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 | CPL William F. Vadola
| U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., The Adjutant General of the New Jersey National Guard, presents World War II veteran U.S. Army Cpl. William F. Vadola the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal at the Joint Military and Family Assistance Center, Bordentown, NJ, August 3, 2023. Vadola served as a heavy truck driver with the 472nd Quartermaster Truck Regiment operating with the 1306th Army Air Force Base Unit in Karachi, India. |
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NJ State Medals |
The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs conducts state medal ceremonies in public venues across the state throughout the year. These ceremonies not only recognize the honorable service of New Jersey Veterans but also provide an opportunity for our Veteran Service Officers to educate and inform the community on benefits available to Veterans and their families.
Since 2005, more than 59,260 state medals have been awarded. These include 38,171 New Jersey Distinguished Service Medals, 5,394 New Jersey Meritorious Service Medals, 989 New Jersey Korean Service Medals, 12,625 New Jersey Vietnam Service Medals, 93 New Jersey POW-MIA Service Medals, 760 New Jersey Global War on Terrorism Medals, 93 New Jersey Desert Storm Medals and 18 New Jersey Commendation Medals.
The awards have been presented at more than 658 ceremonies statewide. (Data current as of July 1, 2023).
The New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal - New Jersey’s highest service award - was originally issued in 1858 for those who had distinguished themselves in the New Jersey Militia but was used infrequently until it was re-authorized in 1988. |
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SP5 Joseph R. Bice, Jr. |
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., The Adjutant General of the New Jersey National Guard, presents Vietnam War veteran U.S. Army Spc. 5 Joseph R. Bice, Jr. the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal and the New Jersey Vietnam Service Medal at the Joint Military and Family Assistance Center, Bordentown, NJ, August 3, 2023. Bice served as a military policeman with U.S. Army Pacific in Vietnam. |
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The next Medal Ceremony will be held on August 17, 2023 at the Woodbridge Center Mall at 11:00am. The public is invited to attend and we hope to see you there.
You can find future Medal Ceremony dates on our DMAVA Calendar.
Are you or a loved one eligible for a medal? Refer to our website for detailed information at NJ Service Medals.
Are you interested in hosting a Medal Ceremony at your place of business? Not only is it a great way to honor your eligible employees, it also boosts morale. Let us know by contacting the Veterans Benefits Bureau at vbb@dmava.nj.gov. |
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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, 20239:00am - 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.
| - August 11, 2023 | Ocean City
Veterans Outreach Campaign
- August 12, 2023 | Egg Harbor Township
177th Fighter Wing Spouse/Dependent Resource Fair
- August 13, 2023 | Fort Dix
108th Wing Family Day
- August 15-16, 2023 | Atlantic City
Atlantic City Airshow
- August 16, 2023 | Hamilton
Dept of Corrections Career Fair
- August 17, 2023 | Point Pleasant Beach
Veterans Outreach Campaign
- August 17, 2023 | Woodbridge
Veterans Outreach Campaign
- August 17, 2023 | Woodbridge
DMAVA Medal Ceremony
- August 21-22, 2023 | Lawrenceville
Grant Management Workshop
- August 24, 2023 | Columbus
Veterans Outreach Campaign
- August 25, 2023 | Seaside Heights
Veterans Outreach Campaign
- August 26, 2023 | Rochelle Park
Women Veterans Stand Down / Resource Fair
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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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OCS Class 66 | The New Jersey Army National Guard celebrated 18 future leaders of the organization with the graduation of Officer Candidate Class 66 at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ on August 6, 2023.
Eighteen Soldiers graduated from the rigorous 15- to 18-month course and were commissioned as 2nd Lieutenants. The ceremony included the families of the newly commissioned officers and was presided over by Brig. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., The Adjutant General of New Jersey.
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21st WMD-CST | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Alex J. Potts, left, and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nicky Lam, both survey team members with the New Jersey National Guard’s 21st Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Team, investigate a simulated crime scene during a training exercise at the Army Aviation Support Facility at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, July 25, 2023.
The 21st CST identifies chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear substances; assesses and advises civil authorities on response measures to man-made or natural disasters.
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177th Fighter Wing |
In preparation for the 2023 Atlantic City Airshow, “A Salute to Those Who Serve,” the 177th Fighter Wing and the Federal Aviation Administration William J. Hughes Technical Center hosted an Aircraft Accident and Support Agreement Exercise on July 26, 2023.
