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DMA Military Newsletter |
February 4, 2026 | |  | |
Ready to serve ★ military.nj.gov |
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Investing in Readiness, Strengthening Partnerships |
As we close out our first month as the New Jersey Department of Military Affairs, the last few weeks underscored a simple truth about our organization: readiness is built through investment in our people, partners, and infrastructure.
In late January, we marked an important milestone with the ribbon cutting of the 21st Weapons of Mass Destruction – Civil Support Team Ready Building at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
Spearheaded by Colonel Viviene McNamara and DMA’s Construction and Facilities Management team, this facility provides modern infrastructure that enhances our ability to respond rapidly to complex environments. More importantly, it gives our Soldiers and Airmen the training and coordination space necessary to operate seamlessly with partners when New Jersey needs us most.
On January 21st, we proudly welcomed home Airmen of the 177th Fighter Wing following their deployment supporting U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Their work strengthened regional stability and reinforced cooperation with allies across a critical region. Their professionalism overseas reflects the same dedication they bring when supporting missions here at home
At the same time, our engagement with international partners continued through our State Partnership Program. In late January, training with our partners from the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Cyprus, focused on fires coordination and cyber operations, strengthened readiness while building relationships in support of defense security goals.
Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Soldiers from the 328th Military Police Company deployed to Kosovo in support of Operation Joint Guardian. Working alongside multinational partners, our Soldiers help maintain regional stability while strengthening relationships that support long-term security cooperation.
These efforts share a common purpose: ensuring our organization remands prepared, modern, and capable wherever we are called to serve.
Whether responding to emergencies in New Jersey, supporting federal missions abroad, or training alongside partners, our people continue to demonstrate the professionalism and discipline that define the New Jersey Department of Military Affairs. |
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As always, thank you for staying connected to DMA.
We invite you to share ideas, events and feedback. Please email our team at outreach@dma.nj.gov.
Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays
Adjutant General & Commissioner |
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Community Calendar |
New events are added to the calendar on a daily basis so please bookmark and check back often. |
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The End of Segregation in NJLetter from Kenneth C. Royall, Secretary of the Army, sent to New Jersey Governor Alfred E. Driscoll on February 7, 1948, authorizing racially mixed units in the New Jersey Army National Guard. This made the New Jersey National Guard the first federally recognized military component to be integrated. |
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BG Arthur C. RoscoeThe Adjutant General announced that, effective February 1, 2026, Brigadier General Arthur C. Roscoe assumed responsibility as the Assistant Adjutant General - Army and the Deputy Adjutant General of New Jersey.
BG Roscoe is the principal advisor to The Adjutant General on all matters concerning military readiness, mobilizations, homeland security, defense support to civil authorities, human resources, logistics, training, and financial management. |
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DMA Month in Review Video |
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 | 177th Fighter Wing
On January 21, 2026, Airmen from the 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, returned home from a three-month deployment overseas.
The 177th Fighter Wing’s F-16 deployment to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, projected combat-ready airpower to deter aggression and ensure stability, affirming the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
“The deployment was a great success,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eric Emerson, 119th Fighter Squadron commander. “Maintenance did a great job keeping the jets mission capable. We were doing reconfigures for higher headquarters’ missions multiple times and they crushed it. It was awesome.”
Welcome back Jersey Devils! |
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3-112th Field ArtillerySoldiers with A Battery, 3-112th Field Artillery, New Jersey Army National Guard, fire M119A3 howitzers for the 19-gun salute during the inauguration ceremony for New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill at Military Park in Newark, NJ on January 20, 2026.
In addition, Soldiers and Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard Honor Guard presented the colors at the beginning of the ceremony and UH-60M Black Hawks with 1st Battalion, 150th Assault Helicopter Regiment, performed a flyover at the conclusion of the inauguration.
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 | 21st WMD-CST
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the 21st Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Team Ready Building at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ on January 21, 2026.
