Character Development: Brig. Gen. Yvonne L. Mays (Integrity)

Chaplain Lt. Col Floyd White, USAR/USAF (Ret) hosted the first Character Development Chapel Speaker Series of 2025 on Friday, focusing on the character trait of Integrity. Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays was the guest speaker.

Brig. Gen. Mays is The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. She commands more than 8,400 Soldiers and Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard and leads, directs, and manages the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in the execution of federal and state missions. In addition, she manages all state veterans’ programs, commissions, and facilities in New Jersey. 

“It takes courage to make ethical decisions and strength to do what is right,” Brig. Gen. Mays said. “What’s even harder is doing the right thing when times are tough. What do you do when you’re tired? What do you do when no one’s watching? What do you do when you feel like you’ve been treated unfairly? Your answer to those questions cuts to the core of your own personal integrity.”

Brig. Gen. Mays enlisted in the Air Force in August 1983 and completed Basic Military Training at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. While serving as an enlisted Airman, she supported numerous operations such as Operation Just Cause and deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm. She earned her commission from the Palmetto Military Academy, Fort Jackson, South Carolina, in 1999. 

Brig. Gen. Mays began her National Guard career as the Director of Personnel and Commander of the Mission Support Flight, 177th Fighter Wing, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey in 1999. In 2003, she went on to be the 177 FW Executive Officer before becoming the Deputy Chief of Staff, New Jersey Air National Guard in 2008. During her tenure as an officer in the New Jersey Air National Guard, Brig. Gen. Mays supported Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom and served multiple roles including Director of Staff and Deputy Joint Task Force Commander supporting New Jersey’s COVID-19 Response Operations. 

Prior to selection by Governor Philip D. Murphy in July 2024 and New Jersey State Senate Confirmation in October 2024, Brig. Gen. Mays served as the Deputy Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

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Character Development Chapel Speaker Series

Valley Forge Military Academy & College’s mission is to develop individuals to be fully prepared for the responsibilities and challenges of being citizen leaders. We strive to develop the whole person within an integrated academic and military environment. Valley Forge Military Academy & College produces highly focused graduates who are strong in mind, body and soul.

Since our founding in 1928 by Lt. Gen. Milton Baker, our philosophy is built upon Five Cornerstones: Academic Excellence, Character Development, Personal Motivation, Physical Development, and Leadership. We expound on one of these foundational Cornerstones through the monthly Character Development Chapel Speaker Series. Each month, the VFMAC community focuses on a specific character trait which is shared with our Corps of Cadets through communications, teachings, and activities. Through the speaker series, Cadets have the opportunity to learn from industry experts, build campus culture and institutional strength, and challenge their own insights by asking thought-provoking questions.