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 | Memorial Day 2023 |
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Honor and Remember | This Memorial Day, as many are about to enjoy family gatherings and the unofficial beginning of summer, please join me in a moment to reflect on the meaning of this weekend.
More than one million Americans have died in war and conflict since our nation’s revolutionary founding almost 250 years ago. This includes tens of thousands of patriotic New Jerseyans from all military branches, active and reserve components as well as auxiliaries, who raised their right hands in defense of state and nation.
In addition to our Memorial Day Ceremony at Doyle Cemetery, May 25th, we will gather on June 5th for a remembrance of New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers Staff Sergeant Frank Carvill, Staff Sergeant Humberto Timoteo, Sergeant Ryan Doltz and Specialist Christopher Duffy, who were killed in action in Iraq on June 4th and June 5th, 2004. We invite you to join us to remember them and those who still grieve their loss.
The next day, on June 6th, the State of New Jersey will observe the 80th anniversary of D-Day at the World War II Memorial in Trenton.
For more information regarding these events please refer to the invitations in the section below.
I would like to share portions of a powerful quote from former Civil War general and future U.S. President James Garfield as he spoke at Arlington National Cemetery in 1868:
“We do not know one promise these men [and women] made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.”
On behalf of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, we honor our departed heroes and their sacrifice in defense of the United States. Let us never forget the Gold Star families among us who bear the pain of this loss. We grieve with you.
This holiday observance, may we also keep the safety and well-being of all currently deployed Service Members in our thoughts. |
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Please have a safe weekend and thank you for your service.
We invite you to share ideas, events and feedback. Please email our team at outreach@dmava.nj.gov.
Major General Lisa J. Hou, D.O. The Adjutant General & Commissioner |
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Major General Lisa J. Hou The Adjutant General
New Jersey Department of Military and
Veterans Affairs
cordially invites you to attend the
Annual Memorial Day Ceremony
on Saturday, the 25th of May 2024 at 11:00 am
at the
Brigadier General William C. Doyle
Veterans Memorial Cemetery
350 Province Line Road
Wrightstown, New Jersey 08562
Dress
Military: Service Uniform
Civilian: Business Casual |
| Official Invitation |
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 | Major General Lisa J. Hou
The Adjutant General
New Jersey Department of Military and
Veterans Affairs
requests the honor of your presence at the
20th Anniversary Remembrance
as the Garden State honors and remembers the four New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers killed in action on June 4-5, 2004. May we never forget the sacrifice of
SSG Frank Carvill
SPC Christopher Duffy
SSG Humberto Timoteo
SGT Ryan Doltz
on Wednesday, the 5th of June 2024 at 11:00 am
Global War on Terrorism Memorial
101 Eggerts Crossing Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 |
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 | Major General Lisa J. Hou
The Adjutant General
New Jersey Department of Military and
Veterans Affairs
requests the honor of your presence as we commemorate the
80th Anniversary of D-Day
on Thursday, the 6th of June 2024 at 11:00 am
World War II Memorial
125 W. State Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
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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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1946 - 2024 | Raymond L. Zawacki
Raymond L. Zawacki, former Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs and New Jersey Administrator of Veterans Affairs, died on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. A U.S. Navy Veteran, Ray dedicated his life to the service of Garden State Service Members, Veterans, and their families.
I had the privilege of working beside Ray when I was a young Army lieutenant. Under his leadership, we preserved and interpreted the rich history of service of those who answered our nation’s call to serve in the United States Armed Forces. I served with him on the committee that designed the Patriot’s Corner memorial inside the New Jersey State House. I was struck then by his leadership, kindness, accessibility, and commitment to delivering state veterans benefits, programs, and services. I never once imagined that I would step into the same shoes he wore as Deputy Commissioner and Administrator. For me, he was and remains a model of how the job should be done.
Ray was nominated by Governor Chris Christie to serve as Deputy Commissioner and Administrator in May 2010. He was unanimously confirmed to the position by the New Jersey Senate. He began his career of service to Garden State Veterans on January 22, 1968 when he was selected to serve as the American Legion Department of New Jersey’s fulltime state service officer. He went on to serve more than twenty years as the Adjutant for The American Legion – Department of New Jersey. He was also a Past Department Commander of the American Legion and chaired the Menlo Park Veterans Memorial Home Facility Advisory Council.
The first enlisted service member chosen by a New Jersey Governor to lead veterans affairs, Ray served on active duty from July 27, 1965 to July 26, 1967 aboard the Attack Aircraft Carrier Ticonderoga (CVA-14). He participated in two Western Pacific deployments for Vietnam combat operations and was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two service stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.
