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NJ
Dept of Military and
Veterans Affairs
BG Glenn K. Rieth
The Adjutant General
Col Maria Falca-Dodson
Deputy Adjutant General
COL (Ret) Emil H. Philibosian
Deputy Commissioner for
Veterans Affairs
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Contacting us is easy!
Office of the Joint Chief of Staff
COL (Ret) Michael B. Smith
Mrs. Laura A. Branham
Phone: (609) 530-6987
Fax: (609) 530-7109
Email:
branham@njdmava.state.nj.us
We're
on the Web!
www.state.nj.us/military
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Dear
Fellow Employees, Guardmembers, and Veterans:
 There
is no more special time in America than the various
traditional religious holiday celebrations
following Thanksgiving. Whether you choose to observe
Ramadan, Kwanzaa, Chanukah or Christmas, the messages
all share some of the same themes: peace – joy – hope – and
concern for those less fortunate.
As
we approach these traditional holidays, our focus
is inevitably drawn to thoughts of family and hope
for a happy, healthy, and more prosperous New Year.
It’s a time to reflect on all the gifts and blessings
we have received during the past year and how truly
fortunate all of us are to live in the greatest country
in the world. This is also a most appropriate time
to express our appreciation to those who have done
so much throughout the year to make our lives so much
richer and our jobs so much more satisfying.
The
employees of DMVA and the members of both the New
Jersey Army and Air National Guard continue to
demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism,
talent, and dedication. You do everything asked of
you and more, whether it is serving our veterans in
our facilities and communities or fulfilling our military
missions. And you display a level of energy and generosity
that makes this department and the New Jersey National
Guard the best organizations in state government and
the United States Armed Forces respectively. For all
you have done and continue to do, “Thank you.”
Unfortunately,
this year’s holidays find our
nation still at war. Many of our family members, friends,
colleagues, and neighbors are serving in Homeland Defense
and Homeland Security missions. This is the part of
being a citizen-soldier that perhaps demands the most
discipline and sacrifice from our soldiers and airmen
and the most understanding and support from our families
and civilian employers.
Let us keep all those serving on the front lines of
freedom in our hearts and minds and pray for their
safe return. Let us all also find the determination,
strength, and fortitude necessary to do those things
that need to be done to ensure the safety and security
of our families, communities, and nation.
In keeping with the true spirit of this very special
season, Linda and I extend to each of you and your
families our heartfelt wishes for a wonderful and joy-filled
holiday and may the New Year bring peace on earth and
good will to all.
Sincerely,
GLENN K. RIETH
Brigadier General, NJARNG
The Adjutant General
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