|
Greetings
We are excited to share with you the first edition of our DMAVA Newsletter. We hope that you find it engaging and informative.
As you may know, September is Suicide Prevention Month. Sadly, suicide is a national crisis, but it is one that can be prevented. It’s important to be able to talk openly about mental health and suicide so that those who are struggling know it’s okay to get the help they need. If you or someone you love is struggling, please seek help. Don’t wait, reach out and know that you are not alone. The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling 988.
As a subscriber, a new newsletter should hit your inbox every two weeks. As we work to develop each edition, we hope to bring you information that you find both relevant and helpful.
|
|
|
Thanks for reading. We look forward to continuing the conversation.
We encourage you to share ideas, events and feedback. Please email our team at outreach@dmava.nj.gov.
Brigadier General Lisa J. Hou, D.O. The Adjutant General & Commissioner |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- September 19, 2022 10:00AM - 2:00PM | Eatontown, NJ
Job Fair and Career Expo Hosted by Bridging the Gap
DMAVA will have a Veterans Service Officer present
- September 21, 2022 10:00AM - 2:00PM | Bordentown, NJ
"Connect to Protect" Resource Event
DMAVA will have a Veterans Service Officer present
- September 23, 2022 8:30AM - 1:00PM | Cherry Hill, NJ
SFC Robert H. Yancey Sr. Stand Down of South Jersey
DMAVA will have a Veterans Service Officer present
- September 23, 2022 9:30AM - 2:00PM | New Brunswick, NJ
Hispanic Resource Fair
DMAVA will have a Veterans Service Officer present
- September 25, 2022 9:00AM - 12:00PM | Bordentown, NJ
Reserve Component Transition Benefit Brief
- September 26, 2022 10:00AM - 11:30AM | Rio Grande, NJ
Wilmington VA Medical Center Veteran Information Session
DMAVA will have a Veterans Service Officer present
- September 27, 2022 11:00AM & 2:00PM | Vineland, NJ
Wilmington VA Medical Center Veteran Information Session
DMAVA will have a Veterans Service Officer present
- September 30, 2022 11:00AM | Deptford Mall, NJ
DMAVA Medal Ceremony at Center Court
- September 30, 2022 11:00AM - 3:00PM | Deptford Mall, NJ
DMAVA Veterans Outreach at Center Court
DMAVA will have a Veterans Service Officer present
|
|
|
|
We add new events to our calendar on a daily basis so please bookmark and check back often.
|
| View Full Calendar |
|
|
|
 |
September is National Recovery Month
National Recovery Month is a time to celebrate how far those in recovery from substance use and mental health have come. At Recovery Centers of America, we are committed to supporting Recovery Month every year by working to provide our patients with the best possible care and resources so they can continue on their journey to recovery. It’s because of this month that recovery is possible for so many.Recovery Centers of America has treatment locations in New Jersey. Learn more at recoverycentersofamerica.com.
For additional resources, please visit SaveNJVets.org.
|
| |
|
|
 |
New Jersey Medal Ceremony
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Edward J. Chrystal Jr., Officer in Charge, Task Force-23, U.S. Vietnam Veteran Commemoration, Office of the Secretary of the Defense (center), Thomas A. Micklos III, a Navy Veteran (left) and his mother Christine Jadelis, pose for a photo after a medal ceremony in Manchester, NJ on August 19, 2022. The ceremony was held in the Manchester and Lakehurst Municipal Court.
View Images. |
|
|
 |
Veterans Outreach Campaign
Vietnam era Army Veteran Thomas Dickinson, right, discusses Veterans benefits with DMAVA Veterans Service Officer Bill McDonnell, left, and Outreach Specialist Luisa Sanchez at DMAVA's “Veterans Outreach Campaign” held on September 13, 2022 at the Moorestown Mall.
Refer to our DMAVA Events Calendar for future outreach events. |
|
|
|
NJ Veterans' Benefits Hotline
888-865-8387
|
|
|
| ALWAYS READY, ALWAYS THERE |
|
|
NJ National Guard
|  | NJ Legislators Orientation Flight and Briefings
New Jersey State Legislators meet with National Guard leadership, toured National Guard facilities and took a flight on an UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, New Jersey on September 12, 2022.
View Images |
|
|
NJ Army National Guard
|  | OCS Class 65 Graduation
The 65th class of the New Jersey Army National Guard Officer Candidate School graduated August 7, 2022, culminating fifteen months of rigorous training designed to push future military leaders to their limits. Twelve graduates were commissioned as Second Lieutenants as friends, family and colleagues were invited to pin the epaulets bearing the “gold bars” onto the shoulders of the newest officers in the New Jersey Army National Guard.
