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Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, Vincent Solomeno, speaks at the Cape May County Veterans Service Office ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 26, 2024. |
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Budget Hearings |
In the next two weeks, I will participate in the formal State Legislature Senate and Assembly Budget Committee hearings. During these hearings, I will have the opportunity to discuss DMAVA’s priorities, future funding and operations.
One of the highlights is that the Governor’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget translates values into action through a bold, interagency effort to bring Veteran homelessness to functional zero in twenty-four months. Today, data demonstrates that more Veterans are finding themselves homeless than homeless Veterans are finding housing. There are gaps in the safety net that are being filled by Veterans Service Organizations, and while I dearly appreciate that, in a state with the motto “liberty and prosperity,” we can do better.
Together with the Department of Community Affairs, the State of New Jersey will surge resources to reverse this disturbing trend and house all currently homeless Veterans. We are excited to embrace the near-term opportunities to assist, and in the long term, we will support efforts to increase housing availability statewide.
I cannot wait to see all we achieve together for our Garden State heroes in the months and years ahead. |
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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.
Major 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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 | Groundbreaking Ceremony Held For 21st WMD-CST Ready Building
Left to right: Thomas Beshold, project architect, Design Resources Group; Tyler J. Denbleyker, project manager, Epic Management; Maj. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., The Adjutant General of New Jersey, and Lt. Col. Ismael Soler Jr., commander, 21st Weapons Of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Team, New Jersey National Guard, break ground for the 21st Weapons Of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Team Ready Building at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, March 20, 2024.
The facility will include a temperature-controlled environment and continuous electrical power source for vehicles that contain hypersensitive instruments, as well as storage for temperature sensitive personal protective and decontamination equipment and supplies sufficient to sustain a 72-hour response to a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incident.
Once completed, this $6.3 million, 10,400-square-foot state-of-the-art facility will support the Soldiers and Airmen of the 21st WMD-CST and their 24/7/365 mission. View Images |
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New Jersey National Guard/Cyprus State Partnership begins new phase108th Wing | 204th Intelligence Squadron | March 21, 2024
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. - In February 2024, security cooperation and training between the New Jersey National Guard and Republic of Cyprus commenced in full swing.
New Jersey National Guard teams comprised of medical, cyber, civil engineering and information analysis deployed to Cyprus to train their Cypriot counterparts in their respective fields. Of note, is the specialized information analysis training team, comprised of certified air advisors from the 204th Intelligence Squadron, 108th Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.
“An air advisor’s core mission is to impart professional aviation knowledge and skills to foreign partnership nations to improve their airpower capabilities to meet both U.S. and partner nation objectives. They must graduate from the four-week Air Advisor Qualification course, taught at JB MDL, where they receive specialized training to apply aviation support and operational experience to train, advise, assist, and equip partner nations,” said Capt. John Hoff, State Partnership Program Information Analysis officer-in-charge, 204th IS.
While training began in earnest a month ago the stage was set in 2023 when the NJNG entered into a State Partnership agreement with the mediterranean nation of Cyprus. The training lines of effort established within this partnership include all-source information analysis, explosive ordinance disposal, cyber security, and tactical medical training. Throughout last year, New Jersey Guardsman traveled to Cyprus to conduct planning workshops, key leader engagements, and develop training plans.
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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 | Middlesex County VSO Ribbon Cutting |
Leaders from the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; state legislators; and local and county officials joined Veteran and community organizations in opening a new DMAVA Veteran Services Office in the Woodbridge Armory in Fords, NJ on March 22, 2024.
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 | Cape May County VSO Ribbon Cutting |
Leaders from the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; state legislators; and local and county officials joined Veteran and community organizations in opening a new DMAVA Veteran Services Office in the Cape May Armory in Cape May, NJ on March 26, 2024.
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 | State Medal Ceremony |
The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs held a State Medal Ceremony at the American Legion Post 5 in Rahway, NJ on March 14, 2024. View Images |
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SMS Alerts - Text "NJVets" to 78015Opt-in now to receive SMS Alerts from DMAVA! Text "NJVets" to 78015 or scan the QR code above and send. You will be immediately opted-in to receive alerts and important messages from the Division of Veterans Services.
