Veterans

This page is dedicated to our community’s veterans. They have given so much for us; this is one small way we can try to give back to them. 

We honor our veterans via our Hometown Hero banner program "Operation: We Remember," courtesy of the fundraising work done by our Memorial Park Renewal Committee, and have several plaques showcased at Veteran’s Memorial Park to honor the service of some of our hometown heroes. 

The Berkeley Heights Memorial Park Renewal Committee’s mission is to restore the Memorial to pristine condition, and to maintain and enhance the park and projects honoring the veterans of Berkeley Heights. The committee has been incorporated as a 501c3 non-profit organization, meaning that all gifts are tax deductible. 

A beautiful Fallen Soldier statue was donated during the restoration and installed at the entrance to the Memorial.

But we can do so much more. 

On this page you can find a list of veteran-owned businesses in town to patronize, veteran programming available, resources for veterans, and other helpful information. If you know of a great veteran program or resource that is not listed here, please email lviana@bhtwp.com and we will add it to this directory. 

Donate to the Memorial Park Renewal Today

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Resources for Veterans

Veterans Discounts

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The Township of Berkeley Heights in 2022 participated in "Operation Green Light" for our veterans. On Veterans Day, the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO) invite dthe nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes, boroughs, and municipalities to join Operation Green Light and show support for veterans by lighting our buildings green from November 7 to November 13. By shining a green light, we (local governments and residents) let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated and supported. The Township plans to participate in this event in 2023, as well.  

View the full "Operation Green Light" flyer, complete with ordering guidance and instruction from Amazon, here.   

Parking for Purple Heart/Combat-Wounded Veterans

In April 2022, the Township Council approved an ordinance creating two parking spaces at the Berkeley Heights Municipal Building for Combat Wounded/Purple Heart Military Veterans. The signs to the right will be placed at parking spots close to the front entrance to the municipal building, for easy access for our veterans. 

You must receive a permit from our Clerk’s office to get a tag for your vehicle indicating you are eligible. 

Documents are required by the Township Clerk to establish that the individual is a Combat Wounded Veteran and/or has been awarded the Purple Heart. In addition, any applicant must have been honorably discharged from the United States Military. The Township Clerk's Office shall have up to seven (7) days to review and determine if the applicant qualifies as a Combat Wounded Veteran/Purple Heart Designee.

Please see the Clerk’s Office webpage here for more information.   


Wounded veteran parking

Annual Memorial Day Parade

Aside from the years 2020 and 2021 when COVID prevented us from having our usual Memorial Day Parade, Berkeley Heights holds our traditional Memorial Day Parade every year. This parade honors our veterans, and features groups such as the local VFW Post #6259, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, members of the Berkeley Heights Volunteer Fire Department and Police Departments and Volunteer Rescue Squad; the Highlander’s Marching Band, municipal employees and officials and more.

Click here for information on the 2023 parade.

Veterans of Foreign Wars - Berkeley Heights

VFW 6259 Recruiting Poster

Our Local VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post #6259 is located on Locust Avenue. The national VFW organization and local chapters have a mission to foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts, to serve our veterans, the military and our communities, and to advocate on behalf of all veterans. 

The vision: Ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country.

Please visit the VFW's website here for more information, and/or email VFWBH6259@gmail.com.

Hometown Hero Banner Program

As part of the Berkeley Heights Memorial Renewal Committee’s ongoing educational efforts entitled “Operation: We Remember,” the Hometown Heroes Banner Program has become a beloved tradition in Berkeley Heights. Banners are hung prior to Memorial Day and Veterans Day each year. The program seeks to recognize those Veterans (living or deceased) and Active Military who have lived in Berkeley Heights, currently reside or work here, or call VFW Post #6259 their Home Post, and have served in the United States Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, or Coast Guard.

Click here for more information on the program.

Click here to fill out an order form for a banner for your loved one, whether they be a veteran or in active service.

List of Hometown Heroes banners on Springfield Avenue, Snyder Avenue, Plainfield Avenue and Park Avenue in Berkeley Heights

*Thank you to the Berkeley Heights Department of Public Works, who carefully and respectfully put up these banners year after year so that their loved ones - and the entire community - may remember their sacrifice and service. 


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Local Heroes

THANK YOU to all of the men and women currently working for the Township, or volunteering their time as life-saving emergency responders, who have served, or who are still serving! We are so fortunate to have you, and thank you for your service to your country - and your community. 

  • Alan Kennedy - U.S. Navy, Waste Water Treatment Plant
  • Sgt. Andrew Horan - U.S. Army, Berkeley Heights Police Department
  • Officer John Falivene – U.S. Marines, Berkeley Heights Police Department
  • Adm. Sgt. Trent Fettes – U.S. Marines, Berkeley Heights Police Department
  • Lt. Ed Gaffney – U.S. Marines, Berkeley Heights Police Department
  • Officer Tim Neri – U.S. Marines, Berkeley Heights Police Department
  • Officer Pooja Patel - N.J. National Guard, Berkeley Heights Police Department
  • Lt. Matt Plocinski - United States Navy, Berkeley Heights Volunteer Fire Department (active)
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Veteran Service Organization Meet & Greets

Opportunities to speak with representatives from our local veterans groups, such as the Berkeley Heights VFW Chapter #6259  are available through:

  • Berkeley Heights Winter Walk (December, yearly)
  • Berkeley Heights Summer Block Party (June, yearly)
  • Roundtable events/discussions organized by the Township, details of each event to be advertised separately by the Township

Union County Office of Veterans Services

Union County Office of Veterans Services (VSO) provides information and services such as the following:

  • Provides eligibility criteria for all veteran benefits and entitlements.
  • Assists in securing copies of lost military documents, such as the DD-214 (military separation document).
  • Guides applications for service connected compensation and pension claims.
  • Assistances for veteran widows/widowers and children who are applying for benefits.
  • Aids with appeals for claims that have been denied.
  • Provides death and burial benefit information.
  • Directs annual Memorial Day flag placement on veteran graves throughout Union County.
  • Information and referrals to other county, state and federal government services, including housing; mental health; education; job training and placement; financial; and medical/nursing home services.
  • Facilitates transportation (wheel chair equipped) to the VA Healthcare System at Lyons and East Orange through the Union County Paratransit system.
  • Issues Veteran Parking Placards for use in Union County.
  • Maintains a data base of local Union County veterans.
  • Produces mixers, breakfasts, educational events, and clinics.

Also at this link, you can join the veterans services mailing list to always be in the know about upcoming events and programs in Union County. 

Transportation for Veterans Get to where you need to go!

Union County Paratransit offers transportation for Union County’s veterans at a fee of $3.00 for a one-way trip and $6.00 for a round trip. Learn more.

Every Tuesday & Thursday

Transportation is available to the Lyons campus of the VA New Jersey Health Care System

Every Monday & Wednesday

Transportation is available to the East Orange campus of the VA New Jersey Health Care System

Elizabeth Community Clinic

at Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Elizabeth

Appointments for rides must be made in advance by calling the Paratransit scheduling office at 908-241-8300. Call Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Try to schedule appointments between 10:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. The Paratransit system offers curb-to-curb service only. Assistance may be provided by an aide traveling with the veteran.

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"New Jersey is home to more than 340,000 proud veterans, yet many live with wounds we cannot see and among them, there are more than 53,000 disabled veterans, many of whom struggle with mental illness stemming from their service. Hundreds of veterans are homeless. In gratitude for and out of respect for that service, the New Jersey Resource Guide for Servicemembers, Veterans, and Families is intended to connect the veteran's community with critical resources and programs." - Governor Phil Murphy

Click here or on image to the left to access the guide.