New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
DMAVA Highlights » 6 October 2006

Volume 5, Number 41


Contacting us is easy!

Public Affairs Office

Phone: (609) 530-7088
Fax: (609) 530-6963



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



Veterans Hotlines

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

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



DMAVA Highlights Archive

DMAVA Highlights Archive Page



NJ World War II Memorial

For information or to make a donation, call 609-530-7049

WWII Memorial on the web



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



Quote of the Week

History never looks like history when you are living through it. It always looks confusing and messy, and it always feels uncomfort-able.

-John W. Gardner

Download PDF Version of this week's highlights
News for your Views

National Hispanic Heritage Month:
September 15 - October 15

DMAVA celebrates the fourth week of Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing Hispanic-American Soldiers of today, who have stood up to become role models for generations to follow.  Inspired by the Soldiers that fought before them and leading the Soldiers that follow them, they are making history everyday.  From the Commanders of our nation’s forces to the Soldier helping spread the word of the Army experience, today’s Soldiers are the role models for our future Soldiers.

Lt. Gen. Ricardo S. Sanchez
In 1973, as a distinguished military graduate of Texas A&I University, Ricardo S. Sanchez was commissioned as an armor second lieutenant in the Army.  In 1991, Col. Sanchez served as a battalion commander during Operation Desert Storm, successfully leading his battalion to Basra.  Shortly after the Gulf War, Sanchez was promoted to brigadier general and served in various duties throughout the Army.  In 2001, he became commanding general of V Corps and assumed command of the entire corps on June 14, 2003.  On that same date he became commander of the coalition ground forces in the U.S. led occupation of Iraq.  Under his command he oversaw the firefight with Uday and Qusay Hussein and the eventual capture of Saddam Hussein.  Lt. Gen. Sanchez is currently serving as Commanding General of the European Command’s V Corps in Germany.  V Corps is the United States Army’s only forward-deployed corps headquarters.

Col. Norma P. Tovar
Col. Norma P. Tavor was honored this year with the 2005 Leadership Prize at the 14th Annual Hispanic Magazine’s Latina Excellence Awards.  The Latina Excellence Awards annually showcase the outstanding achievements of Hispanic women.  Col. Tovar is currently serving as Director of Training Operations Management Activity at the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Headquarters in Virginia.

Captain Rose Lopez-Keravuori
At seventeen, Rose Lopez-Keravuori entered the United States Military Academy at West Point.  Majoring in French and Spanish, she was chosen to attend a semester at the Mexican Military Academy as well as the French Military Academy.  Following graduation, Capt. Lopez-Keravuori was stationed in Germany from which she was deployed numerous times for intelligence operations.  Her deployments found her as part of NATO’s air campaign against Serbia, in Kosovo for peacekeeping operations and in Macedonia following September 11th for intelligence gathering. During her military time, Capt. Lopez-Keravuori managed to complete two Master’s Degrees in International Relations and Business Administration.  On May 1, Rose Lopez-Keravuori was crowned 2005 Mrs. Virginia-America.  She is currently a defense intelligence consultant to the Army and also serves in the U.S. Army Reserve in Military Intelligence.

Sgt. Hector L. Ceja
Sgt. Hector L. Ceja joined the Army in 1999.  After completing his initial entry training, he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division; from there Sgt. Ceja moved on to become a part of the elite Special Forces parachute team called the “Black Daggers.”  This prepared him for his move to the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team in 2004.  The Golden Knights, which are comprised of the Black and Gold Demonstration Teams, the Formation Skydiving Team and the Style and Accuracy Team; spend more than 230 days a year entertaining more than 12 million people worldwide.  Today, Sgt. Ceja, an administrative specialist, serves as a parachutist on the Black Demonstration Team.

Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Lopez
Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Lopez currently serves as a member of the U.S. Army Field Band’s Jazz Ambassadors.  As a bass player for this 19-member premier jazz orchestra, he travels throughout the states and abroad spreading the diplomatic message of the Army.  In addition to playing bass, he also composes and arranges for the Jazz Ambassadors.

To read more about these and other Hispanic Soldiers, please visit  http://www.goarmy.com/hhm/index.jsp

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Fill Your Date Book

Military Appreciation Day at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, D.C., will hold their second annual Military Appreciation Day on Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  This open house is for service members, retired military and family members.