View Images |
|
|
NJ Air National Guard
|  | Congressional Visit
New Jersey National Guard leadership hosted U.S. Rep. Donald W. Norcross (NJ-1), at the 108th Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, August 1, 2022. Norcross is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. The visit highlighted the Wing’s multiple missions and its importance to the national defense strategy.
View Images |
|
|
Join Our Team
100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses
Student Loan Repayment |
|
|
|
|
 |
DMAVA Announces Memorandum of Understanding with Cohen Military Family Clinic, University of Pennsylvania
Trenton, NJ 4/26/2022 - The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Pennsylvania to provide an additional no-cost mental health care resource for Active Duty members, New Jersey National Guard members, Reservists, veterans and their families – including spouses/partners and children.
The Cohen Military Family Clinic at UPenn is available to serve Active Duty members, New Jersey National Guard members, Reservists, veterans and their families – including spouses/partners and children - looking for effective treatment for a range of mental health concerns, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety or relationship challenges. Since opening in 2016, the Cohen Clinic has served more than 2,000 members of the military and veteran community, including New Jersey Guard Soldiers and Airmen.
Learn more |
|
|
 |
NJ Youth ChalleNGe Academy Class 54
On July 25, 2022 we welcomed our 54th Class to the NJ Youth ChalleNGe Academy (NJYCA). 77 young men and women took the first step towards changing their lives.
The mission of the NJYCA is to train and mentor disengaged teenage youth so they become responsible and productive citizens of their community, state and country.
On August 7th, our Candidates officially became Cadets after their Acclimation Graduation. The first two weeks are what most Cadets would say is the hardest part of the 22-week program. During the short graduation, Director Earnest Williams spoke to the Cadets and gave them words of encouragement for the next 20 weeks!
Learn more about the NJYCA |
|
|
|
News and information from NJ State agencies. |
 | Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Supporting Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces
Trenton, NJ 1/18/2022 - Governor Phil Murphy signed several pieces of legislation (A-259, A-1121, A-5694, and A-6012) which support and protect New Jersey’s veteran and armed forces communities. These bills will expand civil service preference for veterans, upgrade penalties for misrepresentation of members of the armed forces, ease public school access for dependents of armed forces members, and provide funding to support the commissioning of the new USS New Jersey.
Learn more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
News and information from Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies. |
 |
|
PACT Act
The Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 was signed into law on August 10, 2022. The PACT Act expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances.
You can learn more about the PACT Act by visiting VA.gov/PACT or calling 1-800-MyVA411.
Veterans are encouraged to register at the VA's Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry or reach out to your local Veterans Service Office for assistance.
|
| Cost of Living & 2023 Compensation Benefits
Is VA disability compensation going up in 2023? To learn the answer to this question, check out a recent episode of the VA’s SITREP, and hear how current cost of living projections could mean a significant increase for Veterans and their dependents. To watch the episode go to #theSITREP. |
|
VRRAP
If you're a Veteran who lost your job due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the VA may have a solution for you. The Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) offers education and training for a variety of high-demand jobs so you can get back to work.
If you qualify, apply soon! The VA will stop accepting new VRRAP enrollments on December 11, 2022 - or when they reach either the funding or participant limit, whichever comes first. |
|
VA Extends Hardship Suspension for Benefit Debts
The Department of Veterans Affairs is extending its financial hardship suspension on benefit debts, meaning that veterans who request assistance will not have to pay benefit debts until Dec. 31. This relief option, which was established to help Veterans through the COVID-19 pandemic, had been set to expire on Sept. 30. Benefit debts include debts related to disability compensation, non-service-connected pension, and education benefits.
Beginning in September, debt notification letters will be mailed to affected veterans notifying them of the extended hardship suspension option, as well as extended debt repayment plans, waivers and compromises. Read more at VA News. |
|
No-Cost VA Flu Shot for Eligible Veterans
Getting a flu shot protects you, your family and your community. And if needed, you can safely get vaccinated for COVID at the same time you get a flu shot—one visit, two vaccines. (Call ahead so your community provider has COVID vaccine available.)
Eligible veterans can get a no-cost flu shot from a nearby VA clinic or within their community. To find a flu shot near you, visit the VA locator. You can choose a nearby VA facility or one of 70,000 in-network pharmacy or urgent care locations nationwide. Simply type in your ZIP code.
