Veterans Host Appreciation Lunch for Morris County Veteran Staff

Published on April 14, 2023

Veterans Administration and Morris County Veteran Services Office Praised

American Legion Post 59 of Morristown hosted a lunch for the Morris County Veteran Service Office (VSO), the staff at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinic at Morris View and Morris County officials to thank them this week for the aid they provide former service members.

“This is a big thank you -- to you from all of us for all of the things you do for us,” said Post 59 Vice Commander Dominick Sabol, as he joined Commander Norus Achmetov and Adjutant Jim Koons in greeting the veteran services professionals at the VA Clinic in Morris Township.

Included in the gathering was Morris County Commissioner Director John Krickus (USMC), Morris County Human Services Director Kasey Errico and Christine Hellyer, Director of the Morris County’s Office of Aging, Disabilities & Community Programming.

“As if our veterans haven’t done enough by serving their country, they literally served us lunch today. It was a nice way for everyone to come together and to not only feel rewarded for the work they do but see how appreciated their work is by those receiving their public service,” Commissioner Director Krickus said.

The guests gathered to converse and enjoy a full spread of sandwiches, fruit and vegetable platters.

The Morris County VSO helps honorably discharged Morris County veterans and their families with their VA benefits and entitlements. Veterans Services Officers can:

• Provide information and referrals for
  • Education
  • Veterans insurance
  • VA home loans
  • VA Healthcare
  • Veterans Memorial Homes or VA Nursing Home
  • Vocational Rehabilitation
• Make referrals to appropriate organizations and agencies for community-based services
• Reach out to homeless veterans and connect them to community services
• Provide referrals for job assistance and training
• Help with getting transportation
• Provide flags to decorate in honor of Memorial Day 

“Our VSO has many responsibilities, including local family and health counseling. U.S. Reps. Mikie Sherrill and Tom Kean are working together to identify a location for new Vet Center in Morris County to expand access to mental health counseling for our veterans. Morristown would be an ideal location for such a center,” said Commissioner Director Krickus.

The VA Clinic in Morris County is an outpatient clinic that provides primary care and specialty health services, including laboratory services, mental health care, nutrition services, and more. It is located next to the Morris County VSO at the rear of the Morris View facility at 540 West Hanover Avenue, Morris Township.

VA staff who celebrated at the lunch included Jennifer Panares, Maria Henry, Yaremi Siocha, Michelle Delacruz and Fanya Feggins. Morris County veteran service officers praised at the gathering included Jason Leffler, Jessica Tomalo, and Andrew Cornwallis.

Learn more about the VA clinic.

The Morris County VSO can be reached by phone at 973-285-6866 or email [email protected]. Veterans interested services provided through Morris County may check with the Morris County Veterans Services Office website. 

Photos

Top center – From left, VA Clinic Lead RN Jennifer Panares, Morris County Commissioner Director John Krickus, VA Clinic MSA Maria Henry, VA Clinic LPN Yaremi Siocha, Post 59 Commander Norus Achmetov, VA Clinic LPNs Michelle Delacruz and Fanya Feggins, Post 59 Adjutant Jim Koons, Morris County Veterans Service Officers Jason Leffler and Jessica Tomalo, Post 59 County Vice Commander Dominick Sabol, Morris County Director of Human Services Kasey Errico,  Morris County Veterans Service Officer Andrew Cornwallis, Morris County Director of Office on Aging, Disabilities, & Community Programming Christine Hellyer.

Top left –Morris County Director of Office on Aging, Disabilities, & Community Programming Christine Hellyer, Morris County Veterans Service Officers Andrew Cornwallis and Jessica Tomalo, Post 59 Commander Norus Achmetov, VA Clinic MSA Maria Henry, VA Clinic Lead RN Jennifer Panares.

Center right - Post 59 Commander Norus Achmetov, Post 59 Adjutant Jim Koons and Post 59 County Vice Commander Dominick Sabol.

Bottom right – VA Clinic MSA Maria Henry, VA Clinic Lead RN Jennifer Panares and VA Clinic LPN Yaremi Siocha.