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DMA Military Newsletter | July 15, 2026 |
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| Ready to serve ★ military.nj.gov |
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Celebrating America and the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Corps | Last week, the New Jersey Department of Military Affairs celebrated two important milestones: the 250th birthday of the United States of America and the 108th birthday of the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Corps.
America’s 250th anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on the generations of citizens who have built, defended, and strengthened our nation. Here in New Jersey, that history surrounds us. From Washington’s crossing of the Delaware and the victories at Trenton and Princeton to the winter at Morristown and the Battle of Monmouth, our state stood at the center of the struggle for independence.
The men and women of that era served without knowing how history would unfold. They accepted responsibility in the moment before them. That same spirit continues across our organization today.
Through our service members, civilian workforce, and the families who support them, the Department carries forward a long tradition of service to New Jersey and the nation. When our communities need us, when our state calls, and when our nation requires disciplined and professional service, the people of DMA are ready to answer.
We also celebrated the Army Warrant Officer Corps and its 108 years of service. Warrant officers bring technical expertise, sound judgment, continuity, and steady leadership to every formation. They solve complex problems, mentor the next generation, preserve hard-earned institutional knowledge, and help ensure our units remain prepared for the missions ahead.
These anniversaries remind us that service is both a privilege and a responsibility. Across DMA, we honor those who came before us by caring for our people, maintaining high standards, and leaving our organization stronger for those who will follow.
Happy 250th birthday to the United States of America, and happy 108th birthday to the Army Warrant Officer Corps. |
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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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508th Military Police Company
Soldiers with the 508th Military Police Company, 42nd Regional Support Group, New Jersey Army National Guard, assisted local authorities with vehicle safety inspections, fan check-ins and directions to shuttles to the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway in Nutley, NJ on July 5, 2026.
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 | 177th Fighter Wing
F-16 pilots with the 177th Fighter Wing performed a flyover for the 2026 Major League Baseball All-Star Game at the Philadelphia Phillies home stadium, Citizens Bank Park. Way to go Devils! |
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 | 108th Wing
Brig. Gen. Mays addressed Airmen with the 108th Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, and their families at a reintegration event at the Joint Military and Family Assistance Center in Bordentown, NJ on July 13, 2026.
The event connects recently deployed Airmen, as well as to their families to the various resources available to them. More than 140 Airmen with the 108th Wing have deployed worldwide in support of various combat and support operations.
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 | NJ Air National Guard
Airmen with the New Jersey Air National Guard were recognized during the annual NJANG Awards ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters on July 10, 2026.
The Air Force presents yearly awards honoring the state’s most outstanding Airmen, including top officers, noncommissioned officers and Airmen across multiple categories. These annual honors reflect the dedication and professionalism of Airmen serving throughout the state.
Brig. Gen. Mays attended the ceremony and congratulated the award recipients for their professionalism and service. |
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SSG Taj LumanogMonths of training have led to this moment.
Staff Sergeant Taj Lumanog is representing New Jersey and Region I in the finals of the 2026 National Guard Best Warrior Competition in Florida from 9-16 July 2026.
The non-commissioned officers who won the seven regional competitions are putting their tactical and technical proficiencies to the test during this full-spectrum assessment of Soldier skills, leadership, character and resilience.
FLARNG DVID Images | FLARNG Facebook |
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 | NJ Youth ChalleNGe Academy
Class 62 of the NJ Youth ChalleNGe Academy in-processed at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ on July 14, 2026.
During the first two weeks of the 22-week program, candidates undergo an acclimation phase where they will adjust to the program’s physical, mental, and social discipline.
The Youth ChalleNGe Academy is an alternative education program established by the United States Congress in 1993, administered by the individual states’ National Guard, and provided at zero cost to parents and guardians.
The program is designed to produce graduates with the values, skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults. Over 4,500 at-risk 16- to 18-year-old New Jerseyans have successfully completed the NJYCA since its first class began in September 1994. View Images |
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Youth Camp 2026July 6, 2026 marked the start of the New Jersey National Guard Youth Camp. DMA staff welcomed the campers on their first day of a week of arts and crafts, archery, swimming at the beach and sports activities. The camp is held annually at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ.
