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Col. Yvonne L. Mays, Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, addressed the New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee during her nomination hearing at the State House in Trenton, NJ, October 28, 2024. |
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Yvonne L. Mays Confirmed as Adjutant General and Commissioner of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs |
On Monday, October 28, 2024, the New Jersey Senate unanimously confirmed Colonel Yvonne L. Mays as the Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA).
“Colonel Mays' depth of experience over 40 years in service to our state and nation, and her firsthand knowledge of the day-to-day operations of the New Jersey National Guard and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, make her an exceptional candidate for this position. I am confident that she will continue to support our efforts to serve our Garden State heroes,” said Governor Phil Murphy.
“This is a time of transformation for the New Jersey National Guard and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and we are ready to meet the challenge,” said Colonel Mays. “Together, we will continue the critical work of defending our state and nation and supporting Garden State heroes through robust state-delivered veterans benefits, programs, and services.”
Colonel Mays enlisted in the Air Force in 1983, beginning a long, decorated career in the armed forces. Prior to commissioning, while on active duty, Colonel Mays participated in numerous operations, including Operation Just Cause, and deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, she provided active duty support to Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom.
Colonel Mays most recently served as the Deputy Adjutant General of New Jersey, the Assistant Adjutant General, and Chief of Staff of the New Jersey Air National Guard. As Deputy Adjutant General, she acted as the principal advisor to the Adjutant General and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs on all matters concerning military readiness, mobilizations, homeland security, defense support to civil authorities, human resources, logistics, training, and financial management. As Assistant Adjutant General of the New Jersey Air National Guard, she commanded two flying wings performing fighter and air refueling missions, as well as oversaw the development and training of over 2,400 Airmen.
As the 34th Adjutant General of New Jersey, Colonel Mays will be the first Black woman, second woman, and the third Air Force officer to lead the New Jersey National Guard since the passage of the Militia Act by the first New Jersey General Assembly in 1668.
She resides in Lumberton Township in Burlington County.
Images from the nomination hearing can be viewed at DMAVA Flickr. |
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 | Colonel Yvonne L. Mays
The Adjutant General of New Jersey
Cordially invites you to attend the
Annual Veterans Day Observance
on Monday, the 11th of November 2024 at 11:00 am
at the
New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial
1 Memorial Lane
Holmdel, New Jersey 07733
Military: Dress 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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Veterans Day DiscountsFrom free meals to big discounts on shopping trips and favorite items, military Veterans Day discounts are a November favorite. But with thousands of Veterans Day discounts to choose from, how do you find the best ones?
Military.com has compiled a list of 2024 Veterans Day Deals, Discounts and Freebies on restaurants, goods, services and events. Visit often as the list is updated frequently! |
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Recruiting and Retention BattalionStaff Sergeant Tyler Frazier (center) was awarded the 2024 Director's 54 Award as the top recruiter for the New Jersey Army National Guard for FY24.
Congratulations, Staff Sergeant! |
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1-150th Aviation RegimentFirefighters at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst teamed up with The New Jersey National Guard's 1-150th Aviation Regiment for a training exercise.
They successfully dropped several Bambi buckets of water onto a contained fire, ensuring the community remains safe while providing exceptional emergency response. Our warfighters showcased the spirit of JBMDL’s interoperability! |
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 | 177th Fighter Wing
U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 177th Fighter Wing, NJ Air National Guard, follows a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, assigned to the 171st Air Refueling Wing, Pennsylvania National Guard, to perform a routine aerial refueling mission off the coast of Atlantic City.
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3-112th Field Artillery Regiment
Soldiers assigned to 2nd Platoon, Charlie Battery, 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, perform a live fire exercise utilizing the M777 Howitzer in Northeast Syria, October 2024. |
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Join Our Team |
100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses | GI Bill
Student Loan Repayment |
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State Medal Ceremony
U.S. Army Pfc. Anthony Sciacca of Brick, NJ was awarded the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal by DMAVA Veterans Outreach Coordinator Chuck Robbins for his service in World War II during his 100th birthday celebration at VFW Post 1838 in Manasquan, Oct. 19, 2024.
Sciacca served in the Pacific War participating in extensive combat action rebuilding American runways destroyed by the Japanese on several strategically located islands. (Photo by Janet Smith) |
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Danielle Cardoso, Ocean County VSODanielle Cardoso is the DMAVA Veterans Service Officer supporting the Veterans and family members of Ocean County.
Danielle's office is now located in the recently opened Toms River VA Clinic at 1051 Hooper Avenue.
