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Menlo Park, Paramus achieve deficiency-free surveys |
The New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes at Menlo Park and Paramus achieved zero deficiencies in two separate no-notice focused infection control surveys, or inspections conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The surveys occurred on Sept. 5, 2024 and Sept. 10, 2024. Menlo Park and Paramus are two of three long-term care facilities operated by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
The inspections assessed the homes’ procedures related to infection control regulations, including staff handwashing, donning and doffing of personal protective equipment, and continuing education records. Additionally, inspectors reviewed kitchen and sanitizing operations, contact tracing, cohorting, isolation and quarantine protocols and found no deficiencies.
These on the ground achievements are supported by systemic changes implemented at all three homes. These changes include new electronic medical records systems, a learning management system that has enabled thousands of hours of training and continuing education for direct care and non-direct care staff, and increased wages for frontline healthcare workers to attract and retain the best and most qualified individuals to care for residents.
Moreover, the modernization of Menlo Park and Paramus from double to single occupancy rooms remains on track. The projects are approaching 95% design. We await the federal decision on the state’s applications for the 65% federal funding match through the VA State Home Construction Program.
Especially as we enter cold and flu season, the more eyes the better. We welcome these survey teams. I am grateful to the entire DMAVA team and the Veterans Service Organizations and volunteers who continue to support our residents. Whether it is containing infectious diseases or providing overall care and quality of life, we remain laser focused on ensuring that we not only meet standards, but exceed 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.
Colonel Yvonne L. Mays, Acting Adjutant General & Commissioner |
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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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Sailors assigned to USS New Jersey (SSN 796) stand by to man their ship during a commissioning ceremony at Naval Weapons Station Earle. (Photo: U.S. Navy MCC Joshua Karsten) |
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USS New Jersey Commissioned at Earle
On Saturday, September 14th, Governor Philip D. Murphy represented the State of New Jersey at the commissioning of the USS New Jersey, the U.S. Navy’s newest fast-attack submarine. Held at Earle Naval Weapons Station, the ceremony culminated a years-long process for commissioning the third Navy ship named after the state of New Jersey, the most recent being the decorated Battleship New Jersey which saw action during WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
New Jersey’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Steve Halle, called the event “a truly historic moment” during his remarks and thanked the Governor, distinguished guests, shipbuilders, and the many organizations that supported the effort.
“To the crew, the plank owners, this ceremony is about you,” continued Halle. “You operate the most complex platform on the planet and you continuously strive for excellence. I’m amazed and humbled at what we have accomplished.”
“Our superior professionalism is enhanced by our crew integration and our diversity,” Halle said of the first mixed gender crew on a fast-attack submarine. “We have exceeded expectations at every turn and overcome every obstacle set before us.”
The submarine is 377 feet long, has a 34-foot beam and is able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots. New Jersey has a crew of nearly 135 Navy personnel. |
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 | Col. Yvonne L. Mays, Acting Adjutant General, and Assemblywoman Carol Murphy present Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dutko with a legislative proclamation. |
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108th Wing Dedicates Building in Honor of Brigadier General (Ret.) Robert S. Dutko
Tech. Sgt Anna-kay Ellis | NJANG | September 16, 2024
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ - A ceremony was held at the 108th Wing on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ, September 14, 2024, to dedicate the Mission Generation Complex in honor of Brigadier General (Ret.) Robert S. Dutko Sr. The dedication ceremony commemorated Dutko's distinguished service and enduring legacy within the 108th Wing and the New Jersey Air National Guard.
The event was attended by state and community leaders, veterans, military retirees, family members, and Airmen from the 108th Wing, all of whom gathered to celebrate the official renaming of building 3369. The newly dedicated facility will continue to serve as the central hub for the 108th Logistics and Readiness Squadron. Read Full Story |
|  | 44th IBCT
44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Soldiers assigned to Task Force Redleg, supporting members of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, conduct a live-fire exercise utilizing the M119 howitzer at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, to maintain proficiency and readiness. |
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 | 44th IBCT
44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Soldiers from Task Forces Elkhound, Wolverine, and Pegasus assigned to Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, performed a combined arms live fire exercise (CALFEX) in eastern Syria on September 9, 2024. Units must demonstrate and maintain their readiness to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. |
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 | 2-113th Infantry Regiment
44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Soldiers assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment, members of Combined Joined Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, participated in a night training exercise to maintain unit readiness and proficiency at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. Training exercises like these ensure Soldiers are always efficient in their tasks. |
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Join Our Team |
100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses | GI Bill
Student Loan Repayment |
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(Pictured l-to-r) Chuck Robbins, Ellen Schaffer, Mike Schaffer, Joe Nyzio. Photo courtesy of Michael Smith - American Legion Dept. of New Jersey. |
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State Medal Ceremony On September 21, 2024, DMAVA presented the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and the NJ POW-MIA Medal (Posthumously) to Ellen Schaffer, Niece of Army Air Corps Technical Sergeant Andrew Hodulik of Clinton, NJ.
Hodulik was part of a crew of 10 that was declared “Missing In Action” as their B-17 Flying Fortress disappeared into the North Sea while on a Bombing Mission to Duren, Germany on October 17, 1943.
