Black History Month
| It is hard to believe we are already in the second week of the second month of 2023. In my estimation, it is and will continue to be a busy but productive year for the Department.
I recently attended the FORSCOM DCG-ARNG TAG Huddle with my fellow Adjutant Generals to discuss issues impacting the mission of the Army National Guard, our soldiers, and their families.
I also had the opportunity to participate in the European Strategy conference and workshop in Germany with some of our most senior leadership from all three components of the Army. I can say that the future is now and that we are engaged and well positioned to contribute to the National Defense Strategy.
On February 6th, the Westfield Armory hosted me and a group of approximately twenty-five state and military men and women at my Quarterly women’s forum. I am the host but it is the soldiers, airmen, and civilians who work in the Departments meeting. Next quarters meeting location and date will be set and communicated via email and all are invited to attend and contribute.
On February 7th, I had the opportunity to take some of our legislators on a tour of our Menlo Park Veterans Memorial Home and showcase the outstanding work that is done there and the quality of care we provide for our Veterans, Veteran Spouses, and Gold Star families who call our facility home.
While we celebrate the accomplishments of all of our personnel each day, February is Black History month.
75 years ago this month, before President Truman desegregated America’s military, the New Jersey National Guard became the first integrated state militia. To read the story, visit: New Jersey National Guard Pioneered the End of Segregation.
To gain more insight into New Jersey's military past, we recommend two historical narratives.
Sanspeur ("Without Fear") by Dr. (COL Ret) William C. Lowe is a scholarly work chronicling the segregated Army from the Civil War through the post-WWII period.
In Freedom to All - New Jersey's African-American Civil War Soldiers, author Joseph G. Bilby provides a chapter on the heroic exploits of the 22nd United States Colored Infantry.
Throughout the Department there will be several opportunities to attend and/or participate in events to highlight and/or inform us about the contributions past or present by African Americans; it is my hope that you find the time to attend at least one.
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Thank you for what you do every day in service to our Veterans, military personnel and their families.
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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The End of Segregation in NJ
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Telegram sent from New Jersey Governor Alfred E. Driscoll to James V. Forrestal, Secretary of Defense on Dec. 16, 1947, asking: “Does the Army Department Policy prohibit mixed companies and similar units composed of both white and negro soldiers?” New Jersey had passed a new constitution in 1947 that ended segregation in the New Jersey National Guard. Army policy at the time prohibited racially mixed units.
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Letter from Kenneth C. Royall, Secretary of the Army, sent to New Jersey Governor Alfred E. Driscoll on Feb. 7, 1948, authorizing racially mixed units in the New Jersey Army National Guard. This made the New Jersey National Guard the first federally recognized military component to be integrated.
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DMAVA will have a Veterans Service Officer present |
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February 24, 2023 11:00am
DMAVA MEDAL CEREMONY & VETERANS OUTREACH CAMPAIGN
Clearbrook Community
Ballroom
1 Clearbrook Drive
Monroe, NJ 08831
DMAVA will have a Veterans Service Officer present to help and assist any Veteran or family member.
For more information contact the Veterans Benefits Bureau at vbb@dmava.nj.gov. |
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DMAVA will have a Veterans Service Officer present |
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DMAVA will have a Veterans Service Officer present |
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DMAVA will have a Veterans Service Officer present |
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DMAVA & Community Calendar |
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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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DMAVA Medal CeremonyU.S. Army Maj. Gen. Edward J. Chrystal, left, Officer in Charge, Task Force-23, U.S. Vietnam Veteran Commemoration, Office of the Secretary of the Defense, presents the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal to World War II Veteran Army Technician 4th Grade Vincent A. Graziano during a New Jersey State Medals Ceremony at the Quaker Bridge Mall in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Jan. 19, 2023.
Graziano served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre of Operations from July 1943 to October 1945. He also recently celebrated his 103rd birthday.
