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 | New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park |
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Veterans Memorial Homes | Today, I am proud to report that the Veterans Memorial Homes at Menlo Park, Paramus, and Vineland are moving forward and improving the quality of care that we provide to the Veterans, Veteran Spouses, and Gold Star Families who call our facilities home. We have made significant and important changes to ensure that we achieve this goal.
This is about constant and never-ending improvement. It is about change and it is about implementing evidence-based best practices. Those who we serve deserve no less.
Over the last week, my team and I presented the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget to our partners in the Legislature. Since I last testified, DMAVA completed the implementation of electronic medical records systems across all three veterans homes. We introduced a learning management system to provide direct care and non-direct care staff with thousands of hours of training and continuing education.
We increased wages for frontline workers like Certified Nursing Aides and supervisors like Directors of Nursing to ensure that the compensation we offer is competitive and enables us to attract and retain the best and most qualified individuals to care for our residents. I wish to underscore this. These increases are game changers. We can now compete with the private sector for top tier talent. These improvements are the result of the investments made by Governor Murphy and the Legislature in previous budgets.
DMAVA also expanded robust infection prevention and control teams in each of our facilities to ensure that we have well-trained leaders ready to respond to and contain future infectious disease outbreaks. On a daily basis, we are using technology like the platforms InfectionWatch and RiskWatch to improve the overall quality of care for our residents.
I have said many times: the more eyes on our veterans homes, the better. I mean that. The critical measure of our progress are the independent, objective inspections, or surveys, conducted by subject matter experts.
Last year, I testified that all three Veterans Memorial Homes were in substantial compliance with Department of Health, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs requirements. I am pleased to tell you that we have met and continue to meet those same standards of care.
This work is made possible by the staff in our veterans homes. They are truly healthcare heroes. I am personally grateful for their dedication to duty and to our many partners who work with DMAVA each day to ensure that Veterans, Veterans Spouses, and Gold Star Families receive the highest possible standards of care. |
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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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 | FY25 Budget Hearings
Maj. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, spoke before the New Jersey Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee at the State House Annex in Trenton, New Jersey, April 2, 2024.
View FY25 Budget Book |
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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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 | 44th IBCT relieves 10th Mountain’s 2nd BCT in command of Task Force Guardian
SSG Bruce Daddis | CJTF-OIR | April 4, 2024
Erbil Air Base, Iraq – The transfer of authority for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve’s Task Force Guardian was conducted between the commands of the New Jersey Army National Guard’s 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and 10th Mountain Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team at Erbil Air Base, Iraq, April 4, 2024. The ceremony was presided over by CJTF-OIR commander Maj. Gen. J.B. Vowell.
The 44th IBCT, commanded by Col. Brian J. Stramaglia, assumes command of Task Force Guardian from the outgoing 2nd BCT, 10th Mountain Division commander, Col. Scott D. Wence. This command provides force protection and helps to advise, assist, and enable partner forces to defeat Daesh in designated areas of Iraq and Syria as part of the CJTF-OIR mission, setting the conditions for long-term security and stability in the region.
“This is a great responsibility that I’m confident in meeting. This is our brigade’s largest deployment since 2008, and we’re ready to meet the challenges in front of us in order to continue the great legacy of our organization,” said Stramaglia. “I look forward to continuing the excellent work of Col. Wence, as well as our ongoing partnership with our host nation and coalition partners during our time here. Our work will go a long way in ensuring long-term security and prosperity for the people of Iraq and Syria. We are absolutely one mission, many nations.”
Read Full Story |
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 | 44th IBCT
Soldiers assigned to the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, participate in the German 14K3 ruck march at Erbil Air Base, Iraq, March 29, 2024.
The ruck march commemorates the 14th anniversary of the Good Friday Battle on April 2, 2010, which took place in Isa-Kehl, Afghanistan, when a German paratrooper platoon was ambushed by the Taliban. |
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177th Fighter WingDefenders with the New Jersey Air National Guard's 177th Fighter Wing were among the 425 military personnel to participate in Southern Strike 2024-1 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Miss., March 4-15, 2024.
Read Air Force Article |
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 | 177th Fighter Wing
Two Jersey Devil F-16 pilots performed a flyover for the Philadelphia Phillies home opener over Citizens Bank Park, and the 177th Fighter Wing Honor Guard presented the colors. Nice work Airmen!
View Images |
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 | WMD-CST Training
Explosive ordnance disposal technicians with the 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, review an X-ray of a simulated explosive device during the Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High Yield Explosives Characterization, Exploitation, and Mitigation Course – JCCEM – at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, NJ on March 27, 2024.
