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Greetings
Hopefully this newsletter finds you all doing well and enjoying this change of weather as we move into Fall. These past few weeks have been busy for the Department.
BG Hou recently returned from the A-5 Chiefs of Defense (CHOD) Conference in Montenegro. This provided a collective forum for discussing defense and security challenges in the region, progress in Euro-Atlantic integration of member states, and furthering United States European Command (U.S. EUCOM) Campaign Plan objectives. It was an opportunity to discuss shared challenges, solutions, synchronize efforts, and offer opportunities for EUCOM to enable unified and synchronized efforts between partner nations.
The Department welcomed First Lady Kim Keon Hee, spouse of Republic of Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol; and New Jersey First Lady Tammy S. Murphy to our Veterans Home at Paramus. During the visit, Kim and Murphy expressed appreciation to resident Korean War era veterans, whose sacrifices contributed to more than 70 years of friendship between the two countries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Republic of Korea generously donated essential medical supplies to the United States and the Paramus Home received many of these critical supplies.
On Wednesday 28 September, BG Hou, along with many of her fellow Commissioners, had a fantastic tour at the 177th Fighter Wing. Did you know that since September 11th, the 177th Fighter wing has been assigned to a dual mission both through the US Air Force and the New Jersey Air National Guard? The Federal mission is to provide combat-ready citizen airmen, aircraft and equipment for worldwide deployment and homeland defense in support of US Air Force objectives. Their State Mission is to support the citizens of New Jersey by protecting life and property, preserving the peace, order, and public safety when called upon by the Governor. It was a great day of team building between colleagues and a wonderful opportunity to give them a small glimpse into what our NJ Air National Guard does.
Sadly, this past week we lost former Governor Florio. Our former Commander in Chief was the 49th Governor of NJ and served in the U.S. Navy from 1955-1958 and was a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 1958-1975. Our condolences to his family during this extremely difficult time.
Finally, we would like to express sympathy and concern for friends and family who have been affected by Hurricane Ian. Our hearts are with everyone as they slowly begin to rebuild what this catastrophic storm has destroyed. |
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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 |
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Call for Veterans Day Events
If you are hosting a Veterans Day event, or know of a scheduled event, please email us at outreach@dmava.nj.gov with as much detail as possible, including any flyers/artwork.
DMAVA will publish a listing of all Veterans Day events across the state on our website, social media pages, events calendar and to all of our mailing list subscribers.
Thank you for your support. |
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- October 11, 2022 11:00AM - 3:00PM | Elmwood Park, NJ
Interfaith Suicide Awareness Seminar
DMAVA will have a Veterans Service Officer present
- October 11, 2022 5:00PM - 8:00PM | Mount Laurel, NJ
Burlington County Veteran's Expo
DMAVA will have a Veterans Service Officer present
- October 13, 2022 9:00AM - 2:00PM | Columbus, NJ
DMAVA Veterans Outreach Campaign
DMAVA will have a Veterans Service Officer present
- October 14, 2022 12:00PM | Little Egg Harbor, NJ
DMAVA Medal Ceremony
DMAVA will have a Veterans Service Officer present
- October 15, 2022 8:30AM - 4:30PM | Newark, NJ
Stand Down of North Jersey
DMAVA will have a Veterans Service Officer present
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Governor's Military Review |
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We add new events to our calendar on a daily basis so please bookmark and check back often.
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| View Full Calendar |
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FY23 ARNG Education Benefits Guide29 September 2022 |
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VHS Donor Appreciation Luncheon
Veterans Haven South hosted a “Donor Appreciation Luncheon” on October 2, 2022 in Winslow, New Jersey. Donors received certificates of appreciation and Veteran/residents of Veterans Haven South received awards for their hard work during their time at the Haven.
“We can survive and operate with our budget, but the Vets thrive with the support of our donors, volunteers, and all the service organizations that assist,” remarked Brig. Gen. Patrick Kennedy.
A BBQ with live music followed as some of the Veteran/residents put together a band and played for those who attended. Thank you to all of the donors, partners, and Veterans for a fun celebration!
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Veterans HonoredThe New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs held a New Jersey State Medals Ceremony at the Deptford Mall in Deptford, New Jersey, September 29, 2022.
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Stand Down of South Jersey
Volunteers, healthcare providers, and social service personnel assisted homeless Veterans at the Sgt. 1st Class Robert H. Yancey Sr. Stand Down at the National Guard Armory in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, September 23, 2022. At the Stand Down, co-hosted by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and Stand Down of South Jersey, Veterans were provided access to healthcare, mental health screening, substance abuse counseling, social services, legal services, religious counseling, and winter clothing.
