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New Jersey Korean War Memorial | 124 Park Place, Atlantic City, NJ |
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The Korean War
| July 27, 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War which began on June 25, 1950 and lasted for three years. This war resulted in the deaths of millions of soldiers and civilians and caused the division of the Korean Peninsula into North and South Korea.
On that date in 1950, 75,000 North Korean soldiers crossed the 38th parallel at several strategic points to invade South Korea. The United States was one of 22 countries who fought in the war to defend non-communist South Korea from communist North Korea. After three years of fighting, the war ended in a stalemate with the border between North and South Korea near where it had been at the war's beginning.
Approximately 6.8 million Americans served in that era worldwide and in total, approximately 36,000 US military service members were killed in Korea. This war has the sad distinction of being the United States' second deadliest conflict of the Cold War and the fifth deadliest war ever.
According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, in 2020 there were over one million living Korean War Era Veterans with more than 28,000 residing in New Jersey. In 2020, they represented one of the oldest cohorts of Veterans served by the Veterans Administration with most of them being between the ages of 85-89 years old.
The Korean War has been referred to as the 'Forgotten War.' It is the mission of this Department to never forget, but to remember the service and sacrifice of every Veteran of every war. It is for that reason that we take pause on July 27th to pay homage and celebrate the service and sacrifice of all who served in the Korean War.
Please join us at the New Jersey Korean War Memorial at 124 Park Place (Park Place at the Boardwalk) in Atlantic City on July 27, 2023 at 11:00am. At that hour we will hold a ceremony in recognition of the 70th anniversary of the end of the war. |
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Thank you to the entire community for your support.
We invite 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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August 21-22, 2023 9:00am - 4:00pm
GRANT MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP
Lawrenceville Armory
151 Eggert Crossing Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
DMAVA and Grant Writing USA will present a two-day grants management workshop.
This in-person training is for grant recipient organizations across all disciplines. Attend this class and you will learn how to administer government grants and stay in compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
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DMAVA is sponsoring or will participate in the events below. A DMAVA Veterans Service Officer will be present at many of these events. Please check details to confirm.
| - July 12, 2023 | Toms River
Benefits Briefing
- July 14, 2023 | Seaside Heights
Veterans Outreach Campaign
- July 14-16, 2023 | Princeton
Building Strong & Ready Teams
- July 15, 2023 | Lawrenceville
44th IBCT Change of Responsibility Ceremony
- July 18, 2023 | Rio Grande
Veterans & Family Night
- July 20, 2023 | Ocean City
Veterans Outreach Campaign
- July 24, 2023 | Rio Grande
Veterans Information Session
- July 25, 2023 | Vineland
Veterans Information Session
- July 25, 2023 | Camden County College
Congressman Norcross 6th Annual Constituent Services Fair
- July 27, 2023 | Columbus
Veterans Outreach Campaign
- July 27, 2023 | Atlantic City
Korean War 70th Anniversary Ceremony
- July 27, 2023 | Northfield
Veterans Information Session
- July 28, 2023 | Point Pleasant Beach
Veterans Outreach Campaign
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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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63rd Army Band | The New Jersey Army National Guard's 63rd Army Band performed for audiences around the state during the band's summer concert series, June 28-July 7, 2023. Check out images and videos of their patriotic performances on the band's social media platforms.
Facebook
Instagram |
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150th Assault Helicopter Battalion | The New Jersey Army National Guard's 150th Assault Helicopter Battalion flew to West Point, NY to assist Cadets, Staff, and Soldiers conducting aircraft repelling operations in support of air assault training, July 1, 2023. Candidates were trained in air assault operations, sling-load operations, and rappelling.
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177th Fighter Wing | Jersey Devils graduated from the 177th Fighter Wing's first Petroleum Oils and Lubricants (POL) Multi-Capable Airmen class on June 30, 2023.
During this class, Airmen from different careers learned R-11 Refueler vehicle operation and maintenance, cryogenic operations, fuels laboratory operations and basic fuel service center operation.
Congratulations, Devils! |
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Join Our Team |
100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses up to $20,000
Student Loan Repayment |
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DCVA Vincent Solomeno at Menlo Park Town Hall |
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Update from Menlo Park Veterans Memorial Home
On June 29, 2023, Vincent Solomeno III, Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, continued his series of town halls with another visit with the residents, staff, and families of the Menlo Park Veterans Memorial Home. Mr. Solomeno provided an update on the status of mold remediation in empty resident rooms and plans to convert both the Menlo Park and Paramus facilities from dual occupancy to single occupancy rooms.
