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Victoria Ragucci
Chief Diversity Officer |
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Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
| DMAVA Team,
The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and fostering a sense of belonging among our workforce and those who we serve. As Adjutant General, I recognize the importance of investing our mission, strategy, policies, and programs with a respect for the dignity of each and every individual, the need to build a just society, and in doing so, to have an authentic and positive impact on all Garden State Service Members, Veterans, and families.
This commitment begins with our own organization. Today, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Victoria Ragucci as DMAVA’s first Chief Diversity Officer, tasked with leading a new Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DMAVA-DEIB). As we strive for a just society, we should take individual and collective action to develop a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. As a team, we must also foster a climate that bridges opportunity gaps and develops a diverse workforce through recruitment, retention, mentorship, and professional development. DMAVA-DEIB is intended to do just that.
My intent is for DMAVA-DEIB to develop a statement of shared principles for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for all members of the DMAVA team. The office will also investigate examples from both the public and private sector, especially the U.S. Department of Defense and our sister state agencies, to identify resources, build structures, and formalize processes. I have also tasked them with establishing clear expectations of support of departmental diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging goals in all administrative and operational units to ensure the prioritization of sufficient and sustainable resources for this work.
Creating a climate of respect, dignity, and opportunity is central to DMAVA’s mission. I am grateful to the many members of our team for their efforts to realize these goals. I especially wish to acknowledge our Human Resources Division. The new Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging will build upon their work. In doing so, we ensure that our organization reflects a sense of welcome and support in order to extend the same to the Service Members, Veterans, and families who we serve.
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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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Sergeant David Solinas, Jr. | Sergeant David Solinas, Jr. was one of nine soldiers who were killed when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed near Fort Campbell in Kentucky during a training exercise on March 29, 2023. Solinas was a member of the 101st Airborne Division.
On April 16, 2023, the hearse carrying the 23-year-old soldier's casket arrived by a fairwell procession in his hometown of Oradell, NJ. The hearse was greeted by a Military Funeral Honors team from the New Jersey Army National Guard.
Visitation and Funeral Service Details |
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Staff Sergeant James Rotunno |
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced on November 14, 2022 that U.S. Army Staff Sergeant James Rotunno, 27, of Brooklyn, New York, killed during World War II, was accounted for September 27, 2022.
In January 1945, Rotunno was assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. The unit was engaged with German forces during the Battle of Reipertswiller in France and was surrounded, along with four other companies. The surrounded companies were given the order to attempt a break-out on January 20, but only two men made it through German lines. The rest were either captured or killed. Rotunno was among those killed in the aftermath on January 21, but his body could not be recovered because of the fighting.
Staff Sergeant Rotunno's casket is planned to arrive at Newark Liberty International Airport on April 21, 2023. A Military Funeral Honors team from the New Jersey Army National Guard will provide plane-side honors.
Funeral services are scheduled for the following day with burial in North Arlington, NJ. Funeral Service Details |
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Private First Class Steven Gonzalez | PFC Steven Gonzalez was an active-duty Army Soldier who was killed in an accident just outside of Ft. Hood, TX on April 13, 2023.
A Military Funeral Honors team from the New Jersey Army National Guard will be rendering full military honors on Saturday, April 22, 2023 in Vineland, NJ. Funeral Service Details |
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April 20, 20239:00am - 3:00pm
DMAVA VETERANS OUTREACH CAMPAIGN
Columbus Farmers Market
2919 US-Route 206
Columbus, NJ 08022
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 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 will have a Veterans Service Officer present |
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June 12-13, 20239:00am - 4:00pm
GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP
Lawrenceville Armory
151 Eggert Crossing Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
DMAVA and Grant Writing USA will present a two-day grants workshop.
This training is for grant seekers across all disciplines. Attend this class and you'll learn how to find the funding sources and write winning grant proposals.
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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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177th Security Forces Squadron | Airmen of the 177th Security Forces Squadron recently held a barbecue where defenders spent time with their loved ones before leaving for a deployment to the Middle East.
During the event, the American Legion Riders Post 352 Somers Point, NJ wished the Airmen good luck, and escorted their convoy out of the 177th Fighter Wing as the deploying Airmen said goodbye to their loved ones and began their travel.
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177th Fighter Wing | During a recent commander's all call, Col. Derek B. Routt, the 177th Fighter Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Michael F. Sears, 177th Fighter Wing command chief, recognized Airmen for their exceptional performance in 2022.
Congratulations to the award recipients.
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Join Our Team |
100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses up to $20,000
Student Loan Repayment |
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A Perfect 300 |
William “Skip” Wentzell Jr. was recognized for bowling a perfect 300 in a ceremony at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland, Vineland, New Jersey, April 12, 2023.
Wentzell, who served in the Army in Vietnam, was presented with a bowling medallion, a small engraved trophy, and a T-shirt that read “Member of the 300 Club”.