No-cost flu vaccines are available at retail pharmacies and urgent care locations from Sept. 1, 2022, through April 30, 2023. Find an in-network community care provider by choosing a location in the drop down menu of the VA locator. Read more on the VA website.
|
|
|
|
|
#VetResources
| Subscribe to #VetResources to receive a weekly newsletter from the VA for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. |
| Subscribe |
|
|
|
 |
VVA Honors Veterans at Doyle Cemetery
The Vietnam Veterans of America, New Jersey Shore Area Chapter 12, held a Veteran Internment Service at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, New Jersey on Sept. 8, 2022. The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office escorted the cremains of the Veterans.
Since 2011, VVA New Jersey Shore Area Chapter 12 has worked with funeral homes and the Missing in America Project to identify unclaimed cremains of Veterans.
View images |
|
|
 |
Veterans Haven South Outing
Our good friends at Woods-N-Water sponsored an outing for our residents at Veterans Haven South on September 3, 2022. A terrific time was had by all. Thank you, W-n-W! |
|
|
 |
Veterans Multi-Service Center in Vineland
On July 29, 2022, the incredible folks at VMC proudly cut the ribbon on their new service center in Southern New Jersey! Located in downtown Vineland NJ, VMC is meeting Veteran families where they need them most for outreach and services to combat homelessness, joblessness and hunger.
Learn More About MVC |
|
|
 |
 | Veterans Haven South Donations
A great week for Veterans Haven South, located in Winslow, NJ. To assist Veterans Haven South in providing homeless veterans with housing, food, health care, counseling, and vocational assistance, the Hard Rock Casino Hotel presented a donation on June 28, 2022, and the Egg Harbor Township Elks Lodge a donation on June 30, 2022.
DMAVA truly appreciates each and every donor contribution to improve assistance to our Veterans. |
|
|
 |
Dedication Ceremony Held at Vineland Memorial Home
A dedication ceremony was held for the Victory Garden/Camp Patriot patio at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland, June 23, 2022, in Vineland, New Jersey. The patio is the combined effort of the Home Depot Foundation, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 827, People for People Foundation, The Quikrete Companies, Pavestone Corporation, American Legion Stone Harbor Post 331, and Scott Corporation.
View images |
|
|
|
 |
Jersey Proud: New Jersey National Guard delivers 13,000 pounds of food to Guatemala Jul 26, 2022 | News 12 New Jersey
Members of the New Jersey National Guard returned from a humanitarian mission in Guatemala. Soldiers with the First Helicopter Battalion delivered food to remote areas of the country that can only be reached by air. They flew in over 13,000 pounds of food.
Read More |
|
|
|
 | In Honor of all those from New Jersey who gave their lives in the fight against terrorism during Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. In humble gratitude, we remember their sacrifice.
|
|
|
September 18, 2003
Operation Iraqi Freedom
CPT Brian R. FaunceU.S. Army
Ocean, New Jersey | September 19, 2006
Operation Iraqi Freedom
1LT Ashley L. Henderson HuffU.S. Army
Belle Mead, New Jersey | September 19, 2005
Operation Iraqi Freedom
SGT Michael EganU.S. Army
Pennsauken, New Jersey | September 20, 2003
Operation Iraqi Freedom
SSG Frederick L. Miller Jr.U.S. Army
Jackson Township, New Jersey |
|
September 20, 2007
Operation Iraqi Freedom
CPL Luigi Marciante Jr.U.S. Army
Elizabeth, New Jersey |
September 21, 2013
Operation Enduring Freedom SSG Timothy R. McGillU.S. Army
Ramsey, New Jersey |
September 21, 2010
Operation Enduring Freedom PO3 Denis C. MirandaU.S. Navy
Toms River, New Jersey |
September 26, 2012
Operation Enduring Freedom SGT Jonathan A. GollnitzU.S. Army
Lakehurst, New Jersey |
|
|
"But on the battlefield their feet stood fast, and in an instant at the height of their fortune, they passed away from the scene, not of their fear, but of their glory."
