Focus on Veterans

The New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland has served New Jersey veterans of every war and armed conflict since the War of 1812. It is Medicare certified and licensed by the State of New Jersey to provide skilled nursing home services. The home is also certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to provide long-term care services. The other two veterans homes in the state, Paramus and Menlo Park, each receive a two-star quality rating from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, compared to Vineland’s five-star rating. During the Covid epidemic, the other two veterans homes in the state were devastated by illnesses and almost 200 deaths. Later investigations led to major shakeups and firings at those institutions and a reorganization of the entire department. According to state records via nj.com, at Vineland there were just one staff and 23 resident deaths. This was due to its contingency planning, stellar leadership, and the dedication of all concerned.

For the second consecutive week, we take time to pay tribute to our veterans. Last week, we previewed an annual event at the Millville Army Air Field Museum that happened over the past weekend. This week, in anticipation of November 11, when we honor all who have served our country, past and present, we continue our salute with veteran news and Veterans Day perks at area businesses. Be sure to read this compilation from start to finish. 

AT THE ROWAN CUMBERLAND AND GLOUCESTER CAMPUSES

Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) will host Veterans Day ceremonies on both its Cumberland and Gloucester campuses to honor the bravery, sacrifice, and courage of America’s veterans. Organized by the RCSJ Student Veterans Chapter of America, each event will feature local veterans, college leaders, and community partners recognizing those who have served and continue to serve our nation. 

Monday, November 10, 2025, at 10 a.m. & Tuesday, November 11, at 10 a.m. 

Where:

RCSJ Cumberland Campus RCSJ Gloucester Campus

Guaracini Center, Luciano Theatre                            Gymnasium 
3322 College Drive, Vineland, NJ 08360                  1400 Tanyard Road, Sewell, NJ 08080 

Details: RCSJ’s Cumberland Campus ceremony will be held on Nov. 10, and RCSJ’s Gloucester Campus ceremony be held on Nov. 11. Both events will feature remarks from: 

• John Ryder, RCSJ Director of Student Affairs & Military Services, U.S. Coast Guard Desert Storm Veteran
• Dr. Brenden Rickards, Interim President, RCSJ
• Edwin Alicea, Director of Public Safety, City of Vineland, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran (Cumberland Campus) 
• Daniel Murray, LPC, RCSJ Therapist, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran (Cumberland Campus) 
• Frank J. DiMarco, Director, County of Gloucester (Gloucester Campus) 
• Tom Bianco, Liaison to the Gloucester County Veterans Affairs Office (Gloucester Campus) 
• Frank Piccioni, Executive Director, RCSJ Collegiate High School, U.S. Navy Veteran (Gloucester Campus) 

Each ceremony will include a posting of the colors, performances of the national anthem, and taps. A zoom link is available for those who cannot attend in person, https://rcsj-edu.zoom.us/j/82713756586. 

Symphonic Tribute To Veterans
Bay Atlantic Symphony will present “A Tribute to All Veterans of the Armed Forces” at Stockton University Performing Arts Center on Saturday, November 8 beginning at 7:30 p.m Jed Gaylin is the conductor for this dynamic program, which is a free concert. Tickets are in limited supply, reserve yours now at stockton.edu/pac. For more details call 609-652-9000 Tuesday through Friday between 10 a.m and 4 p.m. or go to stocktonpac.org. 

Veterans and First Responders Program at Flying First Class Equestrian Center

Our program is designed to create a peaceful and tranquil encounter with animals to help relieve and calm the daily pressure of your stressful careers. This program is offered free and is held once a week. Our goal is to focus on a supportive community and companionship with similar life experiences in our quiet, country setting. We have horses, ponies, goats, chickens, geese, dogs and cats available for interactions. 

What we can offer: Practical hands-on animal experiences and encounters. Each visit you will be paired up with a horse, or if preferred our goats, to share in a physical and emotional connection. The power of the animals is very intriguing. They have a way of calming and quieting all the outside noises and emotions and allowing a person to focus on just them and the moment. The animals have a way of helping you disengage with the outside stress and allow you inner peace. We will offer ground training, brushing, leading, handling and how to feed treats! (this is the most important skill to learn as far as the animals are concerned!)

At Flying First Class Equestrian Center we are not medical doctors or mental health professionals. We are animal people that understand how these creatures help us every day and want to extend that to help those that keep us safe daily. Whether you want to just be around the animals, have hands-on experience, learn about them more, or even ride when you are ready, we can help you every step of the way. This is a family-based environment, so if you want, we can have times when family comes with you as well.

First responders and veterans or active-duty military receive a discounted lesson rate for riding lessons.

