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From The Adjutant General | Godspeed Jersey Blues
Last Sunday, together with Governor Philip D. Murphy, Senator Cory Booker, Congressman Andy Kim, and our partners in the Governor’s Cabinet, New Jersey Legislature, Veterans Service Organizations, and local and county elected officials, I had the distinct privilege of welcoming our families and loved ones to a farewell ceremony for the Soldiers of the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
In addition to the roughly 1,500 “Jersey Blues” who were our honored guests, we were joined by over a thousand New Jerseyans to recognize the 44th IBCT for their selfless service, courage, and commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Americans all over the world.
This mobilization represents the next step in a long and arduous journey that began with a successful 2022 rotation at the eXportable Combat Training Capabilities exercise at Fort Drum and the 2023 rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Johnson. This is the culmination of years of leader development, training, and working together to ensure that our Soldiers are ready to meet any challenge in defense of the shared values that unite us all.
In total, this year will represent the largest deployment of New Jersey National Guard personnel since 2008. In addition to the 44th IBCT, today, as you read this, we have Soldiers and Airmen deployed to America’s southwest border and overseas in the Middle East. I am confident in their ability to not only meet standards, but exceed them.
Here in the Garden State, I humbly ask our readers to join me in supporting the families, friends, and loved ones of those who are forward deployed. Their sacrifice and service is also essential to our mission. There are many ways to access and pitch in with support, and if you would like more information, please contact my team and me. Above all else, if you are a family member of anyone who is deployed, please know that every member of our big New Jersey family stands ready to provide a helping hand and support.
The service of our team is vital to America’s global leadership. |
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I offer my best wishes for success and a prayer for their safe return.
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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Multiple Dates and LocationsFree Eight-Hour Training Sessions
Mental Health First Aid Training
Learn How to Support Veterans
Intended for community organizations that interact with Service Members, Veterans, and their families at the local level, but is open for all interested participants.
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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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 | Farewell Ceremony
The New Jersey Army National Guard's 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team held its farewell ceremony at the Cure Insurance Arena, Trenton, NJ on January 14, 2024.
More than 1,500 New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers will deploy in support of U.S. Central Command’s Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. CJTF-OIR advises, assists, and enables partnered forces until they can independently defeat Islamic State of Iraq and Syria -ISIS - in designated areas of Iraq and Syria, in order to set conditions for long-term security cooperation frameworks.
It is the largest deployment of New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers since 2008. View Images
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National Guard Readiness Center
DMAVA Public Affairs | January 5, 2024
MANCHESTER, N.J. – The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs held a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of a National Guard Readiness Center at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Jan. 4, 2024.
The event was attended by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, 4th District; staff of U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, 3rd District; JBMDL mission partners; senior leaders of the New Jersey Army National Guard; design and construction leads from DRG Architects, AIA, Inc, DMD Contracting, LLC; and project managers from the NJDMAVA Construction & Facilities Maintenance Office.
“I am grateful for the support of the federal legislature and Governor Phil Murphy in prioritizing the funding for this project, and for the many teams that have guided this project from concept to reality in the last five years,” said Brig. Gen Lisa J. Hou, D.O., The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of Military and Veterans Affairs. “This facility gives our Soldiers a phenomenal foundation for the training that will prepare them for future calls of our state and nation.”
Read Full News Release
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Join Our Team |
100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses up to $20,000
Student Loan Repayment |
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 | State Medal Ceremony
DMAVA held a State Medal Ceremony at the AEGIS Technical Representative Office, Combat System Engineering Development Site, Naval Sea Systems Command in Moorestown, NJ on January 11, 2024.
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 | Family Assistance Centers
Unsure who to contact for resources or where our Family Assistance Centers are located?
Our team of eight is spread throughout the state. Our specialists are knowledgeable about the community resources for the counties in which they serve. Don't hesitate to reach out!
For more information, contact the Soldier and Family Readiness Specialist at your local Family Assistance Center. |
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MLK Day of ServiceOn January 5, 2024, employees at the DMAVA headquarters campus in Lawrenceville donated blood to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. |
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Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Paving New Career Pathway in Education for New Jersey VeteransJanuary 8, 2024
TRENTON – Governor Murphy today signed S2764/A4361 to establish a four-year “VETeach Pilot Program” within the Department of Education. The pilot program aims to facilitate the teacher certification of veterans to address the high rate of unemployment amongst veterans while ensuring a high-quality teacher workforce. Under the bill, up to four public universities will be selected to enroll veterans of the United States Armed Forces who served on or after September 11, 2001 in a 36-month teacher preparation program.
