New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
DMAVA Highlights Archives

22 December 2003

   Volume 2, Number 36

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NJ Dept of Military and
Veterans Affairs

BG Glenn K. Rieth
The Adjutant General

Col Maria Falca-Dodson
Deputy Adjutant General

COL (Ret) Emil H. Philibosian
Deputy Commissioner for Veterans   Affairs

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Contacting us is easy!

Office of the Joint Chief of Staff

COL (Ret) Michael B. Smith

Mrs. Laura A. Branham

Phone: (609) 530-6987

Fax:  (609) 530-7109

Email:

branham@njdmava.state.nj.us

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www.state.nj.us/military

Dear Fellow Employees, Guardmembers, and Veterans:

There is no more special time in America than the various traditional religious holiday celebrations following Thanksgiving. Whether you choose to observe Ramadan, Kwanzaa, Chanukah or Christmas, the messages all share some of the same themes: peace – joy – hope – and concern for those less fortunate.

As we approach these traditional holidays, our focus is inevitably drawn to thoughts of family and hope for a happy, healthy, and more prosperous New Year. It’s a time to reflect on all the gifts and blessings we have received during the past year and how truly fortunate all of us are to live in the greatest country in the world. This is also a most appropriate time to express our appreciation to those who have done so much throughout the year to make our lives so much richer and our jobs so much more satisfying.

The employees of DMVA and the members of both the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard continue to demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism, talent, and dedication. You do everything asked of you and more, whether it is serving our veterans in our facilities and communities or fulfilling our military missions. And you display a level of energy and generosity that makes this department and the New Jersey National Guard the best organizations in state government and the United States Armed Forces respectively. For all you have done and continue to do, “Thank you.”

Unfortunately, this year’s holidays find our nation still at war. Many of our family members, friends, colleagues, and neighbors are serving in Homeland Defense and Homeland Security missions. This is the part of being a citizen-soldier that perhaps demands the most discipline and sacrifice from our soldiers and airmen and the most understanding and support from our families and civilian employers.

Let us keep all those serving on the front lines of freedom in our hearts and minds and pray for their safe return. Let us all also find the determination, strength, and fortitude necessary to do those things that need to be done to ensure the safety and security of our families, communities, and nation.

In keeping with the true spirit of this very special season, Linda and I extend to each of you and your families our heartfelt wishes for a wonderful and joy-filled holiday and may the New Year bring peace on earth and good will to all.

Sincerely,

GLENN K. RIETH
Brigadier General, NJARNG
The Adjutant General

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