Among the special activities for the day are: liberators speaking at various times throughout the day and opportunity to meet survivors who volunteer at the museum.  Families who do not want to take children under the age of 11 to the permanent exhibit will be able to visit, “Remember the Children: Daniel’s Story.”

The museum is located at 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW., Washington, D.C.  Visit www.ushmm.org for more information.

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112th FA Association 2006 reunion

The 112th Field Artillery Association will hold its 2006 Reunion on Nov. 11 and 12.  The dinner and awards presentation will be held at the Lawrenceville National Guard Armory on Nov. 11 from 4-9 p.m.  Cost is $45 per person, $90 per couple.  On Sunday, Nov. 12 there will be a memorial service and concert at the armory at 11 a.m. with a free concert by the 63rd Army Band.

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“Families For Soldiers” Walk Honors Guardsmen

The 50th PSB Family Readiness Group Auxiliary will honor the Soldiers of the 250th Personnel Services Detachment, Headquarters, and Headquarters Company, 50th Personnel Services Battalion currently serving in Operation Enduring Freedom, with a 3.5 mile walk on Saturday, Oct. 21.   The walk will take place at the Mercer County Park, 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, N.J.  

Registration for the event begins at 8 a.m. Warm up and walk begin at 9 a.m. Entertainment will be provided by 97.5 FM, The Hawk. Funds raised from the event will be used for holiday gifts for the deployed Soldiers and a homecoming party when they return. For more information or to download a registration form visit www.50thpsb.com/frg.htm.

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Honorable Mention

Guard gate now has phone line

The Guard Booth Telephone Number is 609-671-6623.

Effective immediately all Directors, Managers, Supervisors and Employees that interface with outside personnel for hosting on-site meetings here at the Lawrenceville Headquarters are directed to notify the security guard when expecting scheduled visitors.

You are to provide the date, time and name of the visitor in advance whenever possible, also the DMAVA employee they are visiting and/or meeting they are attending. The Guard will issue a visitors parking permit. If you are expecting a large party for a meeting or event please provide a roster of attendees, with the meeting date time and location to the gate guard prior to the event.

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Enlisted Association offers new feature

The Enlisted Association of New Jersey has added to their Web Page a new feature called “On-GUARD Business Registry,” designed to list businesses owned by current or former National Guard members, and the goods and services they offer.  If you are a current or former member of the New Jersey Army or Air National Guard, this is a great cost-effective opportunity for your business to reach your fellow National Guard members.  Just go to the Web site: www.eang-nj.org and fill out your application today.

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Civil Air Patrol looking for BDU donations

The New Jersey Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.  They perform inland search and rescue missions, aerial reconnaissance for homeland security and disaster relief missions.  CAP has an active cadet program and aerospace education program for young people.  All of the members are unpaid volunteers and must purchase their own uniforms, although CAP does try to provide uniforms for their cadet members without charge to them.

CAP is looking for donations of BDUs (woodland pattern) in wearable condition for use by their members.  They can use pants, shirts, field jackets and caps.  They will also accept Air Force Service Dress uniforms for cadet’s use.

If you have uniforms to donate, please contact Maj. Rick Ulmer, (732)364-7755 or e-mail: caplawyer123@comcast.net.  He will make arrangements for pick-up.

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Tax-free in New Jersey!

Does your shopping list have either a U.S. Flag or New Jersey flag on it?  One good piece of news – the sales tax hike does not affect that purchase; in fact purchase of either flag is TAX FREE in New Jersey.  Please visit the following web page to check out the particulars: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/index.html?flag.htm.

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Army offers free courses for Soldiers, DA civilians

If you are an Army Soldier or DA civilian, you can access more than 2,600 information technology, business, self-development and 30 foreign language courses for FREE through Army e-Learning.  Visit www.us.army.mil and select “my education.”  In Fiscal Year 2006, almost a quarter million courses were completed.  Some of the top 10 courses of the month for July were: Rosetta Stone Spanish and Arabic, Windows XP: Fundamentals, Accounting Fundamentals and Encryption Technologies.

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DMAVA Hotline

The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Emergency Hotline is:
1-866-232-5798

You will hear the following message:

You have reached the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Emergency Information Number.  Please listen to the following menu choices and select an appropriate option:

State employees – press 1
Federal employees – press 2
National Guard employees – press 3

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Affordable vacation spots around the world

Are you looking for an affordable vacation spot?  The Armed Forces Recreation Center has resorts around the world for members of the Armed Forces, their families and other members of the Total Defense Force.  Room rates are based on rank, pay grade, duty status, room size and/or room location. Reservations are required, policies vary by location and guests may not stay more than 30 consecutive days or register again within the following 90-day period.  But if you are thinking of Hawaii, Germany, South Korea or Orlando as a possible vacation destination, this just may be the ticket!  Visit http://www.armymwr.com/portal/travel/recreationcenters/  for more information.

