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Implementing Long Term Solutions |
The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is engaged in long term efforts to ensure the highest possible standards of care and quality of life for the Veterans, Veterans Spouses, and Gold Star Families living at our state veterans homes. Readers such as yourself, together with Governor Murphy and our bipartisan partners in the Legislature, have supported us every time we came to you to ask for the tools and the solutions necessary to ensure that we meet this goal. In State of New Jersey Fiscal Year 2025, we intend to embark upon the most ambitious capital improvements of veterans homes in New Jersey history.
The state fiscal year runs from July 1st to June 30th each year. With funds provided in the current Fiscal Year 2024, my team and I were able to engage architects and engineers in a deliberate process to identify ways to structurally contain future outbreaks at Menlo Park and Paramus, two of our hardest hit homes during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last week, that work culminated in New Jersey’s submission of two applications to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs State Home Construction Grant Program. This program provides federal matching funds to enable critical capital improvements that will enable the conversion of resident rooms from dual occupancy to single occupancy, improve airflow and ventilation systems, and establish new wings of state-of-the-art isolation rooms to more effectively cohort new admissions and residents exposed to or exhibiting symptoms of an infectious disease.
DMAVA’s proposed budget also includes nearly $2 million in investments to replace all resident mattresses, beds, and essential medical equipment not only at Menlo Park and Paramus, but also our most recently renovated facility, the Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland. My desired end state is for the three veterans homes to be among the best equipped long-term care facilities in New Jersey.
I am proud of our state’s progress. While there is more work to be done, these investments testify to the shared values that unite us all, chief among them a commitment to supporting and caring for those who serve, those who have served, and the people who love them. |
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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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 | NJ Air National Guard
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Bradford R. Everman, commander, New Jersey Air National Guard, left, presents the New Jersey Air National Guard guidon to incoming State Command Chief Master Sgt. Wayne R. Miller during the New Jersey Air National Guard State Command Chief Change of Responsibility ceremony on April 18, 2024.
During the ceremony, Command Chief Master Sgt. Michael J. Rakauckas relinquished responsibility to Miller. View Images |
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108th WingThe 108th Wing’s Medical Group ranked among the top 20 Air National Guard organizations in Individual Medical Readiness standings, and are on track for top ten in the nation.
Read Full Story |
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 | Best Warrior Competition
A Soldier prepares to qualify on the M4 carbine during the New Jersey Army National Guard’s Best Warrior Competition at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ on April 23, 2024.
During the competition, the Soldiers demonstrate their adaptiveness, resilience, lethality, and the readiness of New Jersey’s Citizen-Soldiers to respond to future threats.
Six Soldiers and five noncommissioned officers compete April 22-25, 2024, with the top Soldier and NCO going on to challenge seven other states’ winners at Region I Best Warrior Competition at Camp Smith, New York, May 13-16, 2024. 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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 | Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, and Vincent Solomeno, Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, recognized volunteers, which included more than 50 organizations, during the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park's 40th annual volunteer luncheon in Edison on April 17, 2024.
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 | Veterans Home at Paramus
Vincent Solomeno, Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, recognized volunteers, which included more than 50 organizations, during the New Jersey Veterans Home at Paramus' annual volunteer appreciation luncheon in Hasbrouck Heights on April 19, 2024.
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 | SMS Alerts - Text "NJVets" to 78015
Opt-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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 | Office of Records and Archives
DMAVA’s Administrative Services Division’s Office of Records and Archives is the office that receives military discharges from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and occasionally, the Merchant Marines. This applies to both the Active Duty and their Reserves, to include the National Guard.
The DMAVA employees of the Records and Archives Office are some of the busiest people within the Department. They are responsible for the archiving, storage and issuance of copies of military records of all the State’s service members and Veterans.
For more information, visit our website at Request Military Records. |
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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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Morris County Roundtable U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs hosted a roundtable regarding VA services at the Morris County Veterans Services Office on April 23, 2024.
Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Vincent Solomeno joined VA Undersecretary Dr. Shereef Elnahal and U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill at the event, along with many local veterans and elected officials. View Images
Morris County News Feature |
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VA announces plan for new counseling resources in northern New Jersey, expanding access to care for New Jersey VeteransDMAVA Public Affairs | April 23, 2024
TRENTON - Tuesday, April 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced the plan to add a new Vet Center Outstation to expand access to care in the communities focused on Warren and Morris Counties. This new Vet Center Outstation will be in Hackettstown, New Jersey, with the exact opening date and location to be determined. In addition to the creation of this Vet Center Outstation, VA will soon add a Vet Center Community Access Point, or satellite location, in Morristown, NJ.
“This was the result of the hard work and advocacy of a coalition of Veterans, community leaders and elected officials,” said Vincent Solomeno, Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and Chair of the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families. “Our state team, including our Veterans Service Officers throughout northern New Jersey, are so excited about this expanded access to counseling and mental health services.”
Read Full News Feature |
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VA announces new program to help more than 40,000 Veterans stay in their homes VA News | April 10, 2024
WASHINGTON - On May 31, 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs will launch a new program - the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase (VASP) program - to help more than 40,000 Veterans experiencing severe financial hardship avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes.
