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Veterans Day |
On Monday, the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs had the distinct honor of hosting our state’s observance of Veterans Day at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel. We did so together with elected officials, community leaders, and most importantly, veterans and veteran spouses from across the Garden State. Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, in her capacity as acting governor, presided over what I found to be a ceremony of joy and celebration of the contributions made by the over 300,000 veterans who call New Jersey home.
Many of us who wear or have worn a uniform are familiar with the phrase, “Thank you for your service.” Often, kind folks will stop a service member in a grocery store to express their gratitude for those who protect the United States. When it happens to me, it’s important to reply to them with a thank you for caring enough to say so. After four decades in the Air Force, I also know that we owe it to each and every person who has served to turn those words of thanks into action.
On Veterans Day, Lieutenant Governor Way announced the launch of Bringing Veterans Home, the State of New Jersey’s expansion of housing services to bring veteran homelessness to functional zero by July 1, 2026. Led by the Department of Community Affairs and supported by DMAVA, we will surge the availability of emergency, short term, and permanent housing vouchers for unhoused veterans and their families. This expansion will be coupled with street outreach and case management services to ensure that once we identify those in need, we support them for the long haul.
This is a bold and ambitious effort. Success will require the support of readers like you. In the days ahead, watch this space for additional information on Bringing Veterans Home and how the wider community can help as we seek to put a roof over the head of every veteran who needs one. |
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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
Adjutant General & Commissioner |
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The pleasure of your company is requested at the ceremony honoring
Colonel Yvonne L. Mays
The Adjutant General of New Jersey
on the occasion of her promotion to the rank of
Brigadier General
on Monday, the twenty-fifth of November two thousand and twenty-four
at eleven o'clock in the morning
Lawrenceville Armory
151 Eggert Crossing Road Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Military: Uniform of the Day
Civilian: Business Casual |
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DMAVA Calendar |
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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Governor Murphy Leads Veterans Day Commemoration in the UKOn Monday, Governor Phil Murphy led fellow Americans and British allies in a Veterans Day observance at the Cambridge American Cemetery during his trade mission to the United Kingdom.
The cemetery is home to 3,811 Americans killed in action in World War II.
The Governor and First Lady Tammy Murphy laid a wreath at the grave of Private First Class Elmer Shinn, 22nd Infantry Regiment. PFC Shinn was a native of Monmouth County. |
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 | Acting Governor Tahesha Way Announces Launch of Bringing Veterans Home Initiative
News Release | November 11, 2024
HOLMDEL – Acting Governor Tahesha Way today announced the launch of Bringing Veterans Home (BVH), an initiative led by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA). Acting Governor Way made the announcement during the State Veterans’ Day Ceremony at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Museum in Holmdel.
More than $30 million in State and federal funds has been committed to fund services and interventions over a two-year period to help place more than 1,000 homeless veterans in New Jersey in stable housing. This is the first time veteran service organizations in New Jersey will formally partner with the State in the fight against unsheltered veteran homelessness. This effort will be led by DCA’s Office of Homelessness Prevention via a dedicated data and project management team in partnership with DMAVA.
Read Full News Release |
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State Veterans Day CeremonyThe State Veterans Day ceremony was held at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial at Holmdel, NJ on November 11, 2024.
Veterans Day celebrates and honors America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
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 | We Value Our Veterans Awards
The Veterans Day ceremony at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Holmdel was the perfect venue to present the prestigious New Jersey's Governor “We Value Our Veterans” Awards for 2024.
Award recipients for 2024 are:
- Community Award: Wildwood Crest and Secaucus
- Employer Award: Cooper University Healthcare and Quecon, Inc.
Each awardee received a certificate signed by New Jersey Governor Philip Murphy.
The “We Value Our Veterans” Award provides employers, counties, municipalities, and academia the opportunity to value and honor the sacrifices, patriotism and bravery displayed by our men and women who have worn the military uniform. The award program requires participants to accomplish multiple Veteran friendly tasks to be eligible to receive this award.
We welcome all New Jersey municipalities, counties, employers and academia to apply for this prestigious award by visiting our website at We Value Our Veterans.
