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DMA Military Newsletter | September 9, 2026 |
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| Ready to serve ★ military.nj.gov |
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Brig. Gen. Mays presented awards to military and civilian personnel for outstanding performances and contributions to mission success on September 2, 2026. |
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Recognizing Excellence | Last week, we brought teammates from across the Department of Military Affairs together for our End of Summer Social.
There was good food, a little friendly competition, and most importantly, an opportunity to recognize some of the military and civilian employees whose work makes our mission possible.
I was proud to recognize members of our team for exceptional performance and for their contributions to readiness. But I also know that no ceremony can recognize everyone who deserves it.
Every day, across this Department, our people are doing the work that keeps the New Jersey National Guard ready to respond. They maintain our facilities and equipment. They support our Soldiers and Airmen and their families. They manage programs, solve problems, and make sure that when New Jersey calls on its National Guard, we are ready.
That responsibility is especially meaningful as we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11.
Twenty-five years ago, New Jersey lost 750 people who lived in or had ties to our state. In the hours after the attacks, members of the New Jersey National Guard were already responding. Our Soldiers and Airmen supported first responders and helped protect their fellow citizens.
A generation has passed since that day, but our responsibility has not.
The people may change. The missions may change. But New Jersey still depends on the men and women of this organization to be ready when they are needed.
That is why I was grateful for the chance last week to simply say thank you. To those we recognized, and to everyone across DMA who contributes to this mission each day, thank you for your service, your professionalism, and your commitment to New Jersey. |
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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 |
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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 |
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Community Calendar |
New events are added to the calendar on a daily basis so please bookmark and check back often. |
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DMA Month in Review Video |
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September is Suicide Prevention MonthSeptember is an important month of reflection and support as we acknowledge Suicide Prevention Month. Together, let's continue to raise awareness and remove the stigma around addiction and mental health.
It’s also a time to share messages of hope. Learn more about how you can help spread the word at SAMHSA.
If you or a loved one is struggling, please call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and press 1.
Get additional resources at SaveNJVets.gov. |
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 | And with that the fleet is complete
SrA Aidan Thompson | JBMDL | August 7, 2026
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. - U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing and the 108th Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, flew from Seattle, Washington, to bring the final KC-46A Pegasus aircraft to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Aug. 7, 2026.
This was the 26th KC-46A in the JB MDL fleet, expanding the 305th AMW’s mission capabilities and furthering its partnership with the 108th Wing. The first KC-46A arrived on base Nov. 9, 2021, replacing the KC-10 Extender, operated by the 305th AMW, and the KC-135 Stratotanker, operated by the 108th Wing and changing the way both wings integrated within the U.S. Air Force.
Read Full Story |
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 | 177th Fighter Wing
In August, the 177th Fighter Wing successfully completed a Combat Readiness Inspection (CRI) to ensure that our Airmen are fully prepared to deploy and succeed in high-stakes combat environments.
The CRI simulated operations under rigorous, austere, contested scenarios. Inspections like these assist the 177 Fighter Wing in supplying professional warfighters to deliver lethal airpower and unrivaled support for the state and nation.
Nice job, Devils! |
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Join Our Team | Service to Community & Country
100% Free College Tuition
Bonuses | GI Bill
Student Loan Repayment |
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Kristina Tossas
Public Affairs Specialist Kristina Tossas joined the NJ Department of Military Affairs in July 2025 as an hourly employee and transitioned into a full-time role in January 2026. She brings in a strong academic background, a well-rounded upbringing, and a clear commitment to serving the military community.
As a military child, she spent her early years in different states and cultures, an experience that shaped her curiosity and adaptability. Tossas earned her bachelor’s degree in communications and continued straight into graduate school, completing her master’s degree in media communication with a specialization in public relations in December 2025.
While attending Rutgers, Tossas competed for the Rutgers Women’s Track and Field team. She said being a student athlete taught her how to balance academics, competition, and work, giving her real-world skills. She believes her past experiences prepared her for the fast-paced environment she works in now.
Tossas comes from a strong military family. Her father and grandfather served in the US Air Force. Her mother currently serves in the Army National Guard and several of her cousins serve in the US Army. She said growing up in a military household shaped her values and made her proud to support the military community through her work at DMA.
Before joining DMA, Tossas focused on being a full-time student athlete while completing her degrees. During the summer breaks she worked a variety of jobs including positions with the United States Postal Service and Walgreens Pharmacy. She learned that she does not need to be perfect at everything, but if she applies and gives her best effort, she can accomplish anything.
Tossas said one of the most meaningful parts of her work is being able to communicate with people from different departments and being able to highlight the important things they are doing. Conducting newsletter interviews gives her the chance to learn more about the people who help the department succeed.
Outside of the DMA, Tossas enjoys exploring nature trails, working out, reading thriller novels, and serving her community. |
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DMA Summer SocialThe NJ Department of Military Affairs held a Summer Social at the headquarters campus in Lawrenceville, NJ on September 2, 2026.
