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Dignitaries cut the ribbon on the new DMAVA Veterans Service Office in the Governor James J. Florio Center for Public Service Building in Camden, NJ on November 3, 2023. |
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Honor and Pay Tribute | Veterans Day
In just a few days, the Department will join New Jerseyans all across the state in a fantastic number of community ceremonies and events in celebration of Veterans Day.
A highlight each year takes place at the New Jersey’s Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Holmdel; this year at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 11. The event is open to the public and we look forward to gathering with state officials, Veterans Service Organization leadership, members of the Veteran and military community, families and friends.
Wherever you may be this Saturday, we look forward to celebrating Veterans on this day for so many reasons. We value Veterans not only for their service in the military, but the countless ways in which they continue to contribute our communities. In turn, we look forward to continuing our support to Veterans and their families by expanding across the state.
Camden County VSO
This past week, together with our local and state partners, and joined by leaders from Veterans Service Organizations, we cut the ribbon at our new Camden County Veterans Service Office. Located at 200 Federal Street, Suite 146, Camden, NJ 08103, this achievement reflects Governor Murphy and the Legislature’s commitment to opening a physical Veterans Service Office in each of New Jersey’s twenty-one counties.
It has been just a few weeks since I had stood in the Passaic County Administration Building to cut the ribbon for the opening of the county Veterans Services Office in the City of Paterson. With the opening of the Camden County Veteran Services Office, we are one step closer to making that goal in twenty-one counties a reality. This opening of the Camden office marks New Jersey’s 16th DMAVA county office.
Governor's Military Review
Also last week, the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs and the New Jersey National Guard hosted the Annual Governor’s Military Review, an event rich in history that ties back to our nation’s founding. For more than 130 years, New Jersey Governors have traveled to Sea Girt to honor the service of those who protect and serve New Jersey and the United States of America.
It was a chance to honor the service of our New Jersey National Guard members, several hundred of whom are currently deployed, nearly 2,000 of whom are slated to deploy in the next several months, and those who work year-round to stand ready to answer the calls of our state and nation. It was also a privilege to welcome a great number of elected officials, Veterans, retirees, employers, family members and volunteers whose steadfast support is invaluable.
You can view images of the ribbon cutting ceremony at DMAVA Flickr
and the Military Review at NJNG Flickr. |
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As always, thank you for staying connected to DMAVA.
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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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. |
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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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 | Veterans Day Discounts |
From free meals to big discounts on shopping trips and favorite items, military Veterans Day discounts are a November favorite. But with thousands of Veterans Day discounts to choose from, how do you find the best ones?
Military.com
has compiled a list of 2023 Veterans Day Deals, Discounts and Freebies on restaurants, goods, services and events. Visit daily as the list is updated frequently!
Also, see a long list of Veterans Day discounts at VA News. |
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Marc Linder | At the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park, Licensed Practical Nurse Weedemarc "Marc" Linder is highly requested among the residents and a dedicated employee at the Home. As one of our Heroes Helping Heroes, Marc's colleagues refer him as one of their "go-to" staff members!
Watch Video |
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 | Governor's Military Review |
On October 29, 2023, the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, New Jersey, witnessed a remarkable and symbolic event - the Governor's Military Review. Governor Philip D. Murphy, serving as the Commander in Chief of the New Jersey National Guard, took on the role of inspecting and honoring the troops in this annual tradition.
This patriotic gathering of military personnel and distinguished guests not only served to recognize the dedication and commitment of New Jersey's service members, veterans, and their families, but also underscored the state's strong strategic partnerships, as evidenced by the presence of defense officials from our partner nations of Albania and Cyprus.
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1-114th Infantry Regiment
U.S. Army UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter crew chiefs with Charlie Company, Detachment 2, 1-171st General Support Aviation Battalion, 57th Troop Command, New Jersey Army National Guard, conducted medical evacuation training with combat medics with the 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ on November 7, 2023. The 44th IBCT combat medics conducted MEDEVAC training in preparation for the unit’s upcoming deployment.
