On Saturday, Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-8th) hosted his 10th annual veterans fair at VFW Post 6255, on Pompton Avenue in Cedar Grove. The four-hour forum connected more than 100 former soldiers, with more than a dozen veteran service organizations.

In addition, Pascrell discussed the importance of veteran’s rights. Also speaking was U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), and Major General Glenn Rieth, adjutant general of New Jersey.

Pascrell cited the 9/11 terrorist tragedy in his introductory remarks, adding that since that day, the United States has committed to fighting the war on terrorism. He said New Jersey has deployed 3,000 National Guard Troops to Iraq, the guard’s largest combat deployment since World War II.

Rieth said he stands staunchly behind those who served their country.

"I’m fully committed to continue working with all the vets service organizations around New Jersey, because you serve a valuable, valuable role."

Rieth said he deplores that New Jersey has 6,000 homeless veterans.

"That is totally unacceptable. One homeless veteran is too many."

The general said veterans’ issues embrace many in the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard. He said, to date, 10,000 soldiers and airmen have served in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

Lautenberg said the government cannot afford to neglect veterans.

He said the way they are treated impacts armed forces recruitment, and veterans’ view of military service.

The senator said he is proud of all active and reserve troops. He pledged that the government must fulfill its responsibility to veterans.

Then Pascrell gave an impassioned speech on veteran’s rights. The congressman said he has fought hard in Washington for that cause, which has yielded some victories.

Pascrell said the 110th congress brought about the largest Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) funding increase in the department’s 77-year history. Reportedly, the $4.6 billion brings the DVA’s budget to $47.7 billion for fiscal 2009.

The congressman said 1,100 more veterans benefits claims processors have been hired to tackle the 400,000 application backlog. He said he lobbied long against DVA bureaucracy for a veterans outreach clinic in Paterson, which became reality in 2004.

Pascrell said more needs to be done to educate veterans of their rights as too many remain ignorant of their entitlements.

"We have veterans in their 70s and 80s, who have no idea what they and their families are entitled too. We owe you. That’s what it’s all about."

Pascrell said the veteran’s rights movement must stay constant to keep the pressure on Washington and the DVA.

"If you take a one-day vacation from this fight, they’ll steal the gold out of your teeth, and they’ll tell you they are doing you a favor. As opposed to the war in Iraq as I am now, I make it my personnel responsibility to fight for veterans," he said.

Pascrell urged the crowd to consult the present veteran’s organizations.

"Ask questions. Your advocates are here. If they don’t follow up today, they’ll follow up on it."

The congressman then took inquires from the assembly. Standing up one by one, many of them voiced specific veterans benefits problems, while some aired opinions.

Tom Miller - Passaic County veterans services officer - let attendees know that the Paterson veterans outreach clinic provides excellent attention.

"It’s one of the finest clinics you want. You don’t wait longer than 15 minutes to see a doctor, if that."

One of those attending the veterans fair was Cliff Swisher of Little Falls. The World War II sailor said the seminar was informative. When asked, Swisher said Uncle Sam should step up its efforts to apprise discharged soldiers of their rights.

"I would think so. I’d be one to agree with that."

Any veterans needing help can call eight congressional district headquarters at 973-523-5152.