~ Pericles |
| NJ Fallen Heroes Memorial |
|
|
|
 |
Michael RuaneVietnam War / Cold War |
|
 |
Christine GoetzOperation Desert Storm |
|
|
|
|
 |
Established by the U.S. Congress in 1979, the third Friday in September is designated the day to remember those who were Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action. |
|
|
September 17, 2013
| Declared “Harold Gantert Day” in Parsippany, NJ. On April 29, 1944, as a flight navigator, Lt. Harold Gantert took off on a bombing mission when his plane was shot down over Germany forcing him to parachute down. He was captured four days later and spent the next year as a POW in Stalag Luft III. After a grueling march the prisoners of war were forced to endure, they were liberated by the Allied troops in 1945. |
September 11, 1944 | Philip A. Brodziak from Denville, NJ assigned to the 38th Bomber Squadron, 30th Bomber Group Heavy. Missing In Action on this date. Lost in the Pacific during a bombing run over Marcus Island from Saipan aboard the B-24 Pistol Packin’ Mamma. |
|
September 9, 1942 |
Jacob August Brunisholz, Jr. from Morris Township, NJ assigned to the 328th Bomber Squadron, 93rd Bomber Group Heavy. His B-24D aircraft named Friday the 13th was reported lost over Scotland on this date. |
September 27, 1944 | Nelson L. Dimick from Boonton, NJ assigned to the US Army Air Corps. Shot down and captured during the Kassel Mission Raid on this date. Held in Stalag Luft 1, Barth, Germany. |
September 15,1864 | Theodore Edwards from Morristown, NJ assigned to the 1st New Jersey Cavalry. Missing while on a scout mission, August 29, 1863. Died in Libby Prison in Richmond, VA on this date. |
|
|
 |
New Jersey Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal is a project of the New Jersey Historical Commission, Rutgers University Libraries, and Monmouth University.
The Journal publishes original scholarship on all aspects of NJ studies, including military history.
|
| View Archives |
|
|
|
 |
Military Funeral Honors The New Jersey Army National Guard performs military funeral honors across the state for their deceased Army comrades. The funeral honors team performed 4,491 missions in FY21. |
| Funeral Honors |
|
|
|
 |
Ginny FiessVeterans Healthcare Services
Ginny Fiess (right) was recognized by the Adjutant General during a recent DMAVA awards ceremony.
Ginny has an unwavering devotion to improving the quality of care in DMAVA's three Veterans homes. She is laser focused on doing all that she can to support, educate, and mentor those on the front lines to improve the clinical care and services that the homes provide. She goes above and beyond the call of duty and will never settle for anything but the best. She assists in implementing new and innovative programs that will allow the facilities to move forward, allowing the Veterans to receive gold star care.
Congratulations, Ginny! |
|
|
|
 |
Veterans Service Offices |
|
|
 |
Request Military Records |
|
 | Family Programs Office
|
|
|
 |
Veterans Memorial Homes |
|
 |
NJ Service Medals |
|
|
 |
Military Funeral Honors |
|
 | Doyle Veterans Cemetery
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Peer Support Specialist III Per Diem (Military/Veteran) Multiple Vacancies
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey is seeking a Per Diem Military/Veteran Peer Support Specialist III for the Vet2Vet Call Center at Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.
Under supervision, the Peer Support Specialist III provides person centered, culturally competent, and “consumer friendly” services to individuals who contact the Call Center. Receives telephone, chat, and text requests for service, undertakes review of the service need of the caller or consumer, and responds by offering peer support and appropriate referrals and disposition.
This position is fully remote besides going into office for required training.
|
| Rutgers Job Announcement |
|
|
|
 |
We Are Hiring!
At the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs we take our work in support of Veterans, Servicemembers and their families very seriously. Whether supporting our Veterans with nursing care, transitional housing, or assisting them in navigating access to their Veteran benefits, the Department provides valuable services and can offer rewarding career opportunities to members of the public.
We also have opportunities in facilities management and program management. In addition, we have job openings for members of our military to serve in AGR and Federal Technician roles.
Stay updated on job openings by subscribing to our Jobs Bulletin.
|
| Vacancies |
|
|
|
|
We hope you enjoy receiving our newsletter and find it both educational and engaging. If you have questions about our department, our programs or your benefits, please visit our website at nj.gov/military to get contact information.
|
| Contact DMAVA |
|
We welcome feedback and comments from the public regarding the newsletter. If you would like to contribute with an item of interest to our subscribers, please email us your proposal. Contact the newsletter team at outreach@dmava.nj.gov.
To view previous editions of our newsletter, please visit the DMAVA archives.
|
| |
|
 |
nj.gov/military NJ Department of Military & Veterans Affairs
101 Eggert Crossing Road Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Privacy Notice |
Disclaimer: The appearance of any non-DMAVA information or hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement of the products or services on the part of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. |
|
|
