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Leaders from the New Jersey National Guard, New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, Michigan National Guard, New Jersey State Police, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other distinguished visitors toured and observed multiple sites where training exercise Vigilant Guard took place August 20, 2024. |
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Viligant Guard Training Exercise |
Over two weeks in August, Soldiers and Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard continued to lead the way, this time through their participation in Vigilant Guard, an interagency exercise conducted throughout New Jersey to test our force’s ability to rapidly respond to emergencies. The New Jersey National Guard hosted the exercise together with the U.S. Northern Command and the National Guard Bureau, with support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and a cross section of local, county, and state partners.
As in any thing we do, our goal throughout was to identify ways that we can enhance the integration of first responders at every echelon of government. Leaders also identified opportunities to improve coordination and operational relationships. Taken together, we seek to ensure that response and recovery management plans are ready to go should New Jersey or the United States call upon us.
Fundamentally, our Citizen Soldiers and Airmen are neighbors helping neighbors. When disaster strikes, our ability to support the communities close to us has special meaning for each of us in a uniform.
Working with emergency services personnel, law enforcement, and other first responders, experience teaches us that when we train together, we respond better together.
We sharpened our skills during this exercise, and to our many partners, including the vast network of volunteers, I thank you for your assistance and continued commitment to the safety and security of New Jersey communities. |
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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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September 14, 2024 10:00am
Building 3369 Dedication Ceremony in Honor of Brig Gen Robert S. Dutko Sr.
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
3369 Wonnacott Ave JBMDL, NJ 08641
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 | Colonel Yvonne L. Mays
The Acting Adjutant General of New Jersey
cordially invites you to attend the
Annual Governor’s Military Review
Sunday, 6 October 2024, at 10:00 am
National Guard Training Center
Camp Drive and Sea Girt Avenue
Parade Field
Sea Girt, New Jersey 08750-0277
Military: Duty Uniform
Civilian: Business Casual |
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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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Missing in action 79 years, N.J. Marine is laid to rest Richard Cohen | NJ.com | August 20, 2024
U.S. Marine Pvt. George Coe Browning came home on Monday.
He was finally laid to rest in his Bergen County hometown, 79 years after he went missing in action during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II.
Browning, a field radio operator whose remains were positively identified four months ago through dental records and DNA analysis, was buried with full military honors next to his mother during a brief graveside service in Brookside Cemetery in Englewood. Read Full Story |
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New Jersey Guard Tests Readiness in Vigilant Guard Exercise SPC Michael Hayes | 444th MPAD | August 18, 2024
The New Jersey National Guard launched Vigilant Guard on Saturday, a disaster-preparedness exercise running from Aug. 17-21 to enhance coordination between military first responders and civilian emergency services. The exercise simulates a Category 3 hurricane striking New Jersey, testing responses to massive flooding, power outages, and significant damage to bridges and a major hospital.
“We are training for the worst-case scenario,” said U.S. Army Col. Arthur Roscoe, incoming Director of the Joint Staff, New Jersey National Guard. “A Category 3 storm is unlikely, but having lived through Superstorm Sandy, we know even non-hurricane storms can cause catastrophic damage.”
When disasters exceed local capabilities, the National Guard Joint Operation Center (JOC) coordinates with the state’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to respond as military first responders.
“In New Jersey, emergency management begins locally and escalates to county and state levels. If additional support is needed, OEM will call on us,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Timothy Coakley, Director of the Joint Staff, New Jersey National Guard.
Read Full Story | View Images |
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 | U.S. Army’s 3-112th Field Artillery Regiment leads Iraqi Field Artillery Course
SSG Bruce Daddis | NJNG | August 23, 2024
Iraq, Aug. 5 – Advise, assist, and enable, a key component of the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve’s mission to enhance partner capacity in Iraq, was on full display this past month at the Task Force Redleg Artillery Course in western Iraq, July 14 - Aug. 1.
During this time, the New Jersey Army National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, serving as Task Force Redleg, hosted their Iraqi counterparts for an exchange of ideas as they worked side by side in a field artillery training course.
The training has become a part of the task force’s deployment rotations in recent years. It was last organized in December of 2023 by the 10th Mountain Division’s 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment. Picking up where the 2-15th left off, the N.J. Guardsmen collaborated with leadership from Military Advisor Group - Iraq and the Iraqi Armed Forces to ensure another successful course.
Read Full Story |
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 | 21st WMD-CST passes ARNORTH evaluation
Soldiers and Airmen from the 21st Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Team, New Jersey National Guard, passed an Army North-mandated training proficiency evaluation at the Flying W Airport in Medford, NJ on August 8, 2024.
The 21st WMD-CST identifies chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear substances; assess and advises civil authorities on response measures to man-made or natural disasters.
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Join Our Team | 100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses up to $20,000
Student Loan Repayment |
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Veteran Service ProvidersDo you provide services to Veterans? We would like to get you enrolled in our new online referral network, Unite New Jersey Veterans. This helps connect Veterans to the resources around them quickly.
If you are a Veteran Service Provider, please check out the following link and enroll today! 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 improves access to claims information
VA News | August 21, 2024
VA’s Claim Status Tool allows Veterans to view the status of their VA claims online using their VA.gov login. This tool displays which claims are in process and identifies any actions Veterans need to take. It also gives Veterans the ability to review recent claim activity.
VA recently enhanced the Claim Status Tool to improve your digital, self-service experience. The tool now shows a breakdown of the eight-step disability claims process, making it easier to understand where your claim currently is.
Read Full News Feature |
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 | What is the GI Bill & Different Types GI Bills Available for Service members & Veterans
Whether you are active duty, Guard, Reserve, Veteran or family member, learn how you can use your VA education benefits to obtain a bachelors, masters or doctorate, use it for on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and much more.
Click on the link below for the full playlist of more than 30 videos, and get answers to all your GI Bill questions.
theSITREP Podcast |
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 | Walter R. Nall
COL(R) Walter R. Nall served as Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs for DMAVA. He retired in 2016 from the NJ Army National Guard, after having begun his military career in 1983 with the Alabama Army National Guard.
His combat service included both Operation Iraqi Freedom III in 2005, then in 2011 he found himself in Afghanistan with the Special Operations Command.
Hear him speak of his career in the Veterans History Project recording he conducted at the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey. |
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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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August 28, 2008
Operation Iraqi Freedom SPC Michael L. Gonzalez U.S. Army
Spotswood, New Jersey |
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August 30, 2007
Operation Iraqi Freedom SSG Jason M. Butkus U.S. Army
West Milford, 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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General Donald McGowanDonald McGowan was born in Orange, NJ on August 30, 1899. McGowan, one of New Jersey’s most notable soldiers, joined the National Guard on graduating from high school, served in the Mexican Border campaign of 1916 and rose from private to sergeant major of the 114th Infantry in World War I at the unheard of age of nineteen.
In the postwar era, he attended West Point but left the military academy to be commissioned a lieutenant in the New Jersey National Guard. McGowan rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel and was assistant adjutant general of New Jersey in 1940, when he was promoted to colonel and appointed to command the Guard’s 102nd Cavalry, and led the 102nd ashore at Omaha Beach, Normandy, on June 8, 1944.
Following World War II, McGowan served again as New Jersey’s assistant adjutant general and was promoted to brigadier general in 1947. He commanded the New Jersey National Guard’s 50th Armored Division as a major general from 1948 to 1955, when he was appointed chief of the Army National Guard Bureau and then chief of the entire National Guard Bureau in Washington, a position from which he retired in 1963.
General McGowan died on September 24, 1967 in Lawrence Township and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. |
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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
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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