VASP is a new, last-resort tool in VA’s comprehensive suite of home retention options for eligible Veterans, active-duty Service members, and surviving spouses with VA-guaranteed home loans who are experiencing severe financial hardship. Through VASP, VA will purchase defaulted VA loans from mortgage servicers, modify the loans, and then place them in the VA-owned portfolio as direct loans. This will empower VA to work directly with eligible Veterans to adjust their loans - and their monthly payments - so they can keep their homes. With VASP, these borrowers will have a fixed 2.5% interest rate, which will provide a consistent, affordable payment for the remainder of their loan.
Read Full News Release |
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Buddy Finder provides a faster method to find former service friends Brian Foster | VA News | April 10, 2024
Togetherweserved.com (TWS)’s new Buddy Finder was created specifically to help Veterans find those they served with. Now with more than 2.3 million members in five separate service branch websites, TWS has possibly reconnected more Veterans than any other website or organization. The secret behind this high rate of success is the depth of TWS’s hand-built databases that contain hundreds of U.S. military units, ships, squadrons and bases going back to WWII.
Read Full News Release |
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 | Commander Larry Bishop |
On April 14, 2024, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of Veterans Affairs (right) and Vincent Solomeno, Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs (left), presented The American Legion Department of New Jersey Commander Larry Bishop a signed proclamation from Governor Phil Murphy declaring April 14 as "Larry Bishop Day," during a luncheon in Old Bridge.
The proclamation recognizes his service to Garden State Veterans and for his Department's Commanders' Project, which will benefit New Jersey's three Veterans Memorial Homes; both Veterans' Havens, and the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials.
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 | Morris Teen Gets Thousands Of Dollars' Worth Of Donations For Local Veterans |
Michelle Rotuno-Johnson | Patch.com | April 19, 2024
MORRISTOWN, NJ - A Morristown teenager’s fundraiser to fill a World War II-era Jeep with items for veterans received over $1,300 in monetary contributions, and filled several vehicles with donations from the community.
Nicholas Heusel and his mom Michele said the contributions from neighbors, the Morris School District community, and other supporters ended up filling two rooms of their house, and totaled close to $7,000 worth of items.
"It surpassed my expectations," he said of the drive. "I think it went really well." 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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April 25, 2003
Operation Iraqi Freedom SPC Narson Bertil SullivanU.S. Army
North Brunswick, New Jersey | April 28, 2007
Operation Iraqi Freedom SSG Michael R. Hullender
U.S. Army Little Falls, New Jersey | April 29, 2010
Operation Enduring Freedom
1LT Salvatore S. Corma U.S. Army Wenonah, New Jersey |
May 2, 2005
Operation Iraqi Freedom LtCol John C. SpahrU.S. Marine Corps
Cherry Hill, New Jersey |
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May 4, 2013
Operation Enduring Freedom SSgt Eric D. ChristianU.S. Marine Corps
Ramsey, New Jersey | May 5, 2006
Operation Iraqi Freedom Sgt Matthew J. Fenton
U.S. Marine Corps Little Ferry, New Jersey | May 6, 2007
Operation Iraqi Freedom
SGT Sameer A. M. Rateb U.S. Army Absecon, New Jersey |
May 6, 2007
Operation Iraqi Freedom SSG Vincenzo RomeoU.S. Army
Lodi, 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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 | New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial in Holmdel. |
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April 25, 1898 |
The United States declared war on Spain following the sinking of the Battleship Maine in Havana harbor on February 15, 1898. New Jersey National Guardsmen would subsequently be called to Sea Girt to form volunteer regiments for service in the ensuing Spanish -American War. The New Jersey Naval Militia was called up to serve on various navy ships, some of them engaged in the blockade of Cuba. |
May 3, 1861 |
New Jersey’s four regiment militia brigade, enlisted for three months’ service, left Trenton for Washington aboard motorized canal boats down the Delaware River. Some militiamen celebrated by firing handguns randomly in the air, and one careless Jersey City man accidentally shot another soldier. The Jerseymen debarked at Annapolis and boarded trains to Washington -- the first full brigade to reach the capital. |
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May 3, 1941 |
New Jersey National Guardsmen of the Forty-fourth Division, on active duty at Fort Dix since September 1940, held their “biggest ever” review for Navy Secretary Frank M. Knox, guest of the Seventy-eighth Division Veterans Association, holding a reunion at Fort Dix. | May 7, 1995 |
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, situated alongside the Garden State Parkway in Holmdel, was dedicated. The memorial, a circular open-air pavilion, is ringed with black granite panels, each representing a day of the year, engraved with the names of New Jerseyans who died on that day during the war. Three sculpted figures—a dying soldier, a nurse and a standing soldier—represent those who died, women who served and those who survived the conflict. |
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 | National Volunteer Month |
April is National Volunteer Month. Look around you. More than likely you are surrounded by volunteers. They don't want to be pointed out. Instead, they want to make a difference. In any community, volunteers become the lifeblood that keeps operations going smoothly.
At the National Guard Military Museum of New Jersey in Sea Girt, we're lucky to have volunteers such as Bob Perricelli and Mark Cianciosi pictured above.
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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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