“The safety of residents, staff, and visitors is our top priority,” said Solomeno, who went on to explain that every room had been checked not just at Menlo Park but Paramus and Vineland. The department has engaged an independent environmental monitoring firm to conduct air quality samples both before and after repairs in resident rooms. The analysis of the air sample results indicates that there is no unusual airborne mold detected in the facility.
In the interest of current and future resident safety, NJDMAVA will continue the work of performing inspections, abatement and repairs.
To learn more, and for a listing of updates we have provided to residents, staff, family members and those designated by powers of attorney, please visit our website at Memorial Home Messages.
Additional Resources: |
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Veterans Outreach CampaignU.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. (Ret.) Pat Daly of Sewell Township, Gloucester County, stopped by our Outreach Table at the Ocean City Music Pier on the Ocean City Boardwalk to discuss Veterans benefits with Veterans Service Officer Alicia Kagan.
DMAVA kicked off our “Summer Veterans Outreach Campaign” on June 29, 2023 and will continue through Labor Day with weekly visits at the Ocean City, Seaside Heights, and Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalks.
Check the Veterans Outreach Schedule to see when we will be in your area or contact your local Veterans Service Office. |
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Child and Youth ProgramsJuly 9, 2023 marked the start of the New Jersey National Guard Youth Camp. Brig. Gen. Lisa J. Hou welcomed the campers on their first day of a week of arts and crafts, archery, swimming at the beach and sports activities. The camp is held annually at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ.
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Saving the OspreySarah Adams | Environmental Management Bureau | July 11, 2023
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) are a keystone species; indicators of the health of an ecosystem.
This year at the National Guard Training Center (NGTC) in Sea Girt, NJ, three breeding pairs of Osprey established nests near Stockton Lake. One of the pairs established two nests on the site's high voltage power lines.
On Saturday, June 24, 2023 the nests became saturated due to intensive rain events and one nest shorted the electric lines causing it to catch fire, shutting down power to the facility. Luckily, the pair was raising their three chicks in the other nest, but it had to be removed to restore power to the campus.
High Energy Electric Testing answered the emergency call and were able to save the three osprey chicks and restore power to the campus. The Raptor Trust, a bird rehabilitation and education center, took custody of the chicks as the DMAVA Environmental Management Bureau built a new nest on top of an out-of-service power pole adjacent to Stockton Lake with the hopes of reuniting the chicks with their parents.
With efforts from the United States Department of Agriculture, DMAVA, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Conserve Wildlife Foundation (CWF), Raptor Trust, and the Sea Girt NGTC maintenance staff with their bucket truck, the chicks were returned to the newly constructed nest and placed under observation to assure their safety.
However, by the end of the day on June 26th, it was determined the parents didn't recognize the chicks as their own and the chicks were taken back to Raptor Trust. The next day, CWF placed the chicks in several foster nests in the Barnegat Bay where they were accepted by their foster parents and are thriving. |
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DMAVA Summer Kick OffMr. Softee stopped by the Lawrenceville Headquarters to kick off the summer on June 29, 2023. |
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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 the first day at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ to graduation in the summer of 2023.
View Video Playlist |
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VA Approving Nearly 80% of PACT Act Claims
Nearly 8 out of every 10 PACT Act-related claims have been approved, according to the latest U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) data.
From August 10, 2022, to July 1, 2023, the VA completed 353,743 PACT Act claims. Of those, 300,678 were approved for benefits — or 79% of the total.
About 392,000 PACT Act claims are pending.
Here are the top 5 most frequent conditions on PACT Act-related claims: - Hypertensive vascular disease, 117,345 claims, 80% granted, 20% denied
- Allergic rhinitis, 72,142 claims, 82% granted, 18% denied
- Maxillary sinusitis, 34,304 claims, 55% granted, 45% denied
- Bronchial asthma, 31,867 claims, 51% granted, 49% denied
- Malignant growths of genitourinary system, 16,985 claims, 68% granted, 32% denied
The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances. The PACT Act is perhaps the largest health care and benefits expansion in VA history.
There is no deadline to apply for PACT Act benefits. But if you file your PACT Act claim — or quickly submit your intent to file — by August 9, 2023, you may receive benefits backdated to August 10, 2022.
For more information, visit the VA’s PACT Act website. |
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Veterans Guaranteed Cost-of-Living Allowance Adjustment
A new law guarantees that Veterans will receive a cost-of-living adjustment to VA compensation that is equal to the COLA applied to Social Security benefits. Learn More at VA News |
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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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National Parks Pass
There is a new lifetime pass for National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands, called America the Beautiful.
