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 | Maj. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., The Adjutant General of New Jersey and State Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Leonard traveled through the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Area of Responsibility on June 4-6, 2024. |
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Message from the State
Command Sergeant Major | In early June, I had the honor of traveling with Major General Lisa J. Hou, D.O., our New Jersey Adjutant General, to visit the members of the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in some of their deployed locations.
We had three objectives for our trip: to visit our Soldiers directly and get a sense of their well-being, accomplishments and challenges firsthand; to listen to their interests and concerns; and to recognize the work they have been doing on behalf of our state and nation to advance regional security. It was a quick trip that required extensive logistics to see as many Soldiers as we did, but it was well worth it.
I am pleased to report that the deployment has been going well, and that our Soldiers are making New Jersey proud.
Many of the Soldiers live in austere conditions and work long hours. There is the constant presence of a real enemy threat. In spite of the hardships, I have never seen the morale of the 44th IBCT so high. This is significant because I have more than 30 years’ service in the New Jersey National Guard and have deployed twice with the brigade. The Soldiers are focused on their mission and are also concentrated on taking care of each other. All levels of their leadership are engaged and it is truly impressive to see these professionals at work.
Many of these Soldiers are Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. The recent deployments the brigade completed in Somalia, Djibouti, Qatar and Kosovo as well as their COVID activation here in New Jersey, coupled with the intensive training they completed prior to this deployment has prepared them well.
Junior Soldiers, both enlisted and officers, have enormous responsibilities of global significance yet they complete their duties so routinely you would swear they had been doing this full time for years. Yet they are Citizen Soldiers who do this part time. I challenge anyone to show me another occupation where someone who has recently graduated high school or college has such an important impact on the world.
I am also the proud parent of a deployed soldier. This trip gave me great personal pride in seeing my son, Captain Leonard, do his part to help mission success. It was not just him, though. So many of New Jersey guardsmen are like family to me because of the many years we spent training together or serving on state activations or overseas deployments. I trained several of the officers at University of Scranton ROTC and gave them their first salutes.
These fine men and women of the New Jersey National Guard are the living, breathing examples of our American values to that part of the world and truly live the motto of the National Guard, “Always Ready, Always There!” |
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As always, thank you for staying connected to DMAVA.
We invite you to share ideas, events and feedback. Please email our team at outreach@dmava.nj.gov.
CSM Mark Leonard State Command Sergeant Major |
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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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 | 20th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony
U.S. Army Maj. Robert S. Roma, Observer/Coach Trainer Operations Group, New Jersey Army National Guard, addresses the audience at a remembrance ceremony on the campus of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in Lawrenceville, NJ, June 5, 2024.
The ceremony honored Staff Sgt. Frank T. Carvill, Spc. Christopher M. Duffy, Staff Sgt. Humberto F. Timoteo, and Sgt. Ryan E. Doltz, who were killed in action in Iraq, June 4-5, 2004. All four New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers served with the 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery Regiment.
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 | 80th Anniversary Observance of D-Day
Vincent Solomeno III, Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, addresses the audience during the 80th Anniversary Observance of D-Day at the New Jersey World War II Memorial in Trenton, NJ on June 6, 2024. View Images |
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 | 20th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony
A 20th Anniversary Remembrance ceremony was held in U.S. Central Command for four New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers who served with the 3-112th Field Artillery Regiment.
The ceremony honored Staff Sgt. Frank T. Carvill, Spc. Christopher M. Duffy, Staff Sgt. Humberto F. Timoteo, and Sgt. Ryan E. Doltz, who were killed in action in Iraq, June 4-5, 2004.
"We owe them more than can ever be repaid, but we must try. We can, and must, as Americans have over two centuries, aspire to be better than we are today. Let us keep their sacrifice in our hearts as we strive to honor them by being good and true. May God hold them and their families in the palm of His hand. May His grace shower them. And may He continue to bless the United States of America and all those still in her service." - Lt. Col. David W. Eckenrode, commander, 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery Regiment. |
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Recruiting and Retention BattalionThe New Jersey Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion is proud to congratulate Cadet Joseph Harrison, Cadet Shaquille Simpson, Cadet Riannah Mathurin, and Cadet Joshua Omoruyi on their many accomplishments.
