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OCTOBER 19, 2022

READY TO SERVE ★ PROUD TO HAVE SERVED

COMMISSIONER'S CORNER

Last week, The Adjutant General (TAG) traveled to Washington D.C. to attend the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) and the Army Reserve Forces Policy Committee meetings to discuss issues that impact soldiers and their families today and in the future. She also had the opportunity to participate in the Army Ten Miler along with some of our Soldiers, Airmen and families of the New Jersey National Guard.

Sunday, October 16th she hosted our Commander in Chief, the Honorable Philip D. Murphy, as he presided over the annual New Jersey National Guard Military Review. Once again the Soldiers and Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard performed in an outstanding manner displaying equipment, capability and esprit de corps for all to see. Additionally, senior military leadership along with Veterans Affairs senior leaders had the opportunity to meet with some of our Veterans, Veteran Service Organizations, and employers to thank them for their service and support of the entire Department.

October presents the opportunity for several special observances. Throughout the month TAG, and many of you, showed support for the ongoing effort to bring awareness to and beat Breast Cancer. The Adjutant General attended and kicked off the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) observance hosted by the State Equal Employment Managers office (SEEM) to highlight and celebrate the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices.

Continue to be safe and take care of yourselves and each other.

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

BG Lisa Hou

ANNOUNCEMENT

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.

FEATURED EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

DMAVA Calendar

State Calendar

Community Calendar

We add new events to our calendar on a daily basis so please bookmark and check back often. 
View Full Calendar

SPOTLIGHT

The Benefits Guide has been updated effective October 12, 2022.
Get Current Edition

VETERANS SERVICES

Veterans Havens' Annual Softball Game

Veterans Havens’ North and South squared off October 15, 2022 at Lawrenceville, New Jersey during their annual softball game and BBQ. Veterans/residents and staff members teamed up for a seven inning duel to see who would take home the trophy and bragging rights this year. Veterans Haven North prevailed in the end with solid defense holding off a late push by Veterans Haven South to take the victory. Thank you to all the Veterans, staff members, family, and friends who came out to show support and enjoy a great day in the park.

View Images

Medal Ceremony

The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs held a New Jersey State Medals Ceremony at the Four Seasons at Harbor Bay, Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, October 14, 2022.

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VFW Donation

On October 6, 2022, VFW Post 3117 stopped over at the Menlo Park Veterans Home to drop off a donation check from the 5K run that they sponsored on September 17th. Post Commander Filipe Oliveira presented a check for $2,160 to the Recreation Department to keep our Veterans entertained.

Donation for Veterans Haven North

Members from the General William Maxwell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) presented “Thank You For Your Service” tote bags to Veteran residents at Veterans Haven North on October 3, 2022. Each bag was filled with snacks, pocket calendars, note pads, reusable grocery bags, personal care items, playing cards, and water bottles.

American Legion Donation

On September 29, 2022, American Legion Post 310 Chaplain Victor Ruggiero presented the Veterans Home in Paramus with a $1,000 donation for the Veterans well being that are residing at the home.

Thank you from all of us at DMAVA!

NJ Veterans' Benefits Hotline

888-865-8387

vbb@dmava.nj.gov

ALWAYS READY, ALWAYS THERE

Governor's Military Review 

Military Review

The New Jersey National Guard held its annual Military Review at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, New Jersey, October 16, 2022. New Jersey Gov. Philip D. Murphy and Brig. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O the Adjutant General of New Jersey, reviewed the Soldiers and Airman of the New Jersey National Guard.

More than 130 years of Military Review tradition continued. See more images of the pass in review, battery salute, flyovers, and award recipients at New Jersey National Guard Flickr.

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DMAVA DEPARTMENTS

New Jersey Receives Grant to Expand Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery


WASHINGTON  October 5, 2022 — The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) announced today that the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program (VCGP), which it oversees, has awarded a grant of up to $5,529,378 to the state of New Jersey for the expansion of Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown.

"Gov. Thomas H. Kean dedicated New Jersey's first state-operated Veterans cemetery, May 30, 1986," said Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Matthew Quinn. "NCA is proud to continue our partnership with this flagship cemetery for more than 30 years."

Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery currently serves more than 318,000 Veterans and their eligible family members living within 75 miles of the cemetery. The grant will fund 5,000 columbarium niches, landscaping, irrigation well, irrigation pump and automated irrigation system, and supporting infrastructure on approximately 1.10 acres of land.

Full Press Release

Counter Drug Task Force

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Darren Williams, Counter Drug Task Force (CDTF), New Jersey National Guard, teaches two West New York Youth Academy cadets how to properly be guidon bearers for the company, West New York, New Jersey, Aug. 15, 2022. For two weeks, the CDTF Soldiers worked with the cadets to instill discipline and leadership through physical training and drill and ceremony. The Academy is a partnered youth program with the West New York Police Department.

