Kim Kries As Kooky Stunt Krumbles!

From a facebook friend:

Warning to every Congressman, Senator, or activist itching to "stand with protesters" at ICE facilities.

Yesterday outside Newark's Delaney Hall, Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ) didn't just insert himself. He actively shielded rowdy, obstructionist demonstrators who were chaining themselves to exits, blocking federal vehicles, and turning a detention center into a riot zone. ICE agents did what they had to do. They deployed pepper spray to clear the dangerous blockade.

Kim caught a face-full of it while playing hero for the mob. Classic self-own.

But here's the idiot masterstroke. This so-called leader then let volunteers flood his eyes with water, spreading the oil-based capsaicin across even more skin and amplifying the burn over a wider area. He turned a standard 30-minute sting into pure, self-inflicted agony.

That's what happens when you choose the side of facility-targeting agitators over federal law enforcement. Kim wasn't de-escalating. He was aiding chaos. And he proved it by botching his own first aid like a rookie protester.

Congress, stay out of the way. Let agents do their jobs. Obstruct at your own risk.

-- Joseph Fosco

May 26, 2026

A REMARKABLE Memorial Day Weekend Story!

God bless our veterans. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ACDaWlKrtU

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) May 24, 2026

tory

It's Certainly Worth Remembering THIS!

Two years ago today, the Biden Administration desecrated Easter Sunday with a “transgender” message that elevated radical leftist ideology over faith, family, and biological truth. This Easter season, the Trump Administration is celebrating a decisive victory: the swift and unrelenting dismantling of subversive, woke policies that endangered children, eroded women’s rights, assaulted common sense, and dragged America toward moral and cultural decline. Under President Trump, the era of government-sanctioned delusion is over: President Trump declared it the official policy of the U.S. Government that there are only two immutable sexes: male and female.   President Trump banned federal funding, sponsorship, or promotion of the chemical and surgical mutilation of minors — protecting children from irreversible harm and directing agencies to defund institutions engaged in these practices. As a result, more than three dozen health systems across the country — including Kaiser Permanente, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Children’s Minnesota, Denver Health, Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Stanford Medicine, NYU Langone, and many others — announced they are stopping or suspending child mutilation programs.   The Trump Administration ended the un-American indoctrination of schoolchildren by terminating federal support for “gender ideology” and “equity” curricula — enforcing parental rights and putting states on notice to remove such content or lose funding.   President Trump ended the unfair, demeaning practice of forcing women to compete against biological men in sports — which resulted in both the NCAA and the International Olympic Committee, as well as multiple state high school athletics associations, to realign with biological reality.   The Department of War reinstated standards requiring service members to serve according to their biological sex, banned transgender individuals from military service where it conflicts with readiness and cohesion, and prohibited taxpayer funds for sex change procedures — restoring the military’s focus on excellence, not ideology.   The Department of Health and Human Services conducted a comprehensive review of so-called “gender-affirming care” and confirmed the lack of medical or scientific evidence supporting its irreversible effects on minors.   The Trump Administration — including across the Department of War and the Department of Veterans Affairs — ceased all funding for sex change surgeries and related procedures.   President Trump eliminated radical gender ideology from U.S. service academies and training programs.   President Trump directed enforcement to protect single-sex spaces designed for women and girls — including bathrooms, locker rooms, and shelters — based on biological sex.   The Trump Administration axed billions of dollars in grants that had been used by states to perpetuate radical gender ideology and related propaganda.   The Trump Administration ended the practice of allowing gender self-identification on federal documents — including passports — restoring biological sex as the sole basis for official records.

These bold actions have shattered years of Democrat extremism, rescued a generation of children from irreversible harm, restored biological truth, and reclaimed America’s commitment to fairness, science, and sanity.   In the Trump Administration, truth, strength, and moral clarity are once again guiding our nation forward.

The REAL Story Behind Veterans Day . . .

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially  when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. 

However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh mont, exactly one hundred years ago today. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” 

Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France, wait for the end of hostilities. This photo was taken at 10:58 a.m., on November 11, 1918, two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect

In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

President Eisenhower signing HR7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. From left: Alvin J. King, Wayne Richards, Arthur J. Connell, John T. Nation, Edward Rees, Richard L. Trombla, Howard W. Watts 

On that same day, President Eisenhower sent a letter to the Honorable Harvey V. Higley, Administrator of Veterans' Affairs (VA), designating him as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee.

In 1958, the White House advised VA's General Counsel that the 1954 designation of the VA Administrator as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee applied to all subsequent VA Administrators. Since March 1989 when VA was elevated to a cabinet level department, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has served as the committee's chairman.

