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July 10, 2025 |  |
Ready To Serve ★ Proud To Have Served |
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A Year in Reflection - Standing in Purpose, Focused on the Future |
It has been one year since I had the profound honor of being appointed The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. From day one, I have carried the weight of this responsibility with humility and resolve - focused on the readiness of our force and the care of our Veterans.
In the past year, I’ve led over 8,400 Soldiers and Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard and overseen services supporting more than 325,000 Veterans statewide. This first year has been marked by significant accomplishments, strategic transformation, and steadfast commitment to our mission.
We welcomed home the Soldiers of the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team following their historic nine-month deployment to CENTCOM - the largest New Jersey mobilization since 2008. Operating in Iraq, Syria, and Kuwait, they performed with distinction under complex and dangerous conditions.
Across the state, our Army and Air Guard units sustained high operational readiness and supported vital domestic missions, including emergency response, community outreach, and homeland security operations. The New Jersey Air National Guard demonstrated excellence.
The 108th Wing successfully executed aerial refueling missions while advancing its transition to the KC-46 Pegasus. The 177th Fighter Wing remained a key component of NORAD’s aerospace control alert mission, maintaining 24/7 air defense coverage for the eastern United States. Our Airmen also participated in multiple multinational exercises, enhancing joint readiness and interoperability.
Through the State Partnership Program, we expanded strategic relationships with Albania and the Republic of Cyprus, reinforcing our role as a global security partner.
We’ve also made measurable progress in veteran services. Paramus and Vineland now possess five out of five possible stars in the overall federal ratings of long-term care facilities. Menlo Park had zero clinical deficiencies in its last inspection and is on the path to five stars.
At BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, we secured over $11 million in VA funding for expansion, extending burial capacity through 2038.
Over the past year, I’ve connected with Soldiers, Airmen, Veterans, Gold Star families, and civic leaders across the state. In every setting - whether visiting a training site, addressing cadets at Valley Forge Military Academy, or standing with families at promotions and funerals - I’ve been reminded that our strength is not only in what we do, but in who we are.
As we enter a new year of service, my priorities remain focused; modernize facilities, force readiness, and digital infrastructure; expand access to veterans’ benefits, housing, healthcare, and behavioral health resources; and cultivate a culture of excellence, inclusion, and accountability at every level.
The work we do matters. I remain honored to serve alongside you -and committed to ensuring that every Soldier, Airman, Veteran, and family member knows they are seen, supported, and valued. The mission continues - and together, we will meet it with purpose, courage, and unity. |
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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.
Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays
Adjutant General & Commissioner |
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DMAVA Calendar |
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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21st Annual SGT Nutter RunMore than 250 Guardsmen, friends, and supporters of the 21st Annual SGT Sam Nutter Run sprinted, strolled, and sweated through the streets of the National Guard Training Center and Sea Girt, NJ on June 21, 2025.
The 5K run was named to honor the memory of a former Navy seaman and cadet who passed away while enrolled at the New Jersey National Guard Officer Candidate School. View Images |
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 | NJ Army National Guard Warrant Officers
On July 9, 2025, over 40 Warrant Officers, Officers, Enlisted and civilian supporters conducted a 4-mile road march at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to celebrate the 107th birthday of the Army Warrant Officer cohort. |
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 | Recruiting and Retention Battalion
The New Jersey Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion is proud to congratulate all of our Warriors on their graduation from high school.
Great job, Class 2025. We are excited to see the great things you will achieve! |
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Join Our Team |
100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses | GI Bill
Student Loan Repayment |
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American Legion Post 331 Donates Minivan to Veterans Haven South On June 25, 2025, Past American Legion Post 331 Commander Tom McCullough (center) presented minivan keys to Donshea Joyner, assistant superintendent of Veteran’s Haven South in Winslow, NJ. The Post donated the seven-passenger minivan, which will be used by VHS to transport residents to and from employment and medical appointments and various other activities.
American Legion Post 331 has been a long-time supporter of Veteran’s Haven South with previous donations of an outside patio and various other facility enhancements.
Veteran’s Haven South is a New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs veterans’ home for homeless veterans. Its veterans transitional housing program provides long-term psychological, social, and vocational rehabilitation to transition the veterans into permanent housing. (Courtesy photo) |
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 | Michelle McCloskey, VSO
Michelle McCloskey is the DMAVA Veterans Service Officer for Warren County. Contact Michelle or one of her colleagues by visiting our website at Veterans Service Offices. |
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 | Get Connected to Resources & Services |
The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has partnered with Unite Us to connect individuals and families to a wide variety of services and resources.
