|
DMA Military Newsletter | August 12, 2026 |
|
|  |
| Ready to serve ★ military.nj.gov |
|
| |
 |
Brig. Gen Mays officiated at the Officer Candidate School graduation held at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ on August 2, 2026. |
|
|
Continuity of Service | The beginning of August offered several reminders that the strength of our organization comes from our people, our traditions, and the relationships we build with the communities we serve.
We began August by celebrating an important milestone for the newest generation of New Jersey Army National Guard leaders. Class 69 of Officer Candidate School completed the state’s 18-month commissioning program, earning their gold bars and taking the next step in their military careers. Their graduation represents both a personal achievement and a commitment to lead Soldiers with competence, character, and purpose. I congratulate each of our new officers and the families, friends, instructors, and mentors who supported them along the way.
We also gathered at the Bordentown Armory in early August for our Last Formation ceremony, where we recognized Soldiers and Airmen preparing to conclude their military service. These ceremonies are an important tradition because they give us an opportunity to honor the years of service and sacrifice our retiring members and their families have given to New Jersey and the nation. Their impact extends far beyond a single assignment or formation. The example they leave behind will continue through the people they trained, mentored, and led.
At the 177th Fighter Wing, we welcomed local and municipal leaders for a firsthand look at the wing’s mission and capabilities. From a mission briefing to an up-close look at the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the visit provided an opportunity to discuss the important role our Airmen play in supporting both New Jersey and our national defense. Just as importantly, it strengthened the partnerships between the Guard and the communities that surround and support our installations.
From commissioning new officers to recognizing retiring service members and engaging with our community partners, each of these moments represents a different part of the same mission. Our organization is strengthened by those stepping forward to lead, those whose service has built the foundation we stand on today, and the communities that continue to stand alongside us.
I am proud of the Soldiers, Airmen, families, civilian employees, and partners who make the New Jersey Department of Military Affairs what it is, and I look forward to seeing that tradition of service continue. |
|
| As always, thank you for staying connected to DMA.
We invite you to share ideas, events and feedback. Please email our team at outreach@dma.nj.gov.
Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays
Adjutant General & Commissioner |
|
| |
 |
Brigadier General Yvonne L. MaysThe Adjutant General of New Jersey
and the New Jersey National Guard cordially invites you to attend the
Annual Governor’s Military Review
Sunday, 13 September 2026, at 11:00 am
National Guard Training Center
Camp Drive and Sea Girt Avenue
Parade Field
Sea Girt, New Jersey 08750-0277
Military: Duty Uniform
Civilian: Business Casual |
|
| |
|
Community Calendar |
New events are added to the calendar on a daily basis so please bookmark and check back often. |
| View Full Calendar |
|
|
|
| |
 |
Officer Candidate School Class 69Officer candidates celebrated their graduation from the New Jersey Army National Guard Officer Candidate School at a ceremony held at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ on August 2, 2026.
The ceremony for Class 69 was overseen by the leadership of the New Jersey National Guard and is the culmination of an 18-month training schedule to commission as officers in the Jersey Guard.
View Images |
|
 | 104th Brigade Engineer Battalion
Soldiers with Det. 1, Delta Company, 104th Brigade Engineer Battalion “Skydevils" employed the Skydio X10D small unmanned aircraft system during training at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ on July 29, 2026. View Images |
|
 | 3-112th Field Artillery
As part of the Military Reserve Exchange Program, Soldiers from the 3-112th Field Artillery Regiment conducted cover and concealment training with members of the Estonian Defense Forces at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ on July 29, 2026.
The Exchange Program brings Estonian Defense Forces personnel together with U.S. Reserve and National Guard units. Previously from May 9, 2026 to May 24, 2026, members of the 3-112th Field Artillery Regiment had spent time in Estonia training with their military.
The exchange provides both sides with realistic training, enables shared tactics, techniques and procedures in mission planning, and builds a foundation for long-term cooperation in future operations. |
|
 | 3-112th Field Artillery
Soldiers with 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery, participated in the Norwegian Foot March at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ on August 1, 2026.
The Norwegian Foot March is a military endurance event established by the Norwegian Armed Forces to test participants' endurance, stamina, and mental resilience while carrying a loaded rucksack for 30 kilometers.
The event traces its origins to the early 20th century and is now conducted by military organizations around the world.
