New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
DMAVA Highlights » 13 April 2006

Contacting us is easy!

Office of the Assistant Commissioner

Phone: (609) 530-6987
Fax: (609) 530-7109



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)



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



Women's Day 8 March 2006

"Whatever women do, they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult."

- Charlotte Whitton


DMAVA Highlights Archive Page

Changes to Highlights

Nothing endures but change - Heraclitus

As we see changes happening around DMAVA, one change has been to DMAVA Highlights – the stewardship of the newsletter has passed from the Assistant Commissioner’s office and the fine work of Laura Branham to the Public Affairs Office and Staff Sgt. Barb Harbison.

If you have submissions for the newsletter, please e-mail them to SSgt. Harbison at barbara.harbison@njdmava.state.nj.us - for those of you who have global accounts, the address you see on the global listing is NOT the DMAVA address, so you will have to type it.  You can also contact her at (609) – 530-7088, fax: (609) 530-6963.  Thank you for your continued support.

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Spouses invited to go on orientation flights

The 108th Air Refueling Wing would like to extend an invitation to the spouses of New Jersey Army and Air National Guardsmen and women who would like to see an aerial refueling up close.

The wing will be having a spouse-only orientation flight on August 18.  This is a great opportunity for spouses to see the skills needed to fuel an aircraft more than 20,000 feet in the air.  Seats will be on a first-come, first-served basis.  If you are unable to get a seat, don’t worry.  The 108th will have more flights to follow to give everyone a chance to fly.

If you are interested, please call Staff Sgt. Beth Pritchard at (609) 754-4173 or e-mail at elizabeth.Pritchard@njmcgu.ang.af.mil for the form needed to request a seat.

Guard members who would like an orientation flight or would like to nominate their bosses for a flight can also contact Staff Sgt. Pritchard for information and forms.

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Youth Camp -2006

This year’s Youth Camp will begin Sunday July 16, 2006 and will end with closing ceremonies on Saturday July 22, 2006.   There are many activities scheduled for the week at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ.  The campers will be able to enjoy the beach, arts and crafts, archery, sports and presentations by other organizations.  Campers ages 9-12, Helpers ages 13-15, Junior Volunteers ages 16-17 and Volunteers ages 18 and up are all encouraged to attend.  The fee for campers is $100.00 and volunteers are free.  For an application, please go to http://www.state.nj.us/military/familysupport/youth_camp.html.

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177th Fighter Wing takes media, DAG for trips over N.J.

The 177th Fighter Wing conducted Media Flights on April 4 and 5.    Media rides give the 177th the opportunity to show media representatives up close and personal what we do as a wing to prepare for and execute our flying mission.  Bryan Thompson, a media representative with NBC, and Wayne Woolley from the Star Ledger both got a chance to see New Jersey from a pilot’s point of view.  This type of interaction between the media and the wing fosters understanding and enhances our relationship with the media and the public. In addition to the media, the Deputy Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Maria Falca-Dodson got a chance to experience a ride in the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

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Taking Daughters and Sons to Work day – April 27

Shaping the Future is the 2006 theme for “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.”  On Thursday, April 27, 2006, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will be participating in this annual observance.  This event is designed to expand opportunities for girls and boys and expose them to what adults in their lives do during the workday, show them the value of their education, and give them an opportunity to share how they envision their future. 

This year, the N.J. State Museum is hosting Bring Your Children to Work Programs.  The children of DMAVA employees will attend the Laser Space Chase ($3 per person).  This presentation teaches about stars, planets, black holes and pulsars and is presented in brilliant 3D laser light.  In addition to the Laser Space Chase, participants will also attend a Homeland Security presentation and have lunch at McDonald’s.  Parents of participating children will be required to attend the Laser Space Chase presentation and incur the cost of lunch.   

If you are interested in having your daughter/son participate in these events, contact Dorinda Sapp at (609) 530-6828 no later than Friday, April 21.  Participants must be between the ages of eight through 12. 

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Speak Out Military Kids seminar

A weekend seminar, Speak Out Military Kids (SOMK) training, is scheduled for high school aged teens from May 5 (6 p.m.) – May 7 (noon), 2006 at Camp Ockanickon in Medford, Burlington County.   Military and nonmilitary youth are welcome to attend.  SOMK is a youth speaker’s bureau that educates the community on issues facing military youth.  During this seminar, participants will:

- Be offered the caliber of leadership training typically available only to Fortune 500 corporate executives

- Engage in interactive field exercises designed to help students gain valuable leadership skills and experience for college, employment, and community service

- Identify, plan and implement a community service project in support of Operation: Military Kids

- Gain confidence in their abilities to create, develop, and act upon their social concerns.

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New Jersey State Park passes for 2006

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 (Does not pertain to Campground fees) ID Card must be shown with this Pass.

