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On Monday, Maj. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., relinquished her responsibilities as The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. She is beginning a new assignment as the Joint Surgeon General of the National Guard. On behalf of every echelon of our organization, both military and civilian, I offer our heartfelt thanks for her nearly four years of leadership. She will be dearly missed.
Last week, I accepted Governor Philip D. Murphy's nomination to serve as The Adjutant General and Commissioner. I do so with humility and a deep appreciation for the duties that I assume. I wish to thank the Commander-in-Chief for the confidence he has placed in me.
This is a time of transformation for the New Jersey National Guard and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. We are ready to meet the challenge. From my first enlistment in the active duty Air Force forty-one years ago to the service I continue today, I know that the success of our collective team begins with our people: the Soldiers, Airmen, and Civilians who not only meet standards, but exceed them.
My top priority will remain people. I will demonstrate this commitment through my actions. I will work every day to ensure that those who wear a uniform or care for Garden State Veterans are trained, equipped, and ready to meet mission. To me, the priority of people also means accountability to the people we serve, whether our Veterans, our fellow teammates, or those junior to us whom we develop as the next generation of leaders. They are counting on us.
Thank you for all that you do. Best wishes to your families and you for a safe and happy Independence Day.
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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.
Colonel Yvonne L. Mays, Acting 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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 | Fallen Korean War Soldier Accounted For
The remains of U.S. Army Pfc. Anthony J. Lopa, Delta Battery, 82nd Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, were presented in a ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ on June 28, 2024.
Lopa, of North Arlington, NJ, was killed in action during the Korean War on August 31, 1950 while fighting the North Korean People's Army along the Naktong River near Yongsan-Myeon, South Korea. He was seventeen years old.
Lopa was accounted for by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency on July 21, 2023.
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 | 177th Fighter Wing Hosts Cyprus National Guard For State Partnership Program
Story by Staff Sgt. Hunter Hires, Andrew Moseley and A1C Connor Taggart | 177th Fighter Wing | June 14, 2024
Atlantic City Air National Guard Base - Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team technicians with the 70th Combat Engineer Battalion (70th CEB) of the National Guard of the Republic of Cyprus visited the 177th Fighter Wing under the New Jersey National Guard’s State Partnership Program June 4-14, 2024.
The 70th CEB EOD technicians and 177th Civil Engineer Squadron (177th CES) EOD team technicians observed numerous exhibitions and participated in a variety of exercises, which would normally fall under a U.S. Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal team’s field of responsibility.
“There are four initiatives to the State Partnership Program,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. David Bernal, 177th CES EOD team leader. “There’s Intelligence, Cyber, Non-Commissioned officer development and EOD.”
Read Full Story |
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Securing the Future: 140th Cyber Operations Squadron Educates and Recruits at Open HouseTech. Sgt. Anna-kay Ellis | 108th Wing | June 27, 2024
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ - Every year, millions of Americans have their personal data compromised online. On June 8, 2024, the 140th Cyber Operations Squadron held an open house to educate members on the common cyber dangers they may encounter.
The open forum event also served as an opportunity to engage with members who are interested in a cyber career. "We are always on the lookout for members who are interested in joining our mission," said Senior Master Sgt. Christopher Motta, 140th COS, senior enlisted leader. "It was great getting the opportunity to speak with and assist them."
Read Full Story |
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 | 254th Regional Training Institute
U.S. Army Soldiers treat casualties in a situational training exercise (STX) during the field and war phases, also known as the ‘Whiskey’ phase, of the U.S. Army’s Combat Medic (68W) Military Occupational Specialty Transition Course hosted by the New Jersey Army National Guard’s 254th Regional Training Institute on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ on June 28, 2024.
National Guard Soldiers from several states traveled to New Jersey to become part of the next generation of specialized life-saving Soldiers in the National Guard.
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 | 177th Fighter Wing Enhances Readiness in Sentry Aloha 24-2 Exercise
A1C Connor Taggart | 177th Fighter Wing | June 28, 2024
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii - The 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard, alongside aviation units from across the United States, participated in Sentry Aloha 24-2 from May 27 to June 14.
