Gottheimer Helped 84-Year-Old Veteran Secure Housing, Saves Veteran $145,000 a year

PARAMUS, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) visited (fmr.) Specialist 3rd Class Ronald Mitchell at Paramus Veterans Memorial Home. Gottheimer helped Mitchell access the veterans housing after Mitchell lacked the appropriate documentation.

Mitchell reached out to Gottheimer’s office to help him access the veteran home benefits he had earned through his service in the United States Army in Germany in the 1950s. At the time, he was staying at a nursing facility that was costing him approximately $400 per day — or about $145,000 a year. Admissions to the Paramus Veterans Memorial Home requires proof of military service and Mitchell’s copy of his service documents were destroyed in the flooding during Hurricane Sandy. Initial inquiries were unable to turn up any records for Mr. Mitchell and eventually it was determined that his official military records were destroyed in the National Personnel Records Center Fire of 1973, which destroyed 16-18 million Official Military Personnel Files. After contacting multiple agencies and previous employers, Gottheimer’s office was able to produce the necessary forms through the National Archives to prove Mitchell’s service and he moved into Paramus Veterans Memorial Home in September of this year.

“Ronald bravely served his country overseas in Germany and we must take care of him just as he took care of us during his time in the Army,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “To me, there is no commitment more sacred than the one to those who have bravely served our nation. For decades, Ronald was a force for good in his community and for his country and it is only right that he receives the care he earned. I encourage other veterans and their families to contact my office for assistance.”