The presentation was made at the NJ Sons of The American Legion “POW-MIA Watchfire” held annually to remember New Jersey’s and our Nation’s Missing from all Wars. DMAVA’s Chuck Robbins and Joe Nyzio made the presentation. |
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 | State Medal Ceremony
The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs held a state medal ceremony at the John W. Lupo American Legion Post #306 in Middlesex, NJ on September 20, 2024. View Images |
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Get Connected to Resources & Services | The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has partnered with Unite Us to connect individuals and families to a wide variety of services and resources.
Unite Us is a coordinated care referral network of health and social service providers. Unite Us can connect our New Jersey military and veteran community to resources to obtain benefits, food assistance, housing, education, transportation, behavioral health services, peer support and more. |
| Learn More & Request Assistance |
| Veteran Service Providers |
Do you provide services to Veterans? We would like to get you enrolled in this new online referral network, Unite NJ Veterans. This digital platform connects Veterans to the resources around them quickly. Learn more and enroll. |
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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 ArchivesDMAVA’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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 | VA expands online notice availability for VeteransVA News | September 23, 2024
Veterans can now access key VA letters and notices online, including documents outlining the evidence needed to support disability claims, through VA.gov.
VA has recently expanded the types of documents available online, adding more letters that help Veterans understand the evidence required for their claims. This update includes notices and follow-up development letters, which explain the type of evidence needed and how it can support a claim.
Read Full News Feature |
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 | Agent Orange Newsletter
The 2024 issue of the Agent Orange Newsletter, an annual newsletter for Vietnam Veterans and their families, is now online at Agent Orange Newsletter. |
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 | 3 Tips for VA Disability Claims
In this episode of theSITREP, the host covers three tips to consider when submitting a claim for VA disability. theSITREP Podcast |
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Senior Airman Jenna PagnottaFor the month of September, the 108th Wing is proud to feature SrA Jenna Pagnotta.
Pagnotta has found a unique way to support her fellow service members by bringing her certified therapy dog, Tilly, to work, boosting morale and providing much-needed mental health support.
"Mental health support has always been important to me, and it's great that I can help make someone's day better. Tilly takes the monotony out of the work week and gives people an excuse to step away from their desks, have light-hearted conversations, and interact with a dog who's always happy to see them." |
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 | Dr. Samuel L. Hayes Jr.
With twenty-five years of military service in the United States Air Force, Dr. Samuel L. Hayes Jr. serves as program manager for New Jersey's "Governor's Challenge to Prevent Suicides among Service Members, Veterans & Their Families" within the Division of Veterans Services Division. He directs efforts to prevent suicide among service members, veterans, and their families, implementing strategies to identify at-risk individuals, build community connections, and promote safety measures like lethal means safety.
Under the auspices of the Governors Challenge, Dr. Hayes coordinated the 2023-2024 successful Mental Health First Aid trainings that occurred twice in each of New Jersey’s twenty-one counties. He also supports the day to day work of the "Unite NJ Veterans" digital platform, which streamlines access to critical resources such as benefits, housing, and mental health services.
His career includes over a decade working with at-risk youth at the New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe Academy, where he rose to the position of Academy Director, helping guide young people toward success.
Dr. Hayes remains deeply committed to supporting veterans and their families through proactive and compassionate leadership. |
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World War II veteran honored during surprise ceremony in Cherry HillCaroline Goggin | 6abc | September 24, 2024
CHERRY HILL, New Jersey (WPVI) - A local hero from South Jersey was given a well-deserved, overdue recognition on Tuesday night.
Surrounded by his family, 97-year-old William Gerald Schumacher, who served in World War II, was honored in Cherry Hill.
"He deserves it. In our hearts, he deserves it," Schumacher's daughter, Trish DeSalvo, said. "We could not be more proud of him."
Born and raised in Delair, New Jersey, Schumacher enlisted in the Navy at 17 years old. He served in World War II from August 1944 to June 1946.
Watch Video Story |
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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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Chestnut Neck Monument |
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September 27, 1944 | Nelson L. Dimick from Boonton, NJ assigned to the US Army Air Corps. Shot down and captured during the Kassel Mission Raid on this date. Held in Stalag Luft 1, Barth, Germany. |
October 2, 1779 | General George Washington ordered that the uniform coats of the New Jersey Continental Line regiments be dark blue, with buff colored facings. | October 6, 1778
| A British force under Colonel Patrick Ferguson entered the Mullica River and attacked the “nest of Rebel Pirates” at Chestnut Neck. The local militia retreated in face of the 800-man British force and Ferguson burned thirty ships, many of them privateer prizes, looted the town and set the fort afire before withdrawing. |
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October 6, 1911 | The General Lafayette Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution erected a fifty-foot monument topped by a figure of a Minute Man to commemorate the “battle” of Chestnut Neck. |
October 8, 1778 |
The Pulaski Legion, a Continental Army outfit, arrived at Little Egg Harbor to counter Colonel Patrick Ferguson’s expedition. The Legion, a combined arms infantry/cavalry unit, camped on a farm near the Quaker settlement of Middle of the Shore (today’s Tuckerton). Lieutenant Juliat (who had previously deserted from the British) deserted from the Legion and informed Ferguson, who was still in the area, of the unit’s location and the British commander launched a surprise night bayonet attack on October 15, killing between thirty and fifty men. |
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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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