Morris County Expands Support for Veterans at CCM
Published on September 16, 2025
Partnership launched with CCM Veterans Resource Center
Beginning this month, a Morris County Veterans Services Office (VSO) is now available on site at the County College of Morris (CCM) Veterans Resource Center two days each month, providing student veterans with direct access to assistance and benefits guidance.
A Veterans Services Officer from the county will be at the center from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of each month during the semesters, with the exception of county holidays.
“This partnership ensures that our student veterans have the support they need while pursuing their education and future careers,” said Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo.
“I am honored to meet with these veterans, hear their stories and help them navigate the many services available to them at county, state and federal levels,” said Jessica Tomalo, Morris County Veterans Services Officer Program Coordinator.
The CCM Veterans Resource Center, located in Sheffield Hall, opened in 2024 to provide veterans and their families with a dedicated space on campus for education benefits, academic and career advising, and counseling services. The center, developed with extensive input from the veteran community, connects student and local veterans with county, state and federal resources while offering a welcoming environment for networking and support. Veterans can reach the center at 973-328-5220 or by emailing Shenandoah Ellis-Ulmer at SEllis-Ulmer@ccm.edu.
“CCM is deeply honored to serve our active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families in recognition of their extraordinary service and sacrifice to our nation. The Veterans Resource Center, established in partnership with county, state and federal officials and partners, reflects our ongoing commitment to celebrate their contributions and provide meaningful support to make their lives, and the lives of their loved ones, a little easier,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, CCM president.
“The presence of a county Veterans Services Officer in our center provides a critical link between the campus and the broader network of resources available to our students,” said Shenandoah Ellis-Ulmer, coordinator of veteran and military services at CCM.
The collaboration between the Morris County VSO and CCM strengthens support for student veterans as they transition from military service to academic and career paths. It is part of an ongoing effort to expand access to services for Morris County veterans.
In 2024, with support from U.S. Reps. Tom Kean, Jr. and Mikie Sherrill, the county partnered with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to open a federal Veterans Center Community Access Point (CAP) at the Morris County Veterans Services Office, 540 West Hanover Ave., Morris Township. To make an appointment, veterans should call the Bloomfield Vet Center at 973-748-0980.
The Veterans Services Office also hosts quarterly “Spotlight on Services” information sessions, bringing resources directly to local communities. Over the past year, sessions have been held in Montville, Morris Plains and Butler.
The Morris County Veterans Services Office continues to serve as a central hub for veterans and their families seeking assistance with VA claims, counseling and referrals to community-based services, including mental health support, job training and placement, and transportation assistance. The office can be reached at 973-285-6866 or by emailing MCVets@co.morris.nj.us. Walk-in hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 540 West Hanover Ave. in Morris Township.
For more information about the Morris County Veterans Services Office, visit morriscountynj.gov/Departments/Veterans-Services.
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Photo 1: A ribbon cutting ceremony to open the CCM Veterans Resource Center on December 6, 2024. Pictured from left to right is: CCM President Dr. Anthony Iacono, Assemblyman Michael Inganamort, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, CCM Coordinator of Veteran and Military Services Shenandoah Ellis-Ulmer, MSgt (ret.), USAF, CCM Board of Trustees Jim Loveys, Dave Cathcart, U.S. Army Veteran, Scott Dadaian, U.S. Navy Veteran, CCM Board of Trustees Chair Paul Licitra, Emerson Crooks, Marine Corps Veteran, CCM Board of Trustees Justin Lash, Deacon Rich Reck, U.S. Army Veteran, Morris County Commissioners Deborah Smith and John Krickus.
Photo 2: (l-r) Jessica Tomalo, Morris County veterans services officer program coordinator, and Shenandoah Ellis-Ulmer, coordinator of veteran and military services at CCM.