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National Guard Training CenterCorrectional Staff Training Academy Class 254 began its journey early in the morning on April 10, 2023.
The 83 men and women will undergo 19 weeks of physical and mental training, including self defense, interpersonal communication, criminal justice, firearms proficiency, and much more at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ.
Photo by Chris Carden / NJ Department of Corrections |
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Purple Up DayThe staff at the Family Programs Office in Bordentown dressed in purple on April 14, 2023. The event was in support of April's Month of the Military Child.
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NJ Youth ChalleNGe Academy DocuseriesAre you ready for the ChalleNGe?
In this nine-part docuseries, experience the 22-week residential program of NJ Youth ChalleNGe Academy's Class 55, from candidacy at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt to graduation.
In the first episode, the NJYCA staff give a brief walkthrough of the candidate intake process. Plus, you'll hear from the candidates and their motivation to Dream, Believe, Achieve.
Stay tuned for future episodes.
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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.
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Governor Murphy Signs Resolution to Designate Annual “Military Child Appreciation Day” |
4/14/2023
TRENTON – In recognition of the challenges children face and the sacrifices they make when they have a parent in the military, Governor Phil Murphy today signed a bipartisan resolution (SJR-106) into law to designate April 14 as “Military Child Appreciation Day” in New Jersey each year.
“The children of military members face unique challenges as a result of their parent’s service that it is important we recognize,” said Governor Murphy. “Designating an annual Military Child Appreciation Day encourages the residents of New Jersey to honor the sacrifices these children make and serves as a reminder that we must continue to support and address the needs of military families throughout our state.”
“Few know the sacrifices of our military families better than our children,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., New Jersey’s Adjutant General and Commissioner for Military and Veteran Affairs. “May the focus of this special day help them feel uniquely appreciated.”
Read Full News Release |
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Veterans Medal Ceremony |
On April 13, 2023, DMAVA partnered with the Camden County Board of Commissioners and the Camden County Office of Veterans Affairs for a medal ceremony at the Cherry Hill Mall to recognize the service of local Veterans.
Commissioner and Gold Star mother, Melinda Kane, liaison to the county’s Office of Veterans Affairs, discussed the importance of the ceremony.
“The patriotism and courage these individuals have displayed cannot go unrecognized,” Kane said. “This ceremony is just a small token of our gratitude to these Veterans whose sacrifices and courage have made a positive impact on our county, state and nation.”
There were 19 awardees receiving 47 medals, a mix of both county and state medals.
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Veterans Host Appreciation Lunch for Morris County Veteran Staff | American Legion Post 59 of Morristown hosted a lunch for the Morris County Veterans Service Office, the staff at the Veterans Affairs Clinic at Morris View and Morris County officials to thank them for the aid they provide former service members.
Read Full Story |
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Youth ChalleNGe Tours State HouseNew Jersey Youth ChalleNGe Academy Class 55 cadets tour the New Jersey State House in Trenton, New Jersey, April 11, 2023.
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VA, NIH launch study of Gulf War Illness
WASHINGTON - On April 18, 2023, the Department of Veterans Affairs and National Institutes of Health began a joint, five-year study that aims to explain the chronic symptoms of Gulf War Illness. The study may lead to more definitive diagnostic criteria for Gulf War Illness, development of new diagnostic testing, and potential treatments.
Gulf War Illness affects multiple systems in the body and includes chronic symptoms such as fatigue, headache, memory and cognitive difficulties, joint and muscle pain, poor sleep, and problems with gastrointestinal and respiratory function.
This disease affects about a third of the nearly 700,000 men and women who served in the Persian Gulf during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Read Full News Release |
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Veterans have access to acute suicide care, but who is eligible?
Some Veterans discharged under other than honorable conditions are eligible.
Eligible veterans and some former service members can now go to any VA or non-VA hospital for emergency health care during an acute suicidal crisis, and it will be paid for by VA.
This includes ambulance transportation, related prescriptions, up to 30 days of inpatient or crisis residential treatment, and up to 90 days of outpatient care at no cost to them.
The new benefit is saving lives and supports one of VA’s top clinical priorities—preventing veteran suicide. Learn More at VA News |
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VA Home Loans
In this episode of theSITREP, the host discusses the advantages of Veterans using their VA home loan benefit - especially for those who may lack funds for a down payment, have experienced a bankruptcy or foreclosure, or who may have a low credit score.
Watch Video |
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Survivor Benefit Plan Open Season
Congress provided for a Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Open Season in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. 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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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.
Learn More at VA News |
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VA Life Insurance
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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School VisitStudents from Brigantine Community School recently visited the 177th Fighter Wing, where they met the 177th Operations Group commander, observed an F-16 Fighting Falcon static display, and were briefed by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team member, members of the Aircrew Flight Equipment team and a firefighter from the 177th Fighter Wing's firehouse.
Thanks for visiting, Brigantine Community School, we were glad to have you!
