Return to the Scene of the Crime: Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill visits the Paramus Veterans Memorial Home
photos courtesy of Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
PARAMUS, NJ — In one of her first major public appearances since her election, Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill visited the Paramus Veterans Memorial Home this afternoon to deliver holiday cheer and a clear message: New Jersey’s veterans will remain a top priority for her administration.
The visit, hosted by Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, highlighted a shared commitment to those who have served. As a former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, Sherrill’s presence carried a special significance for the residents and staff at the facility.
State Senator Joe Pennacchio , “New Jerseyans want and deserve answers. 10,000 families who lost loved ones want and deserve answers.” Durr said, “The only way to get those answers is for a bipartisan investigation with subpoena power into the 10,000 nursing home deaths caused by Phil Murphy’s dangerous orders. It is my hope the state Senate President and the Assembly Speaker will immediately call for that investigation so New Jerseyans can get the answers they deserve.”
A Shared Mission for Bergen County Veterans
County Executive Jim Tedesco praised the Governor-Elect for making the time to visit during the busy holiday season.
“As a Navy veteran herself, the Governor-Elect understands the importance of supporting our Bergen County veterans and active service members,” Tedesco said. “I am proud to stand alongside her in that shared commitment.”
The visit wasn’t just about holiday greetings; it signaled a collaborative effort between the County and State to improve the quality of care and resources available at the Paramus facility, which has seen significant attention and investment in recent years.
Leadership Transition: New Nominees for NJ Military & Veterans Affairs
During the event, Tedesco also highlighted two key leadership appointments by the Sherrill transition team that will directly impact Bergen County’s veteran population:
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Brigadier General Yvonne Mays: Nominated to continue her role as the Adjutant General of New Jersey. She will lead the Department of Military Affairs, overseeing the New Jersey National Guard and military readiness.
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Vincent Solomeno III: A U.S. Army veteran nominated to serve as the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“I look forward to working together with General Mays and Commissioner Solomeno to meet the needs of our Bergen County veterans,” Tedesco added.
Why This Visit Matters for 2026
With the transition to the Sherrill administration officially underway, Bergen County residents are looking for stability and increased support for veteran services. Sherrill’s background as a veteran is expected to shape her approach to the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA), with a focus on modernization and mental health support.
For the veterans in Paramus, the visit was a moment of recognition. For the state, it was a preview of a “Veterans-First” policy agenda that Tedesco and Sherrill plan to champion in the coming year.
Key Figures in NJ Veteran Leadership
| Name | Role / Nomination | Background |
| Mikie Sherrill | Governor-Elect | U.S. Navy Veteran |
| Jim Tedesco | Bergen County Executive | Longtime Veteran Advocate |
| Yvonne Mays | Adjutant General (Nominee) | U.S. Air Force Brigadier General |
| Vincent Solomeno III | Veterans Affairs Commissioner (Nominee) | U.S. Army Veteran |
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Yvonne Mays: African American
Vincent Solomeno III: Gay
Otherwise, they have very limited qualifications.