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Distinguished Army Veteran Appointed Deputy Commissioner for
Veterans Affairs
By Roman Martyniuk, NJDMAVA/PA
In October 2004, the Governor appointed Col. Stephen G. Abel, United States Army (Retired) to serve as the Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs, succeeding Col. (Ret) Emil Philibosian In his capacity as the DCVA, Col. Abel administers three Divisions. The Division of Veterans Healthcare Services oversees the operations of the state’s three longterm care veterans’ homes and respite care program. The Division of Veterans Programs oversees the Veterans Service Offices, other state entitlement programs and services—veteran’s preference determinations, veteran’s status determinations, and the blind and catastrophic veteran pension entitlements. The Division of Veterans Services oversees the nation’s busiest State Veterans Cemetery, located in North Hanover Township; the operation of the state’s Homeless Veterans Transitional Housing program, the State Approving Agency that is responsible for certifying the VA funded educational and training program, and the state-owned monuments and memorials. Col. Abel previously served as
the Director of the Division of Veterans
Services from 1 April 2000 While still on active duty with the Army, Col. Abel served as the Inspector General for the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard. Born on July 25, 1951, in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree (1973) from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy degree from the National Defense University (1994). The Deputy Commissioner
earned his commission through
the ROTC Program at Indiana
University of Pennsylvania
where he was a Distinguished
Military Graduate. In 1976 he was His military decorations include
the Defense Superior Service
Medal, two awards of the
Legion of Merit, six awards of the
Meritorious Service Medal, Army
Commendation Medal, Army
Achievement Medal, National
Defense Service Medal with
Bronze Star, Army Service Ribbon, |
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