“The legislation I am signing today will not only create a new avenue to gainful employment for the men and women who have made great sacrifices in service to our country and our state, but it will also promote the recruitment of teachers into New Jersey’s public schools,” said Governor Murphy. “By encouraging veterans to enter the teacher workforce and supporting them through the certification process, we can enhance the learning experience of our students by staffing our classrooms with qualified educators from our state’s veterans community.”
Read Full News Release |
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 | VA's Caregiver Support Program | Get Paid to Care for Your Veteran
In this episode, theSITREP chats with Colleen Richardson about the Department of Veterans Affairs' Caregiver Support Program and how Caregivers are supported with a multitude of programs and services, to include a monetary stipend for qualified Caregivers.
To learn more call 1-855-260-3274 for the Caregiver Support Line. theSITREP Podcast |
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VA now offers online ordering for CPAP supplies
December 4, 2023
Veterans who rely on CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines to manage sleep-related breathing disorders, including sleep apnea, now have a new streamlined online ordering system for CPAP supplies.
VA has added the CPAP supply ordering feature as part of the online tool that’s already in place, same as how veterans order hearing aid supplies on VA.gov. The addition improves how veterans order, manage and efficiently receive health care supplies. It’s a notable improvement to the previous CPAP supply ordering process, which was by phone call or traditional mail order forms sent to VA’s Denver Logistics Center (DLC).
Read Full News Release |
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National Parks Pass
A 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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 | Battle of Princeton
On January 7, 2024, Lieutenant Colonel David Eckenrode, Battalion Commander of the 3-112th Field Artillery Regiment, represented the Steel Battalion at the 247th commemoration of the Battle of Princeton.
The Steel Battalion traces its lineage back to New Jersey’s Eastern Company of Artillery, which fought in the Battles of Trenton, Assunpink Creek, and Princeton between December 26, 1776 and January 3, 1777. New Jersey’s Eastern Company of Artillery continued to serve under General Washington for the duration of the American Revolution.
The commemoration included a re-enactment and wreath laying ceremony. We would like to thank the Princeton Battlefield Society for coordinating and hosting the event. It was truly an honor to be there. |
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 | Special send-off takes place for NJ National Guard's 44th Infantry Brigade Combat deployment
Sharifa Jackson | 6abc Action News | January 14, 2024
TRENTON, New Jersey (WPVI) - The Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton, New Jersey was full of family and friends wishing their loved ones off to the Middle East on Sunday morning.
The New Jersey National Guard is deploying approximately 1,500 soldiers from the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
It is the largest deployment of New Jersey Army National Guard soldiers since 2008. Read Full Story |
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New Jersey soldiers prepare for deployment to Syria and IraqMadeleine Wright | CBS News | January 14, 2024
TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) - Soldiers from New Jersey are joining the fight against an Islamic militant group in the Middle East. This will be the largest deployment of New Jersey Army National Guard soldiers since 2008.
Lt. Col. Omar Minott is among 1,500 New Jersey Army National Guard soldiers deploying to Iraq and Syria. This is his fifth deployment to the Middle East, he said.
His deployment is part of Operation Inherent Resolve, a military campaign to defeat ISIS.
"We have the people we need, we have the training that we need, we have the equipment that we need to fight and win," Minott said.
Ahead of the deployment, military families watched as New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and other officials honored the soldiers from the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team at a special ceremony Sunday in Trenton. Read Full Story |
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 | Soldiers of 102D Cavalry Squadron Get Send-Off at Westfield Armory
Tyler Brown | TAPinto Westfield | January 16, 2024
WESTFIELD, NJ - Ahead of their upcoming deployment to Syria, around 300 soldiers from the 102D Cavalry Regiment congregated with loved ones for a farewell ceremony at the Westfield Armory Monday.
The squadron, which includes troop regiments from Westfield, West Orange, Dover and Hackettstown, will soon deploy to Syria in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Command Sergeant Major Paul Greenberg of the 1st 102nd Calvary Squadron said the send-off event provided an opportunity for troops to interact with loved ones. Read Full Story |
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Veteran gives praise to the Cape May County CBOCAlyssa N. Lisenbe | VA Public Affairs | January 8, 2024
U.S. Navy Veteran Joseph Hess gives praise to the care he receives at the Cape May County Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Rio Grande, New Jersey.