These include their high school graduation and contributing to Union High School AJROTC's victory in Florida as National Champions. They also hold the distinction of Future Soldiers, having taken the first steps in their military careers with Staff Sergeant Cuevas.
We are proud of all of our Guard graduates and excited to see the great things you will achieve! |
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 | New Jersey National Guard 5K Pride Run
New Jersey National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, and civilians took part in the 2024 NJNG LGBTQ+ 5K Color Run on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ on June 13, 2024.
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month to recognize the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender service members and civilians.
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 | 20th Annual Sgt. Nutter Run
Participants in the 20th Annual Sgt. Sam Nutter Run, race on the designated run course at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ on June 15, 2024.
Honoring the memory of a former Navy Seaman and cadet who passed away while enrolled at the New Jersey National Guard Officer Candidate School, the Nutter Run was established to help Army National Guard Soldiers and their families.
The Officer Candidate School Class 67’s logistical support of the event was critical to the success of the run. |
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Join Our Team |
100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses up to $20,000
Student Loan Repayment |
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American Legion Convention 2024 |
Vincent Solomeno III, Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, left; Sharon Knight, Department President, American Legion Auxiliary Department of New Jersey, center; and U.S. Air Force Col. Yvonne L. Mays, Deputy Adjutant General of New Jersey, right; pose for a photo during the American Legion Auxiliary Department of New Jersey Convention at the Wildwoods Convention Center in Wildwood, NJ on June 13, 2024.
Senior leaders from DMAVA delivered remarks and connected with attendees and Legion leaders during the Convention. View Images |
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 | Disabled American Veterans Convention 2024 |
U.S. Air Force Col. Yvonne L. Mays, Deputy Adjutant General of New Jersey, left; Johnnie Walker, Department Adjuntant, Disabled American Veterans Department of New Jersey, center; and Vincent Solomeno III, Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, right; pose for a photo during the Disabled American Veterans Convention at the Wildwoods Convention Center in Wildwood, NJ on June 17, 2024.
Senior leaders from DMAVA delivered remarks and connected with attendees and DAV leaders during the Convention. View Images |
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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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 | NJYCA Class 57 Graduation
New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe Academy graduation ceremony for Class 57 was held in Lawrenceville, NJ on June 17, 2024.
The mission of the NJYCA is to be a leadership academy for youth so they become responsible and productive citizens of their community, state, and country.
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 | Mental Health First Aid Training
As part of the Governor's Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families, residents and staff at Veterans Haven South participated in a Mental Health First Aid Training session in Winslow, NJ. |
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Military Appreciation DayA Military Appreciation Day / Resource Fair was held at the Joint Military & Family Assistance Center in Bordentown on June 8, 2024.
More than 30 vendors were in attendance to provide valuable information and resources to Veterans, military personnel and their families. |
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VA announces updates to help Veterans using VA home loan benefits remain competitive in the housing marketVA News | June 12, 2024
WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced that eligible Veterans, active-duty Service members, and surviving spouses who use the VA-guaranteed home loan benefit can pay for certain real estate buyer-broker fees when purchasing a home beginning Aug. 10, 2024.
This will help ensure that Veterans remain competitive and are not disadvantaged on the homebuying market due to changes that may result from a key class-action settlement involving the National Association of REALTORS®, which is slated to take effect later this summer. Until today, Veterans could not pay their buyer-broker fees when using their home loans benefits.
The VA home loan program, which celebrates its 80th anniversary later this month, is a critical benefit for eligible Veterans interested in becoming homeowners. Created in 1944 as part of the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act - also known as the “G.I. Bill of Rights” - this program has provided over 28 million loans to Veterans to date. Last year, Veterans obtained over 400,000 homes loans through this program.
Read Full News Feature |
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Research Study: Understanding Why Some Veterans Have Not Yet Used Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides educational benefits to help veterans pursue postsecondary education and job training. However, some veterans who are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill are not using their benefits.
The American Institutes for Research (AIR), together with Veterans Education Success, seek to better understand why some veterans may not have used their benefits. Through this research, they seek to improve veterans’ outcomes and experiences.
