TRENTON, N.J. (PIX11) - The mission isn't new, but the department carrying out the mission is.

New Jersey is going to have a standalone Department of Veterans Affairs.

"I see it as a plus, a win-win for New Jersey," said Sophia Dmoch, Commander of the American Legion Post 310 in Little Ferry.

The current Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) oversees the New Jersey National Guard and all things related to veterans' services. A bill to split the departments into their own entity was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy last week.

Many veteran leaders have pushed for the move. They say now, the Governor's cabinet will have a direct voice for veterans.

"It's not going to be somebody that's related to the National Guard, it's not going to fall under the auspices of the Na

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