New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
DMAVA Highlights Archives

12 August 2005

Volume 4, Number 32

.

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

-

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

Fuel and Electrical Systems Repairer

63 G

The fuel and electrical systems repairer performs direct support and general support maintenance on fuel and electrical systems of wheel and track vehicles, brake system components, and on internal combustion engines associated with power generation equipment or material handling equipment. Repairs the fuel supply pumps, fuel pumps (metering & injection), fuel injectors, governors, wiring harnesses, alternators/generators, starters, regulators, & electrical control boxes, DC electrical motors, air brake system components, hydraulic brake system components, & personnel heaters..

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

.

.

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)

-

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

-

--

Thought for the day..

Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.

- Kahlil Gibran

Author

108th Passes One Year Mark in North East Tanker Task Force

The 108th Air Refueling Wing has just passed the one year mark for its participation in the North East Tanker Task Force. To date the 108th has performed 150 alert taskings, flown 120 missions, offloaded 6.5 million pounds of fuel to OEF/OIF air lifters, performed 390 safe flying hours and attained a 96% mission reliability. What these numbers don’t show are things like refueling medivac missions for burn patients and planes bringing back the wounded from Iraq and Afghanistan, or meeting C-130s over the Atlantic Ocean, helping the crews deploy and, even better, come home. The Bravo Crew would like to thank everyone for making this possible and they are looking forward to a second year of showing others how to be “America’s Best Refueling Wing!”

America Supports Your Freedom Walk

As part of the Department of Defense effort to commemorate Sept. 11 2001, Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld today announced the first ever “America Supports your Freedom Walk” to remember the victims of Sept. 11, to honor U.S. troops and veterans, and to highlight the value of freedom. The walk will begin at 10 a.m. EDT, Sunday, Sept. 11 and follow a two-mile route from the Pentagon to Arlington National Cemetery, across Memorial Bridge, passing several national memorials and ending on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. At the conclusion of the walk, participants will be invited to a concert by country music singer Clint Black. The walk is free and open to the public, individuals interested in walking must register to participate at www.americasupportsyou.mil. Registration closes at 10 a.m. EDT on Friday, Sept. 9,2005.

PTSD Task Force Formed

A Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Task Force has been formed by DMAVA in cooperation with county Veterans Programs and other VAs and Independent Providers. Their purpose is to deliver the most timely and effective PTSD counseling to our returning New Jersey combat veterans. The first meeting was held at DMAVA on 7/12/05. 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.

Congratulations to Our Veteran Service Officer Guy Weiner

Guy Wiener has recently filed for and received a 100% total and permanent disability rating for one of his clients. The award will be retroactive to 1/2000. The check amount sent to the veteran was for $110,000+. The veteran will continue to receive $2,463 per month and is exempt from paying property tax. Great job Guy!

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.

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance coverage increases

The maximum level of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance coverage will be increased from $250,000 to $400,000 on September 1,2005. Anyone in service on September 1,2005 will have their coverage increased to $400,000, even if they previously declined or elected lesser coverage. If they still desire no coverage or less than the maximum, they will have to go to their Personnel Office and re-elect no coverage or less than the maximum. For more details see your Personnel Office.

The New Jersey War World II Memorial needs your help

WWII was by all account the greatest victory for the United States – along the front lines and the home front. Every individual alive during this period of history was involved and had a stake in the outcome. It was a war the United States and our Allies could not afford to lose. Now, America is slowly saying goodbye to its greatest generation of citizens. The State of New Jersey is taking the initiative to honor and remember them by establishing a Memorial in Trenton, across from the Statehouse in Veterans Park.

Fittingly, the theme for New Jersey’s WWII Memorial is “Victory”. The memorial hopes to honor and pay tribute to the many sacrifices made during WWII and celebrate the greatest victory our country has ever known. It is our goal to dedicate the memorial in the spring/summer 2006. Time is short – we need your help now in order to ensure that we can meet this ambitious goal. We urge you to support the New Jersey World War II Memorial through your generous contribution. We cannot afford to let new generations forget the legacy that has been left to them from what has been called “the Greatest Generation”. To make a tax-deductible contribute, download a donation form from our website at www.state.nj.us/military/veterans/wwiimemorial/.

Enlisted Association of the National Guard announces Enlisted Conference

The Enlisted Association of the NJ National Guard is proud to announce the Enlisted Conference at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center in Atlantic City West. The Conference will be held 7 thru 9 October 2005. During the Conference we honor our Outstanding Soldiers and Airmen. There are various plans available. Friday night is the Halloween Masquerade Ball with Tex-Mex Buffet and Saturday is the Formal Evening Ball with dinner and dancing. For additional information contact SGM (Ret) Jerome Zebrowski @ 609-214-6959 or e-mail jcptfalc@aol.com or SGM Edward Goetschius @ 609-965-1972 or e-mail esgtmaj@comcast.net, or www.EANG-NJ.org to get application, plans and other activities offered. Thank you for your support!