During the course, the New Jersey National Guard’s 21st Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Team; the 177th EOD team; FBI; New Jersey State Police, and members of the Delaware and Idaho WMD-CSTs were trained by the Eniwetok Group, LLC (EGL).
The participants were placed in multi-agency teams and sent to investigate mock simulated CBRN situations and then work through a solution to address the hazards. View Images |
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Join Our Team |
100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses up to $20,000
Student Loan Repayment |
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 | PPE Storage Unit |
Construction on a 2,500 square foot climate-controlled storage unit for stock piles of personal protective equipment at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland, Vineland, NJ, March 26, 2024.
Due to an $869,000 federal VA State Home Construction grant, our homes at Paramus, Menlo Park, and Vineland are each gaining a 2,500 square foot storage facility to exceed the Department of Health's standard of a 8-week supply of PPE at each home. View Images |
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VSO Trejen Strickland | DMAVA Veterans Service Officer Trejen Strickland attended State Senator Troy Singleton’s “HerStory” female veterans event held on March 27, 2024 at The Boro EPICenter in Willingboro. The event focused on the mental health needs of female veterans.
Ms. Strickland works out of the Lawrenceville Armory. You can contact her or one of her colleagues around the state by visting our website at Veterans Service Offices.
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State Medal Ceremony | On March 26, 2024, DMAVA Veterans Services Bureau Chief Joe Nyzio presented the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster to World War II veteran U.S. Army Private First Class Robert Gutworth during his 100th birthday celebration, surrounded by his family at his residence in Highland Park. |
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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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 | Environmental Security Award
The National Guard Training Center (NGTC), located in Sea Girt, NJ, supports the mission of the New Jersey Army National Guard (NJARNG) by providing facilities for the stationing and training of various units and agencies, including soldiers, airmen, local and state law enforcement, and Department of Corrections personnel.
The historic property bordering the Atlantic Ocean is subject to multiple coastal regulations and habitat protection efforts enacted to conserve the site's vulnerable ecosystems and plentiful natural resources. Abiding by these regulations allows the site to continue to operate as a key training facility with one of the few remaining outdoor small-arms ranges in the state.
The Natural Resources Conservation (NRC) program for the NJARNG has targeted several areas for habitat restoration and enhancement at Sea Girt NGTC over the past few years, focusing especially on critical beach dune habitat and improvement of the site's wetlands.
For the FY2023 Army National Guard Environmental Security Awards, the NJARNG NRC Program took 2nd Place in Natural Resources Conservation - Small Installation.
The NJARNG is proud to accept the award for their dedication to natural resource conservation, and will continue to work closely with partners and stakeholders in managing the site for the benefit of all that utilize it.
Pictured holding the award is Mr. Chuck Appleby, DMAVA Construction and Facilities Management Office Environmental Program Manager. |
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 | Sea Girt Beach, RV & Cottage Policies
The National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ has updated their policies for 2024. Get more information at NGTC MWR. |
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Child & Youth ProgramApril is designated as Month of the Military Child - a time to honor the sacrifices made by military families worldwide, with an emphasis on the experience of the dependent children of military members serving at home and overseas.
Join us in celebrating military kids on Purple Up Day April 12th. Learn more by viewing the Child & Youth Program Newsletter. |
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VA opens new osteoarthritis research center at Philadelphia VA Medical CenterVA News | March 27, 2024
PHILADELPHIA - Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced the opening of the Cartilage Regeneration using Advanced Technologies to Enable Motion Center - the CReATE Motion Center - at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center.
The CReATE Motion Center is designed to develop treatments that minimize the need for joint replacement surgeries by stopping progression of the disease early, retaining the “good” cartilage in the mid-stage of the disease, or regenerating replacement cartilage to restore motion in the late stages of the disease. Greater mobility and motion are linked to better physical and mental health and improved quality of life for Veterans.
This center is particularly critical for VA because Veterans are diagnosed with osteoarthritis at a much higher rate than the general population. Roughly one in three Veterans have some form of arthritis. In 2022 and 2023, VA performed 13,157 and 15,311 joint replacement surgeries respectively, with knee replacements accounting for about half of those surgeries.
Read Full News Release |
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Governor Salutes Cavagnaro With Proclamation
Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Vincent Solomeno (right) presented Thy Cavagnaro (left with husband Jimmy), founder of Thanking Vietnam Veterans in Barnegat, a proclamation from Governor Phil Murphy during Barnegat Township's “2024 Vietnam War Veterans Day" Ceremony at Barnegat Township School District High School, March 27, 2024.
