Starting from Monday, July 1, Colonel Yvonne L. Mays from Lumberton Township would make history by becoming the first African American woman to lead the New Jersey National Guard.
Major General Lisa J. Hou has recently left her position as the director of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. As a result, a new acting head has been appointed to take over her responsibilities.
Related posts
The state Senate is yet to confirm the nomination.
At present, the Middle East has around 1,500 soldiers from the New Jersey Army National Guard deployed for various missions. Moreover, over 200 soldiers, airmen, and women are currently mobilized to aid in domestic missions such as cybersecurity and securing the Southwest border of the United States.
Colonel Mays expressed in a press statement that the New Jersey National Guard and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs are embracing a period of change and are prepared to face any obstacles. He stated that they will work together to carry out their crucial duty of protecting their state and nation. Additionally, they will continue to provide generous veterans benefits, programs, and services to the heroes of the Garden State.
In 1983, Mays joined the Air Force and embarked on a distinguished and extensive career in the military. During his time on active duty, Mays was involved in various operations such as Operation Just Cause and deployed to support Operation Desert Shield/Storm.
Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, she actively supported Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom while on duty.
As of late, Colonel Mays held significant positions in the New Jersey Air National Guard, including the Deputy Adjutant General of New Jersey, the Assistant Adjutant General, and Chief of Staff.
In her role as Deputy Adjutant General, she served as the primary consultant to the Adjutant General and the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs on a wide range of important topics, including military preparedness, mobilizations, homeland security, civil authority support, human resources, logistics, training, and financial management.
Leading over 2,400 airmen and women, she commanded two flying wings that conducted fighter and air refueling missions while serving as the Assistant Adjutant General of the New Jersey Air National Guard. Additionally, she supervised the development and training of these individuals.
