The Monmouth-Ocean Development Council (MODC) led a group of business and community leaders on a visit to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, meeting with senior military officials to discuss support for military families and regional workforce needs, according to a March 24 announcement.
The event brought together local leaders and military representatives to explore collaboration between the base and surrounding communities. The MODC group received briefings from base leadership before touring facilities such as Marine Aircraft Group 49 and the Medical Simulation Training Center. The tour highlighted the extensive operations at the installation, which covers 42,000 acres in Ocean and Burlington counties.
“Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is one of the most important institutions in our region and a vital part of our nation’s defense,” said Thomas Gilmour, MODC Board President. “MODC plays an important role in bringing leaders together across business, government, and the nonprofit community so we can better understand the mission of the base and explore ways to strengthen the relationship between the installation and the communities that surround it.”
Gilmour also said: “When those connections are made, they often lead to meaningful collaboration that benefits military families and the broader region.” U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Stefanovic, JB MDL and 87th Air Base Wing commander, added: “Our partnership with the surrounding community is essential to the success of our mission. We thrive because of the strong relationships we’ve built with our neighbors. Together, we enhance readiness, support our service members and families, and strengthen the region we call home.”
One area discussed was connecting military spouses with training programs for jobs in home care for seniors and veterans. Participants agreed that strengthening ties between civic organizations like MODC—alongside businesses such as Home Helpers Home Care—and JB MDL could help address shared challenges.
Howard Stein, owner of Home Helpers Home Care and MODC board member said: “For many civilians like myself, it is difficult to fully appreciate the scale of work taking place at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst until you have an opportunity to see it firsthand.” Stein continued: “What makes engagements like this valuable is that they bring together leaders from military, business community, and government to better understand their mission while working collaboratively on solutions that strengthen both installation communities.”
The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), described as serving private-sector employers throughout New Jersey according to its official website, facilitates partnerships among businesses as well as government entities according to its official website. Michele Siekerka serves as president & chief executive officer according to its official website. NJBIA provides advocacy along with practical information aimed at supporting business prosperity according to its official website.