View Images |
|
 | 108th Wing
A U.S. Air Force KC-46A Pegasus flown by the 141st Air Refueling Squadron, 108th Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, conducted aerial refueling operations over the Rib Mountain refueling track in Wisconsin on August 5, 2026.
The mission successfully offloaded 40,000 pounds of fuel to F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 115th Fighter Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard, ensuring operational readiness and strengthening joint integration between Air National Guard units. View Images |
|
|
Join Our Team |
Service to Community & Country
100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses | GI Bill
Student Loan Repayment |
|
| |
|
|
Last Formation
Brig. Gen. Mays officiated a Last Formation ceremony at the National Guard Armory in Bordentown, NJ on August 1, 2026. The ceremony recognizes Soldiers, Airmen and their families who are departing from service or retiring from the military.
Congratulations and good luck in your future endeavors!
View Images |
|
 |
SMSgt Jennifer BowenWheels down for the final time!
On July 7, 2026, Senior Master Sergeant Jennifer Bowen completed her final flight on the KC-46 Pegasus. After an incredible 25 years of service, the Senior Enlisted Advisor and Boom Operator for the 170th Air Refueling Squadron is officially retiring.
Thank you for your exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to the Air National Guard and our nation, SMSgt. Bowen. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement! View Images |
|
 |
SGT Nakeema Elliot AlstonSergeant Nakeema Elliott Alston currently serves in G-1 Soldier Services for the New Jersey Army National Guard. In her civilian career, she is employed by NJ TRANSIT and was recently appointed Acting Manager of Candidate Outreach and Police Recruitment.
In this role, she leads outreach efforts focused on building relationships with diverse communities through partnerships with organizations such as the Department of Labor, trade schools, and military communities. Military outreach has become a significant focus of her work, providing a unique opportunity to leverage both her military experience and professional expertise to connect with, support, and recruit prospective candidates.
Additionally, SGT Elliott is a co-founder of Military to Mobility, an employee resource group dedicated to supporting military-connected employees and fostering a community that promotes professional development, engagement, and collaboration.
If you are interested in connecting regarding employment opportunities or partnership opportunities with NJ TRANSIT, please contact NJTSR@njtransit.com. |
|
|
| |
 | NJ Service Medals
In accordance with New Jersey statute, the Adjutant General of New Jersey is the approving authority for the award of New Jersey state service medals.
The State of New Jersey awards medals to honorably discharged Veterans of the state who served during peacetime and in various conflicts and combat theaters.
State medals include the Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, POW/MIA Medal, Desert Storm Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.
Learn More |
| | | | |
|
|
 |
Rebecca Eib
Senior Stock Clerk Rebecca Eib joined our department in May 2024, bringing with her a strong work ethic, a positive spirit, and a deep appreciation for being part of a team that makes a meaningful impact.
A married mother of two, Eib grew up in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, spending her first eighteen years there before discovering that New Jersey was where she truly felt at home. She enjoys anime, reading horror, and anything spooky, and she carries that same creative energy into her daily life.
Her family has deep ties to military service. Her grandfather served as an aerial gunner in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and later played minor league baseball for the A’s. Her mother’s stepfather served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, and several of her uncles dedicated their lives to serving the nation. Eib is proud to continue her family’s tradition of supporting the military community through her work at DMA.
Before joining DMA, Eib spent several years as a stay-at-home mother and later worked as a manager at a children’s clothing company. Over the years she worked in a variety of roles, but none offered the sense of purpose she hoped to find. She said that since joining DMA, everything has improved. She feels included, supported, and part of something larger than herself.
As a Senior Stock Clerk, Eib takes great pride in keeping operations running smoothly. She stocks supplies, supports staff, and is known for her reliability and strong work ethic. She enjoys her role in the department and hopes to continue her career at DMA for many years.
Eib believes that every person has a purpose and that staying true to oneself matters. She said life has given her the chance to grow, and she is grateful for the place where she now finds herself.
|
|
 | Jessica Nielsen
Human Resources Manager
On August 4, 2026, DMA leadership celebrated Jessica Nielsen for her outstanding work in helping reclassify the 177th Fighter Wing Fire Department’s state firefighters as first responders eligible for Police and Fire Retirement System benefits.
The recognition, organized by DMA’s Administrative Services Division, included a letter from Gov. Mikie Sherrill commending her efforts. |
|
|
| | | |
 |
177th Fighter Wing Base TourLeaders from the New Jersey National Guard met with local and municipal government officials during a base tour at the 177th Fighter Wing, Egg Harbor Township, NJ on August 7, 2026.