To reach Danielle or one of her colleagues around the state, please use the contact information on our website at Veterans Service Offices. |
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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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NJ National Guard Child & Youth Program
The Child & Youth Program held their Fall Festival on October 24, 2024 at the Joint Military and Family Assistance Center in Bordentown, NJ. The truck or treat was a big success. See you next year! |
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Center for U.S. War Veterans’ Oral Histories
The National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey is the home of the Center for U.S. War Veterans’ Oral Histories. It is the Center’s mission to collect and preserve the memories of Veterans and Gold Star family members through recorded oral history interviews.
To date, the Center’s collection contains over 600 interviews of Veterans of all branches of service from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and other American military campaigns. Over 400 interviews are available online in the Oral History Archives. |
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VA delivered all-time record care and benefits to Veterans in fiscal year 2024 VA News | October 29, 2024
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced it delivered more care and more benefits to more Veterans than ever before in fiscal year 2024 - exceeding last year’s record totals.
These outcomes for the nation’s Veterans build on continued efforts by VA and the Biden-Harris Administration’s Unity Agenda to expand and improve care and benefits for those who served, much of which has been made possible by the PACT Act - the largest expansion of VA health care and benefits in generations.
VA encourages all Veterans, family members, caregivers, and survivors to learn more about VA and apply for their world-class health care and earned benefits today.
“Veterans deserve the very best from VA and our nation, and we will never settle for anything less,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “We’re honored that more Veterans are getting their earned health care and benefits from VA than ever before, but make no mistake: there is still work to do. We will continue to work each and every day to earn the trust of those we serve - and ensure that all Veterans, their families, and their survivors get the care and benefits they so rightly deserve.”
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Afghanistan War Commission seeks to engage and honor Veterans in historic research effortChris Molino | VA News | October 14, 2024
Although U.S. involvement in Afghanistan ended three years ago, questions linger for many of the estimated 800,000 military Veterans like me who served in the 20-year war effort. What went wrong? What went right? What were the key decisions that drove the outcome? And how can we do better next time? Finding answers to these questions and more is one reason I chose to serve on the Afghanistan War Commission, which is taking a hard look at the entire conflict to draw lessons for policymakers and warfighters in the future.
Congress created the Commission to undertake an independent, objective and rigorous assessment of the war, from the initial U.S. intervention following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to the withdrawal in 2021, and to develop lessons learned and policy recommendations, similar to the landmark 9/11 Commission. I am honored to be one of the 16 commissioners appointed by Congress on a bipartisan basis to lead this historic effort. Our final report is due in 2026.
Read Full Story |
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 | SrA Sara Hanniffy
Continuing a proud family tradition, Senior Airman Sara Hanniffy finds purpose and inspiration in her role at the 108th Wing. For her, being in the Air Force is more than just a career - it’s about honoring the legacy of service that runs deep in her family.
“My dad has been a huge influence throughout my entire Air Force career. He encouraged me to enlist and has guided me through the ups and downs of my enlistment. I’m extremely grateful to have him in my corner every step of the way, teaching me how to build a successful career in the Air Force.” |
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 | Lt. Col. James McCroan
Family, friends and fellow "Jersey Devils" gathered on the 177th Fighter Wing flight line on October 25, 2024 to honor U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel James "Rider" McCroan on his final flight in the F-16C Fighting Falcon.
McCroan served his country for more than 21 years, racking up an incredible 1,910 hours in the "Viper."
Congratulations, Lt. Col. McCroan, and thank you for your dedicated service as a Jersey Devil! |
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 | MSG Bryan Garnham
Soldiers from HHC, 42nd Regional Support Group, said farewell to Master Sergeant Bryan Garnham (center) during the unit's October drill weekend. MSG Garnham is retiring from the New Jersey Army National Guard after more than 40 years of military service.
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Cadet Brian Estrada
This month, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on an exceptional member of the New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe Academy, Cadet Brian Estrada, hailing from Guttenberg, NJ.
At just 17 years old, Brian has made a remarkable impact through his dedication, leadership, and commitment to the values that the NJYCA stands for. From the moment Brian joined our ranks, he has exemplified the spirit of the academy and the Eight Core Components: Academic Excellence, Coping Skills, Job Skills, Health and Hygiene, Responsible Citizenship, Service to Community, Leadership, and Physical Fitness.
Cadet Estrada is deeply engaged in the Academy’s community. He proudly serves as his platoon leader, a role that demands responsibility and leadership. In this capacity, he guides his fellow Cadets through daily activities, ensuring they remain focused and motivated. Cadet Estrada’s ability to lead by example is a testament to his character and the respect he commands among his peers.