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 | 44th IBCT
A Soldier with the New Jersey Army National Guard’s 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team , fires the MK-22 Precision Sniper Rifle as part of a weapon familiarization range on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ on October 22, 2023. The MK-22 replaced the Army’s existing M2010 and M107 sniper rifles.
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Albanian Armed Forces VisitNew Jersey National Guard Soldiers pose for a picture with staff of the Republic of Albania's Armed Forces at the National Guard Training Center, Sea Girt, New Jersey, October 26, 2023.
The Albanian Armed Forces staff visited New Jersey for a light infantry battle group planning workshop as part of the U.S. Department of Defense National Guard State Partnership Program.
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Employer Appreciation FlightThe employers of New Jersey Army and Air National Guard members flew in an UH-60M Black Hawk at the National Guard Training Center, Sea Girt, New Jersey, October 29, 2023.
The flight was part of an employer appreciation flight, for the accommodations they make to allow their employees to fulfill their military duties. View Images |
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 | 177th Fighter Wing
On November 2, 2023, Col. Derek Routt, 177th Fighter Wing commander, flew his F-16 Fighting Falcon Wing jet for the first time since receiving its new tail flash design.
Tail flashes represent wing pride, and help the maintainers and pilots connect with the Airmen and missions. The tail flash was painted by Airmen of the 177th Maintenance Group.
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Join Our Team |
100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses up to $20,000
Student Loan Repayment |
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 | Yahaira Padilla, VSO
My name is Yahaira Padilla, and I am a retired Army combat veteran. I was born and raised in New Jersey until I enlisted in the Army in 2002. I served one tour in Iraq and a ten-month peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. I graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University earning a Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies with a focus on Business, Communications, and Advanced Technologies. I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Business Administration with concentrations in Management and Marketing.
I've been working in the Veteran community since 2017, when I started at Fairleigh Dickinson University on a VA Work Study in the Office of Veterans Services. The following year, I started as a VA Work Study student and then as a Per Diem for the County of Bergen's Division of Veterans Services. The position of Executive Assistant to the Director of the Division of Veterans Services became available as a full-time county employee. I worked, assisted, and honed skills on how to actively assist Veterans and their families in need for nearly four years.
The professional and personal relationships I've developed over the years have provided me with another opportunity to assist the City of Jersey City's Veterans as a Veterans Service Officer. This experience provided me the opportunity to apply for a Veteran Service Officer within the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. I'm currently the state Veteran Service Officer for Passaic County.
I volunteer my time as the Quartermaster for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 281 in Elmwood Park. This Post services both Elmwood Park and Fair Lawn. I'm also part of the NJ SOSVETS Stakeholder's Group, a non-profit organization that assists veterans throughout the state of NJ. I also sit as the Chairwoman for the NJ SOSVET Stakeholder's Women Committee where we advocate for a better quality of life for women veterans in health, housing, and legislation throughout the state of NJ. A few of my hobbies are reading books, watching horror movies, spending time with my family, and road trips.
My journey, both while serving in the military and now, would not have been possible without the help of my family, mentors, and friends. My mother has been my staunchest supporter since the beginning, and my son inspires me to strive to be a better person. I am excited to continue assisting our Veterans and their families in improving their quality of life.
To contact me or one of my collegues around the state, please visit our website at Veterans Service Offices. |
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Outreach CampaignVeterans Service Officers Christopher Wambach and Trejen Strickland drove the DMAVA Veterans Outreach Van to the Columbus Farmers Market and Flea World
for the final time this year to discuss Veterans benefits in Columbus, NJ on October 26, 2023
If you are a NJ Veteran and missed this opportunity, visit our website at Veterans Service Offices to locate the office nearest you.
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 | State Medal Ceremony
The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs held a State Medal Ceremony at the Moorestown Mall in Moorestown, NJ on October 27, 2023. View Images |
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DMAVA launches two digital communication toolsAfter many months of preparation, the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs launched two digital communication tools: digital learning management across the three New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes at Paramus, Menlo Park and Vineland, as well as a department-wide notification system for time-sensitive information and updates.