Images of the award ceremony can be found at DMAVA Flickr. |
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1-102nd Cavalry Regiment
Soldiers assigned to 1-102nd Cavalry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, train alongside members from 1st Company, Syrian Free Army to conduct a training exercise near Al-Tanf Garrison, Syria. |
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3-112th Field Artillery Regiment
Army Soldiers assigned to Charlie Battery, 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery Regiment, and 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry 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 16, 2024. |
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 | Operation Pegasus Dawn
The 177th Fighter Wing Jersey Devils recently deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy, for Operation Pegasus Dawn, an Agile Combat Employment training mission with the purpose of assisting the 108th Wing transition from KC-135 refueler aircraft to the more advanced KC-46 Pegasus model.
119th Fighter Squadron pilots conducted daily flight missions, playing a vital role in preparing the Air Force for the future of air refueling and proving the New Jersey Air National Guard's ability to operate anywhere in the world!
Great job to all NJANG teams for getting some valuable ACE training; and thank you Aviano Air Base for hosting. |
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 | 63rd Army Band
The NJ National Guard's 63rd Army Band performed at the Rutgers Football Military Appreciation Game on November 9, 2024. |
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Join Our Team | 100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses | GI Bill
Student Loan Repayment |
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DCVA Vincent Solomeno speaking before the Neptune Township Veterans Memorial Park anniversary luncheon on November 10, 2024. |
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DCVA Begins 21 County Veterans Tour
Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Vincent Solomeno is on the road in the month of November for a veterans tour, a series of stops highlighting New Jersey’s 21 counties and raising awareness about state delivered veterans benefits, programs, and services. Solomeno’s road trip will focus on Bringing Veterans Home, the State of New Jersey’s recently announced effort to effectively end veteran homelessness in the Garden State.
Solomeno has made stops in Cumberland, Middlesex, Essex, Monmouth, Union, Salem, and Mercer Counties and will continue his visits throughout the month.
“From High Point to Cape May, New Jersey is investing more, doing more, and achieving more on behalf of our veterans than at any time in our history,” said Deputy Commissioner Solomeno. “This tour is about listening to comrades and taking their thoughts and concerns back to Trenton so that we remain laser focused on driving meaningful change for our community. This is also an opportunity for me to learn about the countless acts of leadership, service, and generosity done by veterans at the local level. This is a beautiful state with incredible people. I am seeing that we have so much to be thankful for.” |
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DeAndre Gurley, DMAVA Essex County Veterans Service Officer, Councilmember At Large Rev. Louise Scott-Rountree, DCVA Vincent Solomeno, and veterans advocates Jana Williams and Julio Aponte cut the ribbon on the new VSO at Newark City Hall. |
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DMAVA and City of Newark Open Veterans Service Office
On Friday, November 8, 2024, DMAVA and the City of Newark formally opened a shared Veterans Service Office located at Newark City Hall. This dedicated point of entry for veterans of New Jersey’s largest city will provide access to local, state, and federal benefits, programs, and services.
Staffed by trained and accredited State of New Jersey veterans service officers, this dedicated space is the result of DMAVA’s focus on ensuring that points of entry are accessible to residents of rural areas and urban centers. Earlier this year, DMAVA completed Governor Murphy’s expansion of veteran service offices to every county. This new location compliments the work of the state’s existing Essex County office. |
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 | Menlo Park Celebrates Veterans Day
Residents of the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park welcomed families, members of the community, and local officials to their November 7, 2024 Veterans Day ceremony.
The Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Color Guard presented the colors before the start of the event. Cheerleaders from St. John Vianney High School performed the National Anthem and led a rousing rendition of “God Bless America.”
As part of his 21 County Veterans Tour, Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Vincent Solomeno served as the keynote speaker and thanked the veterans and veteran spouses for their service to the United States.
Volunteers from Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) presented a donation of $13,000 to support resident recreation activities. Since it was established in 1942, BVL has supported America’s heroes with over $57 million raised to support recreation therapy programs at veterans’ hospitals, clinics and community-based counseling centers. View Images |
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State Medal Ceremony
Left to right, retired New Jersey Army National Guard Col. Mark A. Preston; retired NJ Army National Guard 1st Sgt. Kryn P. Westhoven; Air Force Col. Yvonne L. Mays, The Adjutant General of New Jersey; and retired NJ Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Tamika S. Covington have their photo taken after the New Jersey State Medal Ceremony at the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in Lawrenceville, NJ on November 4, 2024.
