Doubly blessed by two heroes on
Veterans Day!
On Veteran’s Day this year, our veterans were offered
24/7 peer support and resources based on the continuance of a program modeled after Cop2Cop titled
“Vets4Warriors.”
The Vets4Warriors Program, operated by Rutgers
University Behavioral Health Care, will be able to continue operations with state support in the upcoming
year. This announcement follows news that the U.S.
CHERIE
CASTELLANO Department of Defense may discontinue federal funding for the program.
Cop2Cop
“The Vets4Warriors Program offers an invaluable
resource to our nation's service men and women in
need," said Gov. Christie. "I am committed to continuing mutual
efforts with our Congressional delegation in preserving funding for
this important program."
The Vets4Warriors Peer Support Line, 1-855-838-8255, which is
available toll-free, 24/7, to all active duty, Reserve and National Guard
members, is staffed entirely by veterans. The unique structure of
Vets4Warriors allows individuals to receive support in a completely
confidential, personal, non-threatening way from other veterans that
know the challenges of military life and the rigors of the transition to
civilian life since they have lived through it themselves.
Chris Kosseff, President of Rutgers University Behavioral Health
Care, expressed the sentiments of many in reaction to the news
saying, “I want to express my deepest gratitude for keeping Vets4Warriors alive to support our service members and veterans and for keeping 40 veterans employed doing this important work; we look forward
to continuing to serve those who keep us safe and free." Since its
inception in December 2011, Vets4Warriors has made more than
130,000 veteran contacts and has continuously employed more than
40 New Jersey veterans.
Two of those veterans still working today to support veterans at the
Vets4Warriors program are law enforcement officers Felix Zamot,
retired Manchester patrol officer for 18 years, and Charlie Angelo,
retired sergeant from Irvington for 26 years. These two law enforcement heroes are also veterans!
“There are many similarities between the police culture and military culture. Cops function as a paramilitary organization so it is a
comfortable transition between both worlds,” explained Zamot, who
served in the Army, Air Force and Air Guard for a total of 25 years, 10
CONTINUED ON PAGE 80
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www.njcopsmagazine.com
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