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Veterans Outreach CampaignLuisa Sanchez, left, Veterans Outreach Specialist, discusses Veteran's benefits with Air Force and Vietnam War Veteran Louis Boharsik at the Community & Veterans Wellness & Resource Fair held at the Atlantic Cape Community College in Cape May Court House, New Jersey, Jan. 27, 2023.
NJ Veterans' Benefits Guide |
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Happy Birthday!World War II Veteran Anthony Orsini celebrated his 100th birthday at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park, Edison, New Jersey, Feb. 1, 2023. |
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 | Flyover |
The New Jersey Air National Guard's 177th Fighter Wing, flying a four-ship F-16C delta formation for the national anthem before the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jan. 29, 2023.
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Facebook Video
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Flyover | Following the flyover of the Philadelphia Eagles' NFC Championship game, 177th Fighter Wing F-16C Fighting Falcon fighter pilots, from left, 1st Lt. Zachary Smith, Lt. Col. Michael K. Long, Maj. Eric Emerson and Maj. John Loveman, landed their vipers and returned to the Lincoln Financial Field Stadium. |
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State Partnership Program |
Cyprus National Guard Col. Georgios Ioannou visited the 177th Fighter Wing for the first in a series of visits by Republic of Cyprus leaders since the country was named the New Jersey National Guard's newest partner through the State Partnership Program last year.
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Join Our Team |
100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses up to $20,000
Student Loan Repayment |
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Welcome NJYCA Class 55
New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe Academy Class 55 in-processed at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, N.J., on Jan. 23, 2023.
The NJYCA is an alternative education program designed to reclaim the lives of at-risk 16 to 18 year old youths and produce graduates with the values, skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults.
The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program was established by Congress in 1993. New Jersey’s first ChalleNGe class began in September 1994.
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Camden County One Stop
Thanks to Camden County One Stop Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist Geoffrey Taylor, who met with residents at Veterans Haven South Feb. 2, 2023. The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development assists Veterans in becoming "work ready" and obtaining employment. Watch the video to learn more and to contact Mr. Taylor.
Watch Video |
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VA New York/New Jersey Healthcare Network Announces New Executive Medical Center Director
EAST ORANGE, NJ —The Department of Veterans Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of Patricia O’Kane as the new Executive Director of the VA New Jersey Healthcare System. Ms. O’Kane will lead the executive team that oversees healthcare delivery at 11 locations in New Jersey and is one of the leading healthcare systems serving Veterans in the New York/New Jersey VA Health Care Network.
“We are excited to bring Patricia O’Kane on board as the new Executive Medical Center Director of the VA New Jersey Healthcare System,” said Dr. Joan McInerney, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 2 Director. “Her sound leadership qualities and proven experience will be valuable assets for the healthcare system, the employees and volunteers, and most importantly, for the Veterans we are honored to serve. We anticipate she will arrive at the medical center on February 12, 2023 to begin her appointment.”
Ms. O’Kane's proven leadership and considerable experience make her well-equipped to oversee the delivery of high-quality care to our nation's Veterans at the VA New Jersey Healthcare System. Her wide variety of roles during her time with VA has allowed her to gain a strong knowledge of the complexities of VA at the national and local levels. She is an expert in the VA governance system. Throughout her time with VA, she has demonstrated that she takes pride in listening and engaging with clinical and administrative staff to understand their unique needs and challenges.
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Suicide Prevention
WASHINGTON – Starting Jan. 17, Veterans in acute suicidal crisis will be able to go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for emergency health care at no cost – including inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VA system to use this benefit.
This expansion of care will help prevent Veteran suicide by guaranteeing no cost, world-class care to Veterans in times of crisis. It will also increase access to acute suicide care for up to 9 million Veterans who are not currently enrolled in VA. Read Full News Release |
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New Airborne Hazards and Open Pit Registry Data
Recently, VA launched a new webpage that shows the number of Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry (AHOBPR) participants by state and congressional district.