Unite Us is a coordinated care referral network of health and social service providers. Unite Us can connect our New Jersey military and veteran community to resources to obtain benefits, food assistance, housing, education, transportation, behavioral health services, peer support and more. |
| Learn More / Request Assistance |
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Veteran Homelessness | The mission of Bringing Veterans Home (BVH) is to effectively end veteran homelessness in New Jersey by enhancing existing systems, creating rapid access to housing, and ensuring homelessness becomes rare, brief and non-recurring.
BVH creates a clear path to stable housing for veterans experiencing homelessness through a coordinated network of services and support. |
| Learn More / Refer a Veteran |
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Child & Youth Program
July 6, 2025 marked the start of the New Jersey National Guard Youth Camp. Brig. Gen. Yvonne L. Mays 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. View Images |
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New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe AcademyNew Jersey Youth ChalleNGe Academy graduation ceremony for Class 59 was held in Sea Girt, NJ on June 16, 2025.
The New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe Academy is an alternative education program designed to reclaim the lives of at-risk 16 to 18 year old youths and produce graduates with the values, skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults.
The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program was established by Congress in 1993. New Jersey’s first ChalleNGe class began in September 1994. View Images |
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New Jersey Partners with U.S. Veterans Affairs to Improve Access to Health Care for Veterans Travelling Through the StateGovernor's Office | July 6, 2025
TRENTON - The Murphy Administration today announced New Jersey’s transportation agencies are partnering with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on an initiative to connect Veterans with telehealth and mental health resources. Governor Phil Murphy made the announcement Sunday on the Welcome Home Veterans Radio Show hosted by Joe Griffies on WIBG.
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA), South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA), and NJ TRANSIT are posting flyers this month to help connect Veterans to VA resources. The posters share information about veteran’s telehealth options, the closest VA location, and the Veterans Crisis Line – empowering Veterans in crisis or others concerned about one to access free and confidential support from caring and trained responders 24/7, 365 days a year.
This campaign will connect Veterans with VA resources and maintain their continuity of care within the VA health care system based upon the “Anywhere-to-Anywhere” Telehealth Practice Authority using VA Video Connect. The VA has previously launched this initiative in other heavily traveled states such as Pennsylvania and Nevada.
Full News Release |
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State Partnership Program Enables Global, Shared ‘Peace through Strength’Major John LaDue | NGB | June 27, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. - For more than 30 years, the National Guard has helped bolster the capabilities of foreign militaries, effectively broadening the pool of partners who are willing and able to support defense and security cooperation objectives across the globe.
Now, lawmakers are assessing how to strategically expand the Department of Defense National Guard State Partnership Program and its role in enhancing regional stability. The Military and Foreign Affairs Subcommittee of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a hearing at the U.S. Capitol June 25 to discuss the value of the SPP and how the program can further enhance global peace.
“The State Partnership Program embodies a cost-effective and collaborative approach to ‘Peace through Strength,’” said Army Maj. Gen. William Edwards, director for the National Guard Bureau’s Strategic Plans and Policy, and International Affairs directorate. “It improves security capabilities of our partners and the readiness of our units.”
Read Full Story |
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 | Breakfast with the Boss
The 177th Fighter Wing Resiliency Center & Family Readiness hosted, in partnership with Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR), “Breakfast with the Boss”.
The event focused on community partners who support training, education, and employment opportunities for our Airmen and greater community. Guests received a mission overview from 177th FW commander, Col. Benjamin Robbins, toured the main hangar, which included F-16C Fighting Falcon fighter jets, and experienced the F-16 flight simulator firsthand! |
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Farewell and Thank You to COL Kevin Murphy and SFC Donald LangeMirupafshim, Antío, and Farewell to Colonel Kevin Murphy and Sergeant First Class Donald Lange!
After four and nine years of distinguished service, respectively, with New Jersey’s State Partnership Program, we extend our sincere gratitude for your dedicated contributions to strengthening the collective security of the Republics of Albania, Cyprus, and the United States.
“On behalf of the New Jersey National Guard Joint Staff, thank you, gentlemen, for your tireless commitment and professionalism across hundreds of critical engagements over the years,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Arthur Roscoe Jr., Director of the NJNG Joint Staff. “Our partnerships are stronger, and our alliances more enduring, because of the expertise and leadership you have invested.”
COL Murphy will next serve with Southern European Task Force-Africa, leading the Operational Protection Directorate, while Sergeant Lange will continue his service with the New Jersey Army National Guard’s Medical Readiness Detachment. |
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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 10, 1926 |
The most damaging lightning strike in U.S. history hit the Naval Ammunition Depot at Lake Denmark in Morris County, part of the Picatinny Arsenal complex. Nineteen people were killed, thirty-eight were injured and an estimated $75,000,000 in damage was reported following the subsequent explosion. | 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. |
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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. | 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. |
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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
Privacy Notice
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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