Joyce Gonzalez is originally from the Bronx in New York City. She proudly served 5 years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps from 1999 to 2004 as a 5942 Aviation Radar Repairer. In 2003, Joyce was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her duties included repairing, installing, testing, adjusting, and providing organizational maintenance on the AN/TPS-63B, AN/TPS-59 (V)3, and associated IFF (Individual Issue Facility) equipment of the TAOC (Tactical Air Operations Center). She was discharged in 2004 and left the Marine Corps as a Sergeant.

After serving in the Marine Corps for five years, she experienced some struggles, but utilized the skill sets learned in the Marine Corps to land a position in the automotive industry. For the past 15 years, she has been working in the automotive industry. Her experience ranges from project management to working across several organizational departments including Technical Service, Human Resources, Operations, and Procurement. Currently, she is employed as a Buyer for BMW North America in Woodcliff Lake.

Joyce has always been a firm believer in giving back to the community. As a human resource professional, Joyce would promote different employment opportunities to transitioning service members. She would refer transition members to the BMW Military Service Technician Education Program. The 16-week program trains veterans to become certified technicians at local BMV service shops across the country. She is an active member of American Legion Post 310 in Little Ferry and a volunteer with the Marine Corps New Jersey Detachment 434 Gooney Birds in Teaneck. While working, Joyce pursued her degree at Bergen County Community College (BCCC). She graduated from BCCC with an Associates in Science in General Studies. She later transferred to Fairleigh Dickinson University and completed her Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies with a Specialization in Psychology.

From 2015 to 2018, Joyce served as a board member for The Alliance Against Homelessness of Bergen County. During her tenure, she raised awareness about homelessness in Bergen County. She has also worked extensively to combat homelessness as a platoon member for The Mission Continues – Newark Platoon. The Mission Continues is a service orientated non-profit that empowers veterans to continue their service, and empowers communities with veteran talent, skills, and preparedness to generate visible impact. Joyce has served in various projects in Newark and other areas of need. Recently, she was appointed as the new Mission Continues Platoon Leader for the Newark Platoon. The Newark Platoon has an excellent reputation for volunteering in the community and they have collaborated with Bergen County Veteran Services in the past. She hopes to be able to recruit more veterans to serve in the platoon and to demonstrate to the community that veterans are a great asset.

Joyce now resides with her family in Allendale, but was living in Teaneck for several years. She has 3 children, Jasmine, 19, Edward, 19, and Mathew, 11. Her oldest daughter decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps. She enlisted in the Marine Corps last year and is currently serving on active duty. Thank you for your service, Joyce and we also wish your daughter Jasmine, the best of luck while she is serving our country!

To find out more about The Mission Continues and if you are interesting in volunteering, please e-mail [email protected].