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Never Forget | Twenty-three years.
For some of us, that is a lifetime. For others, we remember it like it was yesterday.
On this twenty-third anniversary of September 11, 2001, I am reminded of the sudden, terrible change which reverberated through American society as nearly three thousand lives ended in that horrible day. It was an attack not just on key infrastructure, but on our entire American way of life. It was an attack on the bastion of freedom that is our nation.
I am reminded of the feeling of waking up on September 12 into a new and uncertain world, as an era of persistent conflict was poised to transform the very nature of the National Guard from a reserve to a strategic force.
I am reminded of the months-long combat air patrols by the 177th Fighter Wing and the “Bridges and Tunnels” missions that followed. Nearly every Army and Air unit in our New Jersey National Guard was involved in security, recovery, and logistical support missions or military operations connected with the September 11 attacks (9/11 NJNG Response Timeline).
I am reminded of the decades of deployments that followed, and continue to follow, as overseas contingency operations and the call to federal service remain a part of life for the 8,400 Citizen-Soldiers and Citizen-Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard, our families, and our civilian employers.
But importantly, I am reminded of the resolute and resilient character of our New Jersey family. Together, we have risen to every challenge, honored every memory, and never, ever forgotten what we have sacrificed.
On this day, I ask that we remember not only what has been lost, but the generation that has grown up into the resulting world. Let us teach and guide one another, so that the past may be remembered and the future remain one of life, hope, and the continued freedom we treasure as Americans.
On this day, I ask that we pause and think about what that freedom means and how we cherish and uphold it in our daily lives.
On this day, never forget. |
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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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September is Suicide Prevention Month
During September, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) remembers the lives lost to suicide, acknowledges the millions more who have experienced suicidal thoughts, and the many individuals, families and communities that have been impacted by suicide. It’s also a time to raise awareness about suicide prevention and share messages of hope.
Learn more about how you can help spread the word at SAMHSA.
If you or a loved one is struggling, please call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and press 1.
Get additional resources by visiting the DMAVA website at SaveNJVets.org. |
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Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Vincent Solomeno presents Cmdr. Steven Halle with a proclamation from Governor Murphy declaring this week “USS New Jersey Commissioning Week.” |
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Welcome to New Jersey! The USS New Jersey (SSN-796) arrived to Naval Weapons Station Earle, September 6, 2024. A nuclear-powered, fast-attack submarine, the USS New Jersey is the third U.S. Navy vessel named for the state.
Through action by Governor Phil Murphy and the Legislature, DMAVA was honored to provide $500,000 to the USS New Jersey Commissioning Committee to support commissioning week activities throughout the Garden State.
The USS New Jersey is the first Virginia-class boat whose keel-up design reflects the 2010 gender integration of submarine crews, with more than 730 female officers and sailors currently among the “Silent Service” of American submariners.
For more information about the USS New Jersey Commissioning Week, visit njcommissioning.org.
View images of the submarine's arrival at NWS Earle DVIDS. On September 14, 2024 at 10:45 am view the Commissioning Webcast.
Photo by Bill Addison, Naval Weapons Station Earle Public Affairs |
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 | 1-150th Assault Helicopter Regiment
Three U.S. Army UH-60M Black Hawks from the New Jersey Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 150th Assault Helicopter Regiment, flyover MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on September 8, 2024.
The 1-150th Assault Helicopter Regiment provided the flyover before the New York Giants' first game of the season. The Soldiers were later honored on the field during the 2nd quarter of the game.
View Images | Facebook Reel |
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 | 1-102nd Cavalry Regiment
Soldiers from 1st Squadron 102nd Cavalry Regiment, New Jersey Army National Guard, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, conduct convoy operations to move personnel, equipment, and supplies, in Eastern Syria. |
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 | 177th Fighter Wing
At the end of August, kids and staff with the Mays Landing’s Best Summer Camp and After School program visited the 177th Fighter Wing for a base tour.
The group first received a mission briefing, before heading on to the flight line to meet an F-16 fighter pilot and view an F-16C Fighting Falcon fighter jet. They also had the opportunity to see 177th Operations Support Squadron's Aircrew Flight Equipment demonstrations, meet the 177th Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team and tour the 177th Fire Department.
It was a pleasure to have you visit! |
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Join Our Team |
100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses | GI Bill
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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Retirement SeminarOn September 7, 2024, the New Jersey National Guard Transition/Retirement Services Office held a retirement seminar at the Joint Military & Family Assistance Center in Bordentown.
New Jersey National Guard Servicemembers, retirees, and spouses can register for the next retirement seminar at retirement.njarmyguard.com. |
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 | VA to send Gulf War-era surveyVA News | September 6, 2024
In September 2024, VA researchers will be reaching out to Gulf War-era Veterans for the fourth time since the 1990-1991 Gulf War. This is a part of a long-term health study called the Gulf War Era Cohort Study. VA will send invitations to pre-selected Veterans for this study.
“Now, more than 30 years since the 1990-1991 Gulf War, we want to learn about how the health of Gulf War-era Veterans has changed over time and about chronic conditions such as Gulf War Illness, neurological issues, cancers and long COVID,” said Dr. Erin K. Dursa. “This current survey will help VA better understand the health of Veterans who did and did not deploy to the 1990-1991 Gulf War theater of operations.” Read Full News Feature |
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Wilmington VA Medical CenterU.S. Navy Veteran Brian Richards didn’t realize that he was eligible for VA benefits until he applied in 2023. With the introduction of the PACT Act in 2023, Mr. Richards was able to receive 100% VA benefits.
“I think everyone at Wilmington VA really cares about Veterans and it really means a lot to me,” said Mr. Richards. “I feel at home when I am at the Wilmington VA, and they make me proud to have served in the military.”