The facility includes a temperature-controlled environment and continuous electrical power source for vehicles that contain hypersensitive instruments, as well as storage requirements for temperature sensitive personal protective and decontamination equipment supplies sufficient to sustain a 72-hour response to a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incident.
The $6.5 million, 12,400-square-foot state-of-the-art facility will support the Soldiers and Airmen of the 21st WMD-CST and their 24/7/365 mission. View Images |
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State Partnership Program
Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, trained Albanian Armed Forces’ soldiers on the Call For Fire Tactical Combat Trainer at the Joint Training and Training Development Center at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ on January 29, 2026.
The State Partnership Program is administered by the National Guard Bureau that links a state's National Guard with the armed forces of a partner country in order to build long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships with U.S. partners around the world.
The New Jersey National Guard’s partnership with the Republic of Albania, began informally in 1995 and officially became part of the National Guard State Partnership Program on September 21, 2001. It is one of the oldest SPP relationships in the nation.
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SGT Denise Gonzalez
Sergeant Denise Gonzalez joined the military in June 2018 after graduating from Ridgefield Park Jr./Sr. High School. Looking to continue her education, she joined the New Jersey Army National Guard for the college tuition benefits, which she used to obtain her degree in business administration from William Paterson University.
Currently, SGT Gonzalez is on her second deployment to the U.S. CENTCOM area of responsibility assigned to Task Force Integrator at Erbil, Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. She previously deployed in 2020-2021 with the 42nd Regional Support Group, also in support of OIR at Al Asad Air Base.
She is the S1 section non-commissioned officer in charge and is responsible for the supervision of the HR staff, processing evaluations and awards, and maintaining accurate records and accountability of personnel.
SGT Gonzalez says the best part of her job is interacting with her team and how she has learned to be a leader. |
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SGT Felipe DeSouzaSergeant Felipe DeSouza immigrated to the United States in 2015 and has been building his life here ever since. He is originally from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and currently lives in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, where he proudly serves as a volunteer firefighter.
He joined the New Jersey Army National Guard in July 2019, initially enlisting as an 88M, motor transport operator and later reclassed to 25B, information technology specialist. “I joined the military as a way to show appreciation to this country for the opportunities it gave me as an immigrant,” said DeSouza, “that decision has shaped my professional and personal growth.”
DeSouza is currently deployed to the U.S. CENTCOM area of responsibility in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. As the facility management noncommissioned officer in charge of Task Force Integrator, DeSouza is responsible for ensuring that work orders are executed properly and completed. In addition, he is responsible for ensuring that visitors’ access request is also processed timely and accurately.
“The best part of my job is getting to interact with people from all over the world, learning from different cultures and perspectives,” said DeSouza, “during this deployment, I’ve learned how to multitask efficiently, take on responsibilities I had never worked with before, and apply those skills to automation and operational improvements.”
Having already completed college at Colegio Cotemig in Brazil, DeSouza is now pursuing a computer information systems degree from Thomas Edison State University. His long-term goal is to make a career out of the military and possibly become a warrant officer in the future. |
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 | Lieutenant Colonel Promotions
Lieutenant Colonels Bethanie Schultz and Carl Wydrzynski, a married couple serving in the New Jersey Army National Guard, shared a rare milestone as they were promoted to lieutenant colonel during a joint ceremony recognizing their leadership and dedication to service.
Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow Soldiers, the moment reflected years of commitment to both the mission and each other, reinforced by the pride of a formation that values its people and its purpose.
Their simultaneous pinning highlighted the New Jersey National Guard’s lasting commitment to being more than a team; it is a family that stands together through deployments, professional growth, and life’s most important moments.
Advancing together, Schultz and Wydrzynski continue their service as field grade officers, carrying forward a shared legacy of leadership shaped by teamwork, sacrifice, and the strength of a community that has stood beside them throughout their careers. View Images
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NJ Youth ChalleNGe AcademyNJ Youth ChalleNGe Academy Class 61 Candidates officially became Cadets during their Acclimation Graduation on February 2, 2026.