Keep up the fantastic work, Cadet Estrada! Your dedication and spirit are truly inspiring. |
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Soldiers from the New Jersey Army National Guard’s 104th Brigade Engineer Battalion pose for a group photo before the foot march. |
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New Jersey Soldiers Complete Norwegian Foot March
Naval Support Activity Lakehurst recently hosted this year's iteration of the Norwegian Foot March, a military endurance test where participants march or run an 18.6-mile-long route while carrying a rucksack of 24 lbs.
New Jersey Army National Guard Sgt. Kristopher Piwowarczyk, Headquarters, 104th Brigade Engineer Battalion, finished in second place overall and was the first American service member to complete the road march. Sgt. Piwowarczyk’s time was 2 hours and 54 minutes.
In addition to service members from across the Department of Defense, Soldiers from the New Jersey Army National Guard’s 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Recruiting and Retention Battalion, and the Rutgers and Seton Hall University Army ROTC programs joined the Norwegian Armed Forces for this internationally recognized test of combat fitness. |
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 | Army ROTC Ranger Challenge
Cadets with the Army ROTC programs at universities across the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions competed in the 2nd Brigade Ranger Challenge Competition at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ on October 19, 2024.
The Brigade Ranger Challenge is a rigorous competition for ROTC Corps across the country. The cadets who compete in this competition train rigorously in order to best represent their school. View Images |
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Birdies for the Brave
DMAVA was well represented at the annual Birdies for the Brave charity event at TPC Jasna Polana in Princeton, NJ on October 21, 2024.
Colonel Yvonne L. Mays, Adjutant General of New Jersey, and Colonel Arthur Roscoe, Director of the Joint Staff, were guest speakers at the event. In addition, a crew of volunteers from the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey exhibited military artifacts for the attendees.
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 | Veterans recognized for their service during Camden County Medal CeremonyDouglas Shelton | Rutgers-Camden | October 17, 2024
Silence fell over the room as Marine Corps Sergeant William Mead CCAS’79 GSC’88 took the stage to perform the national anthem. Voices rose in unison as Paul Marone, retired Colonel U.S. Army Reserve and Rutgers University–Camden public affairs doctoral student, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. The words of the anthem and pledge meant something special to those gathered to honor military veterans from Rutgers–Camden.
On Wednesday, October 16, the Camden County Board of Commissioners, in partnership with Rutgers-Camden held the Camden County Medal Ceremony to recognize students, faculty, and staff who are Camden County residents and who served in the U.S. armed forces and as first responders.
Camden County Commissioner Melinda Kane served as the evening’s master of ceremonies. As a Gold Star mother, Commissioner Kane spoke about her son Jeremy, a lance corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps and a criminal justice major at Rutgers-Camden who was killed in action while deployed in Afghanistan in 2010. Read Full Story |
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Gloucester County Military Service Medal Presentation CeremonyExcerpt from Gloucester County Facebook | October 16, 2024
On September 28, 2024, Gloucester County came together at Riverwinds in West Deptford to honor 73 Veterans who have bravely served our nation.
In an emotional ceremony led by Director Frank DiMarco and Commissioner Denice DiCarlo, these heroes were presented with the prestigious Gloucester County Military Service Medal.
Since its inception in 2001, over 6,294 Gloucester County Military Service Medals have been awarded. We extend our deepest gratitude to these veterans for their valor and dedication. Their legacy lives on through their families, community, and the freedoms they fought to protect.
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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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Superstorm Sandy October 2012. |
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October 29, 2012 |
When Superstorm Sandy hit in 2012, 346,000 homes in New Jersey were damaged or destroyed. 2.7 million people were without power. New Jersey National Guard troops rescued more than 7,000 residents and their pets in the days following Sandy’s landfall, remaining on duty following the storm by assisting civil authorities with security, transportation, logistics, and reconstructing efforts. The troops also delivered more than 10,000 meals and hundreds of thousands of gallons of fuel. |
November 2, 1783 | General George Washington delivered his farewell address to the Continental Army from his headquarters at Rockingham, near Princeton. |
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November 3, 1791 |
General Arthur St. Clair’s army, including a battalion recruited in New Jersey, met disastrous defeat by Indians under the command of Chief Little Turtle near the Wabash River in Ohio. Over the course of its service, from May through November, 1791, 328 officers and men served in the New Jersey battalion. Of these, 34 deserted, 5 died of undisclosed causes, 51 were killed or went missing (presumed dead) on November 4, and 8 were wounded but escaped. |
November 11, 1918 | At 11:00 AM the World War I Armistice began, ending active combat for the National Guard soldiers of the New Jersey National Guard in the 29th Division and drafted Jerseymen in the 78th and other divisions and New Jerseyans in the USMC and Navy. |
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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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