The exercise, facilitated by the 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard, integrated Air National Guard forces and fostered collaboration with active-duty Air Force assets and other Department of Defense components.
This year’s second iteration of Sentry Aloha was built around distributed mission planning and operations. This concept enabled participants to operate with heightened levels of autonomy as warfighters accomplished a series of combat objectives.
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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 | NJ Service Medals
The State of New Jersey awards medals to honorably discharged Veterans of the state who served in various conflicts and combat theaters.
State medals include the Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, POW/MIA Medal, Desert Storm Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Medal. Learn More |
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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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VA extends presumptions of service connection for three new cancer typesVA News | June 14, 2024
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is including three new cancer types in the list of presumed service-connected disabilities due to military environmental exposure under the PACT Act. This announcement marks the continued commitment under the Biden-Harris administration’s Unity Agenda and the Biden Cancer Moonshot to support the nation’s Veterans.
Through a sub-regulatory policy letter published to the Federal Register, the following three cancer types have been included in the list of presumptive diseases:
- Male breast cancer.
- Urethral cancer.
- Cancer of the paraurethral glands.
This policy establishes presumptions of service connection for eligible Gulf War and post-9/11 Veterans who deployed to Afghanistan, Somalia, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Uzbekistan, and the entire Southwest Asia theater of operations, which includes Iraq. Presumptive service connection means VA automatically assumes service connection for the disease and provides benefits to eligible Veterans who have submitted claims with evidence of a diagnosis.
Read Full News Feature |
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Presidential Proclamation on Certain Violations of Article 125 under the Uniform Code of Military Justice
On June 26, 2024, President Biden issued a proclamation that gave a full and unconditional pardon to individuals with court-martial convictions under former Article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice for conduct that involved consensual, private acts with persons aged 18 or older. It also pardoned individuals convicted of attempts, conspiracies, and solicitation to commit a qualifying Article 125 offense under Articles 80, 81, and 82.
The pardon recognizes that many LGBTQI+ individuals who have served our country left the military on account of their sexual orientation or gender identity, some after court-martial conviction for former Article 125 offenses, which criminalized even consensual acts of sodomy. The proclamation helps to address this historical injustice against service members and their families.
Read Full News Release |
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Weight Loss Surgery In this episode of theSITREP, the hosts chat with Dr. Ann Smith, Director of Bariatric Surgery, about Bariatric surgery: what is it, different types, qualifications, how it works, and much more. Visit chapters below to review the different topics discussed during this podcast.
theSITREP Podcast |
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 | Civilian Commendation Medal |
Jane Kelly-Brickner was presented the New Jersey Civilian Commendation Medal by 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, at the DMAVA Headquarters in Lawrenceville, NJ on June 19, 2024.
Kelly-Brickner was presented the award for her distinguished volunteer service of over twenty years as corporate secretary for the National Guard State Family Readiness Council.
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 | Honor Military Veterans
The NJBIZ Veteran in Business awards honors those who served in the military and are now business leaders in the Garden State. Winners will be recognized during a virtual awards ceremony in November 2024. Nomination deadline is August 11, 2024. Learn More |
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 | Specialist Elias Sanchez |
The Task Force Guardian Soldier of the Month is Spc. Elias Sanchez. Sanchez is assigned to HHC, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and serves in a dual position as the S6 Help Desk Technician as well as Air Defense Battle Management System Operator. In this role, Sanchez has demonstrated a tireless work ethic, remarkable aptitude in grasping unfamiliar systems, and an overall positive disposition, which has made an impact on those around him.
In the month of June, he earned recognition from the New Jersey National Guard’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Lisa Hou, and achieved a physical fitness milestone by joining the 1,000 lb. Club.
“These accomplishments reflect his dedication and work ethic as a Soldier. He was chosen because of these qualities, and people have taken notice of his good deeds. As the Army saying goes, ‘Always do the right thing even when no one is looking.’ Spc. Sanchez has demonstrated this, along with maintaining his integrity with peers and leadership. He has consistently upheld the standards of excellence within the 44th IBCT and the S6 section, serving as an example of dedication and professionalism,” said his team leader, Sgt. Victor Rivera.
