This Monday, May 30 marks the 148th observance of Memorial Day, where we honor and remember the brave men and women who have lost their lives while serving in our military. Since September 11, 2001, more than 2.5 million service members have been deployed to the Middle East, and thousands have given their lives in the line of duty.

On Wednesday, April 6, 2016, VOICES hosted our New Jersey Symposium, "Promoting Resiliency in Communities Impacted by Trauma." The event featured presentations by accomplished subject matter experts and clinicians working in the fields of trauma, grief and disaster mental health.

Join us for VOICES Center of Excellence for Community Resilience New Jersey Symposium, Promoting Resilience in Communities Impacted by Trauma on Wednesday, April 6, 2016.

Our thanks to the hundreds of 9/11 and Air India family members who participated in VOICES Research Project, "Investigating the Long-Term Impact of Bereavement Due to Terrorism: Factors That Contribute to Trauma, Grief, Growth and Resilience."   We recognize that this may have been an emotional experience, and we appreciate your time and important insights.

We hope this finds you well. As we begin 2016, we would like to highlight VOICES ongoing initiatives that continue into the New Year, and notify you of some upcoming deadlines and events. If you have a family member or friend who may benefit from the information, we encourage you to pass it along.

Thanks to the generous support of our donors and partners, VOICES has been able to provide hope and healing to those impacted by traumatic events. Our staff continues to provide critical support services to over 5,100 9/11 families, responders and survivors. We offered a wide range of programs, including distributing information, referrals, assessments, teleconference groups and conferences.

May the gift of hope be yours during the holiday season and the coming year. Happy Holidays from our family to yours! With appreciation for your friendship and support.

I wanted to pass along the wonderful news that Congress has reauthorized the James Zadroga Health and Compensation Act! Today, the U.S. House and Senate passed a spending package that includes funds to extend the World Trade Center Health Program.

Like the rest of the world, I watched in horror as the terrorist attacks unfolded in Paris on Friday evening. It brought back a flood of memories of 9/11, and the feelings of uncertainty, helplessness, and overwhelming sadness. My prayers were with the hostages, and the families of the victims and injured.

We hope this note finds you well and enjoying the beautiful autumn season. It has been a busy two months here at VOICES, and we want to take this opportunity to update you. On Tuesday, September 8th, VOICES hosted our Inaugural Golf Outing at the Country Club of Fairfield.