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Transformation |
Together with our partners in the Legislature, the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is engaged in discussions to embark upon a once in a generation transformation. One that will establish a robust cabinet level department devoted to the care and service of those who have worn our nation’s uniform.
For decades, DMAVA – to include a generation of dedicated veteran public servants – has dedicated itself to supporting Garden State Service Members, Veterans, and their families. This unwavering commitment is shared by Governor Philip D. Murphy, our partners in the Legislature, Veterans Service Organizations, and folks like you.
In 2023, our Veterans Memorial Homes at Menlo Park, Paramus, and Vineland improved quality of care and saw their hard work reflected in the results of independent inspections conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. In Menlo Park and Paramus, we are modernizing not only our care but also our facilities. Through the most ambitious capital improvement renovations of state run veterans homes currently in the United States, we will convert resident rooms from dual to single occupancy to enhance infection control capabilities and the resident living experience.
Taken together, these achievements reflect our shared commitment to doing our best to deliver services and programs to New Jersey heroes. They are also one step in a larger effort. From High Point to Cape May, New Jersey is moving decisively to enhance the services we provide to Garden State Service Members, Veterans, and their families. We are expanding our footprint of Veterans Service Offices to one in each of New Jersey’s twenty-one counties. We are increasing access to mental health trainings and support not only to Veterans – but to those who interact with them. We provide transitional housing and job training to those in greatest need of support. We inter our heroes and family members with dignity at the busiest state run veterans cemetery in the United States.
My team and I are deep in conversation about how we build upon these services and program. We welcome input from those that we service and the public in general. If you have thoughts or suggestions, please send a message to outreach@dmava.nj.gov. |
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Our team is excited to implement this important change and we look forward to working together to ensure, as those who have served know all too well, that New Jersey not only meets standards, we exceed them.
Brigadier General Lisa J. Hou, D.O. The Adjutant General & Commissioner |
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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. |
- 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
- October 23, 2023 | Trenton
Beirut Bombing 40th Anniversary Observance
- October 26, 2023 | Columbus
Outreach Campaign
- October 26, 2023 | Kenilworth
Union County Suicide Awareness Seminar
- October 27, 2023 | Moorestown Mall
Outreach Campaign & Medal Ceremony
- October 28, 2023 | Fort Dix
99th Readiness Division Pre-Retirement Seminar
- October 29, 2023 | Sea Girt
Annual Governor’s Military Review
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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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Alourdes Charles | DMAVA is proud to have a dedicated workforce at our network of Veterans Homes!
Alourdes Charles, is a Certified Nursing Assistant who started working for the Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park since it first opened! Her passion and commitment to serve the Residents is what makes her one of our Heroes on the Homefront!
Watch Video |
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 | Nursing Unit Managers |
The New Jersey Veteran's Home at Paramus recognized and honored the Nursing Unit Managers during the Home's 3rd Quarter Celebration. The recipients were chosen due to their selfless dedication to excellent delivery of care and attention to detail to ensure our Veterans receive the best possible care.
Pictured (l-to-r) are Denise Githinji, Liny Thomas and Sheeja Thomas. Also recognized were Daisy Pookkattu and Lovely Joy.
The basis for this recognition has resulted in fewer resident and family concerns for the period. The improvement in care can also be traced to the last deficiency free survey by the NJ Department of Health and improved Star Rating from CMS that has resulted in the recent 5 Star Rating for the facility! |
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 | U.S. and Albania Strengthen Defense Ties With Key Bilateral Consultation in Tirana |
US Department of Defense | September 26, 2023
Spencer Boyer, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy, and Gelardina Prodani, the Secretary General of the Albanian Ministry of Defense, jointly chaired the U.S.-Albania Bilateral Defense Consultations on Sep. 21, 2023. The event was inaugurated with remarks from Albanian Defense Minister Niko Peleshi.
During these consultations, both delegations exchanged views on the security landscape in the Western Balkans, particularly in light of Russia's unprovoked and aggressive actions in Ukraine. The meetings focused on a number of bilateral security cooperation issues, including the enhancement of Albania's military capabilities in infantry, rotary wing, explosive ordnance, and cyber defense.
Read Full Story |
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 | Same Call Sign, First Flight |
Mark Olsen | NJNG Public Affairs | October 3, 2023
Seventeen Airmen walked into New Jersey Air National Guard history October 3, 2023.
The 108th Wing’s 141st Air Refueling Squadron officially flew its first KC-46 Pegasus local sortie.
Sixteen of the 17 Airmen – pilots, boom operators, and crew chiefs are with the 141st Air Refueling Squadron. A 514th Air Mobility Wing boom operator also participated in the mission.
