MOUNT LAUREL – Burlington County veterans and their families will have another opportunity to learn about the numerous programs, support services and benefits available to them during the upcoming Burlington County Veterans Expo.

The free event is organized by the Burlington County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with the Burlington County Commissioners and the Burington County Department of Human Services’ Division of Military and Veterans Services. This year’s expo will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 5 PM to 8 PM in the Student Success Center at Rowan College at Burlington County, 1500 College Circle, Mount Laurel.

More than three dozen agencies, nonprofits and vendors are expected to participate in this year’s expo, making it one of the largest events of its kind in South Jersey.

Among the agencies and vendors scheduled to attend are: Burlington County Military and Veterans Services, Burlington County Health Department, Burlington County Library System, Burlington County Office on Aging, Burlington County Parks System, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, Burlington County Surrogate, Burlington County Superintendent of Elections, American Red Cross,, Military One Source, NAMI Burlington, Bridging the Gap of Veterans, New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Office of Senator Troy Singleton, Northeast Chapter 24^th Infantry Regiment Buffalo Soldiers, Prevention Plus of Burlington County, Pride Industries, Rowan College at Burlington County, Soldier On, Soldier and Family Assistance Center-NJ National Guard Family Programs, South Jersey Legal Services, HeroCare Connect-Deborah Heart and Lung Center, Disabled American Veterans, Trenton Vet Center, Veterans Affairs-Philadelphia Regional Office, Joint Military and Family Assistance Center, and many more.

“Burlington County is home to more than 30,000 veterans and we want all of them to know about the resources and services that exist to assist them and their families,” said Burlington County Commissioner Felicia Hopson. “The Veterans Expo brings together numerous government agencies, nonprofits and businesses to a single location so veterans can get information and answers without a long search or wait.”

The Armed Forces Heritage Museum’s mobile military museum will be present and free health screenings will also be offered at the expo, along with free veterans identification cards. The IDs are created by the Burlington County Sheriff’s Office and are available to any veteran who was honorably discharged from service and are often used by veterans to receive certain discounts or courtesies offered by some businesses and governments that are reserved for veterans.

“Our office has issued hundreds of these identification cards to local veterans,” said Burlington County Sheriff James Kostoplis. “It is a great service that assists those who stepped forward and serve in our armed forces to defend our nation.”

Veterans interested in obtaining a veterans ID card at the expo are advised to bring a copy of their DD214 discharge document and another form of photo identification.

The Burlington County Clerk’s Office will also be present to assist veterans with its services, including its DD214 registration program. The free service is offered to all veterans in Burlington County. Under the program, certified copies of veterans discharge papers are kept by the Clerk’s Office for whenever a veteran or a member of their family need it. The records remain private and will not be released to anyone without the veteran’s consent or an authorized family member.

Warm meals will also be served at the event and veterans attending will receive a tote bag while supplies last.

“These men and women sacrificed a lot and this expo is a way to make sure they know about the services and benefits available to them in Burlington County,” said Sheriff Kostoplis.

The Burlington County Office of Military and Veterans Services has a standout record of advocating for local veterans and assisting them with casework related to their benefits. So far this year, the office has assisted more than 25,000 veterans obtain over $12.2 million in compensation and benefits.

“Burlington County is proud to be the home of so many outstanding men and women from our military and we are committed to doing everything possible to honor and support them and their families,” Hopson said.

Photos: 

Photo 1: The Burlington County Veterans Expo will be held Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 5 PM to 8 PM in the Student Success Center at Rowan College at Burlington County. More than three dozen agencies, nonprofits and vendors are expected to participate in this year’s expo, making it one of the largest events of its kind in South Jersey.

Photo 2: Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel met representatives from the American Legion during the 2022 Burlington County Veterans Expo.