New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
DMAVA Highlights Archives

2 September 2005

Volume 4, Number 35

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NJ Dept of Military and
Veterans Affairs

Maj Gen Glenn K. Rieth
The Adjutant General

Brig Gen Maria Falca-Dodson
Deputy Adjutant General

Col (Ret) Stephen G. Abel
Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs

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Contacting us is easy!

Office of the Assistant Commissioner

Col (Ret) Michael B. Smith

Mrs. Laura A. Branham

Phone: (609) 530-6987

Fax: (609) 530-7109

Email:
branham@njdmava.state.nj.us

We're on the Web!
http://www.nj.gov/military

 

The NJ National Guard Needs You!

Here is our featured
Job of the Week

Signal Systems Support Specialist, 31U

The signal support systems specialist supervises, installs, employs, maintains, troubleshoots, and assists users with battlefield Signal support systems and terminal devices; integrates Signal systems and networks; performs unit level maintenance on authorized Signal equipment and associated electronic devices; trains and provides technical assistance to users of Signal equipment; and operates and performs preventive maintenance checks and services on assigned vehicles and power generators.

Performs Signal support functions, to include providing technical assistance and training for user owned and operated automation and communication equipment.


If you’re interested in an exciting job opportunity,
contact your Recruiting Office at
1-800-792-8396

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Veterans’ Organizations
Contact Information

State Veterans Service Council
Mr. Richard Clark
RJClark21@msn.com

NJ Advisory Committee for Women Veterans
Mrs. Anna Hoffman
hoffmanannem@aol.com

BG Willam C. Doyle Cemetery Advisory Council
Mr. William Rakestraw
warjrnj@msn.com

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Veterans Hotlines

Benefits & Entitlements
1-888-8NJ-VETS
(1-888-865-8387)

Mental Health
1-866-VETS-NJ4
(1-866-838-7654)

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New Jersey Freedom Loans

What is a Freedom Loan?

* Up to $10,000

* Annual APR 6%

* Term: 5 years (no pre-payment penalty)

* Unsecured Loan (no collateral required)

Who is eligible to apply?

NJ residents who are:

* Members of the National Guard or Reserve

* Mobilized for one year or longer to fight in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) – excluding routine training.

Or

* Served 90 or more consecutive days in the GWOT on federal or state active duty (excluding routing training) and have received orders extending cumulative active duty a year or longer.

How do I apply?

* Contact participating banks. Call or visit your local branch office to obtain an application.

* Guardmembers, Reservists, or family members with Power of Attorney must submit copies of current mobilization orders with the bank’s Freedom Loan application.

Current participants:

Commerce Bank
1-888-751-9000

Credit Union of NJ
609-538-4061, ext. 401

First Morris Bank & Trust
1-888-530-2265

Manasquan Savings Bank
732-223-4450

North Jersey Federal
Credit Union
1-888-78NJFCU

Peapack-Gladstone Bank
(908) 719-BANK

Pennsville National Bank
856-678-6006

PNC
1-866-PNC-4USA

Sovereign Bank
1-877-391-6365

Sun National Bank
1-800-691-7701

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To honor workers far and near Our nation passed a bill

To grant all men a day of rest

A Sabbath – if you will.

Much praise is due our labor force

For each achievement made

Who’ve furthered the economy

Our country’s growth and trade.

A time for picnics and parades

To revel in the sun

Before the summer’s days be spent

And Autumn has begun!

Have a Happy Labor Day!

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In light of the devastation in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama

"Courage, it would seem, is nothing less than the power to overcome danger, misfortune, fear, injustice, while continuing to affirm inwardly that life with all its sorrows is good; that everything is meaningful, even if in a sense beyond our understanding, and that there is always tomorrow." -

Dorothy Thompson

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NJ Guard supports Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

Under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), Lt. Gen. H. Steven Blum, Chief, National Guard Bureau, has authorized the National Guard in all 50 states and four territories to provide essential personnel and critical equipment support to the states affected by Hurricane Katrina through their respective state emergency management agencies. The NJ National Guard has answered that call and is ready to provide personnel, equipment and assistance to those areas affected.

