Councilwoman Matsikoudis honored by NJ Veterans Network
On Veterans Day the New Jersey Veterans Network hosted its first team awards ceremony at the Union VFW. Councilwoman Michele Matsikoudis was 1 of over 50 contributors who were honored during a ceremony that practiced social distancing protocol.
The New Jersey Veterans Network is a volunteer mobile outreach team that aggressively seeks out veterans and their families members in need.
In the last few years the NVN has saved over a dozen lives, donated 20 cars, 400 business suits, and during covid the team provided over 3,000 meals and thousands of PPE items for disabled veterans and active servicemen.
The Team is fully backed by the NJ VFW, NJ American Legion, NJ PBA, NJ FOP, NJ FMBA, multiple service groups, and several elected state officials.
Former VFW State Commander Barbara Hagemann presented over 30 NJ VFW Award Commendations.
NJVN President Michael Boll presented all the members in attendance with NJVN team plaques in recognition of their contributions. Each member also received a proclamations from the New Jersey Senate and Assembly.
Congressmen Tom Malinowski presented the Presidents Volunteer Service Award with a Gold Medal and a Congressional Commendation to the team’s executive board including Michael Boll, Sara Abraham, Frank Schupp, Bob Johnsen, and Leo Graf. Frank Schupp was presented an American Flag that was flown over the Capital Building in his honor. Schupp is the mobile outreach program director. He was awarded for his outstanding work mentoring veterans during Covid and organizing an effort to feed over 3,000 veterans.
About New Jersey Veterans Network
We are a group of veterans and volunteers dedicated to helping our veterans and their families live better lives. Our team is raising awareness of our veterans needs by organizing public speaking engagements, meeting with business and political leaders across the state and sponsoring fundraising events. Our mission is to identify veterans and connect them with resources and programs designed to meet their unique set of needs. To ensure that every single one of our veterans, who have sacrificed so much for this great country, receives the resources that they require and deserve. If you are interested in joining our team, would like us to speak at your event, or contributing to our mission, call 973-332-1556 or email mdbollio@optonline.net. To learn more visit njvn.org.
