Welcome to the Social Network built for you.

Welcome to the department of Military And Veterans Affairs Social Network: connecting those who came before us and those who serve now.

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Everyone is encouraged to add to the collective knowledge of the organization. The sum is greater than its parts. New technologies can be discussed as well as time tested proven ways to accomplish tasks. National Guard and Militia Troops have always been force multipliers. Not only  do they add military streangth but they are a skills multiplier. Traditional drilling guardsmen are Doctors/lawyers/ plumbers/ electricians etc. In 1998 I was designing websites, on the side, and I had purchased for myself the sony camera that saved pictures directly to a 3 1/2 inch disk. Shortly after the Department bought at least 2 I think 3. (one for HRD the other the feds bought) I do not know if my delving into Sony mini video prompted the department to do the same, however after I started using it to record retirements, Sony mini Dv showed up at work.  I was very annoyed after I purchased a 3M privacy screen that 2 directors then had to have them. There have been personel who had to do tasks that were related to do things I had expertise in outside of work who regularly sought out my input on weather a piece of hardware or software would meet the departments needs; weather they acted on my suggestions was up to them but I was/am part of a team that tries to get things done in the most effective way possible. Fortunately, for me, the exchange has worked both ways for me: I can ask my co-workers,” how does X work and would it work for what I want do do?”

When my father started with the new Jersey National Guard, when he was 17 he walked into the Lawrenceville Armory at the same time as the then Adjutant General and the TAG said, “Oh no, not another Kale.”  the least I can do is carry on the tradition. 

This platform should be a showplace for best practices; It should be a crucible for ideas, a way to pass on traditions and blaze new ones.

We had a client who called me last year her 95 year old husband had passed away and she asked me if I could get her husbands military records, I said yes. She went on to tell me that she remembered me from when I was 3 and visited with Santa Clause at the Lawrenceville Armory.

When I was 5 I had a crush on Santa’s helper, Mourine Turak, 28 years later I had the privilege of working with her. IN 2002 I put on a military uniform and the first officer I ever saluted, Al Beverage, had known me my entire life. I have served with people my father had served with and I have served with the sons and daughters of those my father served with. Now we have a platform to stay connected.

New Jerseyians have historically come together for the common defence we come from diverse backgrounds and beliefs; we come together for a common goal and we mutually benefit from our diversity.