The current webpage contains breakouts as of Sept. 12, 2022, for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five other jurisdictions (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, United States Virgin Islands and Northern Mariana Islands). The data will be updated biannually.
Section 808(b)(2) of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (PACT Act) requires VA to make information public about the number of participants in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry (AHOBPR) by State and congressional district.
Learn more about the PACT Act.
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Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Proposed Open Season
Congress provided for a Survivor Benefit Plan Open Season in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The SBP Open Season began on December 23, 2022 and ends on January 1, 2024.
The SBP Open Season allows for retirees receiving retired pay, eligible members, or former members awaiting retired pay who are currently NOT enrolled in SBP or RCSBP (Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan) to enroll.
The SBP Open Season also allows eligible members and former members who are currently enrolled in either SBP or RCSBP to permanently discontinue their SBP coverage.
Learn More |
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Scholarships for Military Children
Children of military families can now apply for one of the 500 Defense Commissary Agency $2,000 scholarships for the 2023-2024 academic year. The Scholarships for Military Children Program was created to recognize the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force and to celebrate the role of the commissary in the military family community.
The deadline to submit an online application is Feb. 15, 2023.
Learn More |
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Schedule Your PACT Act Event
If your Veterans Service Office, university/college or community organization would like to host the VA New Jersey Health Care System (VANJHCS), they will bring the information, screeners and staff to you and your Veterans. Contact them at VANJHCSCommsTeam@va.gov to schedule your PACT Act event. |
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New National Parks PassA new lifetime pass for National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands, called America the Beautiful.
This new lifetime pass for Gold Star Families & Veterans is being offered to demonstrate the country's immense gratitude and respect for those who have served and defended our country.
The Interagency Military Pass has been part of the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series since 2012. On December 27, 2021, President Biden signed into law S. 1605 “The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022” (NDAA). Section 641 of the NDAA makes Gold Star families and Veterans eligible for lifetime passes to federal recreational lands.
Learn More at VA News |
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 | VA Life
Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife) provides guaranteed acceptance whole life coverage of up to $40,000 to Veterans with service-connected disabilities. Lesser amounts are available in increments of $10,000. Under this plan, the elected coverage takes effect two years after enrollment as long as premiums are paid during the two-year period.
All Veterans age 80 or under with a VA disability rating of 0 to 100% are eligible for the VALife program and have no time limit to apply.
Learn More |
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| PODCAST
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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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Veteran Transitional Housing
Vetwork is proud to announce our partnership with Lacey United Methodist Church as we introduce our Veteran transitional housing program, Mount Zion!
At Mount Zion, Vetwork is able to provide a safe space for Veterans to lay their heads as they transition to a more secure housing situation through the VA or other programs. This is a first for us here in Ocean County and we have been very lucky to have such wonderful support from our friends at Lacey United Methodist Church and their parishioners.
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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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February 10, 2012
Operation Enduring Freedom
LCpl. Osbrany M. De OcaU.S. Marine Corps North Arlington, New Jersey |
February 14, 2012
Operation Iraqi Freedom SSGT Oscar E. CanonU.S. Marine Corps
Dumont, New Jersey |
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February 18, 2007
Operation Enduring Freedom
CW3 John A. QuinlanU.S. Army Bradley Beach, New Jersey |
February 21, 2010
Operation Enduring Freedom SGT Marcos GorraU.S. Army
North Bergen, 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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Henry WhitmanCold War / Vietnam |
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Robert YanceyWWII / Korea / Vietnam |
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Charles Hopkins with his wife |
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February 8, 1862
| The Ninth New Jersey Infantry became the first New Jersey unit engaged in a full scale battle in the Civil War. At Roanoke Island, North Carolina, the regiment charged through a swamp, gaining the nickname “Jersey Muskrats.” The Muskrats lost nine men killed and twenty-five wounded in the fight. Among the dead was Captain Joseph Henry, the first New Jersey officer killed in action in the Civil War. |
February 8, 1840 |
Cornelia Hancock, known as the “Florence Nightingale of America,” was born at Hancock’s Bridge. In 1863, Hancock traveled to Gettysburg in the aftermath of the battle as a volunteer nurse and served through the remainder of the Civil War. After the war she taught freed slaves at Mount Pleasant, South Carolina and served as a pioneering social worker in Philadelphia. Hancock lived a long, fruitful and socially useful life before dying in Atlantic City on December 31, 1927. Her wartime letters were published in book form and are an important Civil War source.