The sortie marks the continuing evolution of the New Jersey Air National Guard and specifically, keeping the 108th on the leading edge in aerial refueling. Read Full Story |
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Join Our Team |
100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses up to $20,000
Student Loan Repayment |
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DMAVA Veterans Homes roll out Electronic Records Management systemDMAVA Public Affairs Office | October 3, 2023
Lawrenceville, N.J. - In an ongoing effort to improve resident care at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes in Menlo Park, Paramus and Vineland, staff began exclusive use of an Electronic Records Management system for key note-taking functions October 1, 2023.
DMAVA secured the additional software modules required to migrate to a fully automated Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system in April 2023. The transition from paper documents and paper-based procedures to electronic methods has taken place in deliberate phases, involving staff training, data entry, scanning work, file transfers and coordination for each resident and process. Use of this system will continue to reduce medical errors, enhance resident care plans and improve efficiency in operations.
According to Michael Yannotta, Assistant Chief Executive Officer at Menlo Park, there are many advantages to implementing this system.
“Interoperability is the first thing that comes to my mind,” said Yannotta, describing the system’s functionality. “At its true core, electronic medical records are communication tools.”
The Homes' staff will have the ability to view records in real time, analyze trends in the residents’ needs as they age, better track care such as medication administration, and prepare to mitigate issues such as fall risks.
For residents and the family members specifically involved with their care, the system will allow more on-the-spot responses to questions about records, such as test results.
“The feedback that I’ve gotten from the nurses has been ‘it’s about time. We’re excited. We can’t wait for this to start,’” said Yannotta. “We know this is going to be a great change for us. We know it’s going to make our work easier.”
Compared with paper files, multiple care providers can look at a resident’s entire file at the same time. This conversion provides staff members the ability to view and process large quantities of data without having to interpret handwriting.
Implementation and information flow will continue to advance through by the end of the calendar year. Watch Video |
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State Medal CeremonyThe New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs held a State Medal Ceremony at the American Legion Post #346 in Neptune, New Jersey, October 5, 2023.
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 | NJ Service Medals
The State of New Jersey awards medals to honorably discharged Veterans of the state who served in various conflicts and combat theaters.
State medals include the Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, POW/MIA Medal, Desert Storm Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Medal. Learn More |
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 | Family Assistance Centers
Family Assistance Centers are located around the state to serve the needs of Servicemembers and their families.
Whether pre-, during or post-deployment, these centers offer information and referral services to all Servicemembers and their families regardless of their branch of service or duty status.
For more information, contact the Soldier and Family Readiness Specialist at your local Family Assistance Center. |
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 | New Jersey State Archives |
The October display at the New Jersey State Archives
highlights the Civil War service of James J. Toffey, a Medal of Honor awardee who served in both the 21st and 33rd New Jersey Infantries. Reference staff member and Civil War enthusiast Zach Renitsky co-curated this month’s exhibit.
To come check it out or do your own Civil War research, make an appointment at https://bit.ly/njsaappointments. |
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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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Help VA serve you better
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is interested in the thoughts of Veterans, their family, friends, caregivers and survivors about burial options, concerns, or desires. By answering this survey, you will help us understand awareness of burial options and benefits, end-of-life, and survivor benefits.
Link to Burial Survey
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Readjustment Counseling Service, is conducting a survey to gauge awareness and understanding of the agency’s services provided at Vet Centers. Responses to this survey will be anonymous and used to assess levels of awareness of Vet Centers and understand what barriers—if any—there are in seeking services.
Link to Vet Center Survey |
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Community care: Who is eligible and how you can access itKeith Leach | VA Communications Specialist | October 2, 2023
If your VA facility doesn’t offer a specific service, and if you can’t get an appointment in a timely manner, you may be eligible for community care.
As a Veteran, you have more choices than ever when it comes to your health care. Your appointment can be in-person at a VA medical center, or you might choose to meet with your VA provider through a video appointment or over the phone. You may also be eligible for care with a community provider.
Read More at VA News |
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National Parks PassThere 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. |
| Subscribe |
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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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 | 21 Veterans Honored
Soldiers from the New Jersey Army National Guard Honor Guard fold the American flag during the Veteran Interment Service at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ, September 28, 2023.
The ceremony was organized by the Vietnam Veterans of America, New Jersey Shore Area Chapter 12. The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office escorted the cremains of 21 World War I, World War II, Korean, and Vietnam War veterans and six family members to the cemetery. Since 2011, New Jersey Shore Area Chapter 12, has worked with funeral homes to identify unclaimed cremains of veterans.
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 | Chapter 19 of the Special Forces Assn
On September 27, 2023, members of Special Forces Assn Chapter 19 attended a ‘Theater of War’ presentation of scenes from Sophocles’ ancient play ‘Ajax’ - about the suicide of a respected warrior - as a catalyst for audience discussions about suicide, safety, mental health, and the impact of deployments on individuals, families, and communities.