Interviews and focus groups will be virtual and scheduled at a time that is convenient for the participant. All participants will receive a $50 Amazon gift card as an acknowledgment and thank you for their time.
Learn More | Register |
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VA's Foreign Medical Program
In this episode, theSITREP discusses the Department of Veterans Affairs' Foreign Medical Program (FMP) with Dirk Rasnic, U.S. Army Veteran and Supervisory Program Analyst with FMP. The SitRep Podcast |
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 | Donor Appreciation |
Donors, staff, and veteran residents mingle and dine together at the annual "Night of Thanks" held at Veteran's Haven North in Glen Gardner, NJ on June 6, 2024.
Thank you for helping DMAVA continue to provide stable housing and support programs for our Veterans year-round! We appreciate all of our donors and their generosity. View Images |
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American Legion Jersey Boys State | American Legion Jersey Boys State is being held June 16-21, 2024 at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ.
This premier and selective educational program offers government instruction and insight over the functions of the branches of government for U.S. high school students.
The New Jersey National Guard is proud to support this annual event in educating the leaders of tomorrow. |
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Morris County Resident Honored at 80th Anniversary of D-Day | Morris County | June 6, 2024
The Morris County Commissioners salute World War II veteran Chester “Chet” Kochan of Hanover Township who was honored today in Normandy by French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Joseph Biden on the 80th anniversary of D-Day. He was one of four New Jersey natives among 48 American WWII veterans at the ceremony.
Drafted in 1943, Kochan served with the U.S. Army’s 83rd Infantry Division. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, two campaign stars for Normandy and Northern France, Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct, WWII Victory Medal, Morris County Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Honor, bestowed by the French Government.
Read Full Story |
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 | Historian reveals inside story of Army's 'House of Magic' at Fort Monmouth |
Michael L. Diamond | Asbury Park Press | June 12, 2024
In the waning days of Fort Monmouth, Melissa Ziobro, the post's last historian, boxed up the archives, sent them to the operation's new home in Aberdeen, Maryland, and returned in September 2011, when the flag was lowered for the final time.
Ziobro couldn't move to Maryland; she was pregnant with her second child and her husband had a steady job as a police officer in Brick. She took a teaching job at Monmouth University in West Long Branch instead.
"I just remember sobbing and saying, 'I'm going to keep this history alive here in the state,'" Ziobro said.
Ziobro has made good on her promise. Her book, "Fort Monmouth: The U.S. Army's House of Magic," was published this spring, walking readers through an institution that left its stamp on the military and civilians alike. Employees stationed there helped develop radar, FM backpack radios that relayed messages static-free and satellite technology.
Read Full Story |
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 | Somerset County Juneteenth Celebration to Honor US Colored Troops Buried in Somerville’s New Cemetery
| Somerset County | June 3, 2024
SOMERVILLE, NJ – Somerset County will honor 18 US Colored Troops (USCT) who fought for the Union Army in the Civil War and are buried in Somerville’s New Cemetery at its fourth annual Juneteenth celebration on Wednesday, June 19.
“Juneteenth celebrates the day when news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached enslaved African Americans in Texas,” said Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson. “It is thus very fitting that we use this holiday to remember and honor the US Colored Troops who helped save the Union, end the sin of slavery, and who were laid to rest here in Somerset County.”
As part of the festivities, the Somerset County Commissioners will award the Juneteenth Leadership Award to Arthur E.D. Adair, a Somerville native who has cared for the graves of those 18 African American veterans for nearly two decades. Read Full Story |
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Local students recognized for wreath laying at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier | Eric Kowal | Army.mil | June 18, 2024
PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - Four students at Byram Intermediate School in Stanhope, New Jersey, were recently selected to participate in the solemn tradition of laying a wreath while visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Read Full Story |
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 | BG Robert Dutko |
Congratulations to retired Brig. Gen. Robert S. Dutko, Sr. Your hard work and dedication to the New Jersey Air National Guard and the 108th Wing has not gone unnoticed! Building 3369 will soon be renamed in your honor.
