A DESERVED HONOR FOR NJ VETERANS
Consider applying for one.
The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) is staffed to support veterans and their families. Take some time to explore the breadth of opportunities available through their services and described on their website. As we near Veterans Day, consider placing an application into this state department to get an honor due to you or a loved one–a medal for your military service.
A Medal Ceremony for all area veterans, and sponsored by American Legion Post 59, Morristown, is on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at the VFW Post 3401 in Morris Plains (45 Tabor Road) beginning at 11 AM.
NOTE CHANGE IN DATE OF CEREMONY:
DUE TO STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR MORRIS COUNTY ON 12/2/25, the ceremony has been postponed.
The new date is WEDNESDAY, 12/17/25 at the same time (11 AM) and the same place (VFW in Morris Plains).
Coffee and camaraderie at 10 AM, Medal Ceremony at 11 AM, and a lunch follows.
See the instructions below for how to apply. Download the Form and send it to DMAVA at the address given in the instructions.
Applications must be received by November 1, 2025 to take part in this event. Applications submitted after the November deadline will be reviewed and those who meet the qualifications will be invited to another ceremony in the future.
The NJ DMAVA honors military veterans from NJ with a variety of NJ Service Medals based on their service experience.
A high level description of each award follows, and more information is available by clicking on the buttons in each category.
NJ Distinguished Service Medal
Awarded to any resident or former resident of the State of NJ who was a resident of this State at the time of entry into active military service or who has been a resident of this State for at least 20 years in the aggregate, honorably discharged, and served in the organized militia or in federal military service on active duty in a combat theater of operations during a time of war.
NJ Meritorious Service Medal
Awarded to those veterans who were a resident upon entry into service or if the veteran has been a resident of this State for at least five years in the aggregate, honorably discharged and served in the organized militia, or the Armed Forces of the US or a Reserve component.
NJ Korean Service Medal
Awarded to all residents of the State who were honorably discharged and served on active duty in any branch of the armed forces of the US in Korea, Japan, or the contiguous waters or airspace on or after June 23, 1950 and on or before January 31, 1955.
NJ Vietnam Service Medal
Awarded to all residents of the State who were honorably discharged and served on active duty in any branch of the armed forces of the US in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos or Cambodia or the contiguous waters or airspace thereof on or after December 31, 1960 and on or before May 7, 1975.
NJ POW-MIA Medal
Presented for individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Armed Forces in a combat theater of operations during time of war or emergency, was taken prisoner and held captive and/or listed as missing in action.
NJ Desert Storm Medal
Awarded to a resident of the State of NJ at time of entry on active duty or assigned to other service components of the Armed Forces of the US who was honorably discharged and served in theater from 1 August 1990 to 1 October 1991.
NJ Global War on Terrorism Medal
Awarded to a resident of the State of NJ at time of entry on active duty or or has been a resident of this State for at least 20 years in the aggregate; as attested by the awarding of honorable discharge and the federal DD214 served in at least one of the following Operations: Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom, Nomad Shadow, New Dawn, Inherent Resolve, Freedom’s Sentinel, and Odyssey Lightning.
In order to participate in the NJ State Medal Ceremony being held on December 2, 2025 beginning 11 AM at the VFW Post 3401, 45 Tabor Rd, Morris Plains, NJ, completed applications (designated as “AL Post 59” at the top–available by clicking on the button here). In addition, the supporting documents required (copies/not originals) are described on the application and must accompany it.
The deadline for submission of the application to participate in the December 2nd Ceremony is November 1st.
The paperwork must be mailed to: NJ DMAVA, ATTN: DVS-VBB (Awards), PO BOX 340, TRENTON, NJ 08625-0340.
For questions, please call (609) 530-6875 or email: Jennifer.Glazewski@dmava.nj.gov
