|
DMA Military Newsletter | April 15, 2026 |
|
|  |
| Ready to serve ★ military.nj.gov |
|
| |
 | Brig. Gen. Yvonne L. Mays addresses campers at the 2025 New Jersey National Guard Youth Summer Camp. |
|
| The Month of the Military Child |
April is the Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize the strength and resilience of the youngest members of our military community.
Across the New Jersey National Guard, military children grow up in environments defined by change, responsibility, and service. They navigate deployments, training exercises, and long periods of separation with a level of adaptability that truly represents the best of our force.
At the New Jersey Department of Military Affairs, supporting families includes a focused commitment to these children. Through our Child and Youth Program, we provide opportunities for connection and mentorship. These programs are designed to ensure that military-connected youth have the resources and support to succeed in every environment they face.
A central part of that effort is the New Jersey National Guard Youth Camp. For decades, Youth Camp has brought together military children from across the state for a week-long experience built on leadership and teamwork. Youth Camp creates an environment where participants connect with peers who understand the realities of military life while building confidence and independence.
The impact of that experience extends far beyond the program’s week. It reinforces resilience and gives our youth a foundation they carry forward into every aspect of their lives.
Military children carry a unique responsibility within our community. Their strength supports the readiness of our Soldiers and Airmen, and their ability to adapt reinforces the stability of our families. This month, we recognize the contributions of New Jersey National Guard military children and reaffirm our commitment to standing behind them with the same dedication they show every day. |
|
| 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 |
|
| | | |
Community Calendar | New events are added to the calendar on a daily basis so please bookmark and check back often. |
| View Full Calendar |
|
|
|
 |
177th Fighter WingIt was an honor to host U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Luke Ahmann, commander of the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region (CONR-1AF), on March 26, 2026.
During his visit, Lt. Gen. Ahmann met with our leadership team and spoke with our Jersey Devil Airmen, sharing valuable leadership insights and recognizing the critical role our Wing plays in the NORAD mission. He presented his commander's coin to several of our outstanding members, acknowledging their exceptional performance and dedication.
Thank you, Lt. Gen. Ahmann, for taking the time to visit the 177th Fighter Wing and for your steadfast leadership, advocacy, and support. View Images |
|
| Join Our Team |
Service to Community & Country
100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses | GI Bill
Student Loan Repayment |
|
| | |
 |
SSG Alexander FloresThe New Jersey Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion is proud to see Staff Sergeant Alexander Flores formally recognized by the National Guard Bureau as the New Jersey Director’s 54 winner for 2025!
The leadership of the NJ RRB was there alongside SSG Flores throughout the boards that determined the top recruiter among the Directors 54. We were proud to have him representing the best of the NJ RRB! |
|
|
| |
|
NJNG Child and Youth Programs |
 |
| | | |
|
|
 | Rolando Morales
Legislative Liaison Rolando Morales recently joined the New Jersey Department of Military Affairs (DMA) as Legislative Liaison this past April, bringing a passion for government service and a deep commitment to supporting the military. Although born in Puerto Rico, Morales considers himself a die-hard New Jerseyan from Passaic, with strong roots in both public and military service.
Morales comes from a proud military family. His mother served 20 years between active-duty Air Force and the Air Force Reserves, inspiring him to enlist in the New Jersey Air National Guard in 2015 as an Airfield Manager with the 177th Fighter Wing. Driven by a lifelong passion of becoming a rated officer, Morales was granted the opportunity to commission in 2020 and now serves as a Captain in the Connecticut Air National Guard as an Air Battle Manager, a position which is not currently available in the New Jersey Air National Guard.
His professional background proves a strong commitment to public service at both state and federal levels. Morales began his career as an intern in Governor Mikie Sherrill’s district office while pursuing his master’s degree from Rutgers University. He officially joined Governor Sherrill’s Washington D.C. congressional office as a staff assistant in 2022, overseeing programs including tours, internships, and flag programs, while aiding with scheduling, operations, and legislative research. After four years of dedicated service in the Governor’s office, Morales and his wife decided to return to New Jersey, where he transferred to the district office in Livingston as a caseworker and community outreach specialist.
What drew Morales to the DMA was his desire to blend his passion for government service with his commitment to the military, recognizing the department as the perfect opportunity to serve New Jersey and its National Guard members. He holds an undergraduate degree from William Paterson University and a master’s degree from Rutgers.
