On April 21, Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) held its annual Operation Stand Down event for veterans, service members and military families to connect to one another and learn more about State and Federal benefits and assistance with healthcare, housing, education, employment and more.
Representatives from the Gloucester County Board of Commissioners, Gloucester County Office of Veterans Affairs, the Office of Congressman Norcross, and the Department of N.J. VFW were in attendance to thank past and present military members for their service and share information on Federal, State and County support services.
The Mission BBQ truck rolled up to the College's Acenda Integrated Health Behavioral Health Center handing out coupons for veterans and service members, and Project Refit set up beside them with competitive lawn games and speakers to provide a soundtrack for the event. Also in attendance were everyone's favorite service pups from Crisis Response Canine and Operation K9 Beethoven.
The Army Reserve Public Private Partnership, Gloucester County Sheriff Department, Gloucester County Workforce Development, N.J. Department of Labor & Workforce Development, and the Travis Manion Foundation were on-hand with information on workforce training and employment opportunities, while Be Smart for Kids and MOMS Demand Action provided information on firearms safety and training.
Attendees learned about physical and mental health resources from Acenda Integrated Health, the American Red Cross, and the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center. The event also featured other services available to veterans through organizations including Bridging the Gap for Veterans, Catholic Charities – Support Services for Veterans, The Veterans Multi-Service Center, Veterans Haven (Hammonton), and Veterans Outreach.
“It's an honor to assist New Jersey veterans by connecting them to the many resources available here in Gloucester County, along with services provided through the College," remarked RCSJ's Director of Military Services, John Ryder. “Our military students are treated like family from the moment they arrive, right up to their graduation. RCSJ has a Student Veterans Association that we sponsor, a veterans' lounge and lending library, priority registration and many other resources that have contributed to the College's long-time ranking as a Military Friendly® school."
Learn more about support services and educational opportunities available to RCSJ's military students at RCSJ.edu/Veterans.
