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Brigadier General Lisa J. Hou, D.O., The Adjutant General and Commissioner of Military and Veterans Affairs, helped pay tribute to our nation's Prisoners of War, those Missing in Action, and Gold Star Families at an observance at the NJ Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel Township on September 15, 2023. |
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Suicide Prevention Month |
September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. Preventing suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and their families is an essential component of DMAVA’s efforts to ensure a stronger New Jersey family.
Both inside the Armed Forces and out, I have seen the strains endured by battle buddies and their families. I have also seen the challenges faced by those transitioning back to civilian life: practical challenges like finding follow on employment and, more concerning feelings of loneliness and disorientation as Veterans lose many of the bonds they shared with their military unit. Many individuals struggle to find a sense of purpose when they hang up their uniform.
The Armed Forces suffer more losses to suicide than we do to combat operations. And more Veterans die by suicide than do members of the general public.
The loss of one life to suicide is too many. Not only in September, but every month, it is important to know that the State of New Jersey is aggressively implementing suicide prevention measures. This takes a collaborative effort with countless other organizations and individuals committed to reducing suicide rates among Service Members, Veterans, and their families.
That collaboration, coupled with teamwork, is essential to our collective effort.
DMAVA is honored to take the lead in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to implement the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families. That is translating into grassroots powered events aimed at identifying Veterans, promoting connectedness, and improving lethal means storage and safety practices in households across New Jersey.
We are implementing programs such as Mental Health First Aid Training for community groups and those that interact with Veterans. We are investing in DMAVA’s no cost PTSD counseling for Veterans and families and the NJ Vet2Vet Hotline. We continue our vital relationship with the University of Pennsylvania’s Cohen Clinic to provide no cost telehealth counseling to those who have served and those that love them.
Awareness is key and demonstrates New Jersey’s commitment to fostering resilience and supporting those experiencing crisis. |
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For more information about the resources and programs above, feel free to contact our team at outreach@dmava.nj.gov.
As always, thank you for staying connected to DMAVA.
Brigadier General Lisa J. Hou, D.O. The Adjutant General & Commissioner |
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Claudia Laylor-Levy | DMAVA is proud to have a dedicated workforce at our network of Veterans Homes!
At the Paramus Veterans Home, Claudia Laylor-Levy is a Certified Nursing Assistant and one of our Heroes on the Homefront. Her passion for the Residents’ well-being stems from her family’s commitment to helping others and it’s felt by everyone at the Home! Watch Video |
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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.
| - September 28, 2023 | Columbus
Outreach Campaign
- September 30, 2023 | Lawrence Twp.
Community Fun Day
- October 5, 2023 | Neptune
Outreach Campaign & Medal Ceremony
- October 14, 2023 | Newark
Stand Down of North Jersey
- October 18, 2023 | Bridgeton
South Jersey Regional Stand Down
- October 18, 2023 | Paterson
Passaic County VSO Ribbon Cutting
- October 19, 2023 | Mendham
Outreach Campaign and Mobile NJMVC
- October 19, 2023 | Jackson
Outreach Campaign & Medal Ceremony
- October 19, 2023 | Mount Laurel
Veteran's Expo
- October 20, 2023 | Bordentown
NJNG Child & Youth Program Fall Festival
- October 21, 2023 | Secaucus
Secaucus Vet Center Veteran's Health & Resource Fair
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We add new events to our calendar on a daily basis so please bookmark and check back often.
| | View Full Calendar |
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NJ Air National Guard |
Brigadier General Bradford R. Everman assumed command of the New Jersey Air National Guard, during a Change of Command ceremony at the 108th Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ, September 17, 2023.
Everman replaced Brigadier General Patrick M. Kennedy as the Commander of the New Jersey Air National Guard. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents the formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one officer to another.