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 | State Medal Ceremony
On Veterans Day, DMAVA Director of Veterans Services, Esther Chucaralao, presented both the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Vietnam Service Medal posthumously to John W. Lupo, namesake of “John W. Lupo Memorial American Legion Post 306" in Middlesex, NJ.
Accepting the award was Lupo’s brother Raymond Lupo and his wife Debbie. Following the presentation, Post 306 unveiled a “Wall of Honor” that depicts Lupo’s life and military service.
John W. Lupu was killed in action on September 25, 1969 in Province of Tay Ninh, Vietnam. |
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Jason Newman, Camden VSOJason Newman is the DMAVA Veterans Service Officer (VSO) working in our office in Camden, NJ.
To contact Jason or one of his colleagues around the state, please visit 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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 | 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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Morris County Honors Veterans Day 2024morriscountynj.gov | November 7, 2024
Veterans, dignitaries, family members, and friends gathered last night at Morris County’s Annual Veterans Day Observance Ceremony, where the Board of County Commissioners presented Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medals to 11 local heroes, who were also honored by state and federal officials. Full Story with Images |
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 | Salem County Medal Ceremony
November 7, 2024 was a truly inspiring evening at the Salem County Veterans Military Service Medal Ceremony, where we celebrated the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of our Veterans with gratitude and respect. Heartwarming to present medals to our Veterans who were surrounded by their loved ones.
Image and caption courtesy Salem County Veterans Services. |
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 | NJ Department of Corrections
The New Jersey Department of Corrections’ Military Service Liaison Committee (MSLC) hosted a military service appreciation event to honor those in our department who serve or have served in the United States Military.
The event also provided valuable resources for veterans and their loved ones.
This year’s event featured remarks by NJDOC Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn, Esq.; Major General Edward J. Chrystal, Jr., Army National Guard; and Sgt. Justin Seguine.
Congratulations to Antoinette Minors-Ferguson and Kevin Harkins, co-chairs of MSLC, who received Recognition Awards for their contributions and commitment to the MSLC and the NJDOC!
Image and caption courtesy NJDOC. |
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 | VA proposes to eliminate copays for telehealth, expand access to telehealth for rural VeteransVA News | November 11, 2024
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it is proposing to eliminate copayments for all VA telehealth services and establish a grant program to fund designated VA telehealth access points in non-VA facilities, with a focus on rural and medically underserved communities.
These proposed changes would advance VA and the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing efforts to lower costs and expand access to care for all those who served. The proposed grant program, called Accessing Telehealth through Local Area Stations (ATLAS), would provide funding to organizations - including nonprofits and private businesses - to offer Veterans comfortable, private spaces equipped with high-speed internet access and the technology to meet with VA providers remotely. Grants would also provide designated funding to train on-site personnel to support the program.
Read Full Release |
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Last FormationU.S. Army Brig. Gen. L. Mike LaPoint, Deputy Adjutant General, and Command Sgt. Maj. Johnathan Hicks, held a Last Formation ceremony at the Bordentown Armory on November 2, 2024.
The Last Formation ceremony recognizes Soldiers and their families who are departing or starting a much-deserved retirement from military service. View Images |
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 | SSG Daney Reyes
Staff Sergeant Daney Reyes from Alpha Battery, 3-112th Field Artillery Regiment, was presented with an Army Achievement Medal by Lieutenant Colonel David Eckenrode and Command Sergeant Major Angel Rosario in front of her battery leadership and Soldiers.
SSG Reyes stood above her peers from across the battalion and won the NCO of the Quarter Board held in October 2024. |
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Rutgers Medical Student Serves Her Country in the New Jersey Army National GuardSherrie Negrea | Rutgers.edu | November 8, 2024
As a medical services officer with the New Jersey Army National Guard, 1st Lt. Rachel Cary is focused on maintaining the medical readiness of more than 7,000 soldiers.
Her work at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, N.J., while attending Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School combines the two passions in her life: military service and medicine.
“In order for soldiers to be activated for a mission, they have to be medically fit to serve,” Cary says. “Our job at Medical Command is to ensure our force is physically and mentally prepared to perform its duties.”
