Our Approach

Mission

The mission of the NGANJ is to secure the most effective benefits and resources to our members and families so they can provide world-class service in support of our state and nation, to foster and improve relations between the National Guard of New Jersey and the general public, and to promote professional development, friendship, understanding and cooperation among our members.

Our Story

Vision

The National Guard Association Of New Jersey will be the leading advocate for members and families of the New Jersey National Guard.

We will pursue and secure the most effective benefits and resources to help provide world-class service in support of our communities, state and nation.

Meet the NGANJ Board

The President.   Col. Lola D. Washington began her military career in 1988, serving eight years as an enlisted Hospital Corpsman in the United States Naval Reserves before enlisting in the Wyoming Air National Guard as a Medical Technician and became a personnelist. She has served with the NJ Air National Guard for over 18 years as a personnelist with the 108th Wing, and in various positions within the JFHQ, including as the J1/HRO, and Chief of the Joint Staff for the New Jersey National Guard during COVID operations. COL Washington currently commands the 108th Mission Support Group.

The 1st Vice President.   LTC Anthony Salvani has been a member of the NJ Army National Guard for over 21 years and serves as the 42D Regional Support Group S3 and full time Administrative Officer (AO). He commanded Company A, 250th Brigade Support Battalion, and served as the Training Officer for the 250th BSB. He later served as the Training Officer for the Recruiting and Retention Battalion and then AO/XO of the 117th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. After leaving he 117th, he served as the Deputy Director for State Family Programs.  He is a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The 2nd Vice President.   Capt. Michele Kapurelos, has been a member of the NJ Air Guard since 2000, serving 14 years as an enlisted Maintenance Analyst and Data Base Manager for the F-16 Viper. She has served over 22 years in various capacities as an Equipment Maintenance Flight (EMF) Officer in Charge (OIC), Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS) Director of Operations (DO), and Maintenance Squadron (MXS) DO. Capt Kapurelos served as the Aircraft Maintenance Unit Officer in Charge during the 2021 retrograde out of Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. She is currently the Commander of the Maintenance Squadron in the 177TH Maintenance Group of the NJ Air National Guard. Capt. Kapurelos is a full time Correctional Police Sergeant with the State of New Jersey.

The Secretary.   LTC Doug Coppola has been a member of the NJ Army National Guard for over 17 years and serves as the J8, Resource Manager. He commanded the 50th Financial Management Support Unit, and served in various capacities in that unit as well as the Comptroller in the JFHQ-USPFO. He is a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and currently works for the U.S. Army Reserves at Fort Dix NJ.

The Treasurer.    CPT Gustavo Limo is a prior service enlisted marine of eight years and has been a member of the NJ Army National Guard for over 12 years.  He currently commands the 50TH Financial Management Support Unit and has served in various capacities in that unit, and within the 44th IBCT. He is a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Joint Guardian and currently works as the Regional Business Line Controller overseeing the Americas at Evonik.

The Executive Director.   COL (Retired) Bill Peace enlisted in the NJ Army National Guard as a private in the ordnance corps in 1985. After graduation from OCS, he has commanded at the Platoon, Company, Battalion and Group level, holding key staff assignments in between. He is a combat veteran of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and retired in 2018 as a Colonel of Logistics. He is an Army War college Graduate, Demonstrated Master Logistician, and currently works for the NJNG as a federal employee.

The Immediate Past President.   LTC Vince Tirri has been a member of the NJ Army National Guard for over 17 years and is an Armor Officer. He is currently the commander of the recruiting and retention battalion at Camp Sea Girt. LTC Tirri is a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has been the Full-time Support Staff supervisor for the 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, the enlisted strength manager in the Recruiting and Retention Battalion, the Deputy Director for Personnel for NJARNG, the Personnel Officer for the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and the Assistant Chief of Staff, Army.