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Doyle cemetery seeks volunteers

The Cemetery is working toward designation as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. We are enlisting the support of community volunteers for Outreach & Education. Scouting Groups, Veteran Service Organizations, Youth Groups, and other interested individuals are encouraged to contact Iven C. Dumas 1st Sgt, USMC (Ret) Assistant Superintendent, at 609- 758-7250 ext. 17 or by e-mail at Iven.Dumas@njdmava.state.nj.us.

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JT2DC Memorial Walkway offers engraved pavers

The Joint Training and Development Center (JT2DC) recently unveiled the Memorial Walkway to the center.  The purpose of the pond and walkway are to serve as a reminder that there are Soldiers in harm’s way protecting the freedoms that we all cherish and enjoy.

The concept of the Memorial Walkway was to have Soldiers create a mark by dedicating inscribed bricks.  Soldiers have chosen to honor loved ones, family members, friends, and personnel with whom they served.

Anyone interested in purchasing an engraved paver for $50, can contact Command Sgt. Major Timothy Maskery at (609) 562-0539.

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Enlisted Association of the National Guard of New Jersey

Membership
Give our state a larger voice by becoming a member of the Enlisted Association.  The increased numbers will help us speak on all legislative issues that will benefit you and your families. The association works hard for you at the Federal & State level on all important issues. Visit the web site EANG-NJ.org, click on Become a Member for the application and find out more about what the association does.

Conference
The Enlisted Association invites you to the Annual Conference at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Atlantic City West, October 6-8, 2006, to Honor and Salute our Airmen and Soldiers who supported the War on Terrorism. Saturday during the Military Ball will be our way to say thank you for their dedication and sacrifices that they and their families shared. Friday night will feature a Hawaiian luau with a show and an Army and Air challenge. Our mission is to have fun. Visit our web site EANG-NJ.org, click on EANG-NJ Conference to find out more. Thank you for your support. You can reach the membership chairman Jerome Zebrowski at 609-214-6959 or jcptfalc@aol.com or co-chairman Edward Goetschius at 609-965-1972 or esgtmaj@comcast.net.

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For the Families

Guard Family Action Plan

The Guard Family Action Plan (GFAP) identifies issues of concern to Guard members, spouses, parents, children, retirees and civilian employees.  The GFAP determines actions necessary to resolve issues and assigns responsibility for actions to the proper staff agency. 

The proper staff agency begins at unit level within the chain of command and can include the Departments of the Army and Air Force and the Congress of the United States.  You can submit an issue along with your recommendation for a solution through the GFAP website at www.gfap.org. If you have any questions, you can call Marie Durling in the State Family Programs Office at 609-562-0739.

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Family Programs on the calendar

Oct. 7, 10 a.m.

Annual pumpkin picking hayride, Johnson’s Farm, Medford

Oct. 12, 7 p.m.

Teen meeting at Teaneck armory

Oct. 14, 7 p.m.

Beef Steak dinner, Saddle Brook VFW

Oct. 20, TBA

West Orange FRG get-together, Arthur’s, Morris Plains

Oct. 20, TBD

Movie Night, Burlington armory

Oct. 21, 8 a.m.

3.2 mile walk, Mercer County Park

Date Change: Nov. 18, 7pm Beef Steak dinner, Saddle Brook VFW

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Family Readiness Group Meeting schedule

Bordentown Armory – B Co 250th SBF & Co D 250th BSB – Oct. 14, 10 a.m.
Hammonton Armory – 119th SB Corps – Oct. 19, 7 p.m.
Jersey City Armory – D Co 2-113th –
Lawrenceville Armory – 50th PSB – Oct. 19, 7 p.m.; 50th Fin Bn – Oct. 14, 2 p.m.
Morristown Armory – 3-112th & 5/117th –
Newark Armory – A, B, E Co’s 2-113th Inf – Oct. 18, 7 p.m.
Port Murray Armory – 2-102nd Arm –
Teaneck Armory – 50th SBM – Oct. 19, 7 p.m.
Toms River Armory – C/3-112th FA –
Vineland Armory – 5/117th Cav –
Woodbury Armory – Trp C 5.117th Cav –

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Recreation and Sports

Anheuser Busch extends complimentary ticket program

Anheuser Busch has announced its program offering free amusement park tickets to the service members and their families has become so popular it will be extended another year. The "Here's to the Heroes," is open to active duty service members, active members of the National Guard or Reserve, and up to three direct dependents for one complimentary admission per year. Participants can go online to fill out a form for free admission at http://www.herosalute.com/.