Brig. Gen. Mays presented awards to military and civilian personnel for outstanding performances and contributions to mission success. View Images |
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BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial CemeteryCadets from the NJ Youth ChalleNGe Academy recently put one of their Eight Core Principles - Service to Community - into action at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ.
They spent the day trimming grass, clearing overgrown areas, and helping maintain the headstones while giving back to those who served our country.
Along the way, the Cadets were also learning everyday skills that they can use to take pride in and maintain their own communities and properties! |
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 | Egg Harbor Township
On September 2, 2026, the Egg Harbor Township Committee passed Resolution No. 354, supporting the basing of F-35 fighter jets at the 177th Fighter Wing’s long-time base in Egg Harbor Township. |
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 | Princeton Army ROTC
In August, cadets from the Princeton University Army ROTC visited the Lawrenceville Armory to secure weapons and other equipment to be used in training.
The NJ National Guard is proud to support the ROTC programs at Princeton, Rutgers, Seton Hall, Rowan, TCNJ and their affiliated schools with resources in order to train the next generation of military leaders.
Image courtesy of Princeton Army ROTC. |
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Learn More About Our Supporters
DMA works closely with many nonprofit organizations, community groups, and private organizations. We are grateful for their support and efforts to help our military communities. |  |
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Hurricane IrmaOn September 6, 2017, Governor Chris Christie 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, NJ outfitted with high-wheeled vehicles, departed from their home armory and arrived at Camp Blanding in Central Florida to stage for follow-on operations.
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 Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy. |
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 | CW4 Gabriel S. Zettel
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Gabriel S. Zettel, 50, passed away on August 14, 2026 at his home in Chesterfield Township, NJ. His passing leaves a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and fellow Soldiers.
Chief Zettel began his military career in 1994, completing four years of active-duty service before transitioning to the Utah Army National Guard. He later continued his military career with the New Jersey Army National Guard, serving as the State Food Service Advisor.
His service to the Nation included two overseas deployments to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2005 and 2013.
Chief Zettel served his family, his community, his fellow Soldiers, and his Nation with distinction. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. |
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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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SS Morro Castle anchored off Sea Girt. |
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September 8, 1934 |
The SS Morro Castle, a cruise ship bound from Havana to New York, caught fire off the New Jersey coast. The ship’s controls burned out off Sea Girt, where it dropped anchor and chaos ensued as lifeboat launches failed and people jumped into the ocean. Governor A. Harry Moore, in his summer residence at Sea Girt, deployed the African-American soldiers of the First Separate Battalion training there at the time to assist survivors and took off in a plane from the parade ground to direct rescue ships to the area. Later that day, a Coast Guard cutter began to tow the burned out hulk north, but the towline snapped off near Asbury Park and the Morro Castle drifted into the beach by Convention Hall.
| September 11, 1944 | Philip A. Brodziak from Denville, NJ assigned to the 38th Bomber Squadron, 30th Bomber Group Heavy. Missing In Action on this date. Lost in the Pacific during a bombing run over Marcus Island from Saipan aboard the B-24 Pistol Packin’ Mamma. |
September 15, 1864 | Theodore Edwards from Morristown, NJ assigned to the 1st New Jersey Cavalry. Missing while on a scout mission, August 29, 1863. Died in Libby Prison in Richmond, VA on this date. |
September 16, 1823 | President James Monroe selected US Senator Samuel Southard of New Jersey to be Secretary of the Navy. |
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September 16, 1940 |
Governor A. Harry Moore traveled to the Philadelphia Navy Yard to address a crowd of workers, naval officers and government officials assembled to celebrate initiation of construction on the battleship USS New Jersey. | September 17, 1862 |
The Battle of Antietam was fought near Sharpsburg, Maryland between the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia under General Robert E. Lee and the Union Army of the Potomac under Major General (and future New Jersey governor) George B. McClellan. It was the first battle for the Thirteenth New Jersey Infantry regiment, a unit recently organized at Camp Frelinghuysen in Newark. The Thirteenth lost ten men killed, including Captain Hugh C. Irish of Paterson, twenty-three wounded and one missing in action. Captain Irish's statue, waving a sword, is on top of the NJ monument at Antietam. |
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 17, 2013 | Declared “Harold Gantert Day” in Parsippany, NJ. On April 29, 1944, as a flight navigator, Lt. Harold Gantert took off on a bombing mission when his plane was shot down over Germany forcing him to parachute down. He was captured four days later and spent the next year as a POW in Stalag Luft III. |
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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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Explore NJ Military History |
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National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey | One Museum | Two Locations
Admission Is Free |
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 | Sea Girt |
Monday-Friday 10AM to 3PM
Closed: Weekends and State Holidays |
| Plan Your Visit |
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 | Lawrenceville |
Monday-Friday 9AM to 3PM Saturday 10AM to 3PM
Closed: State Holidays |
| Plan Your Visit |
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 | 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.
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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, please visit our website at military.nj.gov to get contact information. |
| Contact DMA |
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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. |
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military.nj.gov NJ Department of Military Affairs 101 Eggerts Crossing Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
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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. |
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