Read Full 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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June 20, 2007
Operation Iraqi Freedom PFC David J. BentzU.S. Army
Newfield, New Jersey | June 20, 2011
Operation Enduring Freedom SGT James W. Harvey II
U.S. Army Toms River, New Jersey | June 23, 2008
Operation Iraqi Freedom
CPT Gregory T. Dalessio U.S. Army Cherry Hill, New Jersey |
June 24, 2008
Operation Iraqi Freedom MAJ Dwayne M. KelleyU.S. Army
Willingboro, New Jersey | June 25, 2007
Operation Iraqi Freedom SGT Trista L. Moretti
U.S. Army South Plainfield, New Jersey |
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June 26, 2003
Operation Iraqi Freedom SPC Richard P. Orenga
U.S. Army Newark, New Jersey | June 28, 2003
Operation Iraqi Freedom
SFC Gladimir PhilippeU.S. Army Linden, New Jersey |
June 29, 2004
Operation Iraqi Freedom Sgt Alan David Sherman U.S. Marine Corps
Wanamassa, New Jersey | July 1, 2003
Operation Iraqi Freedom 1SG Christopher D. Coffin
U.S. Army Somerville, New Jersey | July 1, 2006
Operation Iraqi Freedom
A1C Carl Jerome Ware Jr.U.S. Air Force Glassboro, 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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 | Sergeant John Basilone on the day he received his Medal of Honor. |
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June 18, 1812 |
America declared war on Great Britain. New Jersey’s subsequent role was largely relegated to militia duty in coastal defense, although several New Jerseyans of note, including Zebulon Pike, William Bainbridge and James Lawrence, served in the army and navy, and a regular army regiment, the Fifteenth United States Infantry, was raised in the state. |
June 23, 1899 | Paterson-born George Henry Wanton, an African-American soldier serving in the Tenth United States Cavalry, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in saving stranded soldiers from his regiment in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. |
June 23, 1943 | United States Marine Corps Sergeant John Basilone of Raritan, NJ was awarded the Medal of Honor in Washington. A news report noted that “firing a machine gun and also using a pistol, Basilone piled up 38 Japanese bodies in front of his emplacement on Guadalcanal, October 24, 25th 1942." |
June 25, 1776 | General William Howe arrived off Staten Island with a fleet and an army prepared to capture New York and subdue the rebellion there and in New Jersey. |
June 25, 1947 |
The seven Weeks brothers—Robert, Edward, Albert, John, LeRoy, James and Joseph of Jersey City—showed up to enlist in the 309th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battery of the New Jersey National Guard’s 50th Armored Division. All but Joseph, an underage fifteen years old, were sworn into the organization, in the largest recorded group family military enlistment in New Jersey history. |
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June 25, 1950 |
North Korea invaded South Korea, beginning the Korean War. More than 190,000 New Jerseyans served in the U.S. military during the war between 1950 and 1953, and 836 lost their lives. New Jerseyans Nelson V. Brittin of Audubon, Hector A. Cafferata of Montville and Samuel F. Coursen of Madison were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for their heroism during the conflict. |
June 27, 1862 |
The First New Jersey Brigade, composed of the First, Second, Third and Fourth New Jersey Infantry Regiments, fought its first major engagement of the Civil War at Gaines Mill, Virginia, arriving on the field in late afternoon to reinforce hard pressed Union forces. Of the 2,300 men the brigade brought to the battle, 1,072 were killed, wounded or captured. The captured included most of the men of the Fourth New Jersey, surrounded as the units to their left and right withdrew. |
June 28, 1778 |
The Battle of Monmouth Court House, fought west of Freehold between George Washington’s Continental Army and Sir Henry Clinton’s British army, which was withdrawing from Philadelphia to New York, ended in a tactical draw, but was an American moral victory, as the Continentals stood up to the best of the British and held the field at the end of the day. |
June 28, 1861 | The First, Second and Third New Jersey Infantry Regiments, the first units of the First New Jersey Brigade, left Trenton for Washington by train. |
June 30, 1888 | “New Jersey Day,” was held at Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania. Governor Robert Stockton Green led an official delegation which formally dedicated most of the monuments erected on the field by the state to honor the New Jersey soldiers who fought and died there on July 1, 2 and 3, 1863. |
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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 Eggerts 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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