The amusement parks participating in the program are: Sea World  parks in Orlando, Florida; San Diego and San Antonio;  Busch Gardens parks in Tampa, Florida, and Williamsburg, Virginia; Sesame Place, a children's play and water park, near Philadelphia; Adventure Island water park in Tampa; and Water Country USA water park in Williamsburg. 

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Operation Oasis vacations for military personnel

Operation Oasis Outreach at Sandy Cove, North East, Md., offers a free, 3-day, 2-night time for rest and relaxation for military personnel who were deployed to the Middle East area during OIF/OEF with their spouse and children.  Sandy Cover is located at the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay.  If you are interested, contact Carol Lee Lynch: toll free 1-800-287-4843 or e-mail c.lynch@sandycove.org.

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Governor’s Surf Fishing Contest

Applications for the 2006 Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament, held each year at Island Beach State Park, are now available. Early registrants save on adult registration fees, are eligible for special prizes offered to pre- registrants and avoid delays - pre-registration ensures timely entry to the park.

The tournament will be held Sunday, October 1. Fishing begins at 6:30am. A variety of species are eligible for entry in the tournament, and there are winners in male, female, teen and child categories. Don't miss this exciting family event!

For more information and a link to the application form visit:
http://www.njfish andwildlife.com/gsft.htm on the NJ Div. of Fish and Wildlife website.

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Support our Troops Motorcycle Run

The Freedom Riders “Support Our Troops” Motorcycle Run is scheduled for October 14, 2006 (October 15 – Rain date).  Proceeds benefit the Freedom Alliance Foundation providing:  Educational scholarships to the children of American’s Military Heroes that have given the Ultimate Sacrifice; pre-paid long-distance phone cards, gift cards for clothing, food, toiletries, books and magazines for the injured in our hospital; and funding for family members to travel to see and encourage their loved one.

For registration and information on the run go to:  www.citikids.org/freedom.htm

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Scholarship News

Grantham University scholarships: Grantham University offers a scholarship program to severely injured service members and their spouses and adult children.  Go to www.grantham.edu for more information.  They also have scholarship programs for military veterans, service members, and family members.

Widener University CARES Scholarship: Widener University, Chester, Pa., has a full scholarship program for children of Global War on Terrorism service members who were killed in action.  Contact the Office of Admissions at 610-499-4126 for more information.

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Veterans Information

DMAVA Veterans Outreach Campaign continues.

The DMVA Veterans Outreach Campaign continues with kiosk displays at selected malls throughout New Jersey.  The schedule is as follows:

October 12-14

Deptford Mall

November 9-11

Menlo Park Mall

January 11-13

Brunswick Square Mall

December 6-8 Paramus Park Shopping Center
February 9-11, 2007 Moorestown Mall
March 1-3, 2007 Hamilton Mall

The kiosk will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the identified dates.

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Vietnam Era Form, Oct. 20

The Vietnam Era Forum will be held this year on Friday, Oct. 20.  The theme is "Coming Home: Vietnam Veterans and Their Families Since the War."  Keynote Speaker will be Jan C. Scruggs, founder of the national Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.

Click on this link www.njvvmf.org/pdf/06_brochurelynn.pdf for a PDF file-version of our informational brochure for the Forum.

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VA Hotline for identity theft concerns

Veterans having questions about recent incidents involving VA computers and personal information may call 1-800-333-4636 or (1-800-FED-INFO).

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Ocean County opens PTSD counseling for vets

Ocean County veterans now have a place to get Post Traumatic Stress Disorder counseling.  Once a week, counselors from the Trenton Vet Center will offer office hours at the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau, 1027 Hooper Ave, Building 2, Toms River.

To schedule an appointment, call 732-929-2096.

Ocean County, with the state’s largest concentration of veterans, signed an agreement with the Vets Center, an arm of the Veterans Administration recently. 

