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September 17, 2025 |  |
Ready To Serve ★ Proud To Have Served |
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Tradition and Transformation | This September marked a season of change and tradition for our department.
On September 11, a historic step reshaped our future when Governor Philip D. Murphy signed legislation restructuring the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs into two agencies: the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Military Affairs.
State legislation directed that the transition be completed within 120 days. Governor Murphy also announced that Vincent Solomeno is his intended nominee for Commissioner for the Department of Veterans Affairs. This transition gives us the opportunity to chart a sustainable path forward - one that strengthens both departments while keeping our mission steady: serving Soldiers, Airmen, veterans, and families with transparency, professionalism, and commitment.
Just days later, we came together on the parade field in Sea Girt for the Governor’s Military Review. For more than 130 years, New Jerseyans have stood on that field to honor service - a tradition that inspires pride and purpose.
Today’s Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen carry that legacy forward with dedication and resilience. This year’s review held special meaning. Governor Murphy, in his final term, has championed our 8,400 service members, our veterans, and their families. Under his leadership, New Jersey expanded benefits, delivered property and income tax relief, and drove veteran homelessness to functional zero. His commitment has strengthened our readiness and improved the lives of military families across the state.
The pace of operations remains high. The 42nd Regional Support Group is serving in the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. The 328th Military Police Company is safeguarding peace in Kosovo on NATO’s mission. Earlier this year, the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team returned from a historic deployment across the Middle East, earning respect from allies and active-duty counterparts alike.
Our Air National Guard continues to lead at home and abroad. Last October, the 177th Fighter Wing’s 119th Fighter Squadron deployed F-16s to the U.S. Central Command area, defending U.S. interests before returning safely in January. The 108th Wing expanded its mission with the arrival of the KC-46 Pegasus, activating the 170th Air Refueling Squadron and boosting our aerial refueling strength. Airmen from both wings sharpened their skills in Italy during Operation Pegasus Dawn, while the 177th Civil Engineer Squadron trained with partners for World Cup security. Every day, the 177th Fighter Wing sustains its no-fail Aerospace Control Alert mission, guarding the skies over the eastern United States.
On September 14, New Jersey earned recognition as a “Do Your Part State,” an initiative of Blue Star Families and the National Governors Association. This honor underscores our promise to military families. With more than $30 million committed, New Jersey is expanding Veterans Service Offices in every county, combating veteran homelessness, increasing mental health care and job training, and strengthening protections against fraud. These investments deliver real improvements to lives across our state.
None of this is possible without you - the Citizen-Soldiers, Airmen, veterans, and families who serve and support. Your sacrifices power every mission. As we look ahead, I draw inspiration from your achievements and confidence from your strength.
Our tradition endures. Our department is transforming. And our mission to serve remains as strong as ever. |
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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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New Jersey's Mission of Honor
The 39th New Jersey Mission of Honor ceremony was held at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, NJ on September 9, 2025.
The cremains of World War I Army Veteran Mary L. Thompson and World War I Marine Corps Veteran Cassius S. Brown; World War II Army Veteran’s Thomas J. Bomberger, Harold Cairney, Arthur Kreuch, Arthur W. Luth, and William J. Shotwell; World War II Navy Veteran’s Jay A. Duke, Thomas Geruntho, and John W. Vones were honored during the ceremony.
The mission of New Jersey's Mission of Honor is to identify, retrieve, and inter the Veterans’ cremains. Since 2007, 718 Veterans have been located and 376 cremains have been reunited with their families. View Images |
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 | September 18, 2025 at 10am
| September is Suicide Prevention Month
Join the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for a special webinar in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This year’s session focuses on suicide prevention and the VA’s evolving Whole Health model - a proactive, person-centered approach to supporting mental wellness.
The webinar will feature opening remarks by Deputy Commissioner of Veteran Affairs Vincent Solomeno, Chair of the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families, and training led by Heather Church-Soto, VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator. This is a vital opportunity to learn, engage, and support suicide prevention efforts across New Jersey.
The webinar will be held on September 18, 2025 from 10am to 11am. Learn more and register.
Get additional resources by visiting the DMAVA website at SaveNJVets.gov. |
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 | Governor's Military Review
The Citizen-Soldiers and Citizen-Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard assembled on the historic parade field at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ in a more than 130-year-old tradition on September 14, 2025.
Brig. Gen. Yvonne L. May, the 34th Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs accompanied Governor Phil Murphy to review the troops, present military and civilian awards, and connect with state veterans service organizations, NJ Youth ChalleNGe Academy Cadets, Blue Star Families and NJ ESGR.
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 | State Partnership Program
In the evolution of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, the New Jersey National Guard’s partnership with the Albanian Armed Forces is advancing their respective forces’ integration of capabilities.
“At the 254th Regional Training Institute, we have progressed our work with the Albanian Armed Forces to maritime training and advanced flight operations,” said Sergeant 1st Class Dana Eustace, SUAS Master Trainer and Instructor with the 2-254th Modular Training Battalion. “This past month in Albania, we focused on SUAS tactics, techniques and procedures, as well as standard operating procedures.”