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| Join Our Team |
100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses up to $20,000
Student Loan Repayment |
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Stand Down of South JerseyVolunteers, healthcare providers, and social service personnel assisted homeless Veterans at the Sgt. 1st Class Robert H. Yancey Sr. Stand Down at the National Guard Armory in Cherry Hill, NJ, September 22, 2023.
At the Stand Down, co-hosted by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and Stand Down of South Jersey, Veterans were provided access to healthcare, mental health screening, substance abuse counseling, social services, legal services, religious counseling, and winter clothing.
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Veterans Outreach CampaignNew Jersey Army National Guard Veteran Art Fucetola discusses Veterans Benefits with DMAVA Veteran Service Officer Danielle Carduso (center) and DMAVA Outreach Specialist Luisa Sanchez (right) at DMAVA's Outreach Table at the New Jersey Firefighters Benevolent Associations Annual Convention being held at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City on September 20, 2023.
Fucetola is a Vietnam Era Veteran and Firefighter from Warren County.
Over 6,000 Firefighters attended the Convention, and many of them who are Veterans stopped by DMAVA's Outreach Table.
With our network of Veterans Service Offices, we are available to provide resources, services and support throughout the Garden State. To locate your nearest VSO, visit our website at DMAVA Veterans Service Offices. |
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Caretakers Restore Cemetery
Travis T. Greene (left) cemetery caretaker; Henry G. Heisse (second from left) senior cemetery caretaker; and cemetery caretakers Jacob W. Jones (second from right) and Christopher G. Byles, all with the Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, have their photo taken with the newly installed replacement headstone for World War I veteran U.S. Army Private First Class Alexander Crawford Jr., Charlie Company, 11th Machine Gun Battalion, at Soldier’s Circle at Arlington Cemetery in Kearny, New Jersey, September 14, 2023.
The cemetery caretakers from DMAVA are replacing 70 deteriorated markers and leveling and straightening the headstones at Soldier’s Circle. The project is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Also known as Arlington Memorial Park, Soldier’s Circle has 754 graves with service members from the Civil War through the Vietnam War buried there. View Images |
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National Guard Training Center
On September 18, 2023, Correctional Staff Training Academy Class 255 started their first day of a 17-week program to become New Jersey Department of Corrections Officers at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ.
A group of 104 recruits spent the day learning about their barracks, drill formations and the importance of being a network of support for each other. The class will go through training including Use of Force, Stress Management, rifle training, emergency services education and more. During their final weeks, the recruits will be placed throughout the facilities where they will work after graduation, for hands-on training.
While this class is underway, the NJDOC is looking for the next set of recruits to fill out Class 256, which will enter the Academy in March. No Civil Service exam is required. For those interested in launching your career in law enforcement, visit njdoc.gov. |
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CounterDrug Task Force
The New Jersey National Guard Joint Counterdrug Task Force coordinated with Sergeant First Class Andrea Hinds, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, to train over 30 leaders of the Southern Ocean County Interfaith Advocacy and Leadership (SOCIAL) in real-time resiliency. |
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Republic of Albania | On September 20, 2023, Governor Phil Murphy met with the President of Albania, Bajram Begaj, and additional Albanian leadership in Newark, NJ.
The New Jersey National Guard has proudly supported Albania’s military for decades through the National Guard's State Partnership Program.
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Camden County Veterans, First Responders Honored at 9/11 Medal Ceremony | On September 11, 2023, the Camden County Board of Commissioners, and the Office of Veterans Affairs held a medal ceremony to honor and celebrate both first responders and veterans for their tireless dedication, sacrifices, and commitment to serving our nation on September 11th, 2001, and during the War on Terror.
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Call for Photographs |
RevolutionNJ is looking for photos that showcase the diverse stories and people in this state engaging and interacting with historical programming and events. Those who submit photos will have their historic site featured and their work credited on our social media platforms, the RevolutionNJ website, and NJ Historical Commission newsletter.
