditation session, emphasizing stress‑reduction techniques for veterans grappling with anxiety or depression.

Empowering Through Information

The fair also served as an educational hub. Booths staffed by veterans’ service organizations, including the American Legion’s local post and the Vietnam Veterans of America, offered guidance on navigating VA benefits, applying for disability compensation, and accessing housing assistance. A dedicated booth from the New Jersey Veterans Legal Services offered free consultations on pension claims and veterans’ rights, while a “Financial Wellness” station provided one‑on‑one budgeting sessions for veterans who often struggle with reintegration into the civilian workforce.

One standout feature was the “Health Navigator” program—a joint effort by the NJVA and the community health center that pairs veterans with a health navigator to help coordinate care across multiple providers. Representative McCormick highlighted the program’s role: “Many veterans have multiple appointments—VA, primary care, specialty services. The navigator is there to streamline that into one seamless experience.”

Community Support and Volunteerism

The luncheon was powered by more than 120 volunteers, many of whom were veterans themselves. Local high school students from Berkeley High School’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) served as greeters, while the Berkeley Rotary Club provided refreshments and donated a portion of their annual fundraising proceeds to fund future health fairs. The event also benefited from a generous donation of lunch items and medical supplies from the local supermarket chain, Community Foods, whose CEO expressed pride in “supporting the men and women who protected our nation.”

In addition to the health fair, the afternoon included a “Veterans Recognition Ceremony.” A plaque was unveiled in honor of Sergeant First Class Robert “Bob” Thompson, who had recently been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroism in Iraq. His family, along with the local school’s marching band, presented the award, underscoring the community’s collective gratitude.

Outcomes and Future Plans

While the luncheon was a snapshot of care and support, its long‑term impact is projected to ripple throughout the 9th District. According to a preliminary assessment by the NJVA, over 350 veterans attended, and more than 80% reported having a clear next step for accessing services. The event’s data will feed into a larger state‑wide initiative aimed at reducing health disparities among veterans by 25% over the next five years.

“We’re setting the foundation for a sustainable model of veteran care in New Jersey,” said Dr. Hayes. “By bringing resources, people, and expertise into one space, we’re ensuring that veterans can see the full spectrum of care options without navigating a labyrinth of paperwork.”

Representative McCormick closed the event by urging continued community involvement. “The veteran population is an integral part of our district’s identity,” he said. “Let’s keep the momentum going by supporting future health fairs, expanding mental health services, and, most importantly, listening to the voices of those who served.”

The Veterans Health Fair Luncheon in Berkeley set a commendable precedent for local and state-level collaboration. By fusing medical services, educational outreach, and heartfelt recognition, the event exemplified how a community can transform the abstract promise of “service” into concrete, daily support for its veterans.