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February 12, 1948 |
Under orders from Governor Alfred E. Driscoll, the New Jersey adjutant general’s office published General Order No. 4, specifying that “no qualified person shall be denied any military rights, nor be discriminated against in exercise of any military rights, nor be segregated in the militia because of religious principles, race, color, ancestry or national origin,” officially desegregating the state’s National Guard, despite opposition from the United States Department of War. New Jersey was the first state to desegregate its National Guard.
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February 14, 1934 |
Charles F. Hopkins, the last surviving New Jersey Civil War Medal of Honor recipient, died in Boonton. Hopkins was awarded the medal for carrying a wounded comrade off the battlefield at Gaines Mill, Virginia in 1862. He was buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Boonton. | February 19, 1945 |
Marine Sergeant John Basilone of Raritan, awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism on Guadalcanal in 1942, personally destroyed a Japanese strong point on Iwo Jima, using hand grenades and other explosives. Shortly afterward, while guiding a tank out of harm’s way, he was killed in action. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the Marine Corps’ second highest decoration. He was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2011.
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February 19, 1968 | U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Fred Zabitosky of Trenton, although wounded himself, rescued a pilot whose helicopter had crashed and who was pinned down under heavy fire on a mission in Laos. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism.
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February 20, 1864 |
A number of African-American New Jerseyans fought in the ranks of the Eighth United States Colored Infantry regiment at the battle of Olustee, Florida. Jerseymen killed at Olustee included Charles Anin, Jacob Hall, Henry Harris, Levi Scruby, Joseph Thompson, William H. Trimble, George Willett and Benjamin Wooley. Israel Cox of Trenton and John W. Adams of Salem County were badly wounded. Cox died in the hospital and Adams was finally discharged in November, 1865. |
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RevolutionNJ's New Website
The RevolutionNJ website is now active! It launched on November 30th and will continue to add information and photos over time. The website will be the location for all things related to RevolutionNJ around the state. Check out the new website! |
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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.
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| Veterans Archives |
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Visit Our Friends at JTJ |
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Manasquan High School students explore Vietnam WarSophie Diehl | Star News Group | February 2, 2023
MANASQUAN — The students of Jim Fagen’s Historical Perspective, Research and Debate class at the Manasquan High School are defining why “Vietnam Still Matters” through blog posts and interviews with Vietnam veterans.
“The idea is that the students write about something that was going on during the Vietnam Era and how something similar to that is still going on today,” Mr. Fagen told The Coast Star.
He explained that the students have been discussing “… the role that music plays in spreading messages, professional athletes protesting things that they see as injustices, adoption laws and so on.”
The class partnered with the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation [VVMF] to speak with veterans, research and write blog posts about how the issues people face today compare to those faced during the Vietnam War.
Read Full Story |
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New Jersey Juniors Collect Unique Items for Bench and Picnic Table ProjectsAmerican Legion Auxiliary | January 25, 2023
Imagine collecting 1,500 pounds of plastic lids and new and used sneakers for an ALA project. That’s what the New Jersey Atlantic County American Legion Auxiliary Juniors did.
ALA Unit 158 member Barbara Mortillite is all about saving the environment. When trying to think of a project for Junior members, she came across a company, Eco Plastic Products of Delaware, which constructs benches out of recycled lids. The benches are UV protected, weather resistant, and maintenance free. She ran it by co-chair Jamie Morgan and the two agreed to begin the project.