This 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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VALife 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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Thrift Savings PlanIn these episodes of theSITREP, the host explores 32 different aspects of the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The host is joined by U.S. Air Force Veteran, Mike Jerue, who serves as the Deputy Chief Investment Officer at Thrift Savings Plan.
View Playlist |
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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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Cougar Esports for Camden County Veterans
Cougar Esports at Camden County College, a regional leader in esports production, is proud to announce a new initiative: “Cougar Esports for Camden County Veterans”. This program will support Veterans in Camden County by providing structured esports-related activities with the outcome of providing community building opportunities through esports.
“Cougar Esports for Camden County Veterans” is designed to create a supported community environment to participate in esports alongside other Veterans, access the state-of-the art “Cougar Esports Arena” at Camden County College’s William G. Rohrer Center in Cherry Hill, compete on Veteran esports teams with coaching in Veteran league play, and learn about the academic and workforce opportunities connected to the esports production industry.
Interested? Please email us at esports@camdencc.edu or visit our website to let us know what you play and to learn about the launch date for “Cougar Esports for Camden County Veterans”!
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National Guard State Family Readiness Council
So far in 2023 the New Jersey National Guard State Family Readiness Council has given over $30,000 in grants to our soldiers, airmen and their families in need. These grants helped with mortgage payments, doctors bills and a dozen other issues our heroes had.
We continue to support them and their families as they continue to serve and protect us. Please help us to help them. Donations can be made on our website. Thank You. Learn More |
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Honor Military VeteransThis new NJBIZ awards program will honor military Veterans who are making a significant impact on New Jersey business as well as continuing to give back to their community. Winners will be recognized during a virtual awards ceremony in November 2023.
Nomination deadline: August 20, 2023
Learn More |
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In Honor of all those from New Jersey who gave their lives in the fight against terrorism during Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. In humble gratitude, we remember their sacrifice. |
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July 13, 2008
Operation Iraqi Freedom
LCpl Jeffery StevensonU.S. Marine Corps Stillwater, New Jersey |
July 16, 2003
Operation Enduring Freedom CDR Kevin BianchiU.S. Navy
Maplewood, New Jersey | July 17, 2006
Operation Enduring Freedom SSG Robert J. Chiomento II
U.S. Army Pennsville, New Jersey |
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July 17, 2008
Operation Enduring Freedom
1st Lt Jason D. MannU.S. Marine Corps Woodlynne, New Jersey |
July 22, 2010
Operation Enduring Freedom Maj James M. WeisU.S. Marine Corps
Toms River, New Jersey | July 23, 2004
Operation Iraqi Freedom LCpl Vincent M. Sullivan
U.S. Marine Corps Chatham, 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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Gettysburg Rededication Team in 2013 |
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July 20, 1957
| Four nurses left Paterson for annual training with the 114th Surgical Hospital, New Jersey National Guard. They were the first women ever to deploy for training with a New Jersey National Guard unit. | July 20, 2013 |
“New Jersey at Gettysburg Day,” an official rededication of the New Jersey monuments at Gettysburg Battlefield by the New Jersey Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee, was held at Gettysburg National Military Park. | July 21, 1780 |
General Anthony Wayne led a raid on a Loyalist blockhouse at Bull’s Ferry, now part of Hackensack. Although they outnumbered the enemy, Wayne’s men failed to take the blockhouse, and were only able to capture some cattle. |
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July 21, 1757 |
A 350-man force of New Jersey and New York Provincial troops left Fort William Henry on a reconnaissance. Two days later, at Sabbath Day Point on Lake George, they were surrounded and ambushed by the French and their Indian allies. The provincials panicked, losing 160 men killed or drowned and many of the remainder captured. It was reported, albeit not confirmed, that Ottawa warriors subsequently dined on at least one unfortunate Jerseyman. |
July 25, 1917 | The New Jersey National Guard, except for some companies of the 5th Regiment, on guard duty in northern New Jersey, assembled at Sea Girt for World War I duty, and then traveled to Camp McClellan, Alabama, where they were subsequently joined by the remainder of the 5th Regiment. |
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National Guard Militia Museum of NJ
One Museum | Two Locations
Free Admission |
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Sea Girt | Monday-Friday 10AM to 3PM
Closed: Weekends and
State Holidays |
| Plan Your Visit |
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Lawrenceville | Monday-Friday 9AM to 3PM
Saturday 10AM to 3PM
Closed: State Holidays |
| Plan Your Visit |
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Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Zinner | Congratulations to Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Zinner who celebrated his retirement on June 25, 2023. Thank you for 42 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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