Southern Ocean Satellite Office Opens To Help Vets

(Photo by Bill Clanton, Jr.)

OCEAN COUNTY – The county’s Veterans Service Bureau in Manahawkin will be opened full time now.

The satellite office, located at 179 South Main St., will be opened from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“Ocean County is home to more veterans than any other county in New Jersey and we are very pleased to bring this additional service to the southern half of the county,” Freeholder Gerry P. Little said. He’s liaison to the Veterans Service Bureau.

“The Board of Freeholders saw a growing need to serve our men and women who have served their nation,” Freeholder Director Virginia E. Haines said. “These additional hours will help our Southern Ocean County residents avoid the drive to Toms River.”

Services at both locations include “initiating and filing veterans’ claims with both the state and federal government, filing for death benefits, burial benefits and other entitlements,” the freeholders said.

The Bureau also facilitates transportation to V.A. medical centers, arranges counseling services for veterans, and lends wheelchairs and walkers to disabled vets.

Visitors should make an appointment before visiting the office, because some services, including help with VA claims, require more time to provide than others.

They also assist in job training and placement.

Appointments can be made by calling Denise at 732-929-2096 Wednesday to Friday. Veterans who need transportation can make arrangements when they call for an appointment. The Bureau’s main office is 1027 Hooper Ave., Building No. 2 in Toms River. 0000000000000