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New Jersey National Guard Begins State Partnership Program With Republic of Cyprus
On March 30, 2023, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., The Adjutant General of New Jersey, and Lt. Gen. Demokritos Zervakis, Chief of Defense of the Republic of Cyprus, signed the State Partnership Program letter of intent at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia. The two military leaders were joined by Julie D. Fisher, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Cyprus and Michaelis Giorgallas, Cyprus Minister of Defense. |
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Republic of Cyprus
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We are excited to announce that the New Jersey National Guard and the Republic of Cyprus National Guard formalized their State Partnership Program agreement at a signing ceremony on 30 March 2023 at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, Cyprus. The Republic of Cyprus will be the second official state partnership with New Jersey, the first being the Republic of Albania.
During the visit to Cyprus, various members of the New Jersey National Guard conducted key leader engagements to set the foundation for a productive relationship that will mutually benefit both organizations. These engagements varied from meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie D. Fisher, and Cypriot Senior Military Officials to working groups with New Jersey and Cypriot military members discussing the capabilities of the Cypriot National Guard.
The State Partnership Program is a Joint Department of Defense security cooperation program managed by National Guard Bureau. The program links the National Guard with the partner nation’s military to support Department of Defense, Department of State, and partner nations objectives while building a continuing personal and institutional relationship for National Guard Soldiers and Airman with their partner nation’s counterparts.
The State Partnership Program will be celebrating its 30th anniversary composed of 88 different partnerships among 100 nations globally.
We are enthusiastic in these early stages of our developing relationship with the Republic of Cyprus and look forward to supporting the partnership’s lines of effort with our Cypriot National Guard partners. |
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Thanks to each of you for all you do to make the Department and the State a better place.
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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DMAVA will have a Veterans Service Officer present |
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April 13, 2023 11:00am
DMAVA MEDAL CEREMONY & VETERANS OUTREACH CAMPAIGN
Cherry Hill Mall
Center Court
2000 NJ Route 38
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
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 & 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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| View Full Calendar |
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Ghillie Wash |
U.S. Army Soldiers with the New Jersey National Guard's Reconnaissance and Sniper Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-114th Infantry Regiment, participate in a ghillie wash at the Fort Dix Ranges on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, March 25, 2023. The Soldiers use sand, water and mud, all in an effort to perfect their suits camouflage.
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Israeli Defense and Armed Forces Attaché |
Maj. Gen. Hidey Zilberman, Israel Defense and Armed Forces Attaché to the United States and his staff toured the New Jersey Army National Guard Training Complex, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, March 28, 2023.
During the visit, the Israelis saw the Small Unmanned Aerial System classroom; Digital Sand Table; Engagement Skills Trainer II; Indoor Village for Military Operations in Urban Training; Virtual Convoy Operations Trainer, and the Regional Training Maintenance Site for all U.S. Army wheeled vehicles.
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177th Fighter Wing Concludes Participation in Red Flag 23-2 at Nellis Air Force Base |
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. - The 177th Fighter Wing participated in Red Flag Nellis 23-2 hosted by the 414th Combat Training Squadron (CTS) at Nellis Air Force Base on the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR). Red Flag is a two-week advanced aerial combat exercise designed to provide a realistic experience for military pilots, flight crew members and maintainers from various disciplines.
Red Flag Nellis 23-2 hosted more than 20 units, including the 119th Fighter Squadron of the 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, and approximately 1,800 service members from around the world. Participation in the Red Flag exercise is often a significant milestone for Airmen.
Read Story |
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Join Our Team |
100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses up to $20,000
Student Loan Repayment |
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VSO Danielle Cardoso
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My name is Danielle Cardoso I am the Veterans Service Officer for DMAVA covering Ocean County. I have an office located in the Brick VA outpatient clinic.
I am fortunate to help many Veterans daily due to my location within the clinic. I enjoy working as a VSO directly with Veterans so that I am able to give them the most accurate information about the benefits available to them. I have been able to see the real impact these benefits can have on those I have assisted.
Throughout my almost 6 years of working as a Veteran Service Officer in Ocean County I have been able to work with countless Veterans whose service to our county has made my work possible today.
I live in Ocean County with my husband and 3 children and look forward to continuing to serve my Ocean County Veterans for many years to come.
