Military service members make a unique and sometimes deadly commitment to serve in the defense and overall protection of our nation. This can lead to a host of special opportunities as well as dire consequences during and after their service. Veterans in particular can face many challenges after leaving active duty, including financial hardship, mental health struggles, addiction, job insecurity, and homelessness. NJ has taken an active and leading role in addressing the needs and concerns of active duty military service personnel, reservists, and veterans. Please join us in our celebration of Memorial Day as Esther Chucaralao, Director of Veteran Services, highlights the history of the NJ Department of Military and Veteran Affairs as well as the critical services and resources that are available to the state’s veterans.

Esther Chucaralao serves as the Director, Division of Veterans Services, for the New Jersey Department of Military & Veterans Affairs. In this capacity, she ensures that the over 299,000 Veterans that call New Jersey home receive the services available to them that our State provides. Esther is a proud United States Navy Veteran. Serving from 2003-2010 as a personnel specialist amongst other duties and left the Navy with the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. Esther has a bachelor’s Degree from Excelsior College and a master’s degree in psychology from Felician University. She now has over 12 years’ experience within the Division, most recently serving as State Supervisor of Veterans Service Officers in North Jersey, and her creativeness and tireless efforts over the years have helped lead to the creation of many services and programs that benefit New Jersey Veterans and their families.

This webinar is presented by the New Jersey State Library. To register for the webinar, please click here.