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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 22, 2008
Operation Iraqi Freedom
PVT Ronald R. HarrisonU.S. Army Budd Lake, New Jersey |
April 22, 2011
Operation New Dawn 1LT Omar VazquezU.S. Army
Hamilton, New Jersey | April 23, 2005
Operation Enduring Freedom PV2 Robert C. White III
U.S. Army Camden, New Jersey | April 23, 2010
Operation Enduring Freedom
SGT Ronald A. KubikU.S. Army Brielle, New Jersey |
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April 25, 2003
Operation Iraqi Freedom
SPC Narson Bertil SullivanU.S. Army North Brunswick, New Jersey |
April 28, 2007
Operation Iraqi Freedom SSG Michael R. HullenderU.S. Army
Little Falls, New Jersey | April 29, 2010
Operation Enduring Freedom 1LT Salvatore S. Corma
U.S. Army Wenonah, New Jersey | May 2, 2005
Operation Iraqi Freedom
LtCol John C. SpahrU.S. Marine Corps Cherry Hill, 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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The Intelligent Whale enroute to its new home in April 2020. |
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April 19, 1780
| General George Washington welcomed distinguished visitors “the Chevalier de la Luzerne, Minister of France, with another French gentleman, and Don Juan de Miralles, a gentleman of distinction from Spain,” to the Ford Mansion, his Morristown headquarters. | April 19, 1899 |
In compliance with General Orders No. 5, the New Jersey National Guard was reorganized according to federal military standards into four infantry regiments of twelve companies each, two Gatling gun companies, two troops of cavalry and two battalions of naval militia. | April 23, 2020 |
In preparation for the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey's move to its new facility, the only surviving Civil War-era submarine - the Intelligent Whale - took a short trip down the road at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ. |
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April 25, 1898 |
The United States declared war on Spain following the sinking of the Battleship Maine in Havana harbor on February 15, 1898. New Jersey National Guardsmen would subsequently be called to Sea Girt to form volunteer regiments for service in the ensuing Spanish -American War. The New Jersey Naval Militia was called up to serve on various navy ships, some of them engaged in the blockade of Cuba. |
May 3, 1861 |
New Jersey’s four regiment militia brigade, enlisted for three months’ service, left Trenton for Washington aboard motorized canal boats down the Delaware River. Some militiamen celebrated by firing handguns randomly in the air, and one careless Jersey City man accidentally shot another soldier. The Jerseymen debarked at Annapolis and boarded trains to Washington -- the first full brigade to reach the capital. |
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‘It starts with a name,’ says veteran who honors fallen heroesMackenzie Fitchett | The Ocean Star | April 7, 2023
BAY HEAD — More than 30 members of the U.S. Armed Forces who died during war will be memorialized next month in Bay Head, Point Pleasant Beach and Point Pleasant Borough thanks to Brick resident William Duffy.
“First, you need a name,” said Mr. Duffy, who has spent years researching the names and backgrounds of United States Veterans in order to honor them in war memorials across the state.
“I came home, millions and millions of US Veterans came home from the war. But these people did not and I think they should be remembered and honored.” Read Full Story |
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K2 veterans sue Defense Department for records on Uzbek base amid new evidence of toxic materialsCatherine Herridge, Jessica Kegu | CBS News | April 10, 2023
A group of veterans took the unusual step this month of suing the Defense Department to obtain records about toxic conditions at a military base in Uzbekistan they believe is linked to their rare cancers and other illnesses. At least 15,000 service members passed through Karshi Khanabad Air Base, commonly known as K2, to support missions in nearby Afghanistan after 9/11.
The veterans advocacy groups taking legal action against the Department of Defense claim that public records about K2 do not explain the high rates of cancers among those who deployed there. The lawsuit argues "records from DoD could contain information that would allow healthcare providers to know with greater certainty the type and quantity of toxic substances that Karshi-Khanabad veterans were exposed to."
View Full Story |
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Son flies father on fini flight | U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Paul J. Ciervo Jr., right, Detachment 19, New Jersey Army National Guard, poses for a photo with his father, retired NJARNG Col. Paul Ciervo, in front of a C-12 Huron prior to his final flight in the National Guard at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, April 18, 2023.
Eighteen years ago, Col. Ciervo flew his son on his final flight with the 1st Battalion, 150th Assault Helicopter Battalion. Chief Ciervo enlisted in 2003 and is retiring after more than 20 years of service, during which he deployed multiple times in support of wartime and domestic response operations. His father served with the NJARNG from 1980 to 2004 and retired as the State Aviation Officer.
The final flight, or fini flight, is a tradition among pilots and air crew to celebrate one’s last flight with their unit or on a certain airframe.
The C-12 is used for personnel transport, intelligence gathering and reconnaissance, as well as carrying cargo. Detachment 19 is part of the Joint Operational Support Airlift Center, which is comprised of 56 detachments nationwide. |
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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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