Mercer County Veteran Services, led by Division Chief Medina Wilson, supports our veterans throughout the year in a variety of ways, as exemplified by recent events, including one this this weekend.
“In early November, I was honored to take part in Mercer County’s annual Veterans Day ceremony, which this year was held at the Hopewell Valley Golf Club. I thank the Knights of Columbus – specifically, the Bishop Griffin Assembly, Central New Jersey Centennial Chapter and District 25 Deputy Al Ambrose — for donating ShopRite gift cards at the event that will help veterans in need this holiday season.”
That was followed several days later by a well-attended Veterans Expo at the Mercer County Office Park in Ewing, where the County Clerk’s Office, County Connection and numerous vendors provided information on the many goods, services, programs, and discounts available to veterans.
On Nov. 11, Mercer County Veterans Services was presented with the New Jersey’s Governor “We Value Our Veterans Community Award during the State Veterans Day ceremony at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel.”
The Community Award recognizes communities that honor the sacrifices, patriotism and bravery of New Jersey service members.
“This past Sunday, I joined Veteran Services and local veterans at Mercer County’s annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance at the Mercer County Office Park gym. It’s been 81 years since America’s Naval base at Pearl Harbor was attacked, and few of the battle’s survivors are alive today. But it’s important that we continue to educate younger generations on the significance of that event, which led to our nation’s entry into World War II, and that we remember those who gave their lives to protect our freedoms.”
Mercer County also supports veterans through an annual Veterans Meal Drive. This year, Veteran Services will once again be able to offer meal packages to up to 100 veterans and their families. Gift bags that include staples and gift cards for a delicious holiday meal will be distributed to veterans, while supplies last, on Saturday, Dec. 10, between 9:30 a.m. and noon at the Mercer County Office Park, 1440 Parkside Ave. in Ewing. To receive a holiday gift bag, one must be a veteran, show your military ID, your DD214 or your NGB22.
In addition to the holiday meal package, veterans will have an opportunity to enter into a raffle for a variety of prizes, including an iPhone 14, all of which were donated by Amazon. The raffle drawing will be held Dec. 15.
Each year, our communities are very supportive of this fund drive. That kind of generosity is what makes Mercer County great. Our veterans have given so much now let’s continue to show them we care.
If you wish to donate, make your check payable to Mercer County Trust Fund. Please mail your donation to the Mercer County Division of Veteran Services, 1440 Parkside Ave., Ewing, NJ 08638. For additional information on donating, please call (609) 989-6120.