Wreaths of Remembrance To Be Placed at Veterans’ Gravesites

On Saturday, December 13, from 9:30 until 11 a.m., volunteers will place holiday wreaths to honor and remember Cumberland County veterans at the Cumberland County Veterans’ Cemetery as part of its annual Wreaths of Remembrance event.

Each year, through the generous donation of wreaths by the Rotary Club of Vineland and support from the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, wreaths are placed as a tribute. Volunteers who wish to assist with preparing the wreaths may arrive at the cemetery at 9 a.m. The program begins at 9:30 and concludes after all wreaths are placed.

Since its establishment in 1999 and consecration in 2000, the Veterans’ Cemetery has become the final resting place for more than 1,400 veterans, their spouses, and dependents. The placing of the Wreaths of Remembrance is just one way that the county demonstrates gratitude for those who have served in our armed forces across generations. 

The Cumberland County Veterans’ Cemetery is located at 133 Trench Road, Hopewell Township. Readers may call 856-453-2239 for information.

Murphy Boosts Veterans Affairs to Cabinet Level

Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation on 9/11 that establishes a new cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs in New Jersey, reorganizing the existing Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA). 

“Veterans have selflessly fought for our hard-earned freedoms as Americans,” said Murphy. “By establishing a department solely dedicated to the needs of veterans, we will continue to ensure they have a seat at the table and direct access to the support and resources they deserve. Our veterans and their families deserve nothing less.” 

Currently, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs manages both military operations and veterans’ services. Under this bill, the newly established Department of Veterans Affairs will exclusively focus on veteran-related matters, such as delivering housing, health care, mental health services, and benefits for veterans and their families. Military functions will continue at the current department, which will be renamed the Department of Military Affairs. 

“This realignment is a deliberate step toward strengthening operational efficiency, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring focused leadership in support of our veterans and military communities,” said Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays, The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “It underscores our unwavering commitment to provide each community with the dedicated resources, advocacy, and attention they deserve.”

The law takes effect 120 days after enactment, allowing for anticipatory administrative actions, and maintains existing veterans’ services without creating new programs or appropriations.

Gov. Murphy also announced that Vincent Solomeno is his intended nominee for Commissioner for the Department of Veterans Affairs once the law takes effect. 

“Vincent Solomeno has dedicated his career to serving our veterans and their families,” continued Murphy. 

“I am privileged to work beside teams of dedicated public servants,” said Solomeno.”We are committed to building a robust cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs worthy of those that we serve.”

 U.S. Army veteran Solomeno currently serves as the Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs and Administrator of Veterans Affairs for the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Prior to this role, he served as Superintendent of the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt and as Executive Officer to the Adjutant General and Commissioner of Military and Veterans Affairs. 

Solomeno has served on active duty during Hurricane Irene, Superstorm Sandy, and the statewide COVID-19 response, and he chairs the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Scranton and a Master of Arts from the University of Amsterdam.

PERKS ON VETERANS DAY

On Veterans Day, Starbucks gives veterans, active-duty service members and their spouses a free tall hot or iced coffee.

At Popeyes, spend $20 and get a chicken sandwich for free.

Buffalo Wild Wings—Enjoy 10 free boneless wings and fries, available for dine-in. All past and present armed services members can participate.

On November 11, Chili’s Grill & Bar restaurants will serve a complimentary dine-in meal to veterans and active-duty military from a special Veterans Day menu.

Red Lobster will be providing veterans, active-duty military, and reservists with an all-day dine-in special of six lightly fried shrimp with French fries and cole slaw.

On Veteran’s Day, Denny’s upholds its tradition of saluting American veterans by providing a complimentary Original Grand Slam breakfast to active and retired military members in gratitude for their national service. This promotion is available for dine-in customers from store opening at 5 a.m. until 12 p.m. 

IHOP offers a treat to veterans and active-duty military. They can enjoy free Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes. This offer is available at for dine-in only, one per guest.

On Veterans Day, Red Robin grants veterans and active-duty military a free Red’s Tavern Double burger. This popular burger  comes with endless refills of Bottomless Steak Fries. 

Wawa offers free coffee to veterans, active-duty military, and their families at participating locations, as a thank you for their service.

Applebee’s offers dining veterans one free entrée from a special menu (Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Chicken Tenders, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad or Three-Cheese Chicken Penne.)

Olive Garden always provides a perk for veterans and active-duty military. Tentatively, it will be a free entrée.

Dunkin’ is offering a free doughnut on Veterans Day to veterans, activity-duty and retired military.

Most companies require some form of military ID or proof of military service. 

This is not intended as a comprehensive list of all restaurants offering specials to veterans and is not warranted to be so by SNJ Today.

 Our source listed only some national franchises. It wasn’t feasible for us to survey  the nearly 100 local eateries. We suggest if you have a favorite eating place, contact it and ask if there is an offer for Veterans Day.

SOURCE:  themilitarywallet.com