Attendees received a briefing on the 177th Fighter Wing mission and viewed a static display of an F‑16C Fighting Falcon while discussing the unit’s role in statewide and national defense operations.
The visit strengthened community partnerships and provided local leaders with a closer look at the Airmen and capabilities that support New Jersey’s security.
View Images |
|
| | |
| | |
|
 |
Brick Police Youth CampThe National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey hosted a visit from the Brick Police Youth Camp, a total group of 59 or so including instructors, on July 30, 2026. |
|
|
|
 |
Paul S. KaleOn August 10, 2026, the department honored our colleague, Paul S. Kale, at his funeral service and interment. Paul passed away on August 1, 2026.
Paul was a steady force with the NJ Department of Veterans Affairs where he advocated daily for all veterans. He was a kind and fun loving person who shared his talents and experiences with family, friends and coworkers.
View Obituary |
|
| |
 |
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 |
|
|
| |
 |
General Stephen Watts Kearny |
|
|
August 14, 1861 |
As New Jersey’s response to the outbreak of the Civil War picked up in response to a third call for troops, the New York Times reported that “Camp Olden, so named after the respected and popular Governor of the State of New Jersey [Charles Olden], promises soon to be the arena once more of a fine body of troops, as the five regiments now called for by the Government will begin soon to muster at the camp.” |
August 17, 1813 | “Andruss’ detachment,” of militia companies from Hunterdon, Middlesex, Sussex, Monmouth and Essex Counties, left the New Jersey militia base at Paulus Hook en route to garrison Fort Richmond on Staten Island during the War of 1812. The militiamen remained on duty there through September 25. |
August 17, 1917 |
Construction began on Camp Merritt, a Bergen County transit installation for soldiers on their way to France in World War I. More than one and a half million men moved through the camp, where they spent ten days prior to leaving for Hoboken to board ships for Europe. A similar number stopped there on the return from Europe in 1919. |
|
August 18, 1846 |
Newark-born General Stephen Watts Kearny, one of America’s preeminent frontier soldiers and commander of the Mexican War “Army of the West,” a less than impressive collection of Missouri mounted volunteer units, the Mormon Battalion, and some artillery, stiffened by his own regular army dragoon regiment, captured Santa Fe, New Mexico without a shot being fired. |
August 18, 1918 |
White soldiers from Mississippi marched into Bergen County’s Camp Merritt integrated YMCA building and forcibly ejected five black soldiers. Black soldiers who gathered to protest the ejection then faced off against a group of Southern white troops. Rumors of razor fights and other atrocities spread on both sides and as the situation verged on a full scale riot, Military Police moved in and broke up the hostile crowds with swinging nightsticks. Several shots were fired in the course of the ensuing melee. Two black soldiers were wounded and a third, Private Edward Frye of Kentucky, who was not involved in the disturbance and was sitting in his barracks, was killed when a stray bullet hit him in the chest.
|
|
| Explore NJ Military History |
|
National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey |
One Museum | Two Locations
Admission Is Free |
|
|
 |
Sea Girt | Monday-Friday 10AM to 3PM
Closed: Weekends and State Holidays |
| Plan Your Visit |
|
 | Lawrenceville |
Monday-Friday 9AM to 3PM Saturday 10AM to 3PM
Closed: State Holidays |
| Plan Your Visit |
|
|
| | | |
 | We Are Hiring!
At the New Jersey Department of Military Affairs we take our work in support of Servicemembers and their families very seriously. The Department provides valuable services and can offer rewarding career opportunities to members of the public.
In addition, we have job openings for members of our military to serve in AGR and Federal Technician roles.
Subscribe to the MilVets Jobs Bulletin to stay updated on job openings.
| | Vacancies |
|
|
|
|
We hope you enjoy receiving our newsletter and find it both educational and engaging. If you have questions about our department, please visit our website at military.nj.gov to get contact information. |
| Contact DMA |
|
Please email us at outreach@dma.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. |
|
|
|  |
military.nj.gov NJ Department of Military Affairs 101 Eggerts Crossing Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Privacy Notice
Disclaimer: The appearance of any non-DMA information or hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement of the products or services on the part of the NJ Department of Military Affairs. |
|
| |
|
|