This service is provided free of charge, however, carrier messaging and data rates may apply. To opt-out at any time, simply reply “Stop”. |
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 | NJ Youth ChalleNGe Academy
On March 19, 2024, Assemblyman Paul Kanitra, who is the new legislator for District 10 of Monmouth and Ocean counties, joined Maj. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., The Adjutant General of New Jersey, for a tour of the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ.
During the visit, Assemblyman Kanitra and MG Hou met with Cadets from the New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe Academy. The Cadets were able to speak to them about their time so far at ChalleNGe and ask questions about the National Guard and how the government works in New Jersey. |
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National Guard Training CenterThe journey of NJ Department of Corrections Class 256 has begun at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ.
Recruits undergo 17 weeks of training at the Department of Corrections Academy, then spend two weeks training at their assigned facilities. |
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In one of the largest-ever expansions of Veteran health care, all Veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards during military service - at home or abroad - will be eligible for VA health care beginning March 5 VA News | February 26, 2024
WASHINGTON - Today, VA announced that all Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military - at home or abroad - will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care beginning March 5, 2024. This means that all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Additionally, Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States will also be eligible to enroll.
As directed by President Biden, this expansion of VA health care eliminates the phased-in approach called for by the PACT Act — meaning that millions of Veterans are becoming eligible for VA health care up to eight years earlier than written into law. This is a critical step forward because Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care are proven to have better health outcomes than non-enrolled Veterans, and VA hospitals have dramatically outperformed non-VA hospitals in overall quality ratings and patient satisfaction ratings. Additionally, VA health care is often more affordable than non-VA health care for Veterans.
VA encourages all eligible Veterans to visit VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411 to learn more and apply for VA health care beginning March 5. Since President Biden signed the PACT Act into law on August 10, 2022, more than 500,000 Veterans have enrolled in VA health care.
Read Full News Release |
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Millions of Veterans now eligible for VA health careIn this episode, theSITREP covers the new change for VA benefits that will affect millions of Veterans.
theSITREP Podcast |
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2024 EANGNJ Scholarship ApplicationDeadline 1 April 2024
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Middletown Finalizes Financing For Veterans' Housing ProjectTheMonmouthJournal.com | March 19, 2024
MIDDLETOWN - At its Monday, March 18 Township Committee Meeting, Middletown Mayor Tony Perry announced that the final hurdles to complete the Middletown Veterans Housing Project have been addressed and set into motion. The property is located on Leonardville Road in Belford and will be transformed into 100 percent affordable housing units deemed solely for the honorable men and women who have served the country.
Read Full Story |
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CMC Breaks Ground at Gerald Thornton Veterans Cemetery for Phase 1 Enhanced Beautification ProjectCape May County | March 18, 2024
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ - The Cape May County Board of Commissioners and invited dignitaries’ broke ground Friday, March 15, on Phase 1 of the highly anticipated enhanced beautification project at the Gerald M. Thornton Veterans Cemetery.
Participating in the groundbreaking were Commissioner Director Leonard Desiderio, Commissioner Bobby Barr, liaison to the Veterans Affairs, Commissioner Melanie Collette and Commissioner Vice-Director Andrew Bulakowski, along with former Commissioner Director Gerald Thornton. Assemblymen Antwan McClellan and Erik Simonsen were also present for remarks.
The event marked a significant milestone in the County’s ongoing commitment to honoring veterans who served our Country and their spouses. Distinguished guests, veterans, and community members gathered at the cemetery to witness the symbolic turning of the soil and learn more about the planned upgrades to the cemetery.
Read Full Story |
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Union County Celebrates Women's History MonthUnion County | March 25, 2024
In celebration of Women's History Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, in collaboration with the 102D Cavalry Family Readiness Group, proudly announces the success of a month-long collection drive aimed at supporting military women serving overseas.
“We are incredibly proud of the outpouring of support from our community during this initiative,” said Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Together, we have shown our military women serving overseas that their sacrifices do not go unnoticed. This event embodies the spirit of Women's History Month and highlights our commitment to uplifting and supporting our servicewomen.”
Throughout the month of March, Union County residents came together to honor the bravery and sacrifices of our military women by donating toiletries and feminine products to be sent overseas. Teaming up with Amazon, Union College of Union County, NJ and Girls Helping Girls Period, an organization that advocates to normalize periods and create menstrual equity, the Union County Board of County Commissioners organized a packing event held this morning, March 25, 2024, at the Cranford Campus-Richel Student Commons of Union College of Union County.