The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.

The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

H/T: Bureau of Veterans Affairs

Click here to see lots more from the Dan Cirucci Blog.

WOW! VA Sets Record For Claims Porcessed!

Today, in a resounding victory for America’s heroes, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced they have processed a record 2.5 million ratings claims so far in fiscal year 2025 — another milestone in eliminating the massive backlog inherited from the Biden Administration. This extraordinary progress, highlighted by a 37% reduction in pending claims since President Donald J. Trump’s inauguration, demonstrates the Trump Administration’s unwavering commitment to deliver swift, efficient benefits to our nation’s heroes.

From the VA:

“In fiscal year 2024, VA processed a total of 2,517,519 ratings claims, and this year the department reached an all-time high of 2,524,115 ratings claims issued Aug. 8 — nearly two months before the end of FY25.

The milestone is the latest in a string of noteworthy VA claims processing achievements. Since President Trump was inaugurated Jan. 20, the backlog of Veterans waiting for VA benefits has dropped by more than 37%, after rising 24% during the Biden Administration.

In July, VA completed more than 300,000 ratings claims in a single month for the first time ever. VA is processing claims faster in FY25 than in FY24, completing them 17.8% faster even as receipts are 10% higher than this time last year.”

Click here to read more.

Free, Loud, Daring Comedy Is Alive And Well!

Joe Rogan Reacts To Rob Schneider Ending Pride Month
🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/swUq8PxeNk

— 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕷𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖊𝖘𝖘™️ (@CL4WS_OUT) May 26, 2025

Trump: Hegseth ‘Great,’ Support ‘Strong, Deep'

 

How Veterans Day Came To Be . . .

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended  when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. 

However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh mont, exactly one hundred years ago today. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” 

Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France, wait for the end of hostilities. This photo was taken at 10:58 a.m., on November 11, 1918, two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect

In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

President Eisenhower signing HR7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. From left: Alvin J. King, Wayne Richards, Arthur J. Connell, John T. Nation, Edward Rees, Richard L. Trombla, Howard W. Watts 

On that same day, President Eisenhower sent a letter to the Honorable Harvey V. Higley, Administrator of Veterans' Affairs (VA), designating him as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee.

In 1958, the White House advised VA's General Counsel that the 1954 designation of the VA Administrator as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee applied to all subsequent VA Administrators. Since March 1989 when VA was elevated to a cabinet level department, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has served as the committee's chairman.

The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.

The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

For purposes of distinction:

Memorial Day: Honors all those who died in service to our nation.

Armed Forces Day: Honors all of the branches of the military.

Veterans Day: Honors all those who have served in the military.

H/T: Bureau of Veterans Affairs

VIDEO: Heartfelt Testimony Tells The REAL Story!

pic.twitter.com/j6h9GPNgAL

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 2, 2024

Memorial Day: How Much Do You REALLY Know?

 Think you know all about Memorial Day? 

Think again!

It's Memorial Day weekend and we hope you're  having a great time.

This year Memorial Day is observed three days before the day's actual, traditional observance day, May 30.
This year, we hope that you take time to remember those who have protected us and who have made (and continue to make) our freedom possible. Because Memorial Day is all about those who gave their lives defending our country.  They made the ultimate sacrifice. In this way Memorial Day differentiates itself from Veterans Day which honors all veterans.

Now, let's get to the business at hand:

1) Not everyone will spend the long weekend at the Jersey shore. The media would have you believe that everyone is headed to the shore but that's just an easy way for the media to not report real stories over the weekend while at the same time nurturing the myth of the Great Shore Exodus. In fact, people enjoy the weekend in many different ways at many different places. We know we do -- and will.

2) Summer doesn't begin on Memorial Day. Summer begins on June 20, the summer solstice. And summer doesn't end on Labor Day. Summer ends on September 22 when autumn begins. The media and the travel industry concocted the idea that summer lasts from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It doesn't.

3) As we noted, Memorial Day is actually May 30. Congress changed the day around to make it a three-day weekend in another attempt to rob a fine holiday of its true meaning. So, Memorial Day is now the last Monday in May which means it can come as late as May 31 or as early as May 24. Leave it to the government to mess things up.

4) Memorial Day didn't become Memorial Day until 1966 when President Johnson officially renamed it. Prior to that it was widely known as Decoration Day - the day when Americans decorated the graves of the fallen. At it's core it's a somber day.

5) The artificial boundaries of Memorial Day and Labor Day mean absolutely nothing even though many people perceive these boundaries to coincide with the school year or with the summer season itself. Most children go to school well past Memorial Day. Many children (particularly in southern states) return to school well before Labor Day. Others return several days after Labor Day.

6) This year Memorial Day actually arrives close to the traditional date and Labor Day (the first Monday in September) is September 2. So, the stretch between the two is a bit less than average -- not the best news for vacation and travel vendors.

But, remember: Memorial Day isn't when people say it is. The summer hasn't begun - yet. It won't end on Labor Day. Many people will get through the whole summer without ever going to the Jersey shore. They will have a wonderful time nonetheless.

The Memorial Day and Labor Day boundaries are totally imaginary!

So, there you have it.
Enjoy what's left of spring.

And don't say "Happy Memorial Day" as the day is actually a solemn day set aside to remember and honor those who died defending our freedom. Pause. Reflect. Pay homage.
Then, go ahead and enjoy summer all the way through till September 22.
In fact, enjoy each day as a blessed gift. Savor every day, no matter the season.
Don't be cheated.

This Has Never Been More True!

 

Land Of The Free Because Of THE BRAVE!

 

Veterans Day: It's True Meaning And History

 World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended  when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. 

However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh mont, exactly one hundred years ago today. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” 

Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France, wait for the end of hostilities. This photo was taken at 10:58 a.m., on November 11, 1918, two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect

In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

President Eisenhower signing HR7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. From left: Alvin J. King, Wayne Richards, Arthur J. Connell, John T. Nation, Edward Rees, Richard L. Trombla, Howard W. Watts 

On that same day, President Eisenhower sent a letter to the Honorable Harvey V. Higley, Administrator of Veterans' Affairs (VA), designating him as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee.

In 1958, the White House advised VA's General Counsel that the 1954 designation of the VA Administrator as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee applied to all subsequent VA Administrators. Since March 1989 when VA was elevated to a cabinet level department, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has served as the committee's chairman.

The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.

The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

For purposes of distinction:

Memorial Day: Honors all those who died in service to our nation.

Armed Forces Day: Honors all of the branches of the military.

Veterans Day: Honors all those who have served in the military.

H/T: Bureau of Veterans Affairs

NJ Veterans Homes: Investigation Long Overdue!

New Jersey State Senator Kristin Corrado is calling for a special legislative committee to be formed to investigate the findings of a recent report by the State of New Jersey Commission of Investigation (SCI) that revealed shocking failures at the veterans homes in Menlo Park and Paramus.

Sen. Kristin Corrado is calling for a special legislative committee to be formed to investigate the findings of a recent report by the SCI that revealed shocking failures at the veterans homes in Menlo Park and Paramus. (SenateNJ.com)

“The SCI report is devastating and the Murphy Administration must be held accountable for the appalling treatment of our nation’s heroes,” said Corrado (R-40). “In fact, this is the second report issued by an investigative agency in the last month that once again highlights Governor Murphy’s leadership failures.”

The 43-page DOJ report, released on September 7, revealed failures at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes at Menlo Park and Paramus throughout the pandemic. The DOJ even accused the state of “unreasonable harm and risk due to inadequate infection control practices and inadequate medical care, in violation of the U.S. Constitution.”

Similarly, the SCI report emphasized the DOJ’s findings and outlined how staffing issues, lack of protective equipment, and communication breakdowns contributed to a complete collapse of services.

“Basic services that have existed in business settings for nearly twenty years, like Wi-Fi, were literally not available at the Paramus facility. Instead, the staff was forced to use mobile hotspots to conduct meetings with government health officials,” added Corrado. “Menlo Park even used an analog phone system, which created significant problems because phone numbers couldn’t be easily changed when residents were moved to different rooms—which meant relatives couldn’t contact them.”

“During the pandemic, I, along with my Republican colleagues, repeatedly called for investigations,” said Corrado. “The fact of the matter is, the Legislature could have done something to protect our veterans but Democrats refused to investigate the issue at every turn.”

Senator Corrado sponsors S-67, which is a bipartisan bill that would establish the Office of Inspector General for Veterans’ Facilities to investigate complaints at State-run veterans’ homes

Two NJ Legislators Seek Probe Of Vets' Homes

New Jersey State Senators Joe Pennacchio (R-26) and Senator Kristin Corrado (R-40) sent a letter to Senate President Nicholas Scutari calling for a special legislative committee to be formed to investigate the findings of a recent report that claims New Jersey violated the constitutional rights of veterans at two State-run memorial homes.

Sen. Joe Pennacchio and Sen. Kristin M. Corrado sent a letter to the Senate President to call for a special legislative committee to be formed to investigate claims New Jersey violated the constitutional rights of veterans at two State-run memorial homes. (©iStock)

The United States Department of Justice concluded that veterans’ constitutional rights were violated at the Menlo Park and Paramus long-term care facilities. The report indicated that inadequate infection control practices, inadequate medical care, and a lack of management and oversight subjected veteran residents to horrific conditions during the pandemic.

Senator Pennacchio and Senator Corrado both sponsor legislation to address the issue. Senator Pennacchio sponsors S-32 which calls for a special legislative committee to be formed with subpoena power that would be able to investigate the findings of the DOJ report and hold those who failed to keep veterans safe accountable.

Senator Corrado sponsors S-67, which is a bipartisan bill that would establish the Office of Inspector General for Veterans’ Facilities to investigate complaints at State-run veterans’ homes.

“The abhorrent conditions that our veterans were subjected to in these State-run memorial homes should never happen again. We must all do our part as legislators to protect veterans in our State,” the lawmakers wrote.

The full text of the letter is below: (Click here for PDF)

Dear Senate President Scutari,

We were pleased to see a quick, bipartisan response in defense of our brave veterans after the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a scathing report on the abhorrent management of two State-run memorial homes.

As you would agree, it is our duty to protect our veterans after everything that they sacrificed to keep us and our freedoms safe. We must do whatever it takes to ensure that no veteran endures the  travesty of poor living conditions, inadequate care, and a systematic failure to meet basic needs. Every day that we delay these efforts puts more veterans who reside in these long-term care facilities at risk of uncontrolled, serious, and deadly diseases and infections.

For this reason, we are calling for the Legislature to return to Trenton and investigate these matters further. A special legislative committee should be established to analyze the results of the DOJ report and hold hearings to recommend an appropriate course of action. It is clear from the report that there is a lack of accountability from this administration and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA). We must ensure that those who are responsible for failing to protect veterans are held accountable for their inaction.

Specifically, the DOJ report claims that the DMAVA impeded with a federal investigation on top of violating veterans’ Fourteenth Amendment rights. The report states that staff attorneys and facility management followed DOJ department staff around the facility “far beyond what was necessary to provide direction, standing nearby as DOJ staff spoke to witnesses, and knocking on doors of offices and rooms where witnesses were being interviewed. Witnesses reported that supervisors and managers inquired about what questions DOJ personnel had asked and specifically discouraged staff members from speaking with DOJ.”

In addition to holding hearings, legislators must work together to pass bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting vulnerable residents at veterans and nursing homes so that we can prevent these  atrocities from ever happening again. One bipartisan bill you may want to consider is S-67, which would establish the Office of Inspector General for Veterans’ Facilities. Under the bill, the Inspector General for Veterans’ Facilities would be able to investigate complaints at State veterans’ facilities. The inspector general would also be empowered to conduct evaluations and inspections to ensure the safety and quality of care provided at State veterans’ facilities.

As you are aware, from the onset of the pandemic, legislators called for investigations into the State’s response on six separate occasions, but those requests never evolved into action. In fact, the  former Senate President agreed to create a bipartisan Review and Recovery Committee, but that never came to fruition.

Because we all share the same concerns about how veterans were treated at these State-run homes and want to protect our more vulnerable residents, it is imperative that the Legislature return to Trenton immediately. A select bipartisan committee with subpoena power will help achieve effective solutions that will protect veterans and hold those who failed to keep them safe accountable.

The abhorrent conditions that our veterans were subjected to in these State-run memorial homes should never happen again. We must all do our part as legislators to protect veterans in our State.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Senator Joe Pennacchio

Senator Kristin M. Corrado

Just Think About This For A Moment . . .

 

We Wonder If THIS Will Ever Happen . . .

 

Senator Ed Durr Stands Up For ALL Veterans!

Legislation sponsored by New Jersey State Senator Edward Durr that allows veterans of military reserve units with at least six years of service to retain special license plates that identify their military service has been signed into law.

Sen. Edward Durr’s bill that allows veterans of military reserve units with at least six years of service to retain special license plates that identify their service has been signed into law. (NJMVC)

“I am proud to honor our veterans of the military reserves with the enactment of this law. All military service members should be honored and recognized for the sacrifices that they have made in defense of the freedoms that we enjoy today,” said Durr (R-03). “This law ends a foolish requirement that forced veterans of the military reserves to relinquish license plates that identified their service to our country. Military reserve veterans may now keep these special license plates and proudly display their service to our country.”

Previously, members of a military reserve unit could request a special license plate that identified their military service but were required to surrender their license plate once they completed their military service.

Senator Durr’s bill, S-3081/A-4298, allows veterans, with at least six years of service in the military reserves, to keep their special license plates once their military service concludes.

“Members of the military reserves represent a selfless form of service that embodies the sacrifices made by veterans to protect our nation,” Durr added. “When a member of the military reserves completes their service, they should be allowed to display their service on their license plate just like veterans who served in any other branch of the military. The signing of this law is one way that we can honor their service to our country.”

Pennacchio Asks: Does Anyone Give A Sh - t?

A day after it was revealed that the State-run veterans home at Menlo Park was hit by hundreds of thousands of dollars of penalties for failing to care for its residents and putting their lives at risk, New Jersey State Senator Joe Pennacchio asked if any of the Democrats in power in Trenton really care.

A day after it was revealed that the State-run veterans home at Menlo Park was hit by hundreds of thousands of dollars of penalties for failing to care for its residents and putting their lives at risk, Sen. Joe Pennacchio asked if any of the Democrats in power in Trenton really care. (©iStock)

“Does anyone in power in Trenton really give a shit about our veterans homes?” Pennacchio (R-26) asked. “Because after three years of inaction, it sure doesn’t look like it. Our most vulnerable veterans deserve every effort we can make to prevent them from unnecessary harm.”

The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced yesterday that more than $340,000 in civil penalties have been levied against the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park after inspections last fall determined that improper care put the lives of residents in “immediate jeopardy.”

Since 2020, Pennacchio has been calling for a special legislative investigation to be conducted by the Legislature to examine the management and policy failures that led to hundreds of unnecessary deaths in the three State-run veterans homes and thousands of deaths in other nursing homes during the pandemic.

He sponsors a resolution, SR-32, that would form a special legislative committee with subpoena power to conduct the investigation.

“The federal fines are proof that the same mismanagement that led to the tragic loss of life in the early days of the pandemic is still occurring today,” Pennacchio added. “Nothing is going to change until the Democratic majority in the Legislature stops stonewalling the comprehensive investigation we’ve called for that veterans and nursing home residents and their families deserve.”

On six separate occasions since May of 2020, Senate Democrats have blocked efforts by Pennacchio and Senate Republicans to bring his resolution up for a vote. 

Pennacchio: Bipartisan Investigation Needed NOW!

The top official at the helm of the state-run veterans’ home in Menlo Park has been terminated, and New Jersey State Senator Joe Pennacchio is questioning the timing.

Sen. Joe Pennacchio responded to the firing of the CEO of the veterans’ home in Menlo Park, blasting the Administration for its continued failures in facilities where seniors are still dying from COVID. (©iStock)

“More than a dozen veterans died from COVID in the facility this year, in 2022,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Problems persist within the walls of the Menlo Park home, and people are still dying, but seems like the Murphy Administration is finally closing the barn doors after the horses escaped. This is more of the game from the Governor – too little, too late.”

The Senator noted that the news leaked Wednesday mirrors another pre-holiday news dump of a year ago, when the Administration’s $53 million settlement with the families of 119 elderly residents who died in veterans’ homes.

“The Administration hasn’t figured out how to solve the problem, but they have gotten good at hiding it from the public,” Pennacchio said. “They let the news out when everybody is preoccupied, and nobody is paying attention.”

The story of the Menlo Park veterans’ home is the stuff of horror films. With more than 100 virus-connected deaths, the facility had one of the highest body counts in the nation. Family members were locked out and couldn’t comfort suffering and dying loved ones, nurses were forbidden from wearing masks because they would frighted residents, and were prevented from testing for COVID.

“The executive who was dismissed this week was hand-picked to take over the struggling facility in March 2021. There was a new face in charge, but policies didn’t evolve enough to protect the elderly residents,” said Pennacchio. “It was yet another heartbreaking failure, and the Administration bears much of the responsibility – but so does the Legislature that has systematically interfered with my resolution seeking to launch a Senate Select Committee with subpoena power to investigate the Administration’s handling of the pandemic in nursing homes.”

A bipartisan committee could uncover valuable details about the directives, policies and processes that allowed COVID to run rampant inside senior facilities, and most importantly, learn how to prevent it from happening again.

“Simply changing the name of the person in charge isn’t going to do it,” Pennacchio said. “Only after extensive fact-finding and investigation can workable life-saving approaches be presented.

“Sadly, I believe if the Senate acted to launch an investigative panel in May 2020 when I first introduced the legislation, dozens of lives would have been spared, including those who died in Menlo Park this year.”

Pennacchio has spoken on the Senate floor on six different occasions, asking the Senate to remove his resolution from committee and vote to enact the legislative investigative panel. Each time, the motion was tabled by the majority Democrats.