Since 1996, the South Jersey Stand Down has served as a catalyst that enables homeless and at-risk Veterans to re-enter mainstream society. Stand Downs are a nationwide, grass roots, community-based intervention programs to help Veterans’ battle life on the streets.
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First Ladies Visit Paramus Home
First Lady Kim Keon Hee, spouse of Republic of Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol; and New Jersey First Lady Tammy S. Murphy, spouse of New Jersey Gov. Philip D. Murphy, visited the New Jersey Veterans Home at Paramus, New Jersey, September 21, 2022.
During the visit, Kim and Murphy expressed appreciation to resident Korean War era veterans, whose sacrifices contributed to more than 70 years of friendship between the two countries.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Republic of Korea generously donated essential medical supplies to the United States, including 2.5 million protective masks, and facilitated the purchase of 750,000 COVID-19 tests. The Paramus Home was a recipient of some of these critical supplies.
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Memorial Home at Menlo ParkThe Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) resumed their Monthly Golf Tournament at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park. Various local chapters of the DAR brought smiles, laughter, and plenty of prizes for the residents to win during the tournament. |
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Generous Car Donation
On September 29, 2022, Veteran’s Haven North (VHN) Veteran Resident Samuel R. received a donation of a used car from Nancy C., whose brother was a past resident of VHN. With this wonderful and thoughtful donation, Sam can continue to achieve the goals that he has set for himself while a resident of Veteran's Haven North. |
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NJ Veterans' Benefits Hotline
888-865-8387 |
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| ALWAYS READY, ALWAYS THERE |
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NJ National Guard
|  | Protocol Training
Key personnel from both the Army and Air National Guard completed protocol training at the Joint Training and Training Development Center on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, September 22, 2022. The protocol seminar covered events such as military ceremonies, retirements, promotions, changes of command, and community events.
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NJ Army National Guard
|  | NATO Validation ExerciseStory by SGT Bruce Daddis, 444th MPAD, 9/19/2022
Bize-Tirane, Albania - As the Soldiers from the New Jersey Army National Guard arrived in Albania on September 12, 2022 to support the Albanian Armed Forces during their critical NATO Combat Readiness Evaluation Exercise (CREVAL), they weren’t the only U.S. force on the ground as they joined their counterparts from the U.S. Army’s 4th Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) out of Fort Carson, Colorado.
The two Army components have both served in key advising and support roles with the Albanian Armed Forces in preparation for the CREVAL, as the New Jersey National Guard continues an over 20-year state partnership with Albania, while the SFAB Soldiers have been in country for the last six months embedded with the Albanian Light Infantry Battalion Group.
Read Full Story |
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NJ Air National Guard
|  | Change of Command
Congratulations to Col. Lola Washington for assuming command of the 108th Mission Support Group. Col. Washington assumed command from Col. Bernadette Maldonado during a change of command ceremony on September 24, 2022.
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Join Our Team
100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses up to $20,000
Student Loan Repayment |
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Family Day
September 26, 2022 was Family Day at the NJ Youth ChalleNGe Academy (NJYCA) in Sea Girt, NJ. The Cadets of Charlie Platoon were able to reunite with their families for some hugs and other activities.
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. Learn more at NJYCA.org. |
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Strong Bonds
On August 12-14, 2022, participants attended an overnight Strong Bonds event for individual or married Servicemembers. The event took place at the Ocean Place Resort & Spa in Long Branch, NJ.
The photo was taken on the last day to commemorate the success of the event. Several Servicemembers expressed the positive impact this event had on their mental and spiritual health.
Strong Bonds is purposed to foster healthy relationships personally as well as professionally, increase well-being and resiliency. |
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Governor's Cabinet Visit
Adjutant General and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., welcomed members of the New Jersey Governor’s cabinet at the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, September 28, 2022.
The cabinet members, members of the New Jersey Economic Development Alliance, and leaders from DMAVA received a briefing from the Wing commander and then toured the 177th Fighter Wing, viewing several operational demonstrations and trying out one of the unit’s F-16 Fighting Falcon flight simulators.
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Governor Murphy Signs Bill to Increase Annual Payments from State to Certain New Jersey Veterans with Disabilities
Trenton, NJ 9/15/2022 - In recognition of increases to the cost of living over the past few decades and in honor of New Jersey’s Veterans, Governor Phil Murphy today signed bill A-1477 to increase annual payments from the State to Veterans with certain disabilities resulting from their wartime service.