“I thought it was a good way to get the Juniors involved with the planet and give back to our veterans,” Mortillite said. “It’s a win-win.” Read Full Blog Post |
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Wilmington VA Medical Center Police partnered with 14 New Jersey law enforcement departments to hold a first-of-its-kind Veteran crisis training known as Veteran Response Team (VRT).
James Pernol | VA Public Affairs Specialist | January 25, 2023
VRT training addresses how to peacefully resolve incidents involving Veterans in crisis and get them connected to support services. For two days, local New Jersey law enforcement learned how their military background and police training can help deescalate intense situations and prevent violence.
“Our team provides local officers with the skills and resources to respond to incidents involving Veterans outside of the walls of VA and get them engaged in treatment with VA,” said Paul Woodland, chief of police at Wilmington VA. “This helps address the root causes Veterans are having that leads to justice system involvement.”
VRT training emphasizes on connecting Veterans with local resources designed to improve their health and well-being. Crisis intervention, housing, counseling support and health care are some of the most common resources officers get Veterans connected with.
Real Full Story |
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Sergeant George AshbyLast Surviving New Jersey Civil War Veteran
George Ashby was born in Burlington, New Jersey, on January 25, 1844. In 1864, Ashby, an African-American then living in Crosswicks, enlisted as a private in the 45th United States Colored Infantry, organized at Camp William Penn outside of Philadelphia between June and August of 1864. He served in Virginia during the siege of Petersburg and was present for the Confederate surrender at Appomattox Court House in April 1865.
At the end of hostilities, the 45th, with a large number of other federal troops, was transferred to Texas on occupation duty. While serving with his regiment, Ashby was promoted several times until he reached the rank of first sergeant of Company H.
Sergeant Ashby was mustered out of the service at Philadelphia with the 45th in November 1865 and returned to his life as a New Jersey small farmer. After the war, he married Phoebe Cole of Crosswicks, who predeceased him at their Waker Avenue home in Allentown.
In January 1944, a reporter interviewed the old Veteran, who predicted an allied victory in World War II and stated that if he could, he would “enlist all over again.”
When George Ashby died in Allentown on April 26, 1946, he was the last surviving New Jersey Civil War Veteran. He had 9 children, 16 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren at the time of his death at the age of 102.
Ashby received a military funeral complete with color guard and firing squad provided by Hamilton Township American Legion Post #31 and was buried in the Allentown A. M. E. church cemetery.
Narrative by Joseph G. Bilby |
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Soldier Gives Gift of Life
We have an update to a story we ran one year ago in conjunction with Black History Month.
Sergeant First Class Contessa Nash, a Citizen-Soldier with the New Jersey Army National Guard, works full-time as a bureau chief with the Information Services Division at the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
In 2011, after a friend was diagnosed with cancer, Nash was inspired to submit a sample to see if she was a match for someone in need.
“I was surprised to find out that Blacks and Hispanics have lower numbers for matching donors in the registry,” said Nash.
Nearly a decade later, Nash was contacted by Salute to Life, an organization that works with military personnel, family members, Department of Defense civilians, Reservists, Coast Guard, and National Guard members to facilitate bone marrow and stem cell donations.
“When I got a call that I had a match, they don’t tell you anything about your recipient except for gender and age,” said Nash. After the ninth month, donors can contact Salute to Life to learn how the patient is doing.
Nash hoped for a happy ending. And now we have more information.
The survivorship report indicated that as of July 6, 2022 the survivor had a successful stem cell transplant and was alive.
In September, Nash completed a release of information request form through Salute to Life to agree to direct contact with the recipient. There has not been any contact yet, but Nash will be following up with the case manager for further updates.
Read Initial Story |
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Veterans Service Offices |
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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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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
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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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