Currently, the states impacted by this catastrophe are assessing their situation, identifying specific needs, and requesting appropriate equipment and personnel. Both New Jersey Army and Air National Guard assets have been mobilized and will be providing requested assistance.

The initial request for support centers on potable drinking water. Aircraft and personnel from the 108th Air Refueling Wing at McGuire Air Force Base and soldiers from the 250th Forward Support Battalion headquartered at Sea Girt are prepared to collect, package and deliver bottled water. Those citizens wishing to assist in this effort can bring only packaged bottled water in cases to the armory locations listed. Logistical restraints require that the bottled water be no smaller than case size. This can be done between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Monday, September 5th. No other donations will be accepted at this time until we have further information on what the states need. For additional information, please contact 609-530-7010.

In addition to assisting the citizens of those devastated areas, the National Guard is a family that takes care of its own. Thousands of National Guard troops currently deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom come from those states most severely affected by Hurricane Katrina. Their own homes and families were not immune to the destruction caused by the flooding and extremely high winds. We are equally committed to assisting our fellow citizen soldiers and the members of our extended Guard family.

ARMORY DROPOFFS

NORTH

Teaneck:
1799 Teaneck Road
Teaneck, NJ 07666-0687

West Orange:
1315 Pleasant Valley Way
West Orange, NJ 07052-1419

Dover:
479 West Clinton Street
Dover, NJ 07801-1799

Somerset:
1060 Hamilton Street
Somerset, NJ 08873

Port Murray:
550 Route 57
Port Murray, NJ 07865

CENTRAL

Lawrenceville:
151 Eggers Crossing Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Sea Girt:
National Guard Training Center
Washington Avenue
Sea Girt, NJ 08750-0251

Somerset:
1060 Hamilton Street
Somerset, NJ 08873

SOUTH

Woodbury:
658 North Evergreen Avenue
Woodbury, NJ 08096-1399

Atlantic City:
1008 Absecon Blvd.
Atlantic City, NJ 08401-1999

Cape May:
600 Garden State Parkway
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210-1699

Acting Governor Codey is asking New Jersey residents to give blood, donate money, or volunteer through the American Red Cross. Donations can be made via phone at 800-HELP-NOW, on th web at www.redcross.org, or by mail to: American Red Cross, PO Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

108th Air Refueling Wing Family Day ’05 a huge success!

As the summer heat and sun bore down on the crowd, members of the 108th, their families, and friends enjoyed the food, games, and entertainment during the annual Family Day at Doughboy Field, Fort Dix, on July 17th.

The fun and games were held after the Commander’s Call in the wing hangar. The Adjutant General, MG Glenn K. Rieth, addressed the wing members about the BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) process and the positive momentum that the wing is looking toward. MG Rieth also spoke about his visit to Turkey to visit wing members deployed there. “It was truly humbling as an Army aviator see how well you accomplish the mission,” he stated.

Colonel Michael Cunniff, Commander of the 108th spoke to the wing about the outstanding job they had done on the recent UCI and other deployments. He told the audience to take time to enjoy Family Day and to “thank your family for what they do for us.”

Following promotions and awards, everyone headed for Fort Dix and the exciting activities awaiting them there – dunk tank, pie eating contest, karate demonstration, fishing game, music, face painting, exhibits, vintage vehicles, plentiful food and drinks, and much more.

NJ National Guard attends Enlisted Personnel Professional Development Training.

