New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation last week that will reorganize the existing Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to improve focus on veterans.
“Veterans have selflessly fought for our hard-earned freedoms as Americans,” said Murphy. “By establishing a department solely dedicated to the needs of veterans, we will continue to ensure they have a seat at the table and direct access to the support and resources they deserve. Our veterans and their families deserve nothing less.”
Currently, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs manages both military operations and veterans’ services.
Under this new bill, the newly established cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs will exclusively focus on veteran-related matters, such as delivering housing, health care, mental health services and benefits for veterans and their families. Military functions will continue at the current department, which will be renamed the Department of Military Affairs.
“This realignment is a deliberate step toward strengthening operational efficiency, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring focused leadership in support of our veterans and military communities,” Brig. Gen. Yvonne L. Mays, the adjutant general of New Jersey and commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, said. “It underscores our unwavering commitment to provide each community with the dedicated resources, advocacy and attention they deserve.”
The law will take effect in early January, allowing for anticipatory administrative actions, and maintains existing veterans’ services without creating new programs or appropriations.
Murphy also announced that Vincent Solomeno is his intended nominee for commissioner for the Department of Veterans Affairs once the law takes effect.
“Vincent Solomeno has dedicated his career to serving our veterans and their families,” said Murphy. "His years of leadership and experience will help support our service members effectively. I am confident he will excel as the inaugural Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs.”
A U.S. Army veteran, Solomeno currently serves as the deputy commissioner of Veterans Affairs and administrator of Veterans Affairs for the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Prior to this role, he served as superintendent of the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt and as executive officer to the adjutant general and commissioner of Military and Veterans Affairs. Solomeno served on active duty during Hurricane Irene, Superstorm Sandy and the statewide COVID-19 response.
He currently chairs the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and Their Families.
“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, the State of New Jersey continues to invest more, do more and achieve more for Garden State veterans than at any time in our history,” said Solomeno. “I am privileged to work beside teams of dedicated public servants. We are committed to building a robust cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs worthy of those that we serve.”