STATE PARTNERS

Morris County Veteran Honored

Gerald “Gerry” Gemian, a World War II veteran who turned 100 years old this past summer, was honored on October 12, 2022 by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners at a celebration organized by more than two dozen friends and fellow veterans at the Montville Memorial VFW Post 5481.

Read Full Story

Senator Vin Gopal Honored

New Jersey Gov. Philip D. Murphy, center, congratulates New Jersey Civilian Commendation Medal recipient Senator Vin Gopal, right, New Jersey-District 11, during the 2022 New Jersey National Guard Military Review at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, New Jersey, October 16, 2022.

NJ State Agencies

FEDERAL PARTNERS

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.

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.

Veterans Benefits at 70% Disability

In this episode of theSITREP, the host discusses Veterans benefits available to those receiving 70% disability. To watch the short video please 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.

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 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.

FEDVIP Open Enrollment

Sponsored by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), FEDVIP is a voluntary, enrollee-pay-all dental and vision insurance program. It replaced the former TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP). In general, retired uniformed service members, their families, and survivors are eligible for FEDVIP dental coverage and, if enrolled in a TRICARE health plan, FEDVIP vision coverage. Please note: Opportunities to enroll outside of open season are limited.

The Federal Benefits Open Season is your annual opportunity to enroll in, change, or cancel a FEDVIP dental and/or vision plan. This year, open season runs from November 14 through December 12, 2022, with coverage effective January 1, 2023.
Learn More

Virtual Benefits Fair

The Virtual Benefits Fair is an online health fair that houses 2023 FEDVIP plan information in a single location, allowing military families to browse exhibits, download plan brochures, register for educational webinars and chat with BENEFEDS and FEDVIP representatives. BENEFEDS is the secure online portal to enroll in FEDVIP.

Log in anytime during the Federal Benefits Open Season, from November 14 to December 12, 2022. Representatives will be available to take your questions during the four live chat days:

Tuesday, Nov 15, 2022 10 am-5 pm (ET)

Tuesday, Nov 22, 2022 10 am-5 pm (ET)

Thursday, Decber 1, 2022 10 am-5 pm (ET)

Thursday, December 8, 2022 10 am-5 pm (ET)

Learn More and Register


USFHP Lunch & Learn

The Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (USFHP) @ Saint Vincents is a TRICARE® Prime military health plan sponsored by the Department of Defense (DoD). Lunch and Learn briefings are now scheduled in New Jersey.

Learn More and RSVP

Featured Links

#VetResources

Subscribe to #VetResources to receive a weekly newsletter from the VA for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.
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COMMUNITY PARTNERS

#Check22Challenge

This year, our friends at UPenn challenge everyone to go beyond awareness and take the #Check22Challenge.

Between now and Veterans Day, dedicate 3-4 minutes each week to check on the Veterans in your life. Texts, calls, messages, and impromptu visits can make a big difference to someone in their darkest hour or someone who is slipping into isolation.

Learn More

Honor Flight

On October 4, 2022, three Combat Wounded Vietnam Veterans of VFW Post 5119, Chaplain John Paulus, Adam Mackow and Lawrence Honan participated in South Jersey Honor Flights. The organization is dedicated to honoring Veterans with a free trip to Washington DC. Their day started at Williamstown High School with breakfast and honors, including the entire school lining the walls to thank the Veterans. With a police escort, they then travelled to Washington DC where they stopped at several monuments and memorials. They returned to the high school, where they received additional honors, music and dinner.
Courtesy VFW Post 5119 Facebook

IN THE NEWS

New York, New Jersey Guard Practice CBRN Response

October 12, 2022 by Staff Sgt. Matthew Gunther, New York National Guard

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – Six hundred New York and New Jersey National Guard Soldiers and Airmen honed their skills to respond to a terror attack or weapon of mass destruction incident Sept. 8-14 at Fort Indiantown Gap and Fort Drum in New York.

The Guard members are part of the Homeland Response Force, which supports Region II of the Federal Emergency Management Agency covering New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

The HRF responds to incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear contaminants. CBRN incidents can be industrial, terror-related, or from other causes. The force employs a CBRN response task force, with 27 such teams across the country.

The New York and New Jersey Soldiers and Airmen performed a wide range of tasks during their six-day training event, which coincided with the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Read Full Story

Jersey Guard Veteran and Oral History Participant Honored with Quilt of Valor

The Quilt of Valor Foundation honored Gulf War and Iraq War Veteran Veronica Miller with one of its quilts on October 15, 2022 at Miller’s Neptune home.

The mission of the Quilt of Valor Foundation is to honor Servicemembers and Veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.

In 2007, Veronica Miller participated in the Oral History Project run by the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey. It is the Museum’s mission to collect and preserve the memories of Veterans and Gold Star family members through recorded oral history interviews. To view Veronica Miller's oral history interview please click here.   

On October 14, 2022, the Asbury Park Press published an article about Veronica Miller's military service and, at the time, the pending quilt presentation. Read the full story.

NEVER FORGET
BG Doyle Cemetery

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.