The week-long engagement took place in Zall-Herr, Albania. The NJNG and AAF have partnered formally for nearly 25 years within the State Partnership Program. |
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 | 108th Wing
Airmen of the 108th Wing were sharpening their skills during plane de-icing training - ensuring aircraft are safe, mission-ready, and cleared for takeoff no matter the weather
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Join Our Team | 100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses | GI Bill
Student Loan Repayment |
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Veterans Commander's Call
Brig. Gen. Yvonne L. Mays, The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, along with Vincent Solomeno III, Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and Administrator of Veterans Affairs for the State of New Jersey, met with leaders from New Jersey's veteran service organizations at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ on September 14, 2025.
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 | State Medal Ceremony
The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs held a State Medal Ceremony at the County College of Morris in Randolph, NJ on September 4, 2025. View Images |
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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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Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Establishing the Department of Veterans AffairsGovernor's Office | September 11, 2025
TRENTON – Governor Murphy today signed legislation that would establish a new cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs in New Jersey, reorganizing the existing Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA).
“Veterans have selflessly fought for our hard-earned freedoms as Americans,” said Governor Murphy. “By establishing a department solely dedicated to the needs of Veterans, we will continue to ensure they have a seat at the table and direct access to the support and resources they deserve. Our Veterans and their families deserve nothing less.”
Currently, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs manages both military operations and veterans’ services. Under this bill, the newly established Department of Veterans Affairs will exclusively focus on veteran-related matters, such as delivering housing, health care, mental health services, and benefits for veterans and their families. Military functions will continue at the current department, which will be renamed the Department of Military Affairs.
Full News Release |
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Governor Murphy Announces New Strategic Initiative to Strengthen New Jersey’s Defense EcosystemGovernor's Office | September 3, 2025
TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today announced the launch of the Office of Strategic Defense Investment, which will champion New Jersey’s defense industry by attracting new missions, safeguarding the competitiveness and sustainability of the state’s existing defense infrastructure, and fostering industry growth.
Housed within the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), the Office of Strategic Defense Investment will work to elevate New Jersey’s defense sector by providing it with focused support, advocacy, and strategic planning for long-term growth on par with the state’s other key industries. Full News Release |
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Congressman Van Drew Secures Authorization of $61 Million for 177th Air National Guard Fighter Wing in South JerseyPosted in Press Releases | September 11, 2025
Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew announced that the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which just passed through the House, authorizes $61 million for a new maintenance hangar at the 177th Air National Guard Fighter Wing in Egg Harbor Township, South Jersey.
"The 177th Fighter Wing is one of the most important assets we have in South Jersey and across the nation, and this authorization is a big win," said Congressman Van Drew. "The 177th is the first line of defense for our skies between New York and Washington, D.C., and a forward base for missions across the Atlantic. Our men and women there play a critical role in keeping America safe. This new hangar would allow the 177th to host the next generation of fighter jets, including the F-35 or F-15EX, and make sure we remain strong and ready. I was proud to work directly with the Adjutant General of the New Jersey Air National Guard to make this authorization happen as a priority for the United States Air Force."
Official Press Release |
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New Jersey’s Kanowitz Elected JWV National Vice CommanderU.S. Air Force Veteran Selina Kanowitz of Voorhees was elected National Vice Commander of the Jewish War Veterans (JWV) during the organization’s 130th national convention convened in Henderson, Nevada.
“As the National Vice Commander, my focus will be to assist our National Commander, Scott Stevens, by helping him get the organization on a stable financial footing, assisting with the creation of a strategic plan, and providing clear transparency to the members of JWV. Additionally, I aim to establish a mentoring and enrichment practicum that will help develop future leaders of JWV, from the local to the national level, and increase our membership. I will continue to support National Commander Stevens in advocating for veterans and service members and in combating antisemitism and all kinds of hatred, bigotry, and discrimination.”
Kanowitz, a member of JWV since 1991, has held a wide range of leadership positions within JWV and previously served as the Commander of the New Jersey Department from 2022-2023 and from 2024-2025.
Founded in 1896, JWV is the premier voice for Jewish uniformed service members and veterans in the United States. |
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 | Toms River VA Clinic Named For Local WWII Hero Bud LomellJersey Shore Online | Photo by Stacy Proebstle | September 6, 2025
TOMS RIVER – Just ahead of his widow’s 104th birthday, President Donald Trump signed legislation naming the new Veterans Affairs clinic in Toms River after one of Ocean County’s most revered war heroes, Leonard G. “Bud” Lomell.
The bill, authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), honors Lomell, a U.S. Army Ranger credited with helping secure the success of the D-Day invasion during World War II.
“One of the most decorated Army Rangers of World War II, Bud Lomell served our nation and its veterans with enduring courage and selflessness, and is exceedingly deserving of this posthumous honor,” Smith said. “I am thrilled that Charlotte, who turns 104 on Monday, gets to see Bud’s many achievements memorialized in this special way.”