Image shows Mrs Linda Roosevelt, widow of Franklin D. Roovelt, Jr, the Special Forces Vets, and cast and crew. The event was conducted in the ‘Four Freedoms Park’ on NYC’s Roosevelt Island. Image and caption courtesy of SFA Chapter 19. |
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 | Rutgers Army ROTC
On September 29, 2023, the MS4s attended a staff ride at the Princeton Battlefield where we learned about the history of the Battle of Princeton, and how it was one of the most consequential of the American Revolution.
As we walked through the battlefield, we learned about the events that took place in the Battle of Princeton, as well as key leaders who played significant roles in the American victory.
This was a great opportunity for MS4s to learn about the lessons of the past to present-day leaders, and to further their professional development as future officers in the Army. Image and caption courtesy of Rutgers Army ROTC. |
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 | Iron Ranch Stables
Veterans Haven South in Winslow, NJ had some Veterans go to the Iron Ranch Stables horse farm around the corner from their facility on October 4, 2023. The stables tailored the program for the population and everyone had a great experience. |
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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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| October 19, 2010
Operation Enduring Freedom
LCpl Francisco R. JacksonU.S. Marine Corps
Elizabeth, New Jersey | October 19, 2011
Operation Enduring Freedom
SSG Jorge M. OliveirasU.S. Army Newark, New Jersey |
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October 25, 2006
Operation Iraqi Freedom
LCpl Donald S. BrownU.S. Marine Corps
Succasunna, 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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 | Sergeant John Basilone |
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October 15, 1845 |
Ellis Hamilton was born in Philadelphia. Hamilton moved to Camden, New Jersey, with his family at the age of four. Commissioned a second lieutenant in Company E, Fifteenth New Jersey regiment, in 1862, at the age of sixteen, he was the youngest New Jersey officer and perhaps the youngest officer in the Union army. Hamilton was promoted to first lieutenant and captain before being mortally wounded at the Battle of the Wilderness on May 6, 1864. He died at a Washington hospital on May 16 and was buried in Trenton. His letters survive in Rutgers University’s Alexander Library in New Brunswick. |
October 18, 1753 |
Joseph Bloomfield was born in Woodbridge. Bloomfield studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1775 and established a practice in Bridgeton. With the outset of the Revolutionary War, he was commissioned a captain in the Third New Jersey Battalion. Bloomfield fought at Brandywine, where he was wounded, and Monmouth, rising to the rank of major, and was appointed judge advocate of the Northern Army before resigning to take a seat in the New Jersey Assembly. He served as governor in all but one year between 1801 and 1812, during which he engineered the state’s Gradual Abolition Act, resigning to return to the service as a general in the War of 1812. One of New Jersey’s most notable soldies and governors, Bloomfield died on October 3, 1823 in Burlington.
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October 19, 1864 |
First Lieutenant William Burroughs Ross, Company B, 14th New Jersey Volunteers, killed in action near Middletown, Virginia, October 19, 1864. A cheerful, friendly man with a great love of music, William Burroughs Ross enlisted as a private in the 14th New Jersey Volunteers in the summer of 1862. He brought his guitar with him when he went to war and quickly became one of the most popular men in the regiment. His skills led to promotion to sergeant-major and, later to 1st lieutenant of the 14th's Company B. At the Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia, October 19, 1864, he was shot and killed. He was buried in Trenton, NJ. His wartime correspondence and his beloved guitar can be found at the Monmouth County Historical Association, Freehold, NJ.
| October 22, 1777 |
During the Revolutionary War, Continental Army soldiers were stationed at Fort Mercer on the Delaware River to keep the British and their Hessian mercenary allies from resupplying troops in nearby Philadelphia. On Oct. 22, 1777, the Army repelled a major assault by Hessian forces. Little-known today, the Battle of Red Bank was brief and ferocious, marking one of the worst defeats the Hessians suffered in the war.
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October 24, 1942 | US Marine Corps Sergeant John Basilone of Raritan, commanding a machine gun section defending Henderson Field on Guadalcanal, held off an attack by Japanese soldiers, fighting for three days and nights without sleep, and ending the battle firing at them with his .45 caliber automatic pistol. |
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New Jersey National Guard 108th Wing Bid Farewell to the KC-135R | Howard Sherman | The Aviationist | October 2, 2023
We knew this day would finally come but that did not make it any easier to fathom the significance and history of the event taking place this bright, sunny morning in late September at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey. On Sept. 20, 2023, the New Jersey National Guard’s 108th Wing, 141st Air Refueling Squadron said farewell to a true workhorse in the jet age.
KC-135R, serial number 60-0366, McGuire’s last Boeing Stratotanker, departed the fields runway for the final time in front of a long line of retired and active wing personnel, their guests and family members, to render a final salute and wave, for a job done with excellence.
The distinctive tiger tail markings and “New Jersey” fin flash were bound for Maine to resume duties with 101st Air Refueling Wing in Bangor. Unfortunately, the markings will be removed and it will wear 101st ARW paint shortly. 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. |
| 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
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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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