Members of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard attended Professional Development Training at the 34th Annual Conference of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) in Orlando, Florida from 21-24 August 2005. Training was conducted by the Chief, National Guard Bureau, Army and Air National Guard Directors, the NGB CSM, Army National Guard CSM, Air National Guard CCM, and a special presentation by the Command Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. Attendees were State CSM Richard Adkins, CCM Paul Gunning, EANG-NJ President SGM (Ret) Len Mayersohn CMSgt(Ret) Tom Quinn, SGM (Ret) Jerry Zebrowski, 1SG John Humphreys, and MSgt (Ret) Kelly Schreiner. First-time attendees were TSgt Tammy Hickerson and SSgt Jeff Pilgrim from the New Jersey Air National Guard. Additionally, MSgt Don Newlin, 108th Air Refueling Wing, attended as a guest of EANGUS, and was recognized as the 2005 Air National Guard Base Honor Guard Program Manager of the Year.

Servicemember closes in on USAF Rifleman’s Badge.

A New Jersey servicemember attended the National Rifle Championship at Camp Perry, Ohio, on August 1-7. Senior Master Sergeant Joseph Burkel, a Chief Radio Operator with the 227th Special Operations Flight, is ten points closer to earning his USAF Distinguished Rifleman’s Badge as a result of his participation. Burkel has been a member of the 108th Marksmanship Team since May 2001, and has been with the 108th since 1985. During the Excellence in Competition Match, he shot his way into the top 10% of 1,222 competitors, earning 10 points. In accordance with AFI 34-227, a total of thirty points are needed to earn the USAF Distinguished Rifleman’s Badge. Currently, less than 300 Air Force personnel have achieved this mark since 1947. Burkel also placed high enough in the Springfield and Garand Matches to be awarded Gold and Bronze medals respectively.

Upcoming events this fall for the team include: New Jersey Pistol Championships in September, and the New Jersey Match Rifle Championships in October. Anyone interested in the 108th ARW Marksmanship Team should contact Lt Col Andy Kuhtik at (609) 754-6131.

Veterans to be honored at ceremony on 29 September 2005.

Salem and Cumberland County veterans will be honored in ceremonies to be held at the Salem County Community College, 460 Hollywood Avenue, Carneys Point, NJ. Veterans will be presented with the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal at an 11 a.m. ceremony. Korean Service Medals will be presented at a ceremony scheduled for 1 p.m.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Task Force is formed.

The NJ Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, in cooperation with County Veterans Programs and Veterans Administration and Independent Providers has formed a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Task Force. Their purpose is to deliver the most timely and effective PTSD counseling to our returning New Jersey combat veterans. Their first meeting was held at DMVA on 12 July 2005. Quarterly meetings have been scheduled to develop a working model from which a concise program and mission goals can be formulated. It is important that our soldiers returning home from overseas have the best possible care provided to them.

Salvation Army – Operation Red Shield.

Operation Red Shield is a fully funded program run by the Salvation Army to meet the emergency needs of our deployed service personnel and their dependents. If anyone needs assistance or additional information on Operation Red Shield, please call 888-302-6100 or 888-247-0100. Full program details can also be viewed at www.salvationarmynewjersey.org.

NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Vietnam Era Educational Center’s upcoming event schedule.

10 Sep - 1 p.m.
Between the Lines: Photographs from the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Author lecture and slide presentation by Vietnam Veteran Thomas F. Morrissey.

16 Sep - 11 a.m.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day and Gold Star Mothers Recognition Day ceremony.

18 Sep - 11 a.m.
Rolling Thunder – NJ, Motorcycle Run for POW/MIA Awareness.

For more information about any of these events, please call the NJ Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation office at (732) 335-0033.

The Vietnam Era Educational Center is located adjacent to the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial off the Garden State Parkway at Exit 116.

Sandy Cove offers a free stay for our military members & families at Operation Oasis on Chesapeake Bay.

Operation Oasis is an outreach program developed to offer a time of rest and renewal to military personnel involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Located in North East, Maryland, at the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay, Operation Oasis offers a free 3-day, 2-night time of rest and relaxation. It is a thank you to those who seek to secure and sustain our freedom. Simply contact Carol Lee Lynch at c.lynch@sandycove.org or by phone at 800-287-4843 for additional information. You can also visit the website www.sandycove.org for a more detailed description of the facility.

