May 21, 2026
On March 21, members of the VFW Department of New Jersey presented Gov. Mikie Sherrill with a VFW cap at an event at the National Guard Armory in Bordentown, New Jersey
For former New Jersey Department commander and National Legislative Service committee member Luddie Austin, cultivating relationships with lawmakers is a crucial part of advocating for veterans, especially when those lawmakers are themselves veterans.
“Having lawmakers who are also veterans and VFW members helps strengthen the relationship between the VFW and elected officials because they understand firsthand the needs and struggles of the veteran community,” Austin said about Sherill, a member of VFW Post 711 in Bloomfield, N.J. “Their experience also helps provide valuable insight to their colleagues, which strengthens support for veteran-related legislation.”
New Jersey remains among the most active VFW Departments in the country, with its advocacy work leading to a breakthrough legislative decision in 2025 by then-Governor Phil Murphy to create a dedicated New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs. The move split the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) into two distinct cabinet departments: one for military affairs and the other for veterans affairs.
“Past State Commander Jay Boxwell and State Commander Ken Hagemann were instrumental in helping advance this legislation by ensuring the direct needs of veterans remained the priority,” Austin said. “As a Department, we will remain vigilant in ensuring these changes are successfully implemented and continue to benefit New Jersey’s veteran community.”
Like other VFW Department leaders and National Legislative Committee members, Austin understands the importance of not only building but strengthening relationships over time to further VFW’s goal of promoting and empowering veterans.
“The VFW is a nonpartisan organization, and our primary goal is to put personal interests aside to advocate for veterans and their families,” Austin said. “Building direct relationships with lawmakers helps establish trust, open communication, and a better understanding of the issues veterans face. Those relationships often lead to meaningful legislation that positively impacts veterans, service members, and their families.”
This article is featured in the 2026 May issue of Checkpoint. If you're a VFW member and don't currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.