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.

The New Jersey National Guard Magazine “Guardlife” Vol 31 available on the world wide web.

Check out Guardlife on the web, it is now available in a user-friendly on-line version. www.nj.gov/military/publications/guardlife/volume31no3/index.html The “Hometown Team” magazine Guardlife provides up to date information on the happenings within the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard both at home and abroad. For all the current news on our soldiers and airmen take a look at the new issue today. To view past issues of Guardlife magazine on-line you can visit www.nj.gov/military/publications/ the DMAVA Publications homepage.

New Childcare Program Available

A new DoD program called Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood provides financial support and assistance in locating quality childcare for eligible military families who do not have access to the DoD’s on-base child care options due to long waiting lists or geographic location, available funding and family circumstances. For more information on both childcare programs, go to www.naccrra.org/Military Programs/ or call the Child Care Aware hotline at 1-800-424-2246.

The New Jersey Veterans Journal Summer 2005 Edition available on the world wide web

The New Jersey Veterans Journal Summer 2005 Edition is now available on the world wide web in a user friendly on-line web version at the following web address: http://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/journal/summer2005/index.html The “NJ Veterans Journal” newsletter provides up to date information on New Jersey Veterans events, benefits and facilities throughout the state. For all the current news on issues affecting our NJ Veterans take a look at the new issue today. To view past issues of the Veterans Journal newsletter on-line you can visit http://www.nj.gov/military/publications/ the DMAVA Publications homepage.

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.

NJ Department of Labor teams up with Teaneck Family Assistance Center.

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development is teaming up with the Teaneck Family Assistance Center to provide all soldiers returning from deployment with the necessary information and tools to easily re-integrate into society. The Re-employment Opportunities briefing given by MSG (Ret) John Bautz will be held at the Teaneck Armory every Wednesday at 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m.

If you have any questions regarding this briefing, contact MSG (Ret) Bautz at 201-996-8950 or email john.bautz@dol.state.nj.us.

Tricare Reserve Select

TRS is here! This new health plan, launched on April 26, 2005, provides eligible Reserve Component soldiers, and their families continued care through TRICARE. Soldiers called to active duty for more than 30 consecutive days in support of a contingency operation AFTER September 11, 2001 are eligible for this benefit. They must have served continuously on active duty for 90 days or more. This benefit includes coverage that is similar to the coverage available through TRICARE Standard and Extra for active duty family members. Individuals who have not signed up for TRS have until 28 October 2005 to complete their service agreement. Contact SFC Josephine Grey, Chief of Health Services at 609-562-0865 or e-mail @ Josephine.grey@nj.ngb.army.mil for more information on this program. You can also look up information at the tricare website; www.tricare.osd.mil.

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.

American Legion Riders Motorcycle Chapter Forming in River Edge, NJ

American Legion Post 226 is sponsoring an American Legion Riders chapter. You don’t have to be a direct member of Post 226, but you do have to be a member of the American Legion, Auxiliary or SAL and ride a motorcycle that’s at least 750cc or higher. If you or someone you know is interested in joining, there is a form on the Post 226 website, www.alpost226.org or you can call Jim Morton, the Post 226 American Legion Riders Director, Adjutant and webmaster at 201-439-0053.

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.

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.

Enlisted Association of the National Guard announces Golf Tournament

The Enlisted Association of the NJ National Guard is proud to announce a Golf Tournament to benefit the Annual Scholarship Program. The tournament will be held on Monday, 15 August 2005, at Miry Run Golf Club in Robbinsville, NJ. The $80 per golfer registration fee includes all fees and a cart, beverage cart on the course, awards, door prizes, food at the turn and luncheon following the completion of play. Hole and cart sponsors are being sought, too. For additional information contact CMSGT (Ret) Lee Cisek at 562-0223 or SGM (Ret) Mike Amoroso at 562-0754.

CNN Attractions Free to Service Members

Turner Broadcasting Systems, Inc. is offering free admission for all active and retired U.S. military personnel who visit the CNN-themed attractions at CNN Center in Atlanta and Manhattan’s Time Warner Center. Inside CNN Atlanta and inside CNN New York will open the gate to active and retired military members and reservists who present a valid I.D. They can visit the attractions at no cost, while their spouse, children, siblings or parents may enter at a discounted rate of $7 at Inside CNN Atlanta and $12 at Inside CNN New York. To receive the discount, family members must be accompanied by the military member. Groups depart several times each hour at both attractions. For hours and reservations at Inside CNN New York, visitors can call 1-866-4CNNNYC or visit www.cnn.com/insidecnn. For reservations for Inside CNN Atlanta, visitors can call 1-877-4CNNTOUR or visit www.cnn.com/StudioTour.

Ride with the 108 Air Refueling Wing!