Full Press Release |
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VA opens health care eligibility for Vietnam, Gulf War, post-9/11 Veterans under PACT Act
Washington — On October 1, The Department of Veterans Affairs will expand and extend eligibility for VA health care for certain Veterans of the Gulf Wars and post-9/11 era.
This expansion will increase health care eligibility for hundreds of thousands of toxic-exposed Veterans. Additionally, VA has already expanded health care eligibility for certain Veterans of the Vietnam War. More detailed information about this expansion can be found on VA.gov/PACT.
President Biden signed the bipartisan PACT Act into law August 10, authorizing one of the largest expansions of VA health care and benefits in U.S. history. Veterans can go to VA.gov/PACT to apply for health care or learn more about what this bill means for them and their families. Read the full press release.
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| Eligibility Extension on VA Family Caregivers Program
Washington — 10/1/2022
VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers is expanding to include eligible Veterans and family caregivers of all eras.
Previously, PCAFC was only available to eligible Veterans who served on or after Sept. 11, 2001. This expansion opens the program to eligible Veterans who served after May 7, 1975, and before Sept. 11, 2001.
PCAFC provides caregivers of eligible Veterans with resources, education, financial assistance, health insurance, beneficiary travel, peer support and more. The program is a cornerstone of VA health care, ensuring that Veterans get the world-class care they deserve and that caregivers get the comprehensive support they need. Read the full press release. |
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Veterans Benefits at 30% Disability
In this episode of theSITREP, the host discusses Veterans benefits available to those receiving 30% disability, a.k.a. Service-Connected Compensation. To watch the short video please go to #theSITREP. |
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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. |
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 | No-Cost VA Flu Shots
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 September 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.
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|  | VA New Jersey Health Care System
Did you miss the Town Hall for Women Veterans on September 22nd? No worries! Watch it right here. Women Veteran's Town Hall. |
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#VetResources
| Subscribe to #VetResources to receive a weekly newsletter from the VA for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. |
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38th Mission of Honor
The 38th New Jersey Mission of Honor ceremony was held at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, New Jersey, September 15, 2022. The cremains of World War I U.S. Army Veterans Verna W. Hanway and Hans Lauritson; World War II U.S. Army Veterans John Countryman, Robert L. Mabee, Albert T Whiteside, Jr., Elmer A. Willis and World War II U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Peter Truszkowski, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 59 years. View images.
Since 2007, 694 veterans have been located and 362 cremains have been reunited with their families. For more information, visit njsmissionofhonor.org.
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Rutgers Army ROTCRutgers University Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets trained at the New Jersey Army National Guard’s Joint Training and Training Development Center (JT2DC) on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, September 22, 2022.
The JT2DC provides live, virtual, constructive and gaming environments to enhance the overall readiness of the National Guard and its mission partners.
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Headstone CleaningOn October 2, 2022, in the pouring rain, several volunteers came to the Three Bridges Reformed Church in Hunterdon County to clean Veteran headstones. Thank you from all of us at DMAVA!
Courtesy Hunterdon County Facebook |
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Museum Donation
Peter Vinch and members of his Antique Car and Truck club present a generous donation to Lawrenceville Museum Curator Lt. Col (Retired) William Kale. Thank you so much!
All are welcome to visit the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey at our Sea Girt and Lawrenceville locations. Plan your visit. |
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Historic Finds at Red Bank Battlefield ParkThe following is an excerpt from the NJ Historical Commission Newsletter 9/21/2022. Photo credit: Kevin Monko, Jennifer Janofsky, Red Bank Battlefield Archaeology Project team, and Rowan University.
After 245 years, Rowan’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the local community, have unearthed tremendous archaeological finds this summer with the help of a New Jersey Historical Commission grant.
A team of more than 100 archaeologists and community members found about 13 skeletal remains, a gold guinea, musket balls, uniform knee caps, and more at the Red Bank Battlefield Park - “...the site of what [Jennifer] Janofsky says was the greatest upset victory of the American Revolution…a key defense for Americans to delay the British from advancing supplies up the Delaware River to Philadelphia.” In this area, American defenders, both Black and white, victoriously fought against the British Hessian soldiers who were defending the British Crown.