“A consolidated digital platform for learning management improves our efficiency and oversight of staff professional training and development across each home,” said Rochelle Guglielmo, Director of Veterans Healthcare Services. “Our staff members have many training requirements and opportunities, so this more modern approach helps keep us up to speed.”
Learning management is far more than ensuring a baseline of knowledge, explained Rebecca Resh, Learning Management Administrator at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park. Digital learning management ushers professional growth.
“As new equipment comes along, new best practices, the way you are always going to be fresh, and really be able to take care of your residents, is if you keep up with what’s going on in your field,” said Resh.
For situations requiring more urgent notifications to staff, such as an infectious disease control policy updates or an active shooter situation, DMAVA is implementing another digital communication tool.
“We have a platform now for mass communication and targeted information distribution. Considering shift work, and the fact that in total, DMAVA employees could be in more than 50 locations on any given day, this system helps us reach our teammates faster,” said Toby Tirrito, DMAVA Quartermaster and Emergency Management Assistance team leader.
“This set of upgrades to our operations are part of several modernization initiatives including electronic records management for our homes and support to our Veterans Services offices,” said Vincent Solomeno, Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs. “While many of these updates have been taking place behind the scenes, the ultimate goal is to deliver the best possible care and service to our Veterans and their families.” |
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 | Active Shooter Training
More than 100 Soldiers, Airmen, and employees of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs participated in active shooter training at the Lawrenceville campus, October 18, 2023. The training is an annual requirement to ensure facility security and personnel safety.
Full News Article |
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 | Fall Fest
DMAVA's Lawrenceville campus held a pumpkin decorating contest on October 31, 2023. Congratulations to the Grants Department who were the first place winners. |
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 | National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey
Infantry Advance Leadership Course - Class 24-001 conducted a military history lesson with a tour of the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey in Sea Girt, NJ on October 24, 2023. |
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National Guard Militia Museum of New JerseyMembers of the Albanian Armed Forces, visiting the U.S. through the State Partnership Program - Albania, stopped by the museum in Sea Girt, NJ on November 6, 2023. |
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 | Camden County Medal Ceremony |
The Camden County Board of Commissioners and the Camden County Office of Veterans Affairs held a medal ceremony to recognize the service and sacrifices of 15 individuals on October 25, 2023. The event was also held in collaboration with Jefferson Health, Samaritan Samost Jewish Family, and Children’s Services, Aleph & Jewish War Veterans.
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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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Research Participation Opportunity VA’s National Center for PTSD and the Coaching Into Care
program have partnered to study telephone coaching methods to help spouses and intimate partners of Veterans with untreated PTSD get their Veteran into mental health care. The study will provide free telephone coaching and, if assigned, access to online educational materials. Participants will be compensated up to $170 for participating.
Visit familycoachingstudy.org to learn more about the study and complete a brief screening quiz to see if you are eligible to participate. For participant’s rights questions, contact 1-866-680-2906.
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2023 Military Family Support Programming Survey
Every two years, the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN) fields the Military Family Support Programming Survey. This national study provides a comprehensive look into the support needs of military-connected families. The results help capture what matters most to our nation’s military and Veterans.
All members of military households aged 18 years or older are encouraged to participate, including active duty military personnel, Veterans and their spouses. Take the Survey |
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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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 | Rutgers Army ROTC
Let’s take a moment to congratulate the Ranger Challenge Team on an amazing, hard-fought weekend. On October 22, 2023, the Scarlet Knight Battalions Ranger team brought home a banner for placing 3rd place out of 49! Not only did they do an exceptional job at the overall event, they also placed 1st overall on the obstacle course.
The event consisted of Burden, Land nav, Hand grenade course, TCCC, Weapons assembly, Obstacle course, One rope bridge and a Ruck March. Congratulations Rutgers Rangers!!!
Image and caption courtesy Rutgers Army ROTC. |
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 | Birdies for the Brave
DMAVA was well represented at the Annual Birdies for the Brave charity event at TPC Jasna Polana in Princeton, NJ on October 16, 2023.