After hearing of his selection, Sanchez emphasized: “Being Soldier of the Month is a nice recognition, we should always strive to be at our absolute best. What matters most in the end is having an unwavering spirit and determination to get something done. That's what it means to be a Soldier.” |
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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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July 4, 2012
Operation Enduring Freedom SSG Raul M. GuerraU.S. Army
Union City, New Jersey | July 8, 2012
Operation Enduring Freedom SPC Jonathan Batista
U.S. Army Kinnelon, New Jersey | July 10, 2004
Operation Iraqi Freedom
CPL Terry Holmes Ordonez U.S. Marine Corps Paterson, New Jersey |
July 10, 2007
Operation Iraqi Freedom CPT Maria I. OrtizU.S. Army
Pennsauken, New Jersey | July 10, 2010
Operation Enduring Freedom SPC Carlos J. Negron
U.S. Army Lakewood, New Jersey |
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July 10, 2011
Operation Enduring Freedom SPC Rafael A. Nieves Jr.
U.S. Army Bayonne, New Jersey | July 13, 2008
Operation Iraqi Freedom
LCpl Jeffery StevensonU.S. Marine Corps Stillwater, New Jersey |
July 16, 2003
Operation Enduring Freedom CDR Kevin Bianchi U.S. Navy
Maplewood, New Jersey | July 17, 2006
Operation Enduring Freedom SSG Robert J. Chiomento II
U.S. Army Pennsville, New Jersey | July 17, 2008
Operation Enduring Freedom
1st Lt Jason D. MannU.S. Marine Corps Woodlynne, 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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 | Clark's Battery Monument at Gettysburg. |
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July 2, 1863 |
At Gettysburg, the Newark boys of New Jersey’s Artillery Battery B, deployed near the Peach Orchard, fired 1,342 rounds, more than any other Union battery in the Civil War fired in a single day—and Battery B’s day started at 2:00 p.m. As the Union Third Army Corps retreated, Battery B successfully disengaged from advancing Rebels and managed to withdraw all six of its guns to Cemetery Ridge.
New Jersey's Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth and Eleventh regiments were also involved in heavy action that day, from Plum Run through the Wheatfield to the north of the Peach Orchard, with the Eleventh staging an epic fighting withdrawal from the Emmitsburg Road to Cemetery Ridge.
| July 3, 1863 |
The men of the Twelfth New Jersey regiment, firing “buck and ball” ammunition (one round ball and three buckshot) in their obsolete smoothbore muskets, helped wreck Pickett’s Charge on Cemetery Ridge. Some of the New Jerseyans took their paper cartridges apart and loaded as many as twenty buckshot pellets in their muskets. As the Rebels closed on the federal line, the Jerseymen rose up from behind the stone wall they were using for cover and delivered a crushing volley into the Twenty-sixth North Carolina, devastating that regiment and capturing its flag, which hung in Trenton until returned to North Carolina in the early twentieth century.
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July 4, 1812 |
Robert Fulton’s steamboat Jersey took part in a historic first, the transport of troops across water by steam-power. Fulton’s “most excellent machine,” two hulls connected by a single platform, ferried a battery of United States army “flying artillery” from Paulus Hook to Manhattan. It took four trips for the Jersey to get four guns, caissons, limbers, twenty-seven horses and forty men across the Hudson River. The ferry would serve as an important troop and supply transportation service throughout the war. |
July 4, 1813 | An American subterfuge of hiding an armed party of sailors below decks on a local fishing boat, the Yankee, succeeded in capturing the British schooner Eagle off Sandy Hook. |
July 9, 1864 |
The Fourteenth New Jersey regiment was part of a force that fought a delaying action along the Monocacy River, near Frederick, Maryland, against Confederate general Jubal Early’s march on Washington D. C., holding up the Confederate advance long enough to save the capital from possible capture. The Fourteenth lost more men killed and wounded, and fewer prisoners, than any other Union unit in the battle. |
July 9, 1892 | A five-hundred-pound shell fired from the United States ordnance testing range at Sandy Hook accidentally hit the schooner Henry R. Tilton and sank it. |
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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 Eggerts Crossing Road Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
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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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