To contact me or any of my collegues, please visit the DMAVA website at Veterans Service Offices.
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Inspector GeneralTwo of New Jersey’s own are competing in the U.S. Army Inspector General of the Year 2023.
New Jersey Army National Guard Master Sergeant Katarzyna Czajka will be contending for the Noncommissioned Officer of the Year; and Reginald Washington, a Detailed Inspector General, has been nominated for the IG Civilian of the Year. Both are with the New Jersey National Guard Inspector General. They were nominated by U.S. Army Col. Don P. Hursey, Command Inspector General, selected by the Army Inspector General, and will each compete against 11 other candidates in their respective groups.
If selected, they will represent the top one percent in the Army Inspector General Community, which includes active duty, Guard, and Reserve.
Read Full Story |
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Retirement/Transition SeminarThe lastest Retirement/Transition Seminar for military personnel was held on March 29, 2023 at the Bordentown Armory. There was a large crowd in attendance who were briefed by numerous guest speakers.
If you are interested in attending this informative event please visit the Retirement/Transition website to learn more and register.
Learn More |
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Tornado strikes National Guard Training Center
Building 66/68 at the National Guard Training Center, Sea Girt, New Jersey, stands in the aftermath of a tornado which struck April 1, 2023. The structure, which houses New Jersey National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy materiel, lost its roof and chimney in a partial collapse during the storm.
This is just the latest in a long line of natural disasters that have struck that building over the course of its nearly 100 year lifespan. We will see what the future holds for this building that has been an armory, a firehouse, and a museum throughout its years.
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The Adjutant General speaks before state Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee | Brig. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, spoke before the New Jersey Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee at the State House Annex in Trenton, New Jersey, April 4, 2023.
Hou commands the more than 8,000 Soldiers and Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard. She leads, directs, and manages the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in the execution of federal and state missions. In addition, she manages all state veterans’ programs, commissions, and facilities in New Jersey.
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Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Allowing Certain Veterans to Keep Special Military License Plates Upon Conclusion of Service |
TRENTON March 28, 2023 – Governor Phil Murphy today signed a bill (A-4298) into law to allow veterans who have completed at least six years of service with a military reserve unit to keep special license plates identifying them as a member of the military following the conclusion of their service.
“Veterans who dedicated years of their lives to serving our country deserve our respect and appreciation,” said Governor Murphy. “Allowing veterans to keep the license plates that identify their military service upon the conclusion of their time in a military reserve unit is one way our state can honor that service.”
Read Full News Release |
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Elected officials visit Regional Battle Simulation Training Center | Elected officials and Governor’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs specific staff visited the Regional Battle Simulation Training Center at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, March 22, 2023.
With New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers deploying in the near future, this visit was a hands-on education on how our “Citizen Soldiers” train for deployment. The group was briefed on all aspects of training and what is required, how equipment is purchased and how the Soldiers are trained at their home base as much as possible before heading out for additional specialized training.
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New VA mission statement recognizes sacred commitment to all Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors
WASHINGTON - March 16, 2023, The Department of Veterans Affairs announced an updated version of its 1959 mission statement. The new mission statement is: “To fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.”
The new mission statement is inclusive of all those who have served in our nation’s military — including women Veterans — as well as Veteran families, caregivers, and survivors. VA currently serves more than 600,000 women Veterans, the fastest growing cohort of Veterans. VA also serves more than 50,000 Veteran caregivers, more than 600,000 Veteran survivors, and millions of Veterans who did not serve in combat.
Read Full News Release |
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Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) 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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Veteran ID Card
In this episode of theSITREP, the host discusses how to prove you're a Veteran by getting your own, free Veteran ID Card. To learn more or apply for a Veteran ID Card, visit the link below.
Watch Video |
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New National Parks Pass
A 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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#VetResources
| Subscribe to #VetResources to receive a weekly newsletter from the VA for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. |
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American Legion Donation
Steve Fisher, right, The American Legion National Headquarters State Commander, presents a check for $42,000 to Vincent Solomeno, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs, New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, in Berlin, New Jersey, April 1, 2023.