Brigadier General Timothy Coakley and Brigadier General Bradford Everman were guest speakers at the event. In addition, a crew of volunteers from the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey exhibited military artifacts for the attendees.
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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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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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| November 11, 2003
Operation Iraqi Freedom
SPC Marlon P. JacksonU.S. Army Jersey City, New Jersey |
November 12, 2005
Operation Iraqi Freedom SSG Stephen J. Sutherland U.S. Army
West Deptford, New Jersey | November 14, 2005
Operation Iraqi Freedom MAJ Ramon J. Mendoza Jr.
U.S. Marine Corps Morris Plains, New Jersey | November 14, 2006
Operation Iraqi Freedom
SPC Eric G. Palacios RiveraU.S. Army Atlantic City, New Jersey |
November 15, 2003
Operation Iraqi Freedom SPC Ryan Travis BakerU.S. Army
Browns Mills, New Jersey |
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November 15, 2004
Operation Iraqi Freedom Cpl Marc T. RyanU.S. Marine Corps
Gloucester City, New Jersey | November 19, 2005
Operation Iraqi Freedom 1LT Dennis W. Zilinski II
U.S. Army Freehold, New Jersey | November 19, 2005
Operation Iraqi Freedom
SSG Edward Karolasz U.S. Army Kearny, New Jersey |
November 20, 2008
Operation Iraqi Freedom PV2 Charles BarnettU.S. Army
Elizabeth, 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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 | Chaplain Major Charles J. Watters |
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November 9, 1812 |
Marcus Ward was born in Newark. Ward became a leading businessman and philanthropist and a director of the National State Bank. During the Civil War his efforts on behalf of soldier welfare earned him the title of “the soldier’s friend.” Newark’s Ward General Hospital, established to care for wounded soldiers, was named for him and he established the Soldiers Home in the city to care for injured veterans. . |
November 11, 1918 | At 11:00 AM the World War I Armistice began, ending active combat for the National Guard soldiers of the New Jersey National Guard in the 29th Division and drafted Jerseymen in the 78th and other divisions and New Jerseyans in the USMC and Navy. |
November 16, 1776 | A British and Hessian force stormed Fort Washington, New York, and captured 2,600 Americans. Morale on the New Jersey side of the Hudson, where soldiers watched the disaster, plummeted, and the Americans evacuated supplies inland as British raiders began to cross the river, isolating Fort Lee. |
November 16, 1945 | The United States Army Air Force returned control of Convention Hall in Atlantic City, used as a training headquarters since July, 1942, to civilian authorities. |
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November 19, 1967 |
U.S. Army Chaplain Major Charles J. Watters of Jersey City, a Seton Hall University graduate and Catholic priest, was killed by “friendly fire” when a mistakenly dropped American bomb landed on his position near Dak To, Vietnam. Watters, assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, had repeatedly risked his life retrieving wounded men under enemy fire, and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. |
November 21, 1776 |
As the main American Army under General George Washington withdrew across New Jersey, Governor William Livingston ordered his militia to rally to support Washington’s retreat and control potential Loyalist uprisings. The initial response was less than stellar, prompting some caustic comments from Washington, but British looting provided an incentive for a militia revival as December dawned. |
November 21, 1794 |
The over 4,000 New Jersey Militiamen mobilized under the command of Governor Richard Howell, a former major in the Continental Line, to enforce federal whisky taxes on recalcitrant Pennsylvanians in the “Whiskey Rebellion” began their march home from western Pennsylvania, arriving in Trenton on December 20. The militiamen did not engage in combat, but made a number of arrests. |
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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.
Subscribe to our Jobs Bulletin
to stay updated on job openings. | | Vacancies
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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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Please email us at outreach@dmava.nj.gov
with feedback and comments regarding the newsletter. If you would like to contribute with an item of interest to our subscribers, please email us your proposal.
Visit the DMAVA archives to view previous editions of our newsletter. |
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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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