Veterans Affairs Pitches Vision; Crest Dune Project on Hold

WILDWOOD CREST ─ “Wildwood Crest is my home,” said Jacqueline Hinker, outreach specialist for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. She spoke during the Borough Commission meeting July 5. Raised on Lavender Road and a graduate of Wildwood High School, Class of ’84, Hinker has returned to the county in her present capacity. 
“I answer to the director,” said Hinker, explaining her unique position as beneficial to veterans obtaining services.
With less “red tape,” Hinker finds “kinks” in the process chain and resolves issues if a veteran is unable to receive services.
Doris Barnes, 96, of Cape May County recently received her hearing aids due to Hinker’s investigation into her case. A veteran of World War II, Barnes can now hear.
Hinker presented a vision of increasing enrollment in veterans’ healthcare countywide; she desires county veterans to have access to optimum care and services. However, without “numbers,” (translated enrollment) Hinker said services would not be as available.
A 10,000-square-foot complex, newly built in Vineland, stands testament to growing veterans’ enrollment in Cumberland County. Hinker wishes the same for Cape May County.
Hinker also attended the June 28 Wildwood City Commission meeting and presented her vision.
Though a long-term goal, finding a new facility for veteran care is on Hinker’s agenda, eventually replacing present community-based outpatient clinic facility at the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May.
“We need to care for each other,” said Hinker, referring not only to veterans but also to their families, friends, and care providers. Hinker said many veterans are not enrolled because they “want to leave it (healthcare) for those who really need it.” Hinker said although this spirit is admirable, not enrolling decreases the services made available in the county.
Hinker concluded by requesting permission to set up a booth at upcoming concerts held in the borough.
“I like to engage people,” said Hinker, explaining the personal interaction she seeks to facilitate while presenting Veterans Affairs. “We want every vet to have a good experience.”
Commissioner Joyce Gould offered assistance to Hinker’s cause as did Mayor Carl Groon. Commissioner Don Cabrera subsequently voiced his support.   
“I will coordinate with you,” Borough Administrator Constance Mahon said. A Veterans Affairs meeting is planned July 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Cape May County Police Academy, 171 Crest Haven Road, Court House.
Hinker said her position is personal: her father served during the Korean War and her husband in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Dune Project Update
During Mahon’s report, commissioners learned that the islandwide dune project remains in the design phase, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection, as cooperation continues with the Army Corps of Engineers.
Kayak Launch Site
A pre-application will be presented in Trenton by Mahon for the kayak launch at Sunset Lake. Mahon said the purpose is to “smooth out” any potential problems before the application process begins.
No New Beach Signs
New beach signs will not be installed on Crest beaches until upcoming winter months and spring of 2018. According to Mahon, the JIF (Atlantic County Joint Insurance Fund) has not yet written “uniform language” for the signs.
However, Mahon assured commissioners that the signs would include the borough’s designation as a TripAdvisor Hot Spot and as one of the top 10 beaches in New Jersey.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.