Fallen Soldiers remembered during holiday brunch

Photo By Sgt. Salvatore Ottaviano | Helen Gurbisz, co-chair of the committee for the New Jersey Gold Star Family monument, left, stands with Mike Simpson, director of NJ Run for the Fallen, right, as he and his organization are honored during a Dec. 6 brunch hosted by New Jersey Survivor Outreach Services at the Joint Family Assistance Center in Bordentown, N.J., for more than 50 family members of fallen Soldiers.  

BORDENTOWN, NJ, UNITED STATES

12.12.2014

Story by Staff Sgt. Shawn Morris 

99th Readiness Division

BORDENTOWN, N.J. – More than 50 family members of fallen Soldiers came home for the holidays Dec. 6 for a brunch hosted by New Jersey Survivor Outreach Services at the Joint Family Assistance Center here.

Active-duty Army, National Guard and Army Reserve families gathered for an afternoon of fun and fellowship, which was highlighted by an award presentation to NJ Run for the Fallen, an organization that has supported Survivors through many local SOS programs.

“NJ Run for the Fallen truly keeps the service member’s memory alive by hosting the annual Run each September,” explained Julie Kennedy, a contractor with Strategy and Management Services who serves as the SOS support coordinator for the Army Reserve’s 99th Regional Support Command. “The organization also supports Survivors by partnering with SOS for local events throughout the year.”

The brunch was attended by Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael Cunniff, the adjutant general for the New Jersey National Guard; Army Brig. Gen. James J. Grant, chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the New Jersey National Guard; and Chief Warrant Officer 5 Vinny Giordano, command chief warrant officer for the Army Reserve’s 99th RSC.

More than a half-dozen volunteers assisted the joint SOS staff in hosting an afternoon of live music, games, an ugly sweater contest, and – most importantly – a chance for survivors to come together during the holiday season.

“Just like other celebrated events throughout the year, the holidays can be especially difficult for those who have lost loved ones,” Kennedy said. “Spending time with other people who have been through similar situations can be helpful during this time.”

SOS is an Army-wide program designed to provide dedicated and comprehensive support to survivors of deceased Soldiers. SOS ensures the Army fulfills its covenant with Survivors through a comprehensive program that improves Soldier and family preparedness in the event of a catastrophic loss.

SOS provides extended financial-counseling assistance and long-term support to surviving Family members, ensuring that surviving families’ concerns are addressed to the fullest extent available. The program also ensures Survivors receive all benefits to which they are entitled and encourages Survivors to remain an integral part of the Army Family for as long as they desire.

“In addition to connecting survivors to resources, the New Jersey Survivor Outreach Services team does its best to create meaningful events that connect Survivors to one another,” Kennedy said.

For more information on the 99th RSC SOS program, call 609-562-7892 or e-mail [e-mail].

For more information on NJ Run for the Fallen, visit www.njrunforthefallen.org.

• Date Taken: 12.12.2014
• Date Posted: 12.12.2014 06:16
• Story ID: 150146
• Location: BORDENTOWN, NJ, US