Please send photos and questions to info@revnj.org. |
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| Next PACT Act Deadline
Until 11:59pm local time on September 30, 2023, Veterans who deployed to a combat zone, never enrolled in VA health care, and left active duty between September 11, 2001 and October 1, 2013 are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care.
This special enrollment period gives Veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other combat zones an opportunity to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits.
Learn more about how you can sign up for VA health care and apply for PACT Act benefits at VA.gov/PACT. |
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Exploring psychedelics for the treatment of Veterans
Hans Petersen | VHA News Editor | September 26, 2023 VA is committed to safely exploring all avenues that promote the health of our nation’s Veterans. In line with this goal, VA conducts studies under stringent protocols at various facilities nationwide to identify if psychedelic compounds can treat Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and potentially other mental health conditions.
In the new podcast series, New Horizons in Health, Dr. Shereef Elnahal, VA under secretary for Health, leads a candid discussion on psychedelic assisted therapies for Veterans experiencing a number of mental health conditions.
Read Full News Release |
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Veterans and survivors filed more than 1 million benefits claims under the PACT Act
September 14, 2023
WASHINGTON - Today, VA announced that Veterans and their survivors have filed more than one million claims for toxic exposure-related benefits under the PACT Act since President Biden signed it into law Aug. 10, 2022. VA has processed more than 551,000 of these claims, granting 77.9% of them and awarding more than $2.2 billion in earned benefits to Veterans and survivors.
Read Full News Release |
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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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Family Child Care Program is back, and growing!The Department of the Air Force is reviving a special Family Child Care program (FCC).
Military families, or other families in our communities, can open their homes as a small business to military families in need of childcare. This includes drill weekends for Guard and Reserve members seeking childcare!
Oversight and restrictions apply, please contact Alicia Stasiulis at alicia.stasiulis.1@us.af.mil and (609) 562-2192 for details. |
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Funding OpportunityThe Bob Woodruff Foundation has a new funding opportunity available for organizations addressing the urgent needs - financial distress related to housing, food, personal financial planning and counseling, childcare, transportation, and other issues - that may contribute to the risk of suicide.
The application window opens September 25 and closes October 5. Organizations may request up to $40,000 in funding for programs providing financial, material, and/or case management assistance to alleviate these needs.
Organizations need to be part of the Got Your 6 Network to be eligible. For more information email grants@bobwoodrufffoundation.org. |
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 | Generous Donation
Thanks to American Legion Post 331 in Stone Harbor, NJ for its donation of robes and pillows to the residents of Veterans Haven South in Winslow, NJ, September 26, 2023.
In addition to the donated materials, representatives of the post provided snacks and a display focused on September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. |
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Bergen County Police Chiefs Association
On September 13, 2023, the BCPCA hosted a barbecue at the Veterans Home in Paramus. Our members cooked, served food and engaged in conversations with the veterans. Great Day.
Image and caption courtesy of BCPCA. |
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Chapter 19 of the Special Forces AssnChapter 19 of the Special Forces Association conducted the Norwegian Foot March (NFM) on September 10, 2023 at Naval Support Activity Lakehurst.
90 Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, NJ college ROTC Cadets, and Veterans marched the 30 kilometer course overnight with 25 pound rucksacks. 43 of the marchers met the time standard and will be awarded the NFM Badge from the Norwegian Army.
Image and caption courtesy of SFA Chapter 19. |
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Chapter 19 of the Special Forces AssnOn September 16, 2023, Chapter 19 of the Special Forces Association held a car show at Woody’s Roadside Tavern in Farmingdale, NJ. 65 entrants from New Jersey and New York brought their vehicles to the show, representing every decade for the past 100 years.
Image and caption courtesy of SFA Chapter 19. |
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Project Horses for ForcesOur monthly visitors from the Lyons VA Housing Units got to ride this time! Nothing beats seeing the smiles and enjoyment of being lifted high upon such beautiful horses and riding through the forest and fields!