The 108 ARW will serve as a rolling billboard advertising the 108 ARW NJANG to over 8,000 cyclists, volunteers and bystanders during a two-day ride from Cherry Hill to Ocean City, NJ and back on 24-25 September. They will be covering 175 miles through the flat terrain of NJ Blueberry fields and pine barrens. This ride is fully supported with catered rest stops, bike support and SAG transportation. Veterans News Anchor, Larry Kane will host the Awards Ceremony Saturday night. Cyclists will collect a minimum of $250 in donations to participate. If you join the team between 6/25/05 – 8/26/05 the registration fee is $45. For more information go to www.ms150biketour.org/. Road Warriors interested in joining the team contact Maj Dave LaTOUR @ 609-284-7743 or via e-mail @ david.latour@njmcgu.ang.af.mil by 31 July 05.

Support the Troops

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

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.

Date Event Location
21 August Sports Card & Memorabilia Show Bordentown Armory
17 August Tool Show, Homier Dist. Co. Toms River Armory
25-28 August Tool Show, Homier Dist. Co. Trenton Armory
26 August Moscow State Circus West Orange Armory
27 August Flea Market, J&C Market Place Teaneck Armory

Fitness Corner – Ernie Razzano, Certified Fitness Trainer

Carbohydrate Type, Not Amount!

Okay, it’s time to defend the carbohydrate. I’m really getting sick of how we need to cut this important element from our diets! When it comes to carbohydrates, it’s not how much you eat, but which kind, that makes a difference to your bathroom scale.

People who are overweight do not necessarily eat more carbohydrates overall than people who weigh less. However, overweight people tend to eat more refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pasta, which cause a rapid spike in blood sugar. Total amount of carbohydrate is not related to body weight, it’s the type of carbohydrate that’s important.

Refined carbohydrates are often found in processed foods that contain a lot of sugar. This type of carbohydrate has what’s called a high glycemic index, meaning it causes a rapid increase in blood sugar. The body stores that sugar in muscle (glycogen), but if it’s not used, it is stored as fat. In contrast, whole grains, fruits and vegetables have carbohydrates that don’t have such a high glycemic index.

In the last 20 years, the rate of obesity has increased, despite the fact that people are eating less fat. People with a higher body mass index – a measure of weight that factors in height – tend to eat carbohydrates with a higher glycemic index. The amount of carbohydrates people eat has no influence on body mass index. You need carbohydrates for energy. Not all carbs are the same. Refined carbohydrates are no good! So keep eating your fruits and vegetables!

Tell me what you would like to see in Fitness Corner. Write me at ernest.razzano@njdmava.state.nj.us.

Today is 12th of August, the 224th day of the year with 141 days remaining.

On this day in history…

1851 – Isaac Singer granted patent for his sewing machine.

1877 – Thomas Edison invents the Edisonphone, a sound recording device.

1955 – President Eisenhower raises minimum wage from $0.75 to $1 an hour.

1972 – Last American combat ground troops leave Vietnam.

1985 – Japanese Boeing 747 crashes, 520 die (worst in flight toll).

The Truth About Cell Phones & The National Do Not Call Registry

If you’ve received an e-mail telling you that your cell phone is about to be assaulted by telemarketing calls as a result of a new cell phone number database, rest assured that this is not the case. Telemarketing to cell phone numbers has always been illegal in most cases and will continue to be so. In response to recent e-mail campaigns urging consumers to place their cell phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry, the Federal Trade Commission and Federal Communications Commission issue this advisory to give consumers the facts.

FCC regulations prohibit telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers. Automated dialers are standard in the industry, so most telemarketers are barred from calling consumers on their cell phones without their consent. The federal government does not maintain a national cell phone registry. Personal cell phone users have always been able to add their numbers to the National Do Not Call Registry – the same registry consumers use to register their land lines – either online at www.donotcall.gov or by calling toll free 1-888-382-1222 from the telephone number they wish to register. Registration becomes effective within 31 days of signing up and are active for 5 years. There is no cut-off date or deadline for registrations.

Most telemarketers should not call your number once it has been on the registry for 3 months. If they do, you can file a complaint at the Do Not Call website. Registration for you home or mobile phone is free. If you have not done so, IASD-ISB is recommending that all DMAVA employees who are assigned work cell phones call and register their work cell phone number on the Do Not Call List. This will reduce the chance that even manual telemarketers can call your cell.

Beach Passes for DMVA employees available now.

The temperatures are rising and the sandy beach at the National Guard Training Center at Sea Girt is calling. You will need to sign your name and work location on the second line on the back of the pass. Have guests sign the first line and be ready to show photo identification if requested. One pass will admit one car. You can also use your DMAVA or military pass to get on the beach. Call Gail Miller at 609-530-6911 for your Beach Pass.

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.

 

 

   
Contact Us | Privacy Notice | Legal Statement | Accessibility Statement NJ.gov
NJ National Guard Family Programs Open Public Records Act
The Governor's Office The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs The Department of State The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs