On Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-8th) will be holding his 2008 Veterans Fair at Cedar Grove VFW Post 6255, 970 Pompton Ave. (Route 23 south). The forum will give information to former armed forces personnel about various issues. All veterans are invited and refreshments will be available, according to eighth congressional district sources.

The fair will feature a number of veteran’s organizations. The participants will include the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. There will also be representatives from veterans health care and benefits providers.

In a release, Pascrell said the upcoming forum is much needed for retired military staff.

"We owe a great deal to the men and women who have served in wars past, and continue to make great sacrifices in present conflicts. The war in Iraq is five years old, and thousands of troops will be coming home at the end of their deployments."

Pascrell said he feels Washington has an obligation to ensure the welfare of veterans.

"It is our duty to ensure that they have access to the benefits and resources they have earned when they return home. It should be our nation’s top priority to recognize and reward the heroic deeds of our military heroes, and as a veteran, I will not stop fighting until it is."

For further information, call Fahim Abedrabbo, at Pascrell’s office, at 973-523-5152.

On a related note, another help source for veterans is the Passaic County Veterans’ Services office. Tom Miller, veterans service officer, can assist with diverse military service related affairs. The matters include medals, medical plans, compensation filings, tuition, burials and survivor benefits. For more details, call Miller at 973-569-4090.