Image and caption courtesy of Project Horses for Forces. |
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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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September 28, 2011
Operation Enduring Freedom
Capt Ryan K. IannelliU.S. Marine Corps
Clarksboro, New Jersey | October 1, 2003
Operation Iraqi Freedom
SPC Simeon Nathaniel HunteU.S. Army Essex, New Jersey |
October 1, 2006
Operation Iraqi Freedom LCpl Christopher B. Cosgrove IIIU.S. Marine Corps
Cedar Knolls, New Jersey |
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October 3, 2009
Operation Enduring Freedom
SGT Michael P. ScusaU.S. Army
Villas, New Jersey | October 6, 2003
Operation Iraqi Freedom
2LT Richard TorresU.S. Army Passaic, 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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Chestnut Neck Monument |
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September 27, 1944
| Nelson L. Dimick from Boonton, NJ assigned to the US Army Air Corps. Shot down and captured during the Kassel Mission Raid on this date. Held in Stalag Luft 1, Barth, Germany. | October 2, 1779 |
General George Washington ordered that the uniform coats of the New Jersey Continental Line regiments be dark blue, with buff colored facings. | October 6, 1778 |
A British force under Colonel Patrick Ferguson entered the Mullica River and attacked the “nest of Rebel Pirates” at Chestnut Neck. The local militia retreated in face of the 800-man British force and Ferguson burned thirty ships, many of them privateer prizes, looted the town and set the fort afire before withdrawing. |
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October 6, 1911 |
The General Lafayette Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution erected a fifty-foot monument topped by a figure of a Minute Man to commemorate the “battle” of Chestnut Neck. | October 8, 1778 |
The Pulaski Legion, a Continental Army outfit, arrived at Little Egg Harbor to counter Colonel Patrick Ferguson’s expedition. The Legion, a combined arms infantry/cavalry unit, camped on a farm near the Quaker settlement of Middle of the Shore (today’s Tuckerton). Lieutenant Juliat (who had previously deserted from the British) deserted from the Legion and informed Ferguson, who was still in the area, of the unit’s location and the British commander launched a surprise night bayonet attack on October 15, killing between thirty and fifty men. |
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Visit Our Friends at JTJ
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Wounded warrior surprised with parade as they kicked off free vacation at Jersey Shore | NBC10 Philadelphia | September 13, 2023
A surprise parade at the Jersey Shore for a wounded veteran and his family as they kicked off their free weeklong vacation at the beach. NBC10’s Ted Greenberg tells us why the welcome was long overdue.
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Run for the Fallen event honors our nation's heroes one mile at a time | NBC10 Philadelphia | September 21, 2023
The annual Run for the Fallen event, which pays tribute to our nation’s heroes and their families, kicked off in New Jersey on Thursday. NBC10’s Ted Greenberg shows us how they’re being honored one mile at a time. Watch Video
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Military Funeral Honors |
Congratulations to Staff Sergeant Jake McDonnell (right) and Specialist Jordan Beckman on their completion of the Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors Course.
During this 10-day course, the soldiers were instructed on full honors funerals and nine Soldier details. Topics included advanced uniform preparation, six Soldier flag fold, casket carry, and firing party.
All soldiers who complete the course are able to participate in full honors funerals in the state of New Jersey.
SSG McDonnell was named Distinguished Honor Graduate and received a coin for being an exceptional class leader and SPC Beckman received a coin while supporting a funeral mission during the training course.
By completing the course, they have earned the right to wear the Army National Guard Honor Guard tab on their uniform. |
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Tomb of the Unknown Soldier | Army Private First Class Jessica Kwiatkowski made history on September 18, 2023, when she became the first woman infantry Soldier to earn the Guard Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge.
Other women have earned the badge but they have come from other career fields. Tomb Guards who earn the badge also earn the distinction of being referred to as Sentinels.
Image and caption courtesy Arlington National 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.
| | 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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