Official Site of The State of New JerseyDepartment of Military and Veterans Affairs
Community Relations
New Jersey Governor's We Value Our Veterans Award
Valuing Our Veterans
The New Jersey Governor's We Value Our Veterans Award provides counties, municipalities, businesses, and academic institutions the opportunity to honor the sacrifices, patriotism, and bravery displayed by those who have worn America’s uniform.
The award establishes a clear avenue to honor New Jerseyans who have selflessly served the United States. This award will serve as a conspicuous representation of your support of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and Space Guardians.
To our Veterans - past, present, and future - we thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Share This Prestigious Honor all Year
The prestigious New Jersey Governor's We Value Our Veterans Award comes with recognition from the state and the Governor. Each awardee will receive a digital promotional package that can be used for your website and printed materials throughout the year.
Award Requirements
In order to receive this award, your county/municipality must reach a total of 145 points based off the following initiatives and complete the Community Award Application.
- Provide parking spots for Purple Heart Recipients and Disabled Veterans (15)
- Provide discounts to Veterans at local establishments or offer free discount booklets to Veterans (10)
- Hold quarterly Veterans Round-tables (15)
- Honor Veterans at least quarterly at Council meetings/special events (15)
- Have local students bring Veteran Family members to speak at school (15)
- Hold annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies (15)
- Provide discounts for community-based recreation (or similar municipal establishment) (15)
- Hold Veteran Service Organization Meet and Greets (15)
- List Veterans resources on the town website (15)
- Honor and remember POW/MIA Day and Gold Star Families Day (10)
- List Veteran owned businesses on the town website (10)
- Offer scholarships to high school students of military families (15)
- Volunteerism by municipal staff at Veteran related events (Memorial Day parades, Veteran Service Organization Meet and Greets, etc.) (10)
- Any initiatives or programs providing mental health resources for Veterans (15)
- Any initiatives not on this list that your town has achieved towards helping/honoring local Veterans (e.g. Dedicating a park, street, memorial, etc. to a local Veteran) (20)
In order to receive this award, your business must reach a total of 55 points based off the following initiatives and complete the Employer Award Application.
- Parking spots designated for Purple Heart Recipients and/or Veterans (5)
- Host a recognition ceremony on Veterans Day or other military related dates thanking the military and/or Veterans for their service (15)
- Create a Military Family Day at place of employment i.e. BBQ, picnic, luncheon, etc. (20)
- Recognize military employees as well as Veterans on the company website and other social media platforms and company newsletters (5)
- Include the Department of Veterans Affairs link on the company website (5)
- Employee discount or tickets to an event or some form of a token of appreciation (10)
- Retail outlets offer a special discount for all military and Veterans (10)
- Statewide convenience stores offer free coffee on Veterans Day (10)
- Care packages sent to families left behind during deployment (10)
- Bring your military family to work day (10)
- Make a company “military donation day” to your favorite military non-profit (15)
- Breakfast with the Boss for all employees who are serving or who have served (10)
- Partnering with ESGR with a Statement of Support signing (10)
- Incorporate a Wall of Heroes in the company lobby or on prominent display in the building (10)
- Insert the word Veteran on Veteran employee signature block/cards (5)
- Your own way of supporting Veterans (10)
In order to receive this award, your academic institution must reach a total of 70 points based off the following initiatives and complete the Academia Award Application.
- Parking spots designated for Purple Heart Recipients and/or Veterans (5)
- Host a recognition ceremony on Veterans Day or other military related dates thanking the military and/or Veterans for their service (15)
- Offer priority registration for Veterans (10)
- List Veteran resources and include the Department of Veterans Affairs link on your website (5)
- Honor Veterans at board meetings (5)
- Incorporate a Wall of Honor or Memorial on prominent display (10)
- Have Veteran Service Officers available for Veterans (5)
- Care packages sent to families left behind during deployment (10)
- Hold quarterly Veterans round-tables (5)
- Ensure that a Veteran sits on one of the school boards (15)
- Breakfast with the President for all who are serving or who have served (10)
- Hold a Veterans Service Organization Meet and Greets (15)
- Any initiatives not on this list that have been done towards helping Veterans (15)
We Value Our Veterans
Applications are open NOW through October 15th!
We look forward to reviewing applications and recognizing
all of our We Value Veterans at our Ceremony in November.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Melanie Holmes,
We Value Our Veterans Coordinator at WVOV@dva.nj.gov or at 609-530-6965.