Lomell was hailed by historian Stephen Ambrose as second only to Gen. Dwight Eisenhower in ensuring the success of D-Day. On June 6, 1944, he scaled the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc with fellow Rangers, discovered and disabled German artillery aimed at Allied forces, and went on to earn the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
After the war, Lomell became Ocean County’s first Veterans Service Bureau director, later founding a prominent law firm and serving in numerous community roles. He and his wife Charlotte raised three daughters in Toms River.
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Cara GiresiCongratulations to the winner of the DMAVA Employee Award for the 2nd Quarter, Cara Giresi (pictured right), employed at Veterans Haven South. Presenting the award is Tori Hill, Superintendent of VHS.
Cara leads the Veterans Program Department which is responsible for working with the Veterans on programs that will ensure their success with living independently back in the community. |
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World War II Veteran Bob GibsonOn September 4, 2025, a group of Purple Heart recipients and fellow VFW members visited World War II Veteran Bob Gibson at his nursing home to celebrate his 102nd birthday. The visit included a special Full Honor Guard performance to pay tribute to Gibson's service and longevity.
The gathering offered a poignant display of intergenerational gratitude and respect, with Vietnam Veterans honoring one of the "Greatest Generation". For the Purple Heart recipients, this event was an opportunity to pay homage to those who served before them and paved the way. The ceremony also demonstrated the enduring bonds of military service that transcend conflicts and time.
Image and caption courtesy Spruce Run Memorial VFW Post 5119. |
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SSG Shaun HollenkampCongratulations to Staff Sergeant Shaun Hollenkamp for graduating from the United States Army Drill Sergeant Academy.
Known for his dedication, professionalism, and many accomplishments, we look forward to seeing him mentor and inspire the next generation of Citizen-Soldiers in the New Jersey Army National Guard. |
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 | CW2 Jason Trerotola
New Jersey Gov. Philip D. Murphy presents the Soldiers Medal to U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jason B. Trerotola, New Jersey Army National Guard, during the 2025 New Jersey National Guard Military Review at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ on September 14, 2025.
CW2 Trerotola received the medal for his heroism and saving the life of a fellow citizen.
Congratulations Chief, well deserved! |
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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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Established by the U.S. Congress in 1979, the third Friday in September is designated the day to remember those who were Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action. |
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| September 17, 1998 |
The nation’s first Vietnam War Museum opened as the Vietnam Era Educational Center, adjacent to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial | September 27, 1778 |
Colonel George Baylor and his Third Continental Dragoons, 116 officers and men, were stationed at Paramus with orders to march north when Baylor moved his men to watch a Hackensack River crossing and quartered them at Overkill (today’s River Vale) in local homes. In a 650-man night bayonet attack forever after known locally as the “Baylor Massacre,” the British overran the dragoons, who had unaccountably neglected to post sentries in all directions. Casualty accounts vary, but the Americans apparently lost 15 men killed and 54 wounded and captured. Several survivors subsequently died of wounds. |
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September 27, 1803 |
Samuel Francis Du Pont was born at Bergen Point. As a navy captain in 1861, Du Pont organized the blockade of the Confederacy and led several successful amphibious operations. After his failed attack on Charleston in 1863, he was relieved of combat duty and spent the rest of the war on administrative service. Du Pont died on June 23, 1865, in Philadelphia. |
September 27, 1944 | Nelson L. Dimick from Boonton, NJ assigned to the US Army Air Corps. Shot down and captured during the Kassel Mission Raid on this date. Held in Stalag Luft 1, Barth, Germany. |
October 1, 1917 | The first soldiers reported to Camp Merritt, the huge transit camp in Bergen County that would eventually process more than a million and a half men who would move on to Hoboken to board ships to France. |
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 | New Jersey National Guard Responds to Hurricane Irma in Florida
New Jersey National Guard | September 6, 2017
Trenton, NJ - Governor Chris Christie today approved the deployment of New Jersey Army National Guard soldiers to provide emergency response support for people expected to be impacted by Hurricane Irma in Florida.
Citizen Soldiers from the 253rd Transportation Company, a historic unit in Cape May, New Jersey outfitted with high-wheeled vehicles, will depart from their home armory in two stages and are expected to arrive at Camp Blanding in Florida and as early as Friday.“
We are likely sending in excess of 100 soldiers to participate in this emergency response and rescue mission for Hurricane Irma victims in Florida, and beyond the numbers, these are highly experienced and trained men and women who served on the front lines during Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy,” Governor Christie said. “Our thoughts, prayers and necessary available resources are with all of those in Florida who are bracing for impact.”
The 253rd was among the first National Guard units in the nation called to active duty for the 1991 Persian Gulf War and later Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. This unit has participated in all major domestic operations in New Jersey, including Irene and Sandy.
Read Full Story | View Images |
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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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