First responders from across Atlantic County, including local police departments, fire departments, emergency medical services, the Atlantic County Office of Emergency Management and the United States Coast Guard Atlantic City joined the 177th FW for the exercise. |
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Join Our Team |
100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses up to $20,000
Student Loan Repayment |
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Paramus Town Hall |
Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, Vincent Solomeno, conducted a town hall meeting with residents at the Veterans Memorial Home at Paramus on August 3, 2023. Solomeno and residents discussed meals, transportation, technology, and overall quality of living.
Town hall meetings are conducted on a regular basis at all three Veterans Memorial homes at Menlo Park, Vineland, and Paramus to ensure open communication between DMAVA and the Veterans, Veterans’ Spouses and Gold Star Family members who reside in each home. |
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Hamilton Township Veterans HonoredEsther Chucaralao, Director of Veterans Services, New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, presents the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal to World War II veteran U.S. Navy Motor Machinist Mate 1st Class Richard W. White during the New Jersey State Medals Ceremony at MISSION BBQ in Hamilton, NJ, August 8, 2023.
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National Guard Militia Museum of New JerseyOn August 1, 1980, the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey was established at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, New Jersey.
The Museum is NJ’s preeminent military museum and tells the story of the state’s Militia and National Guard beginning with Dutch, Swedish and British colonization, through the War for Independence up to the present day, with a focus on the diversity of the New Jersey citizen soldier and their experience.
The Museum has one of the largest collections of New Jersey-related Civil War research material in the country, including copies of diaries, letters, newspaper clippings, memoirs, regimental histories, and articles.
Free admission. Learn more at njmilitiamuseum.org. |
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National Guard Training CenterRelatives and friends visited the members of Correctional Staff Training Academy Class 254 for Family Day on August 3, 2023 at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ.
The attendees got a better understanding of what it takes to join the New Jersey Department of Corrections. Presentations included physical training, a K9 demonstration, and some family-style PT.
Class 254 graduates August 25, 2023 at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton. |
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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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Important Deadline for PACT Act August 9th Applicants who submit a claim or their intent to file with the VA by August 9, 2023 may have their benefits backdated by one year if the claim is granted.
That means benefits would be backdated to August 10, 2022.
DMAVA can help connect you to VA and other benefits. Contact your local Veterans Service Office or call us at 888-8NJ-VETS (888-865-8387). As a state agency that works closely with the VA, our services are free and confidential.
Learn more at va.gov/pact. |
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Veterans Can Now File Supplemental Claims Online
Veterans can now file supplemental claims online at VA.gov. Filing a supplemental claim is an option for Veterans who disagree with a previously denied claim decision regarding disability compensation or pension benefits. Learn More at VA News |
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| VA Partners with Arthritis Foundation
In collaboration with VA, the Arthritis Foundation created a new webpage filled with information and resources to help Veterans take control of arthritis symptoms and challenges.
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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VA Disability - with Mike Figlioli, VFW Director of National Veterans Services In this episode, theSITREP asks Mike Figlioli, VFW Director of National Veterans Services, about VA disability: what is it, how to apply, and more.
theSITREP 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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Egg Harbor Township School District
Students from the Egg Harbor Township School District summer aviation program attended a tour of the 177th Fighter Wing, where they met an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter pilot, observed a static display F-16 and visited the aircrew flight equipment shop, the "Hush House" and the fire house. |
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Project Horses for Forces
It was our joy and privilege to welcome a group of 6 residents from the Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park Veterans Home on July 27, 2023 for a day of R&R, a little pony time and a picnic lunch! Wonderful to see the smiles and together enjoy the beauty of the farm, the horses, a new foal and our fabulous patriotic Veterans Meeting room!
Thank you to our spectacular Volunteer Team Joe (USA), Woody (USAF), Sue and Amy for helping me with this special day -- Ruth
Photo and caption courtesy Project Horses for Forces Facebook |
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National Night OutThe New Jersey Army National Guard supported National Night Out again this year. UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crews made appearances at ten locations around the state on August 1, 2023.