Part-time opportunities in Military Funeral Honors Program.

The New Jersey Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors Program has several part-time employment opportunities immediately available across the state for TDGs and Technicians. Earn one day’s base pay and one retirement point for a few hours work providing Military Funeral Honors for our Veterans. If you are interested, please contact SFC Raymond Denson, Military Funeral Honors Coordinator, at 609-530-7090 or by e-mail at Raymond.Denson@nj.ngb.army.mil.

Standdown 2005 to be held in South and North Jersey.

Homeless veterans and their families are invited to attend the annual one-day Standdown that will be held at Essex County College on 17 September 2005 and at the Cherry Hill Armory on Friday, 23 September 2005, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Federal, state, public, and private support agencies will offer a broad array of FREE services and assistance such as: VA benefit counseling, welfare, Social Security, food stamps, legal services, addiction services, housing, medical, dental, employment/unemployment, haircuts, and clothing provisions. Pre-registration and transportation arrangements are encouraged. Call (800) 464-8387 for additional information.

NJ Friends of the Guard and Reserve Announce Golf Outing

The NJ Friends of the Guard and Reserve is proud to present the 2005 State Chairman’s Annual Golf Outing. The golf outing will be held on Thursday, 22 September 2005 at the Falcon Creek Golf Course at McGuire AFB. The $85 per golfer registration fee includes greens fees, cart registration, food and beverages on the course, door prizes and dinner at the McGuire AFB Officer’s Club. Hole and cart sponsors are being sought too. All proceeds to benefit the activities of the NJ Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. For additional information please contact Hank Pierre at 609-530-6879.

Job Fair to be held at Fort Monmouth.

A Job Fair will be held on September 20, 2005 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gibbs Hall, Fort Monmouth. Army Community Service – Employment Readiness Program us sponsoring the Job Fair that will have the participation of over 60 businesses. Parking is limited and the public is encouraged to car pool or take public transportation. Photo ID will be required. No large bags, backpacks, briefcases, etc. will be permitted inside the gate. Lunch will be available for purchase inside Gibbs Hall. Bring adequate copies of your resume as no copy facilities will be available. If you require additional information, you may contact jill.mcdonald@mail1.monmouth.army.mil.

Support the Troops

Here are some of the activities and fundraisers planned in support of our deployed troops and their families:

104th Engineer Association plans benefit golf outing - The 104th Engineer Association will hold its first annual golf outing to benefit the “SGT Frank T. Carvill Scholarship Program.” The event will be held on Monday, 19 September 2005 at the Overpeck County Golf Course in Teaneck, NJ. Contact SGM (Ret) Jerome Zebrowski at 609-214-6959 or by e-mail at jcptfalc@aol.com or SGM Edward Goetschius at 609-965-1972 or e-mail at esgtmaj@comcast.net or www.EANG-NJ.org to obtain additional information.

National Guard Family Day at Six Flags Great Adventure Saturday, 24 September 2005, join the New Jersey National Guard for a day full of family, fun and excitement! Tickets to the NJ National Guard Family Day are $17 each and they will go fast. Purchase your tickets today at your nearest Family Assistance center: Morristown, Teaneck, Lawrenceville, Woodbury, Toms River, Jersey City, Somerset or Pomona. Call for more information at 888-859-0352.