The first two weeks are what most Cadets would say is the hardest part of the 22-week NJ Youth ChalleNGe Academy.
Congratulations on reaching this moment of excellence! |
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U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. (Ret.) Mark OlsenU.S. Air Force retired Master Sgt. Mark Olsen joined the New Jersey Department of Military Affairs (formerly DMAVA) in March 1999.
He brings decades of military experience and a commitment to documenting the New Jersey National Guard's mission.
Olsen’s military career began in 1982 when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. He served as a public affairs officer with Air Force Logistics Command for four years at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
After an 11-year break, Olsen joined the 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, as a public affairs noncommissioned officer in 1997.
In 2012, he was assigned to the 108th Wing public affairs’ office. That same year in November, he was recognized as the Journalist of the Month by the Defense Video & Imagery System for his coverage of the New Jersey National Guard’s response to Hurricane Sandy.
In 2017, Olsen transferred to the 514th Air Mobility Wing, Air Force Reserve Command, where he continued supporting mission readiness through visual storytelling capturing moments through a lens. While he was with the 514th, he wrote a Profile in Leadership, one of 16 featured in the Pentagon, highlighting Air Force Reserve Command’s contribution to the Air Force mission.
He retired on his 60th birthday in 2018. During his more than 25 years of service, Olsen served in the active-duty Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve.
Olsen continues his service with the Department of Military Affairs because of his strong belief in the importance of preserving military history and amplifying the stories of service members whose work often goes unseen.
His dedication reflects the New Jersey Department of Military Affairs’ commitment to service, excellence, and readiness. For Olsen, sharing the story of New Jersey’s Soldiers and Airmen is more than a job; it’s a calling that connects him to something greater than himself. |
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Lawmakers look to codify NJ veteran homelessness initiativeJim Vasil | PIX11 News | February 2, 2026
UNION, N.J. (PIX11) — Once an Army combat medic, Frank “Doc” Schupp does all he can for New Jersey’s veterans.
Years ago, it was he who needed the help, while homeless and living with PTSD.
“Life was scary,” said Schupp. “You never knew what was going to happen next.”
For an entire year, he lived what he describes as couch surfing.
“It’s confusing,” said Schupp. “You’re not sure what programs are going to be helping you out. Sometimes you reach out to some programs, and they won’t reach back. Then you’ll have some programs that will try their best, but they just don’t have the ability to be able to help.”
Today, as part of New Jersey Veterans Network, he helps dozens of other vets a month who’ve been in his shoes. Like other vets, he’s hoping to see one state program continue its mission to end veteran homelessness.
“It will be a lot easier for veterans to come through and say, ‘hey, this is a thing, I need help, please help me,'” said Schupp.
An initiative was launched by the Murphy administration in 2024 called Bringing Veterans Home.
Its purpose is create rapid access to housing with the goal of effectively ending veteran homelessness.
Read and Watch Full Story |
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 | Carrier John F. Kennedy Gets Underway for First Time Ahead of Builder’s Trials
Mallory Shelbourne | USNI News | January 28, 2026
The future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), the Navy’s second Ford-class aircraft carrier, went to sea for the first time on Wednesday.
John F. Kennedy left Newport News, Va., for builder’s trials.
“John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) departed HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division today to undergo builder’s sea trials,” HII spokesman Todd Corillo told USNI News in a statement. “These trials will test important ship systems and components at sea for the first time.”
Builder’s trials happen after a vessel finishes construction, but before the shipbuilder delivers it to the Navy. The trials allow the company to test the ship and its systems before delivery.