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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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August 12, 2004
Operation Iraqi Freedom
CPT Michael Yury TarlavskyU.S. Army Passaic, New Jersey |
August 15, 2010
Operation Iraqi Freedom SPC Jamal M. RhettU.S. Army
Palmyra, New Jersey | August 20, 2005
Operation Enduring Freedom PO1 David M. Tapper
U.S. Navy Atco, New Jersey |
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August 22, 2007
Operation Iraqi Freedom
SPC Michael A. HookU.S. Army Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey |
August 22, 2009
Operation Enduring Freedom SSG Andrew T. LoboscoU.S. Army
Somerville, 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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General Stephen Watts Kearny |
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August 14, 1861
| As New Jersey’s response to the outbreak of the Civil War picked up in response to a third call for troops, the New York Times reported that “Camp Olden, so named after the respected and popular Governor of the State of New Jersey [Charles Olden], promises soon to be the arena once more of a fine body of troops, as the five regiments now called for by the Government will begin soon to muster at the camp.” |
August 17, 1813 | “Andruss’ detachment,” of militia companies from Hunterdon, Middlesex, Sussex, Monmouth and Essex Counties, left the New Jersey militia base at Paulus Hook en route to garrison Fort Richmond on Staten Island during the War of 1812. The militiamen remained on duty there through September 25. |
August 17, 1917 |
Construction began on Camp Merritt, a Bergen County transit installation for soldiers on their way to France in World War I. More than one and a half million men moved through the camp, where they spent ten days prior to leaving for Hoboken to board ships for Europe. A similar number stopped there on the return from Europe in 1919. |
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August 18, 1846 |
Newark-born General Stephen Watts Kearny, one of America’s preeminent frontier soldiers and commander of the Mexican War “Army of the West,” a less than impressive collection of Missouri mounted volunteer units, the Mormon Battalion, and some artillery, stiffened by his own regular army dragoon regiment, captured Santa Fe, New Mexico without a shot being fired. |
August 18, 1918 |
White soldiers from Mississippi marched into Bergen County’s Camp Merritt integrated YMCA building and forcibly ejected five black soldiers. Black soldiers who gathered to protest the ejection then faced off against a group of Southern white troops. Rumors of razor fights and other atrocities spread on both sides and as the situation verged on a full scale riot, Military Police moved in and broke up the hostile crowds with swinging nightsticks. Several shots were fired in the course of the ensuing melee. Two black soldiers were wounded and a third, Private Edward Frye of Kentucky, who was not involved in the disturbance and was sitting in his barracks, was killed when a stray bullet hit him in the chest.
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761st Tank BattalionOn August 13, 2023, CBS News Sunday Morning will have a story focused on the 761st Tank Battalion, the first Black tank unit to serve in combat during WWII. The CBS News story is in anticipation of the History Channel presentation that will premiere on August 20, 2023.
Included in the CBS News story will be a feature on Staff Sergeant Johnnie Stevens, who served with the 761st. Johnnie was a participant in the Veterans History Project at the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey in Sea Girt. |
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Johnnie was interviewed by Assistant Curator, Carol Fowler, on April 5, 2002. A summary of his interview was later written by Angelica Juliani who was then an intern from Monmouth University.
Segments of the CBS News story will feature details from Carol's interview.
Johnnie Steven's Oral History Video |
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Johnnie Stevens, 1942 |
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A year after Revolutionary War soldiers from 1777 were found in a N.J. field, questions remain | Rob Jennings | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com | August 2, 2023
It was one year ago Wednesday that officials announced a startling discovery at one of New Jersey’s Revolutionary War battlefields.
An archeological dig just outside Red Bank Battlefield Park in Gloucester County, aimed at mapping a wartime trench, had accidentally uncovered the skeletal remains of a dozen or more individuals in an unmarked mass grave lost to history for 245 years.
All of the remains were believed to have been Hessian soldiers who died fighting for Great Britain against the Continental Army in a 1777 battle. Read Full Story |
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Battleship New Jersey is headed to the dry dock. Here’s when it will reopen as a museum. | Bill Duhart | NJ.com | August 2, 2023
The most decorated battleship in the 247-year history of the United States Navy is getting ready for a sprucing up away from its home on the Camden waterfront.
The Battleship New Jersey announced Wednesday that it is set to receive $5 million to dry dock the ship from the New Jersey Historical Commission, according to a news release. The battleship will be towed to Philadelphia for the repairs and then towed back to Camden. The maintenance may take up to three months and is expected to begin in the fall.
Read Full Story |
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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 our 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
Privacy Notice
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 & Veterans Affairs. |
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