October 19, 2010
Operation Enduring Freedom

LCpl Francisco R. Jackson

U.S. Marine Corps
Elizabeth, New Jersey

October 19, 2011
Operation Enduring Freedom

SSG Jorge M. Oliveiras

U.S. Army

Newark, New Jersey

October 25, 2006
Operation Iraqi Freedom

LCpl Donald S. Brown

U.S. Marine Corps
Succasunna, New Jersey

October 26, 2011
Operation Enduring Freedom

SGT John A. Lyons

U.S. Army
Seaside Park, New Jersey

October 27, 2010
Operation Iraqi Freedom

SGT Michael D. Kirspel, Jr.

U.S. Army

Hopatcong, New Jersey

November 1, 2012
Operation Enduring Freedom

PO2 Matthew G. Kantor

U.S. Navy

Gillette, 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

VETERANS' ORAL HISTORIES

Robert Beavis

Vietnam / Cold War 

John Bilby

Operation Enduring Freedom
Veterans History Project

 HISTORY 

Superstorm Sandy

October 19, 1864

First Lieutenant William Burroughs Ross, Company B, 14th New Jersey Volunteers, killed in action near Middletown, Virginia, October 19, 1864. A cheerful, friendly man with a great love of music, William Burroughs Ross enlisted as a private in the 14th New Jersey Volunteers in the summer of 1862. He brought his guitar with him when he went to war and quickly became one of the most popular men in the regiment. His skills led to promotion to sergeant-major and, later to 1st lieutenant of the 14th's Company B. At the Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia, October 19, 1864, he was shot and killed. His family and his many friends were devastated by his loss. He was buried in Trenton, NJ. His wartime correspondence and his beloved guitar can be found at the Monmouth County Historical Association, Freehold, NJ.

October 22, 1777

During the Revolutionary War, Continental Army soldiers were stationed at Fort Mercer on the Delaware River to keep the British and their Hessian mercenary allies from resupplying troops in nearby Philadelphia. On Oct. 22, 1777, the Army repelled a major assault by Hessian forces. Little-known today, the Battle of Red Bank was brief and ferocious, marking one of the worst defeats the Hessians suffered in the war.

October 24, 1942

US Marine Corps Sergeant John Basilone of Raritan, commanding a machine gun section defending Henderson Field on Guadalcanal, held off an attack by Japanese soldiers, fighting for three days and nights without sleep, and ending the battle firing at them with his .45 caliber automatic pistol.

October 26, 2000

The New Jersey State Museum’s Civil War flag exhibit opened in Trenton. The standing exhibit displays surviving flags of New Jersey regiments on a rotating basis, supplemented with explanatory narrative and supplemental artifacts.

October 29, 2012

When Superstorm Sandy hit in 2012, 346,000 homes in New Jersey were damaged or destroyed. 2.7 million people were without power. New Jersey National Guard troops rescued more than 7,000 residents and their pets in the days following Sandy’s landfall, remaining on duty following the storm by assisting civil authorities with security, transportation, logistics, and reconstructing efforts. The troops also delivered more than 10,000 meals and hundreds of thousands of gallons of fuel. 

The Civil War Flag Collection of New Jersey

State Museum Trenton

Get up close and personal with a rare collection of flags carried into battle by New Jersey’s Civil War soldiers and learn about our important role in the history of the War Between the States. New Jersey is one of the few states to actively display its Civil War flags, which were often returned to capital cities after the war. The flags change periodically, allowing visitors to experience new examples from the collection.

DID YOU KNOW?
Military Funeral Honors

Counterdrug Task Force

The New Jersey National Guard Joint Counterdrug Task Force supports detection, interdiction, disruption and curtailment of drug trafficking and associated illicit activities at the request of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies by using unique military skills and assets in order to support national counterdrug strategies and objectives, as well as the Counterdrug Activities Plan for the State of New Jersey.
Counterdrug Task Force

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Military Funeral Honors

SSgt Tashea Jackson-Medley

177th Fighter Wing

Staff Sergeant Tashea Jackson-Medley works with the 177th Medical Group at the 177th Fighter Wing. She is employed full-time as a Temp. AGR. She has been in the military for seven years.

As a 177th medical administrator, Staff Sgt. Jackson-Medley performs and directs patient management functions, while interpreting communication directives and publications with providers and patients. She helps to maintain the clinic tempo, being a liaison between the patients and providers.

SSgt Jackson-Medley is a volunteer with Autism Speaks in Cape May, New Jersey.

Some words of wisdom important to her - “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” - Maya Angelou.

She is proud to have opened a spa during the pandemic and has been in business two years and counting.

Nice work Airman!

DMAVA QUICK LINKS

Veterans Service Offices

Request Military Records

Family Programs Office

Veterans Memorial Homes

NJ State Medals

Military Funeral Honors

Doyle Veterans Cemetery
DMAVA Homepage

RESOURCES

DMAVA CAREERS
DMAVA Career

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

STAY CONNECTED
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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.
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. 

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NJ Department of Military & Veterans Affairs

101 Eggert Crossing Road

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