"It is a one stop shop,” said Hess. “It’s unbelievable. Anytime I go in…everyone is so nice and friendly. They show concern…”
Hess is a regular patient at the Cape May, NJ CBOC but while visiting Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, he needed care and was able to be seen and have his issue resolved the same day at the Myrtle Beach VA CBOC.
Mr. Hess found that this great care was universal between these two VA clinics. Hess urges his peers to learn more about VA benefits. Read Full Story |
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The generosity of one New Jersey Post aided a woman on her journey to a NASA careerJanie Dyhouse | VFW Magazine | January 5, 2024
Growing up in the small community of Cape May, New Jersey, Gabrielle Masterson had a fascination with outer space. More focused on the arts and less on math and science, Masterson would paint pictures of space and the planets.
“I found space amazing and terrifying at the same time,” Masterson said.
During her junior and senior years of high school, Masterson began taking advanced placement math and science classes.
She had a goal of going to college to study physics after she graduated high school in 2018. Getting there, she knew, was not going to be easy with the cost of college tuition.
Masterson said her guidance counselor spoke to her about multiple awards and scholarships for which she could apply. One of those was the Citizenship Award sponsored by Cape May’s VFW Post 386.
She wrote an essay describing how one day she hoped to work for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Masterson’s essay was selected, and she earned a $500 award to help her get started at the University of Kentucky. Read Full Story |
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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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January 19, 2012
Operation Enduring Freedom Cpl Kevin J. ReinhardU.S. Marine Corps
Colonia, New Jersey | January 23, 2010
Operation Enduring Freedom LCpl Jeremy M. Kane
U.S. Marine Corps Cherry Hill, New Jersey |
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January 26, 2005
Operation Iraqi Freedom Cpl Sean P. Kelly
U.S. Marine Corps Pitman, 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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 | Grave marker for Civil War Veteran George Ashby. |
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January 19, 1932 | When A. Harry Moore was inaugurated for his second term as governor of New Jersey before a crowd of thousands in Trenton. His honor guard escort was Newark’s Essex Troop, the founding unit of the 102nd Cavalry. |
January 25, 1844 | George Ashby was born in Burlington. Ashby, an African-American, served in the Forty-fifth United States Colored Infantry regiment during the Civil War from 1864 to 1865, rising from private to first sergeant. When he died in Allentown, on April 26, 1946, Ashby was the last surviving New Jersey Civil War veteran. |
January 25, 1942 |
Varanger, a Norwegian tanker sailing from Curacao to New York City with 12,750 tons of fuel oil, was torpedoed by a German submarine at 3:00 AM twenty-eight miles off Atlantic City. Hit by three torpedoes, Varanger split into three pieces, but all hands escaped in life boats. The crew was rescued by two fishing boats and brought to the US Coast Guard station at Sea Island Inlet, arriving there at 12:45 PM. |
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January 29, 1833 |
Alexander Arsace Vandoni was born in Italy. Vandoni emigrated to America in 1841, eventually settling in Chatham as a self-employed broom maker. In 1862 he enlisted as a musician in the Twenty-seventh New Jersey Infantry. After campaigns in Virginia and Kentucky, Vandoni was discharged with his regiment in 1863, and returned to Chatham as one of a relatively small number of Italian-American Civil War veterans. He died on February 29, 1908 and is buried in Florham Park. |
January 29, 1957 | The New Jersey National Guard ceased to be an all-male organization when the first women soldiers in its history, two nurses, Captain Frances R. Comstock and 1st Lieutenant Lucille Valentino of Paterson, were sworn in as members of the 114th Mobile Surgical Hospital. |
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 | The Jersey Blues
The first organized militia regiment in New Jersey was formed in 1673 in Piscataway. It was not until the mid-eighteenth century that the term "Jersey Blues" came into popular usage.
The term "Jersey Blues" derives from the uniform adopted by the New Jersey provincial legislature for its troops, which were assigned to service under the British Crown Provincial Forces. The coats of these Jersey units were blue with red lapels and cuffs.
The regiments of the Jersey Line during the American Revolution and those of the New Jersey Volunteers, raised for Federal service during the Civil War, adopted the moniker. Its use continues today by elements of the New Jersey Army National Guard. |
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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.
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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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