Ray served all eight years of the Christie Administration. In retirement, he continued to advocate for and mentor the next generation of veteran leaders. Like so many, I was honored to have known him and learned from him. As I reflect upon his lifetime of military and public service, I do so confident in the knowledge that Raymond L. Zawacki’s legacy lives on. May he rest in peace.
Vincent Solomeno III serves as Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs and Administrator of Veterans Affairs.
View Raymond L. Zawacki’s 2011 oral history with National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey Assistant Curator Carol Fowler. |
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 | 44th IBCT
After more than a month deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, Soldiers of the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team ceremonially donned their shoulder sleeve insignia.
More than 1,800 Jersey Blues will wear the double figure four combat patch, the history of which dates to World War II. Shoulder sleeve insignia symbolizes not only combat service with a specific unit, but also a deep connection to the past and a visible statement of shared values, pride, and hardship. |
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New Jersey, Idaho CSTs Perform Interagency TrainingU.S. Army Soldiers and Air Force Airmen with the New Jersey National Guard’s 21st Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Team and the Idaho National Guard’s 101st WMD-CST trained with the Atlantic City Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials Unit at the Surf Stadium in Atlantic City, NJ, May 14, 2024.
WMD-CST’s identify chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear substances; assess and advise civil authorities on response measures to man-made or natural disasters.
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 | Aerial Gunnery Training
A crew chief with the 1st Battalion, 150th Assault Helicopter Regiment, fires a M240H machine gun from a UH-60M Black Hawk on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, May 17, 2024. View Images |
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New Jersey, New York Guard complete OCS FLX with Albanian CadetsCapt. Kenneth Meisner | 444th MPAD | May 20, 2024
RRETH-GRETH, Albania – Imagine traveling thousands of miles to a foreign country to put your leadership skills to the test. This month, the New Jersey and New York National Guard Officer Candidate School (OCS) Cadets did just that, conducting a part of phase two training with the Albanian Armed Forces (AAF) OCS Cadets May 6-17.
The OCS candidates rallied to Albania to complete several Situational Tactical Exercise (STX) Lanes, inching closer to becoming U.S. Army Commissioned Officers. The New Jersey National Guard is no stranger to training with its State Partnership Program (SPP) partner, the Albanian Armed Forces; continuing a partnership of over 20 years and completing more than 30 missions and events just this past year.
Thirty-seven Albanian Cadets joined 16 officer candidates from New Jersey Class 67 and four candidates from New York Class 69 to complete the STX lanes, which consisted of combat focused tactics on a squad level such as movement to contact, squad attack, ambush, knock out a bunker and conduct a reconnaissance. The OCS cadre responsible for mentoring and training the candidates ranged in expertise from a former U.S. Army Special Forces medic to a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter pilot.
Read Full Story
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Join Our Team |
100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses up to $20,000
Student Loan Repayment |
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 | State VSO Opened in Salem County
Leaders from the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, state legislators, and county officials joined veterans in opening of a new DMAVA Veterans Services Office, collocated with the Salem County Veteran Services Office, in Salem, NJ, May 21, 2024.
The new office will serve as a one-stop resource for veterans and their families. The Salem office is one of seven new locations planned to increase access to veteran services in the state’s urban centers and rural areas. View Images |
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Monroe Township Veterans HonoredThe New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs held a State Medal Ceremony at the Communities of Concordia Veterans Club in Monroe Township, NJ on May 9, 2024.
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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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 | Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery
Effective June 1st, we are temporarily suspending services at our chapel.
We are going to have siding installed and expect this project to last for the entirety of the month. We have two outdoor shelters available to accommodate committal services for our veterans and their dependents.
Our administrative staff will continue to assist you. Please call the interment office with any questions at 609-738-2400. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
To receive text alerts, please text "DVMC" to 78015. Visit our website at Doyle Cemetery. |
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 | Military Transition / Retirement Seminar
The New Jersey National Guard Transition/Retirement Services Office held a retirement seminar on May 15, 2024 at the Joint Military & Family Assistance Center in Bordentown. National Guard Servicemembers, retirees and spouses can register for the next seminar at retirement.njarmyguard.com. |
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Camden County Commissioner Kane Celebrates WWII Veteran’s 100th Birthday
On May 10, 2024, Commissioner Melinda Kane celebrated the birthday of World War II Veteran May Brill.
Brill, a resident of Cherry Hill, enlisted in the Navy’s Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) at the age of 20, during World War II. She was stationed in California and played a vital role in a female supply unit, ensuring goods reached the United States Fleet in the Pacific.