JFK is set to deliver to the Navy in March 2027 after facing numerous delays over the years while under construction at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding. Read Full Story |
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Master Sergeant Fred William Zabitosky |
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February 8, 1862 |
The Ninth New Jersey Infantry became the first New Jersey unit engaged in a full scale battle in the Civil War. At Roanoke Island, North Carolina, the regiment charged through a swamp, gaining the nickname “Jersey Muskrats.” The Muskrats lost nine men killed and twenty-five wounded in the fight. Among the dead was Captain Joseph Henry, the first New Jersey officer killed in action in the Civil War. |
February 8, 1840 |
Cornelia Hancock, known as the “Florence Nightingale of America,” was born at Hancock’s Bridge. In 1863, Hancock traveled to Gettysburg in the aftermath of the battle as a volunteer nurse and served through the remainder of the Civil War. After the war she taught freed slaves at Mount Pleasant, South Carolina and served as a pioneering social worker in Philadelphia. Hancock lived a long, fruitful and socially useful life before dying in Atlantic City on December 31, 1927. Her wartime letters were published in book form and are an important Civil War source. |
February 12, 1948 |
Under orders from Governor Alfred E. Driscoll, the New Jersey adjutant general’s office published General Order No. 4, specifying that “no qualified person shall be denied any military rights, nor be discriminated against in exercise of any military rights, nor be segregated in the militia because of religious principles, race, color, ancestry or national origin,” officially desegregating the state’s National Guard, despite opposition from the United States Department of War. New Jersey was the first state to desegregate its National Guard. |
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February 14, 1934 |
Charles F. Hopkins, the last surviving New Jersey Civil War Medal of Honor recipient, died in Boonton. Hopkins was awarded the medal for carrying a wounded comrade off the battlefield at Gaines Mill, Virginia in 1862. He was buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Boonton. | February 19, 1945 |
Marine Sergeant John Basilone of Raritan, awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism on Guadalcanal in 1942, personally destroyed a Japanese strong point on Iwo Jima, using hand grenades and other explosives. Shortly afterward, while guiding a tank out of harm’s way, he was killed in action. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the Marine Corps’ second highest decoration. He was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2011. |
February 19, 1968 | U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Fred Zabitosky of Trenton, although wounded himself, rescued a pilot whose helicopter had crashed and who was pinned down under heavy fire on a mission in Laos. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism. |
February 20, 1864 |
A number of African-American New Jerseyans fought in the ranks of the Eighth United States Colored Infantry regiment at the battle of Olustee, Florida. Jerseymen killed at Olustee included Charles Anin, Jacob Hall, Henry Harris, Levi Scruby, Joseph Thompson, William H. Trimble, George Willett and Benjamin Wooley. Israel Cox of Trenton and John W. Adams of Salem County were badly wounded. Cox died in the hospital and Adams was finally discharged in November, 1865. |
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National Guard Militia Museum of New JerseyTake a look at two of the proposed museum logo designs versus the final product we have today. Visit the museum website at njmilitiamuseum.gov. |
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Paris Peace Accords SignedOn January 27, 1973, the “Agreement on Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Vietnam,” otherwise known the Paris Peace Accords, is signed by the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the Republic of Vietnam, the Provisional Revolutionary Government (Viet Cong), and the United States.
Among other stipulations, the agreement established a ceasefire, a 60-day period for withdrawal of all American and other foreign troops, and the return of U.S. civilian and military personnel held prisoner by Communist forces. The accords officially end direct U.S. military involvement in Vietnam.
The next day, President Nixon uses an executive order to end the draft and inaugurate an all-volunteer military.
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 | Super Bowl XLVIII
On Super Bowl Sunday in 2014, the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks had one thing on their minds: winning the NFL Championship.
At key locations across the state, New Jersey National Guardsmen stood ready with something else on their mind: the safety and security of the more than 90,000 people at Metlife Stadium, there to watch Super Bowl XLVIII. |
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We Are Hiring!At the New Jersey Department of Military Affairs we take our work in support of Servicemembers and their families very seriously. The Department provides valuable services and can offer rewarding career opportunities to members of the public.
In addition, we have job openings for members of our military to serve in AGR and Federal Technician roles.
Subscribe to the MilVets 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, please visit our website at military.nj.gov to get contact information. |
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Please email us at outreach@dma.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. |
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Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
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