By: Najla Alexander
Union County officials announced that a “Just For Veterans Benefit and Resource Forum” will be held on Wednesday, October 22nd, from 6 p.m.to 8 p.m. at the Union VFW, located at 2012 High Street in Union.
Veterans who attend will be able to receive immediate assistance with their VA claims and learn about other benefits they may not be aware of, UCPO officials say. Former Green Beret Jake Fernandez, an Iraqi War veteran, is the guest speaker.
According to Union County officials, there is no charge to attend the event, and on-site parking is available.
“We are excited to have one of our country’s fine heroes share his experiences with fellow vets and service people,” said Michael Boll, New Jersey Veterans Network president.
The event is co-sponsored by The New Jersey Veterans Network (NJVN) and the Union County Human Relations Commission (UCHRC).
“We are honored to partner with one of our 2024 Unity Achievement Award recipients to help connect veterans with information and resources that can improve the quality of life for these heroes and their families,” said UCHRC Co-Chair Flor Gonzalez, who also serves as president of the Latin American Coalition.
“If you are a veteran or first responder in need of anything, you only need The New Jersey Veterans Network (NJVN). We salute the NJVN’s extensive network of volunteers and the comprehensive, empathetic care, sense of belonging, community, and camaraderie it provides to help our cherished veterans reintegrate into civilian life and thrive,” added UCHRC Co-Chair Chanell
Johnson is a Union County Assistant Prosecutor who also co-chairs the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
The NJVN’s mission is to help New Jersey veterans and their families enjoy a sustainable quality of life by creating a network of Community Veteran Liaisons whose role is to identify veterans and connect them with resources and solutions designed to meet the unique set of veteran needs, Union County officials said. 
For more information, visit their website https://njvn.org.