Chairwoman Tucker Hosts New Jersey’s
First African-American Adjutant

General, Brigadier General Jemal J. Beale

(TRENTON) – Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Chair Cleopatra G. Tucker hosted a reception honoring New Jersey’s first African-American Adjutant General, Brigadier General Jemal J. Beale of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) on Wednesday.

“I am excited and honored to have the privilege of welcoming this history-maker back to our

city,” said Tucker (D-Essex). “While a student at Kean University, Brigadier General Beale made Newark his home, and we still claim him as one of our own. He is a shining example of a soldier who is proudly serving our state and nation. This is our way of thanking him and recognizing his stellar military career.”

Brigadier Beale was sworn in as the Adjutant General of New Jersey on April 2 and commands the more than 8,400 soldiers and airmen of the New Jersey National Guard. He directs, controls, and manages the DMAVA in executing federal and state missions. In addition, Brigadier General Beale manages all state veterans’ programs, commissions and facilities in New Jersey.

A combat veteran of Afghanistan, Brigadier General Beale has held several key positions that have involved military directing, planning, operations, training and safety, and logistics. He began his military career in 1987 as an enlisted soldier and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1990 after completing the Early Commissioning Program at Seton Hall University. Brigadier General Beale has served throughout the continental United States, Afghanistan, Albania, Germany, and Italy.

The reception was held at the Tryp Hotel in Newark.