Cary began her assignment with the New Jersey Army National Guard when she started medical school in the summer of 2021. After graduating next spring, Cary plans to become an emergency medicine physician, which she says is needed in the military. Read Full Story |
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 | Rutgers Alumna Promoted to Brigadier General
Debbie Meyers | Rutgers Foundation | November 4, 2024
Cindy Saladin-Muhammad holds several singular distinctions.
She serves as Deputy Commanding General of the 807th Medical Command and recently was promoted to brigadier general in the U.S. Army Reserves, one of only a handful of African American females to attain that rank in the medical field of the military.
Saladin-Muhammad NCAS'91, SHP'91, her husband Sayyed Muhammad, who was in Army Special Operations, and her son Air Force Tech Sergeant Reshard Saladin have a combined 75 years of U.S. military service.
In addition, she is a Six Sigma master black belt and a resiliency coach, and has held leadership positions in an international pharmaceutical corporation.
Back at home in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, she also serves on the Rutgers University Alumni Association (RUAA) Board of Directors. Read Full Story |
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Scout JamboreeThe New Jersey Army National Guard is proud to have supported the Jersey 360 Jamboree held at the Sussex County Fairgrounds! |
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 | New Jersey aims to tackle veteran homelessness in new initiative
Jim Vasil | Pix11 | November 11, 2024
HOLMDEL, N.J. (PIX11) - Not all veterans who’ve come home from war have a place to call home.
At a Veteran’s Day ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel, Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way unveiled the State’s new mission to effectively defeat veteran homelessness called the Bringing Veterans Home Initiative.
“It is important that those who sacrificed so much for their fellow Americans never go without secure and stable shelter,” said Way.
The initiative already has $30 million in federal and state dollars earmarked in the State’s fiscal year 2025 budget. The State says it will place more than 1,000 of New Jersey’s homeless vets in stable housing over the next two years. Starting early next year, veterans experiencing homelessness can apply online, by phone, or by visiting housing providers.
The State also says it will be forming outreach teams to seek out veterans who may be living in homeless encampments, or otherwise don’t have access to a computer or transportation. Full Story with Video |
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 | Vineland High School South Building Renamed to Honor First Lt. Charles "Chickie" Asselta
Vineland Public Schools | November 5, 2024
On November 4, the Vineland community came together for a heartfelt dedication ceremony at Vineland High School, where the South Building was renamed in honor of First Lt. Charles 'Chickie' Asselta, marking it as the first high school in New Jersey to bear the name of a Vietnam veteran.
As the ceremony progressed, it was evident that First Lt. Charles "Chickie" Asselta's influence extended far and wide. The audience included relatives, friends, and fellow veterans, along with Vineland High School students, staff, and local community members. Each person in attendance had a personal connection to Asselta or had been impacted by his legacy.
A lively atmosphere filled the air outside of VHS as guests arrived. The VHS Marching Band, cheerleaders, and everyone’s favorite mascot, Rowdy Rooster, gave attendees a dose of VHS school spirit as they entered the building. In the auditorium foyer, display tables lined one wall featuring mementos of Lt. Asselta’s life and time in the military.
Read Full Story | Ceremony on YouTube |
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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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Chaplain Major Charles J. Watters |
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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. | November 16, 1776 |
A British and Hessian force stormed Fort Washington, New York, and captured 2,600 Americans. Morale on the New Jersey side of the Hudson, where soldiers watched the disaster, plummeted, and the Americans evacuated supplies inland as British raiders began to cross the river, isolating Fort Lee. | November 16, 1945 |
The United States Army Air Force returned control of Convention Hall in Atlantic City, used as a training headquarters since July, 1942, to civilian authorities. |
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November 19, 1967 |
U.S. Army Chaplain Major Charles J. Watters of Jersey City, a Seton Hall University graduate and Catholic priest, was killed by “friendly fire” when a mistakenly dropped American bomb landed on his position near Dak To, Vietnam. Watters, assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, had repeatedly risked his life retrieving wounded men under enemy fire, and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. |
November 21, 1776 |
As the main American Army under General George Washington withdrew across New Jersey, Governor William Livingston ordered his militia to rally to support Washington’s retreat and control potential Loyalist uprisings. The initial response was less than stellar, prompting some caustic comments from Washington, but British looting provided an incentive for a militia revival as December dawned. |
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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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