This proclamation is a token of appreciation for her continued support in honoring the sacrifices of our Vietnam Veterans. Read accounts of the event at Sandpaper.net and Southern Ocean Times. |
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| Generous Donation
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 57 Waldwick raised $26,000 to purchase 504 new large print books for the library and three new computers for the New Jersey Veterans Home at Paramus! |
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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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April 10, 2003
Operation Iraqi Freedom SSG Terry Wayne HemingwayU.S. Army
Willingboro, New Jersey | April 11, 2012
Operation Enduring Freedom Cpl Derek A. Kerns
U.S. Marine Corps Woodstown, New Jersey | April 13, 2003
Operation Iraqi Freedom
SPC Gil Mercado U.S. Army Paterson, New Jersey |
April 14, 2004
Operation Iraqi Freedom SPC Frank K. Rivers Jr.U.S. Army
Newark, New Jersey | April 17, 2011
Operation Enduring Freedom SGT Keith T. Buzinski
U.S. Army Hamilton, New Jersey |
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April 18, 2005
Operation Iraqi Freedom MAJ Steven W. Thornton
U.S. Army Fort Monmouth, New Jersey | April 22, 2008
Operation Iraqi Freedom
PVT Ronald R. HarrisonU.S. Army Budd Lake, New Jersey |
April 22, 2011
Operation New Dawn 1LT Omar Vazquez U.S. Army
Hamilton, New Jersey | April 23, 2005
Operation Enduring Freedom PV2 Robert C. White III
U.S. Army Camden, New Jersey | April 23, 2010
Operation Enduring Freedom
SGT Ronald A. KubikU.S. Army Brielle, 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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 | The Intelligent Whale enroute to its new home in April 2020. |
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April 12, 1782 |
Loyalists took Patriot Captain Joshua Huddy, a prisoner in New York since his capture at Toms River, to Highlands, where they hanged him in retribution for the death of Loyalist Philip White, killed allegedly attempting to escape on his way to Freehold as a prisoner. Huddy’s lynching led to an international incident when George Washington ordered a British prisoner selected to hang in retribution. The retaliation execution never occurred. |
April 16,1930 |
The New Jersey legislature passed Chapter 149, laws of 1930, authorizing the “authorization and equipment of a battalion of Negro infantry” at state expense, in response to the refusal of the federal government to establish an African American National Guard unit in the state within the context of an overall segregated military. The unit, the “First Separate Battalion,” began organizing in Newark and Atlantic City the following year. |
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April 19, 1780 |
General George Washington welcomed distinguished visitors “the Chevalier de la Luzerne, Minister of France, with another French gentleman, and Don Juan de Miralles, a gentleman of distinction from Spain,” to the Ford Mansion, his Morristown headquarters.. | April 19, 1899 |
In compliance with General Orders No. 5, the New Jersey National Guard was reorganized according to federal military standards into four infantry regiments of twelve companies each, two Gatling gun companies, two troops of cavalry and two battalions of naval militia | April 23, 2020 |
In preparation for the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey's move to its new facility, the only surviving Civil War-era submarine - the Intelligent Whale - took a short trip down the road at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ. |
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 | Kia Inman |
Welcome Kia Inman as the new administrator for Employee Relations at DMAVA.
“Taking this position at the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs was a golden opportunity to help rebuild and reestablish the employee relations section post-COVID. I am here at DMAVA as a resource to empower management as well as develop and foster cooperative relations with the unions.”
Inman has worked for the State of New Jersey for more than 22 years, 19 of which have been in employee relations. Previously, Inman was with the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Health.
In her free time Inman enjoys spending time with family and riding motorcycles. |
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 | Last Formation Ceremony |
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, the Adjutant General of New Jersey National Guard, and Command Sgt. Maj. Mark A. Leonard, the State Command Sergeant Major of New Jersey National Guard, present Sgt. 1st Class (Ret.) Harry Young with a certificate of retirement and his spouse with a certificate of appreciation at the Last Formation ceremony at the Bordentown Armory in Bordentown, NJ on April 6, 2024.
The ceremony was held to bid farewell to Soldiers of the New Jersey Army National Guard who have retired or faithfully completed their service to their country, state, and community.
The Last Formation ceremony recognizes Soldiers and their families who are departing or starting a much-deserved retirement from military service. View Images |
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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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