John Dorrity, director of the Ocean County Veterans Bureau said that he has a waiting list of veterans who will participate in the counseling. He added that they will start off with once a week, but will possibly increase sessions if the need arises.

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

Upcoming Events

Oct. 14 / 1 p.m. "Vietnam: A View You Have Never Seen Before," a slide show by New Jersey public school teacher and Sierra Club-NJ outings organizer, Ken Mayberg, featuring his original photography of folklife in modern Vietnam. (click here for more information: http://www.njvvmf.org/category.cfm?SID=23&Category_ID=237&ClearCache=1)

Nov. 4 / 1 p.m. "Women at War: The Story of Fifty Military Nurses Who Served in Vietnam," book discussion by the author, Elizabeth Norman.

Nov. 11 / 11 a.m. Veterans Day ceremony in the courtyard of the NJ Vietnam Veterans' Memorial.

Nov. 30 / 6 p.m. 4th Annual "Salute to Patriotism" Gala, with special guest Governor Jon S. Corzine; honoring veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.  Tickets required. (click here for more information:http://www.njvvmf.org/pdf/galasponsorlevels.pdf)

Dec. 2 / 1 p.m. "The Day It Snowed in Vietnam," poetry reading and discussion by the poet, Vietnam Veteran Jim Scheuckler.

Dec. 9 / 6 p.m. Holiday Lighting ceremony at the NJ Vietnam Veterans' Memorial.

Lecture attendees are asked to RSVP to (732) 335-0033.  A donation of $5 per person is suggested.  The Educational Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Regular admission is free for veterans and active-duty military personnel.  Regular adult admission is $4; student and senior citizen admission is $2; and children under 10 are admitted free.

For more information, please call the NJ Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation office at (732) 335-0033 or (800) 648-VETS.  The Vietnam Era Educational Center is located adjacent to the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial off the Garden State Parkway at Exit 116. 

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Trenton Vets Center open for counseling services

Located at 934 Parkway Ave, 2nd Floor, Ewing, N.J., the Department of Veteran Affairs, Trenton Vet Center, provides free readjustment counseling services to combat zone veterans and their families.

The Vet Center services include:

· Individual readjustment counseling
· Group readjustment counseling
· Screening for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
· Counseling for PTSD
· Substance Abuse counseling
· Marital and family counseling
· Sexual Trauma counseling    
· Community education and liaison
· Referral for benefits assistance
· Employment Assistance

Heading the Trenton Vet Center Staff is James Gordon, team leader.  Other staff at the center to help veterans and their families are Jeanne Morrison, Master Social Worker, Rawle Gaskin, Readjustment Counseling Therapist, Darryll Johnson, Readjustment Counseling Technician and Burnice Rice, Trenton Vet Center Office Manager.

The center is open Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with Wednesday and Thursday extended hours by appointment only.

All services provided to veterans and their families are at no cost and clients’ rights are protected by HIPPA.  For more information call (609) 882-5744.

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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 SGM Edward Goetschius, Military Funeral Honors Coordinator, at 609-530-7090 or by e-mail at Edward.goetschius@nj.ngb.army.mil.

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Mark your calendar

Oct. 6 – Come and Take It Day, World Smile Day (www.worldsmileday.com)
Oct. 7 – National Frappe Day, Frugal Fun Day (www.frugalfun.com)
Oct. 8 – American Tag Day
Oct. 9– Moldy Cheese Day
Oct. 10 – National Angel Food Cake Day
Oct. 11 – It’s My Party Day
Oct. 12 – International Moment of Frustration Scream Day

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A Smile for your weekend

First Person/First Woman:

The first person to receive a Social Security check was Ida May Fuller, who lived to the ripe old age of 100.

Pearl S. Buck was the first American woman to win the Nobel prize in Literature.

Polish scientist Marie Curie was the first person to win two Nobel prizes (physics 1903; chemistry 1911); her daughter Iréne Joliot-Curie, won a Nobel Prize for chemistry in 1935.

American Lynne Cox was the first person to swim the 4 ½ mile Strait of Magellan (water temp – 42degrees) at the tip of south America in 1976 and the first to swim the Bering Strait (water temp. – 38 degrees) between Alaska and the U.S.S. R in 1987.  She swam without a wetsuit.

For her role in Cleopatra, Elizabeth Taylor was the first woman to get a $1 million film contract.

   
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