Read Full Story
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National Cemetery Adminstration adds options for commemorative plaques and urnsVA News | May 9, 2024
Beginning June 10, families of deceased and cremated Veterans can apply to receive commemorative plaques or urns from VA if they do not want to inter their loved ones in a VA National Cemetery or receive a government-furnished headstone, marker or medallion for placement in any cemetery.
Commemorative urns are used to hold the remains of a deceased, cremated Veteran, and commemorative plaques are designed to hang on a wall. Both the urns and the plaques honor a Veteran’s service and serves as a lasting tribute to the individual’s status as a Veteran. Eligible family members can request one or the other, but not both.
It’s important to note that, if a family chooses a plaque or an urn to commemorate a Veteran, VA is prohibited by law from interring that Veteran’s remains in a VA national cemetery or from providing a headstone, marker or medallion for placement in any cemetery. Families should be certain of their choice. If the family chooses to receive a plaque or an urn to commemorate their Veteran, their decision cannot be undone. The law does not provide a method to restore these benefits.
Read Full News Feature |
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VA announces new grant program to help service members and their spouses transition from the military to civilian life VA News | May 10, 2024
WASHINGTON -Today, on Military Spouse Appreciation Day, VA announced the creation of a new grant program to help service members and their spouses transition from the military to civilian life. These grants will be awarded to eligible organizations that provide employment-based resources and tools for transitioning service members and spouses - including resume assistance services, interview training, job recruitment training, employment placement services, and additional services that lead directly to a successful transition.
VA expects to award approximately $4 million in grants in 2024, in increments of up to $500,000 per organization. These grants will be matched by the receiving organization, thus doubling the positive impact for service members and their families.
Read Full News Release |
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2024 National Memorial Day Concert America’s national night of remembrance, PBS’ National Memorial Day concert, returns live from the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol for a special 35th anniversary broadcast. A tradition unlike anything else on television, the 90-minute broadcast, the National Memorial Day concert takes us back to the real meaning of the holiday through a unique blend of dramatic storytelling, documentary footage and uplifting music.
Hosted by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise, both steadfast champions of veterans’ causes and active service members, the National Memorial Day concert will air on PBS and stream nationwide on PBS' website and YouTube Sunday, May 26, 2024, at 8 p.m. E.T.
Review the program lineup at VA News. |
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VA Benefits that Pass on to Family Members
Can your loved ones use your VA benefits when you pass? In this episode of theSITREP, the hosts discuss six different VA benefits that may be passed on to a Veteran's family. The SitRep Podcast |
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 | Rowan Army ROTC |
2024 Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Rowan University was held during Commencement activities. |
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 | Rutgers Army ROTC |
2024 Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Rutgers University was held on May 14, 2024. |
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 | Seton Hall Army ROTC |
2024 Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Seton Hall University was held on May 18, 2024. |
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Spc. Innes McEvoy | The Task Force Guardian Soldier of the month is Spc. Innes McEvoy, an air defense battle management operator assigned to HHC, 44th IBCT.
Nominated by his leadership, McEvoy has exemplified the values of duty and selfless service. “His tireless efforts and vigilance underscore his profound dedication to safeguarding troops, working tirelessly to mitigate risks and uphold the security of all personnel within the area of operations,” said Sgt. 1st Class Asim Williams. “Spc. McEvoy's actions embody the highest ideals of service and sacrifice, earning him the utmost respect and gratitude of his fellow Soldiers.”
Upon being informed of the honor, McEvoy attributed his success to those around him. “The best part of this job is the location and the people. Working in the nerve center of the brigade can be very exciting. I’m honored that my section put me forward for this, and that the brigade considered me worthy - I feel incredibly lucky to have a team so wonderful.” |
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 | Nebraska woman's selfless act saves New Jersey veteran with kidney donation |
Stephanie Stahl, Brad Nau | CBS Philadelphia | May 10, 2024
CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) – A woman from Nebraska is celebrated in Camden for being a stranger who turned into a lifesaver. On Friday, a grateful family from Cape May met the woman who donated a kidney not knowing who the recipient would be.
Budd Springer has a second chance at life after a kidney transplant that came from a stranger.
"Just to know that there's somebody out there that is so giving and it's just such a blessing there's wonderful people in this world," Springer said.
It's Springer's service in the New Jersey Army National Guard that inspired Jill Pinkelman to become a living donor for an organization called DOVE, living kidney donation for veterans.