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Marco Laguna
Director of Legislative Services
Marco Laguna joined the New Jersey Department of Military Affairs in January 2024, bringing in more than fifteen years of military service and a strong commitment to supporting Veterans, Service members and their families. Born in Plainfield and raised in North Plainfield, he has spent majority of his life in New Jersey and continues to serve the community in and out of uniform.
Laguna served in the United States Army from 2007 to 2022, deploying multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Spartan Shield. Military service runs throughout his family. His father served in the United States Marine Corps, his sister served in the United States Army Reserve, and his cousin served in the United States Navy.
Before joining DMA, Laguna worked as a Wounded Warrior Fellow for two members of Congress, serving as the Veteran and Military Liaison and Outreach Director. During that time, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Centenary University and later supported a state legislative campaign in the 16th Legislative District. When the campaign ended, he was offered the opportunity to serve as the State Executive Officer to The Adjutant General at DMA.
Laguna said the most meaningful part of his work is the people he serves with. He shared that helping Veterans and families during his time with the former NJDMAVA was deeply rewarding, and that transitioning to DMA has strengthened his sense of purpose. He describes his role as a career and a dream realized.
Outside of the DMA, Laguna coaches high school soccer in Middlesex and helps run a youth travel program. He said mentoring young athletes has become one of the most meaningful parts of his life, giving him the chance to guide students as they grow both on and off the field. He is passionate about helping students as they prepare for college. His daughter Samantha, a standout player at Middlesex High School, is being recruited to play at the collegiate level. Laguna calls being a soccer dad one of his greatest joys. |
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 | NJYCA Class 23
On May 29, 2006, 45 Cadets from the New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe Academy marched in the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C.
The Cadets had the honor of carrying the banner for the “America Supports You” organization, which highlighted America’s support of U.S. troops. The Cadets were also thrilled to meet the Grand Marshall of the parade, actor and director Gary Sinise. |
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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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Gettysburg Rededication Team in 2013 |
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July 20, 1957 |
Four nurses left Paterson for annual training with the 114th Surgical Hospital, New Jersey National Guard. They were the first women ever to deploy for training with a New Jersey National Guard unit. | July 20, 2013 |
“New Jersey at Gettysburg Day,” an official rededication of the New Jersey monuments at Gettysburg Battlefield by the New Jersey Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee, was held at Gettysburg National Military Park. | July 21, 1780 |
General Anthony Wayne led a raid on a Loyalist blockhouse at Bull’s Ferry, now part of Hackensack. Although they outnumbered the enemy, Wayne’s men failed to take the blockhouse, and were only able to capture some cattle. |
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July 21, 1757 |
A 350-man force of New Jersey and New York Provincial troops left Fort William Henry on a reconnaissance. Two days later, at Sabbath Day Point on Lake George, they were surrounded and ambushed by the French and their Indian allies. The provincials panicked, losing 160 men killed or drowned and many of the remainder captured. It was reported, albeit not confirmed, that Ottawa warriors subsequently dined on at least one unfortunate Jerseyman. |
July 25, 1917 | The New Jersey National Guard, except for some companies of the 5th Regiment, on guard duty in northern New Jersey, assembled at Sea Girt for World War I duty, and then traveled to Camp McClellan, Alabama, where they were subsequently joined by the remainder of the 5th Regiment. |
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July 18, 1917Camp 13 officially became Camp Dix, named in honor of the War of 1812 and Civil War Veteran, Maj. Gen. John Adams Dix. He also served as a United States Senator, Secretary of the Treasury and Governor of New York.
The facility was originally laid out by the forerunners to our namesake 104th Brigade Engineer Battalion as one of 13 camps established for the large influx of draftee soldiers detailed for World War I service. Camp Dix later became Fort Dix in the run up to the Second World War and continued to serve as a major training hub for many decades after and into today.
After restructuring to combine into Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, the Army portion of the nation's first tri-service base is now officially Army Support Activity Dix. |
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Explore NJ Military History |
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National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey |
One Museum | Two Locations
Admission Is Free |
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Sea Girt | Monday-Friday 10AM to 3PM
Closed: Weekends and State Holidays |
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 | Lawrenceville |
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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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military.nj.gov NJ Department of Military Affairs 101 Eggerts Crossing Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
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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. |
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