Outside of work, Morales is a devoted sports fan who cheers for the New York Giants and Yankees. He lives in Manville with his wife, his 4-month-old son, and two beloved dogs.
|
|  |
Sean Leonard
Public Affairs Office
Captain Sean Leonard joined the New Jersey Department of Military Affairs (DMA) Public Affairs Office this April. He brings 14 years of Army service and a strong background in film and television production. His combined experience in creative media and military operations supports the department’s communication readiness mission.
Leonard comes from a strong military-based family. His father is set to retire next month after dedicating 36 years of service to the New Jersey Army National Guard. His paternal grandfather and uncles also served in the Army Guard, and his maternal grandfather served in the Air Force. Motivated by their example, he enlisted to fulfill his goal of becoming an infantry soldier. During his 14-year career, he has held multiple leadership roles while serving nine years on active duty. His service includes assignments in Texas, New York, and ten years with the New Jersey National Guard.
Before transitioning to active duty, Leonard worked in the film and television industry. He served as a director of photography and assistant camera on major productions and national commercial projects for brands such as Target, NFL clothing, and PopSugar. His creative background provides a strong visual foundation for his public affair work.
Leonard’s military career includes significant operational deployments. He deployed with his Brigade to United States Central Command in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. He also deployed to Qatar in 2019 with the 114th Infantry Regiment. These experiences strengthened his understanding of operational missions and Soldier readiness.
Captain Leonard is driven by the opportunities to combine his military experience with his creative skill set. He values mission-focused work and effective communication with internal and external audiences. Originally from Hamilton Township, he now lives in Pittsgrove Township and is excited about DMA’s public affairs mission and work with his new team. |
|
|
| | | |
|
| |
 |
North Brunswick High School North Brunswick High School Military History teacher Mr. Don Smutko and his class visited the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey in Lawrenceville on April 7, 2026.
Sergeant First Class Andrew Walker was happy to be able to host them and to demonstrate some strategic artifacts for the students. He truly is a born educator, and the visitors always appreciate all he has to teach them. |
|
 | Sea Girt Beach
On April 13, 2026, Cadets from the NJ Youth ChalleNGe Academy were put in work at Sea Girt Beach, taking down fencing as part of community service and getting the beach ready for the season.
Service to the community is one of the Eight Core Components of the Academy. Cadets realize the value and importance of giving back while performing a minimum of 40 hours of service to the community and/or conservation project activities. Great job, Cadets!
|
|
| |
 | 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 |
|
|
| |
 |
The Intelligent Whale on the way to its new home in April 2020. |
|
| April 19, 1780 |
General George Washington welcomed distinguished visitors “the Chevalier de la Luzerne, Minister of France, with another French gentleman, and Don Juan de Miralles, a gentleman of distinction from Spain,” to the Ford Mansion, his Morristown headquarters.. | April 19, 1899 |
In compliance with General Orders No. 5, the New Jersey National Guard was reorganized according to federal military standards into four infantry regiments of twelve companies each, two Gatling gun companies, two troops of cavalry and two battalions of naval militia |
|
April 23, 2020 |
In preparation for the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey's move to its new facility, the only surviving Civil War-era submarine - the Intelligent Whale - took a short trip down the road at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ. |
April 25, 1898 |
The United States declared war on Spain following the sinking of the Battleship Maine in Havana harbor on February 15, 1898. NJ National Guardsmen would subsequently be called to Sea Girt to form volunteer regiments for service in the ensuing Spanish-American War. The NJ Naval Militia was called up to serve on various navy ships, some of them engaged in the blockade of Cuba. |
|
| |
|
 |
2-113th InfantryBuses carrying Soldiers with A Company, 2-113th Infantry, New Jersey Army National Guard, pass under an American flag on their way to the National Guard Armory in Jersey City, NJ on June 25, 2015, for a welcome home ceremony.
The approximately 170 Citizen-Soldiers returned home from a nearly year-long deployment where they conducted a security force mission in Southwest Asia in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve. |
|
| | | |
 | 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.
| | Vacancies |
|
|
|
|
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. |
| Contact DMA |
|
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. |
|
|
|  |
military.nj.gov NJ Department of Military Affairs 101 Eggerts Crossing Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Privacy Notice
Disclaimer: The appearance of any non-DMA information or hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement of the products or services on the part of the NJ Department of Military Affairs. |
|
| |
|
|