State Park Passes - All Active New Jersey National Guard members are entitled to Division of Parks and Forestry State Park passes. When parking fees are in effect this pass entitles the NJNG member (and passengers) free parking at all New Jersey State Parks, Forests, Recreation Areas and Historic Sites. This pass does not pertain to campground fees. ID cards must be shown along with this pass for access. Active NJ National Guard members and families of deployed soldiers can obtain their state park passes through the State Family Programs office by calling 609-562-0739 or at any NJ National Guard Family Assistance Center, 888-859-0352. Questions and inquiries concerning the NJ State Park Pass program should be addressed to CW4 Ralph Cwieka, State Family Program Coordinator at 609-562-0668 or e-mail: Ralph.cwieka@nj.ngb.army.mil

Shades of Green Offers Summer Specials The Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort has announced 2005 end of summer specials available from 7 AUG through 30 SEPT. Members of the military community, including retired members, are eligible for package deals. Resort officials say that Shades of Green guests have exclusive access to discounted theme park tickets, reduced rates at Disney’s PGA professional golf courses, extra Magic Hours at the parks, and much more. For more information, visit the Shades of Green website at www.shadesofgreen.org/funandsun.htm.

Free Military Care Package Kit of Priority Mail The United States Postal Service is offering free packaging materials to spouses and families of military members who are deployed overseas. To take advantage of this service call: 1-800-610-8734 and press 1 (for English), then 3 for an operator and request CAREKIT04. USPS will send you free boxes, packing materials, tape and mailing labels. These products are to be used to mail care packages to service members.

Sign up for a chance to send your soldier Dunkin Donuts coffee. Dunkin Donuts will send a case of free coffee to your soldier if he/she is among the 50 selected in a monthly lottery. Just go to www.dunkindonuts.com, click on “About Us,” click on “Contact Us,” click on “Instore Visits,” fill out the form, in the comments section put the soldier’s rank, name and APO address, and say that you would like to send your soldier coffee. Then click “Submit.” You can mail a request to Dunkin Brands, 130 Royall Street, Camton, MA 02021, Attention Customer Care or request the coffee by phone at 781-737-3000 (Customer Relations).

Operation Uplink. Visit http://www.operationuplink.org/request.cfm to request free phone cards for active duty military personnel deployed away from home. At this site you can fill out a request for a phone card to be sent to yourself or a loved one. One card per request per servicemember will be honored during a 60-day period.

Gifts from the Homefront. The “Gifts from the Homefront” program was begun last year by the Army and Air Force and enables people from all walks of life to rally around America’s troops by purchasing gift certificates designed to lift the morale of deployed troops around the world. The certificates, which can be purchased by any individual or civic organization, allow service members to purchase items of necessity and convenience at PX and BX facilities around the world. “Gifts from the Homefront” certificates can be addressed to “any service member” or individual service members. Because the gift certificates can be use for merchandise already stocked at contingency locations, “Gifts from the Homefront” are a safe alternative to traditional care packages that can strain the military mail system and present force protection issues. Those wishing to send a “Gift from the Homefront” can simply log on to the AAFES website, www.aafes.com, or call 877-770-4438 toll-free to buy gift certificates in $10 or $20 denominations. From there, the “Gift from the Homefront” may be sent to an individual service member designed by the purchaser or distributed to “any service member” through the USO, American Red Cross, Air Force Aid Society, or Fisher House.

Operation Mail Call. Operation Mail call is a program initiated by New Jersey Assemblymen Jack Conners and Herb Conaway that enables citizens to donate postage stamps for use by our troops and their families. Over 30,000 stamps have been donated to our National Guard soldiers and airmen and Family Readiness Programs. With Memorial Day 2005 approaching, we recall the unique sacrifices made by every generation that has served in uniform for the good of America. We are often asked what can be done to support the soldiers of this generation. If you would like to participate, please mail or drop off your postage stamps to the 7th Legislative District Office, Delran Professional Center, 8008 Route 130 North, Suite 125, Delran, NJ 08075.

American Hero Band - The American Hero Band is a free wristband worn by Americans to demonstrate their support of the “Defenders of Freedom” who are Army National Guard soldiers deployed across the globe. Engraved on the metallic wristband are the words IN HONOR OF AN AMERICAN HERO SERVING IN THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD. These words are flanked left by the Army National Guard logo and right by the American flag. There is also an inscription of the National Guard website, http://www.virtualarmory.com and a unique serial number engraved inside this commemorative wristband. If you are interested in getting The American Hero Band, go to http://www.virtualarmory.com and click on the American Hero Band banner.