View Video Story |
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 | Passaic County held a dedication ceremony for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall |
Chris Pedota | NorthJersey.com-USA Today | May 18, 2024
Wayne, NJ - Passaic County held a dedication ceremony for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, honoring those lives lost in the Vietnam War, including 83 natives of Passaic County. The Memorial Wall will be the second-biggest in the nation (the biggest being the Memorial in Washington, D.C.). The total length of the concrete wall is 368 feet; the west and east sides are 184 feet long each to the middle/angle point. The wall’s height is 2.5 feet at the ends, and 9 feet in the middle.
View Pictorial Story |
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In Honor of all those from New Jersey who gave their lives in the fight against terrorism during Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. In humble gratitude, we remember their sacrifice. |
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May 27, 2012
Operation Enduring Freedom PFC Leroy Deronde IIIU.S. Army
Jersey City, New Jersey | May 29, 2007
Operation Iraqi Freedom SSG Joseph M. Weiglein
U.S. Army Audubon, New Jersey | May 29, 2009
Operation Iraqi Freedom
PV2 Bradley Iorio U.S. Army Galloway Township, New Jersey |
May 30, 2003
Operation Iraqi Freedom SPC Kyle A. GriffinU.S. Army
Emerson, New Jersey | May 31, 2011
Operation Enduring Freedom SPC Richard Emmons
U.S. Army Woodstown, New Jersey |
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June 3, 2005
Operation Enduring Freedom CPT Charles D. Robinson
U.S. Army Haddon Heights, New Jersey | June 4, 2004
Operation Iraqi Freedom
SSG Frank Timothy CarvillU.S. Army Carlstadt, New Jersey |
June 4, 2004
Operation Iraqi Freedom SPC Christopher M. Duffy U.S. Army
Brick, New Jersey | June 5, 2004
Operation Iraqi Freedom SGT Ryan Edward Doltz
U.S. Army Mine Hill, New Jersey | June 5, 2004
Operation Iraqi Freedom
SSG Humberto F. TimoteoU.S. Army Newark, New Jersey |
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"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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 | Wars of America in Newark's Military Park |
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May 22, 1958 | A disastrous accident at the Middletown Nike antiaircraft missile base ended the lives of six regular army soldiers and four civilian technicians. Eight missiles exploded while being worked on in what was called at the time “the world’s worst missile disaster.” |
May 23, 1943 | The battleship USS New Jersey was commissioned. The New Jersey subsequently served in the Pacific during World War II and then in Korea, Vietnam and the Middle East. It is currently a floating museum located in Camden. |
May 26, 1668 | The first New Jersey Assembly met in Elizabethtown, with fourteen members from East New Jersey and two from West New Jersey. During a five day session, the body passed militia legislation requiring men between the ages of sixteen and sixty to train for “at least four days in the year.” |
May 26, 1886 |
The Gettysburg battlefield monument to the Twelfth New Jersey Infantry was dedicated on Cemetery Ridge. Marked “buck and ball” to commemorate the combination of buckshot and round balls fired in the regiment’s obsolete yet deadly at short range smoothbore muskets, it was the first New Jersey monument erected at Gettysburg and was privately funded by veterans of the regiment. |
May 30, 1924 | A sixty-five-foot obelisk was dedicated to commemorate Bergen County’s Camp Merritt, the troops who passed through there during World War I and, most importantly, the fifteen officers, four nurses, 558 enlisted men and one civilian who died, mostly from influenza, while serving their county there. |
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May 31, 1926 |
Famed sculptor Gutzon Borglum’s massive bronze Wars of America statue, representing every conflict the United States participated in from the Revolution to World War I and composed of figures of forty-two humans and two horses, was unveiled in Newark’s Military Park. | June 1, 1813 |
Burlington-born Captain James Lawrence sailed the USS Chesapeake out of Boston Harbor to battle HMS Shannon. Lawrence’s crew was not yet properly trained, and the Shannon won the brief engagement, during which Lawrence was mortally wounded and gained eternal fame for his words “Don’t give up the ship.” They did. | June 1, 1815 |
Philip Kearny, nineteenth-century New Jersey’s greatest war hero, with service in both the Mexican and Civil Wars, was born in New York City. Many historians cite his birthday as June 2, due to an early biographer’s error. Kearny spent most of his formative years on a family estate near Newark. He commanded the First New Jersey Brigade in 1861 and early 1862 during the Civil War, and was killed in action at Chantilly, Virginia, on September 1, 1862, while leading the First Division of the Third Army Corps. |
June 2, 1918 | The day that became known as “Black Sunday” when the German submarine U-151 sank six U.S. ships and damaged two others off the coast of New Jersey in the space of a few hours. |
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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 Eggert Crossing Road Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
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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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