“I am grateful to Union College for hosting this important Women’s History Month event and program to support women serving overseas. As a Navy veteran, advocating for our women service members is deeply important to me – whether that’s fighting for the benefits they’ve earned, ensuring our servicewomen have access to equipment that meets their needs, or addressing the issue of military sexual trauma in our armed forces,” said Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey 11th Congressional District.
Read Full Facebook Post |
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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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March 27, 2012
Operation Enduring Freedom Sgt Joseph D'AugustineU.S. Marine Corps
Waldwick, New Jersey | March 29, 2003
Operation Iraqi Freedom CPL Michael Edward Curtin
U.S. Army Howell, New Jersey | March 29, 2010
Operation Enduring Freedom
SGT Scott Brunkhorst U.S. Army Bridgewater, New Jersey |
March 30, 2003
Operation Iraqi Freedom Sgt Brian Daniel McGinnisU.S. Marine Corps
Pitman, New Jersey |
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April 1, 2007
Operation Iraqi Freedom PFC Miguel A. Marcial IIIU.S. Marine Corps
Secaucus, New Jersey | April 6, 2004
Operation Iraqi Freedom 2nd Lt John Thomas Wroblewski
U.S. Marine Corps Oak Ridge, New Jersey | April 8, 2004
Operation Iraqi Freedom
LCpl Phillip E. Frank U.S. Marine Corps Aberdeen, New Jersey |
April 9, 2010
Operation Enduring Freedom CPL Michael D. JankiewiczU.S. Army
Ramsey, 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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 | Mary V. Duby - First female American Legionnaire in NJ. |
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April 1, 1924 |
Brendan Byrne was born in West Orange. Byrne graduated from West Orange High School and attended Seton Hall University before enlisting in the US Army Air Force in World War II, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and four Air Medals during his service. He subsequently graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Law School, entered politics and served as a New Jersey deputy attorney general and judge before running successfully for governor. Byrne was inaugurated as the state’s forty-seventh governor in 1974, served two terms and then went into private law practice in a Roseland firm. |
April 2, 1777 | New Jersey militiamen gathered up horses, cattle and sheep near Secaucus to keep them out of British hands. Due to a lack of boats, they had to swim the livestock across the Hackensack River. |
April 2, 1865 |
New Jersey soldiers of the First and Second New Jersey Brigades fought in the Army of the Potomac’s breakthrough of the Confederate Lines at Petersburg, forcing General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia to retreat west to Appomattox, where Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, effectively ending the Civil War. |
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April 3, 1782 |
Loyalist raider and “Pine Robber” John Bacon was discovered by local militia in a tavern near Tuckerton and was killed in the subsequent fight. | April 3, 1865 |
The Twenty-second United States Colored Infantry, an African-American unit mostly composed of men from New Jersey, was one of the first Union army regiments to enter Richmond, as the Civil War began to draw to a close. | April 6, 1917 |
The United States declared war on Germany. In the ensuing weeks New Jersey National Guardsmen were mobilized at Sea Girt and sent to Camp McClellan, Alabama, where they became part of the Twenty-ninth Division before shipping out to France. | April 6, 1944 |
On the evening of April 6, 1944, 22-year-old Mrs. Mary V. Duby, who had been honorably discharged from the Navy with the rank of pharmacist mate third class, joined American Legion Post #128 in Teaneck, NJ. Duby thus became the first female American Legionnaire in the state. |
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| Meet the "Hello Girls"
In celebration of Women's History Month, Professor Melissa Ziobro gave an informative and entertaining presentation on March 22, 2024 about a little known topic - the US Signal Corps "Hello Girls" who deployed to France during World War I.
A terrific crowd attended this special event at the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey in Sea Girt. You can watch the recording done by the museum for Facebook Live.
Watch Full Presentation |
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 | Sergeant Maria Tarricone |
March is Women's History Month, a time for all of us to honor the contributions of women in uniform in the US Armed Forces.
Here is a barrier-breaking example in Sergeant Maria Tarricone - the first female Soldier to enlist as a Combat Engineer (12B) in the New Jersey Army National Guard.
"Don't ever tell anyone that you can't. I think that's the biggest reason I joined the military. I was told that I couldn't do it, but I wanted to prove them wrong." - Sergeant Tarricone |
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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 DMAVA 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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