American Airlines: Special fare for military personnel and their dependants (you will need your military ID card and a copy of your soldier’s orders to fly). Just call 800-433-7300 and ask for the military fare offer for your desired destination. You can also go to www.aa.com, but you cannot book a flight online.

Armory Happenings

Listed below are events taking place at your local armory.

17 Sep (10a.m.- 7 p.m.) Irish Festival
Ancient Order of Hibernian
Sea Girt

17 Sep (10a.m - 6 p.m.)
18 Sep (11a.m.- p.m.)

Antique Show Morristown
18 Sep (7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Sport Card & Memorabilia Show Bordentown
21 Sep (5 p.m. – 9 p.m.) Free Rabies Vaccination
Township of Lawrence
Lawrenceville
22-24 Sep (10 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
25 Sep (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Tool Show
Woodbridge
22-24 Sep (10 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
25 Sep (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Tool Show Freehold
24 Sep (6 a.m. -6 p..m) Flea Market Teaneck
24 Sep (10 a.m. – 10 p.m.) Medieval Festival Westfield
30 Sep (10a.m. – 5 p.m.)
1 Oct (10 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
Quilt Show Westfield

Fitness Corner – Ernie Razzano, Certified Fitness Trainer

Fat “Burning” Foods

I was asked if there are certain foods that can actually help the body utilize fat for energy. It is important to note that a nutrition program that is varied and balanced across the three macro-nutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fats) will ensure your body is the healthiest it possibly can be and any excess weight will come off as a result of healthy eating habits and sensible exercise routines.

The foods that have been suggested to be more beneficial for fat burning are as follows, however, this is by no means an exhaustive list. These foods may only encourage weight loss when used within a well-balanced diet.

Fruit: Apples, Bananas, Lemons, Oranges, Grapes, Leeks, Melons, Grapefruit, Pears, and Pineapple.

Vegetables: Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Lettuce, Root Vegetables, and Peppers.

Grains: Whole meal bread, Wholegrain Pastas, Brown or Japanese Rice, and Air Popped Corn.

Protein Sources: Soya Beans, Low fat Soymilk, Mushrooms, Eggs, Low fat lean beef, fresh fish, fresh tuna, and lean chicken.

The right fats, consumed in small quantities have the effect of slowing the digestion of carbs and protein, thus causing the body to expend more energy in the process of digestion.

Polyunsaturated Oils: Cottonseed oit, Nut Oils, Safflower Oil, Soya Oil, and Sunflower Oil.

Foods High in Omega-3 Fatty Acid: Bass, Herring, Cod, Oysters, and Sardines.

The foods contained in the above fat-burning foods list, when put together, form solid grounding for a fat-burning diet – and the best thing about these foods is that they are al in plentiful supply and are not expensive.

Today is Friday, September 2nd. It is the 245th day of the year with 120 days remaining.

On this day in history...

1666 – The Great Fire of London broke out. The fire burned for three days destroying 10,000 buildings including St. Paul’s Cathedral. Only 6 people were killed.

1775 – Hannah, the first American war vessel was commissioned by General George Washington.

1789 – The U.S. Treasury Department was established.

1935 – A hurricane hit the Florida Keys killing 423 people.

1945 – Japan surrendered to the U.S. aboard the USS Missouri, ending World War II. The war ended six years and one day after it began.

1945 – Ho Chi Minh declares Vietnam independence from France (National Day).

1969 – Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh died.

1985 – It was announced that a U.S. and French expedition had found the Titanic on September 1st 560 miles off Newfoundland. The luxury liner had been missing for 73 years.

1992 – The U.S. and Russia agreed to a joint venture to build a space station.

Call today to volunteer at a Family Readiness Center near you.

If you are able to assist the families of our deployed soldiers and airmen, please call our Family Readiness Center at our toll-free number 888-859-0352.

 

   
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