Read more about the archeologists' and participants' experience and historic information: Read More |
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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. |
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September 28, 2011
Operation Enduring Freedom
Capt Ryan K. IannelliU.S. Marine Corps
Clarksboro, New Jersey | October 1, 2003
Operation Iraqi Freedom
SPC Simeon Nathaniel HunteU.S. Army Essex, New Jersey |
October 1, 2006
Operation Iraqi Freedom LCpl Christopher B. Cosgrove IIIU.S. Marine Corps
Cedar Knolls, New Jersey |
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October 3, 2009
Operation Enduring Freedom
SGT Michael P. ScusaU.S. Army
Villas, New Jersey | October 6, 2003
Operation Iraqi Freedom
2LT Richard TorresU.S. Army Passaic, New Jersey |
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"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 |
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Irving BaumanWorld War II |
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Dean BarattaOperation Enduring Freedom |
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Chestnut Neck Monument |
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October 2, 1779
| General George Washington ordered that the uniform coats of the New Jersey Continental Line regiments be dark blue, with buff colored facings. | October 6, 1778 |
A British force under Colonel Patrick Ferguson entered the Mullica River and attacked the “nest of Rebel Pirates” at Chestnut Neck. The local militia retreated in face of the 800-man British force and Ferguson burned thirty ships, many of them privateer prizes, looted the town and set the fort afire before withdrawing. |
October 6, 1911 | The General Lafayette Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution erected a fifty-foot monument topped by a figure of a Minute Man to commemorate the “battle” of Chestnut Neck. |
October 8, 1778 |
The Pulaski Legion, a Continental Army outfit, arrived at Little Egg Harbor to counter Colonel Patrick Ferguson’s expedition. The Legion, a combined arms infantry/cavalry unit, camped on a farm near the Quaker settlement of Middle of the Shore (today’s Tuckerton). Lieutenant Juliat (who had previously deserted from the British) deserted from the Legion and informed Ferguson, who was still in the area, of the unit’s location and the British commander launched a surprise night bayonet attack on October 15, killing between thirty and fifty men. |
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October 15, 1845 |
Ellis Hamilton was born in Philadelphia. Hamilton moved to Camden, New Jersey, with his family at the age of four. Commissioned a second lieutenant in Company E, Fifteenth New Jersey regiment, in 1862, at the age of sixteen, he was the youngest New Jersey officer and perhaps the youngest officer in the Union army. Hamilton was promoted to first lieutenant and captain before being mortally wounded at the Battle of the Wilderness on May 6, 1864. He died at a Washington hospital on May 16 and was buried in Trenton. His letters survive in Rutgers University’s Alexander Library in New Brunswick. |
October 15, 2001 |
The battleship USS New Jersey officially began its career as a “museum ship” docked in Camden. Originally launched on December 7, 1942 across the river in Philadelphia, the New Jersey was commissioned and decommissioned several times, serving a total of twenty-one years in the active fleet before finally retiring in 1991. Over its career, the ship earned a Navy Unit Commendation for service in Vietnam and nineteen battle and campaign stars for combat operations during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Lebanese Civil War, and Persian Gulf service. |
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Visit Our Friends at JTJ
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NJ Service Medals
Since 2005, more than 59,260 state awards, to include 37,564 New Jersey Distinguished Service Medals, 4,815 New Jersey Meritorious Service Medals, 965 New Jersey Korean Service Medals, 12,421 New Jersey Vietnam Service Medals and 90 New Jersey POW-MIA Service Medals, 355 New Jersey Global War on Terrorism Medals, 22 New Jersey Desert Storm Medals and 14 New Jersey Commendation Medals have been awarded. The awards have been presented at more than 658 ceremonies statewide. (Data current as of 28 February 2022).
The New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal – New Jersey’s highest service award – was originally issued in 1858 for those who had distinguished themselves in the New Jersey Militia, but was used infrequently until it was re-authorized in 1988. |
| NJ Service Medals |
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Vipula SundaGuest Services at Lawrenceville Museum
Ms. Vipula Sunda recently joined DMAVA and is assisting in the administration of the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey in Lawrenceville.
Born and raised in India, Ms. Sunda came to the United States in 2002. Although she served as an officer in State High Court in India and in the hospitality industry here, she has always held a special respect and gratitude for the men and women who serve their nation in uniform.
In her free time, Ms. Sunda loves cooking, shopping, watching movies, volunteering at temple and of course loves exploring about military history. Her short-term goal is to become familiar with all of the features of Lawrenceville's beautifully organized 6,000-square-foot museum and her long-term goal is to do whatever it takes to be one of the best curators.
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Veterans Service Offices |
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Request Military Records |
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 | Family Programs Office
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Veterans Memorial Homes |
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NJ State Medals |
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Military Funeral Honors |
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 | Doyle Veterans Cemetery
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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.
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| Rutgers Job Announcement |
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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.
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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.
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| Contact DMAVA |
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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.
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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. |
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