Mr. Richards is able to get caregiver support from the Wilmington VA from the Geriatrics Program. Mr. Richards also participates in the Home-Based Primary Care Virtual Exercise Group with a Wilmington VA Home-Based Primary Care Occupational Therapist which allows him to interact with other Veterans while exercising. Since joining the VA is 2023, Mr. Richards is now coordinating with different specialty services to get the care he needs.
Pictured is Mr. Richards with his caregiver Alana Alvarez a member of the VFW in Salem County.
Caption and photo courtesy Wilmington VA Medical Center. |
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 | Burial at Sea In this episode of theSITREP, the host covers the option, for service members, Veterans, and their families, to be buried at sea.
theSITREP Podcast |
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 | PCU New Jersey arrives at NWS Earle
NWS Earle Public Affairs | September 6, 2024
LEONARDO, New Jersey: PCU New Jersey (SSN 796) pulls into Naval Weapons Station Earle Pier Sept. 6, 2024 in preparation for the Virginia Class Fast Attach Submarine's upcoming commissioning ceremony.
View Additional Images Commissioning Webcast September 14 |
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Inaugural Morris County Veteran Appreciation Event Draws a Crowd morriscountynj.gov | August 28, 2024
Veterans, service providers, and dignitaries from across northern New Jersey gathered to celebrate our military service members this week at the first-ever Morris County Veteran Appreciation Day held at VFW Post 3401 in Morris Plains.
The Morris County Commissioners and Morris County Veterans Services Office participated in the event organized by Welcome Home Veterans of New Jersey, Catholic Charities Diocese of Paterson, NJ SOS Veteran Stakeholders Group, VFW 3401, American Legion Post 59 of Morristown, and the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. A delicious buffet was catered by Portofino’s Restaurant of Morristown. Read Full Story |
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South Brunswick Honors Local Vietnam Veteran and Former Police Officer with Street Sign Dedication Jacob Turchi | TAPinto | September 9, 2024
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ - The township held a street sign dedication ceremony on Saturday for local Veteran Joseph Duca, who served in the Vietnam War and later as a South Brunswick Police Officer. Residents, township officials, and Duca’s family gathered at the intersection of Ridge Road and New Road to unveil the new sign.
Joseph Duca enlisted into the United States Army in 1964 during the Vietnam War and served with the 73rd Engineer Company/84th Battalion. He served until his Honorable discharge in 1967, according to his bio released by the township. Read Full Story |
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Museum tells stories of everyday Jerseyans who solved problems on battlefieldROI-NJ.com | August 28, 2024
Comfortably situated on Camp Drive next to the New Jersey State Police Academy in Sea Girt is the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey. It tells the story of New Jersey’s militia and National Guard from before the American Revolution through present day.
This well-maintained and kid-friendly museum is not so much about dates, places and times as it is about the people who served and their stories. Read Full Story |
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 | Staff Sergeant Shawn Naiduk
Meet Staff Sgt. Shawn Naiduk, Motor Vehicle Operator with the New Jersey Air National Guard's 108th Wing.
Coming from a proud military family, Naiduk was inspired by the stories of his relatives, which led him to join the Army on active duty and later transition to the Air National Guard.
Described by his leadership at the 108th Logistic Readiness Sqaudron as a dependable and resilient Airman who leads by example, Naiduk demonstrated these qualities during a recent convoy mission to Mechanicsburg, PA, when one of the vehicles broke down 50 miles into the 145-mile trip. Naiduk, the most senior leader of the convoy, took the initiative to stay behind with the disabled truck so the mission could continue.
"No one was hurt and with the exception of one piece of equipment not getting turned in, the mission was a success," Naiduk said. |
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New Jersey Fallen Heroes Memorial | In Honor of all those from New Jersey who gave their lives in the fight against terrorism during Operation Enduring Freedom & Iraqi Freedom.
In humble gratitude, we remember their sacrifice. | Memorial Inscription"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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Established by the U.S. Congress in 1979, the third Friday in September is designated the day to remember those who were Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action. |
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September 11, 1944 |
Philip A. Brodziak from Denville, NJ assigned to the 38th Bomber Squadron, 30th Bomber Group Heavy. Missing In Action on this date. Lost in the Pacific during a bombing run over Marcus Island from Saipan aboard the B-24 Pistol Packin’ Mamma. | September 15, 1864 |
Theodore Edwards from Morristown, NJ assigned to the 1st New Jersey Cavalry. Missing while on a scout mission, August 29, 1863. Died in Libby Prison in Richmond, VA on this date. | September 16, 1823 |
President James Monroe selected US Senator Samuel Southard of New Jersey to be Secretary of the Navy. | September 16, 1940 |
Governor A. Harry Moore traveled to the Philadelphia Navy Yard to address a crowd of workers, naval officers and government officials assembled to celebrate initiation of construction on the battleship USS New Jersey. |
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September 17, 1862 |
The Battle of Antietam was fought near Sharpsburg, Maryland between the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia under General Robert E. Lee and the Union Army of the Potomac under Major General (and future New Jersey governor) George B. McClellan. It was the first battle for the Thirteenth New Jersey Infantry regiment, a unit recently organized at Camp Frelinghuysen in Newark. The Thirteenth lost ten men killed, including Captain Hugh C. Irish of Paterson, twenty-three wounded and one missing in action. Captain Irish's statue, waving a sword, is on top of the NJ monument at Antietam. |
September 17, 2013 |
Declared “Harold Gantert Day” in Parsippany, NJ. On April 29, 1944, as a flight navigator, Lt. Harold Gantert took off on a bombing mission when his plane was shot down over Germany forcing him to parachute down. He was captured four days later and spent the next year as a POW in Stalag Luft III. After a grueling march the prisoners of war were forced to endure, they were liberated by the Allied troops in 1945. |
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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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