Veterans are defined under N.J.A.C. § 5A:5-1.2 (the regulation governing veteran’s homes).- The definition reads that a veteran is “a person who has been other than dishonorably discharged from the active military service (90 days’ total active-duty service, unless discharged early for service-connected disability) of the United States.”
National Guard members “are not full-time active duty military personnel, although they can be deployed at any time should the need arise.” So the question to ask is if the National Guard member was ever deployed into active military service and if so, was it longer than 90 days, or was there a service-connected disability that prevented the member from serving more than 90 days. If so, the National Guard member is a veteran and eligible for the veteran’s home.
To discuss your NJ veterans matter, please contact Fredrick P. Niemann, Esq. toll-free at (855) 376-5291 or email him at fniemann@hnlawfirm.com. Please ask us about our video conferencing or telephone consultations if you are unable to come to our office.
By Fredrick P. Niemann, Esq. of Hanlon Niemann & Wright, a Freehold Township, Monmouth County, NJ Veterans Attorney