The funds were raised through Fisher’s Commanders Project and are to be used for new carpeting at Veteran’s Haven North, and to provide new furnishings in the Beach, Hanger, and Ranch rooms at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland. |
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National Vietnam War Veterans Day EventU.S. Air Force Retired Maj. Gen. Clark Martin, Commander, New Jersey Air National Guard, spoke at the annual National Vietnam War Veterans Day Event at the Barnegat High School in Barnegat, New Jersey, March 29, 2023. The event was hosted by Thanking Vietnam Veterans in Barnegat.
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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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April 6, 2004
Operation Iraqi Freedom
2ndLt John Thomas WroblewskiU.S. Marine Corps Oak Ridge, New Jersey |
April 8, 2004
Operation Iraqi Freedom LCpl Phillip E. FrankU.S. Marine Corps
Aberdeen, New Jersey | April 9, 2010
Operation Enduring Freedom CPL Michael D. Jankiewicz
U.S. Army Ramsey, New Jersey | April 10, 2003
Operation Iraqi Freedom
SSG Terry Wayne HemingwayU.S. Army Willingboro, New Jersey |
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April 11, 2012
Operation Enduring Freedom
Cpl Derek A. KernsU.S. Marine Corps Woodstown, New Jersey |
April 13, 2003
Operation Iraqi Freedom SPC Gil MercadoU.S. Army
Paterson, New Jersey | April 14, 2004
Operation Iraqi Freedom SPC Frank K. Rivers Jr.
U.S. Army Newark, New Jersey | April 17, 2011
Operation Enduring Freedom
SGT Keith T. BuzinskiU.S. Army Hamilton, New Jersey |
April 18, 2005
Operation Iraqi Freedom MAJ Steven W. ThorntonU.S. Army
Fort Monmouth, 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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Officers of the 1st Separate Battalion in 1935. |
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April 2, 1865
| New Jersey soldiers of the First and Second New Jersey Brigades fought in the Army of the Potomac’s breakthrough of the Confederate Lines at Petersburg, forcing General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia to retreat west to Appomattox, where Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, effectively ending the Civil War. |
April 4, 1933 |
The U.S. Navy airship ZRS-4, christened USS Akron and dubbed “Queen of the Skies,” had had fifty-eight successful flights, as well as several serious accidents, before crashing during a thunderstorm off Barnegat. Seventy-four of the seventy-seven officers and men aboard were killed in the largest loss of life of any airship crash. It was the second airship of that name to meet its end along the Jersey shore. |
April 6, 1778 | The British and Loyalist raiders who destroyed the Manasquan River salt works the day before landed at Shark River, but rough weather and sniping militiamen intervened and they were only able to partly destroy the salt works at that location. |
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April 12, 1782 |
Loyalists took Patriot Captain Joshua Huddy, a prisoner in New York since his capture at Toms River, to Highlands, where they hanged him in retribution for the death of Loyalist Philip White, killed allegedly attempting to escape on his way to Freehold as a prisoner. Huddy’s lynching led to an international incident when George Washington ordered a British prisoner selected to hang in retribution. The retaliation execution never occurred. |
April 16, 1930 |
The New Jersey legislature passed Chapter 149, laws of 1930, authorizing the “authorization and equipment of a battalion of Negro infantry” at state expense, in response to the refusal of the federal government to establish an African American National Guard unit in the state within the context of an overall segregated military. The unit, the “First Separate Battalion,” began organizing in Newark and Atlantic City the following year. |
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Official-looking Bergen County letter on veterans 'handouts' is fake, officials warnKristi Cattafi | NorthJersey.com | March 29, 2023
A letter calling out veterans for relying too much on "government handouts" sent to veterans by the director of the Bergen County Division of Veterans Services is a fake, county officials say.
VFWs and American Legions were among the organizations that received the letter, dated March 13, on Division of Veterans Services letterhead, County Administrator Thomas Duch posted on social media.
The official-looking letter "is an absolute fraud" and an investigation by the county has been initiated to find the source, Duch said. Read Full Story |
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Linda Clark |
The New Jersey Department of Military and Veteran’s Affairs thanks Linda Clark, Supervisor of Nursing Services, for serving Veterans since 2001 at the Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park in Edison, NJ.
Nurses like Linda epitomize what it means to be a caregiver. Take a moment and hear her inspiring words and reflections on her years of service. |
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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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