Family Programs on the calendar

April 13, 6: 30 p.m. - Teen Meeting – Teaneck Armory
April 14, 7 p.m. -  “Waiting to Exhale” – Teaneck Armory
April 15, 11 a.m. - Children’s Spring Party – 177th Base Dining Hall
April 16, 5:30 a.m. - Easter Sunrise Service – Teaneck Armory
April 18, 6:30 p.m. - Boy/Girl Scouts meeting – Teaneck Armory
April 22, 6-10 p.m. - Battalion Awards banquet (2/102d AR) – Washington NJ
April 22, 9-11 a.m. - JT2DC Battle Lab Tour – Fort Dix
April 27, 7-9 p.m. - Youth Hero Packs Ceremony – Lawrenceville Armory
April 29, 10 a.m. - Youth Bike Safety – Teaneck Armory
April 29, 6 p.m. - Box Top Auction (fundraiser) – Woodbury Armory
April 30, 2-5 p.m. - Spaghetti dinner (Jerry MacIntyre benefit) – Toms River Elks

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Operation Purple summer camp open to military children

Applications are now being accepted for Operation Purple Summer Camps.  The camps provide unique experiences to more than 2,500 military children coping with the deployment or pending deployment of one or both parents.  The Operation Purple camp program is the only summer camp program that focuses on helping kids deal with deployment-related issues.  Each camp is open to children of any service member of the uniformed services including the National Guard and Reserve. Applications for the camps are available March 15 through May 15, 2006 at http://www.operationpurple.org/.  Each camp is offered free of charge to all participants.  Interested children from military families are encouraged to apply for the camp located nearest their home since travel expenses are not reimbursed.  More than 26 weeks of Operation Purple camps are currently offered in 22 states including Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. A list of camp dates, sites and other information is now available at the web site.. Applications are only available online and will be accepted through May 15.

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Army observes Sexual Assault Awareness month

The Army joins the other armed services in observing April as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This observation serves as an important reminder to continuously reinforce the mission of the Army’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program to Soldiers and leaders at all levels.

Sexual assault is a crime and it will not be tolerated and has no place in the Army. It is contrary to Army values, tears at the fiber of unit cohesion, and degrades mission readiness.

The Army is dedicated to increasing education about what sexual assault is, and is not, and what effects incidents of assault have on our fellow Soldiers.

Army leaders are strongly encouraged to talk openly to their Soldiers about Sexual Assault, demystify the issue and instill confidence in their subordinates.

The Army is values based organization in which Soldiers must treat each other with the dignity and respect they deserve. Effecting the reduction of the incidence of sexual assault, with the objective of full eradication, is the obligation of commanders committed to keeping their Soldiers safe, and maintaining high levels of unit readiness.

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Two Medal of Honor recipients die

Two well-know Medal of Honor recipients recently died.  Between the two of them, they are credited with saving more than 100 lives.

Michael Novosel, who received the Medal of Honor as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War was 83 years old.  Mr. Novosel had also served in World War II and the Korean War, but returned to active duty during Vietnam as a patriotic response to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.  As a pilot with the 82nd Medical Detachment in Kien Tuong Province on Oct. 2, 1969, he was credited with saving 29 lived while his aircraft took fire and he was wounded himself.

Desmond T. Doss, Sr., who was the only conscientious objector to ever be awarded the Medal of Honor, died at the age of 87 in Piedmont, Ala.  As a medic during World War II, he refused to carry a weapon due to his beliefs.  His Medal of Honor citation states that while under enemy fire on the island of Okinawa, Mr. Doss carried 75 wounded soldies to the edge of a 400-foot cliff and lowered them to safety.  During a later attack he was seriously wounded in the legs by a grenade.  As he was being carried to safety, he saw a more critically injured man, crawled off his stretcher and directed the medics to help the other wounded man.

If you are interested in reading about other Medal of Honor recipients, please go to http://www.army.mil/cmh/Moh1.htm.

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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 OIE/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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AMC Staff Visit to the 108th

Members of the Air Mobility Command Headquarters came to the 108th ARW on a staff assistance visit during the March UTA. The visit was designed to help the 108 ARW with meeting the requirements of the Operational Plan 8044 test, which is a test for aircrew and command post controllers. The team of seven HQ AMC members that came out for the visit was made up of three people from operations, two from command post, one from logistics plans and one from security forces. Once here, they simply observed the execution of plans, and provided support when needed.

“Overall, it went fairly smoothly,” Colonel Flynn said. Passing the 8044 test, which will be inspected over a three-day period during the Operational Readiness Inspection being held this July in Alpena, Mich., is the plans and programs office’s primary concern.

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DMAVA Picnic date changed

The DMAVA/JFHQ Picnic has been changed to June 9.  It will be preceded by a mandatory Town Hall meeting at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $5 Contact your local representative. DMAVA: Darleen Laarz, 530-6992, Karen Wallace, 530-6766, tina Taylor, 530-7170; Fort Dix Marie Durling, 562-5739; or HSCOE, Kevin Hearns, 530-7069.

“The Moving Wall” is scheduled to visit New Jersey

"The Moving Wall" is the half-size replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has been touring the country for almost twenty years.  When John Devitt attended the 1982 dedication in Washington, he felt the positive power of "The Wall." He vowed to share that experience with those who did not have the opportunity to go to Washington.

On June 14-19, 2006, the Medford New Jersey Township Council will sponsor “The Moving Wall” exhibit at Freedom Park, 86 Union Street, Medford, New Jersey.  Opening ceremonies are planned for Wednesday evening, June 14.  For further information, please contact the Recreation Department at 609-654-2512, or visit www.medfordtownship.com or www.themovingwall.org.

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Picatinny Waterpark and Golf Course open to Vets, Guard, families

Picatinny Arsenal Morale, Welfare and Recreation Office is proud to announce new opportunities for Veterans.  As part of the Army's "Always a Soldier" program, Picatinny's Frog Falls waterpark and golf course are now open to veterans as well as Active Duty and Retired Military and Reservists.  Frog Falls Waterpark offers annual memberships to veterans through our partnership with Rockaway Township Recreation.   Active Duty and Retired Military and Reservists can purchase an annual membership or visit the waterpark for a $3 daily fee. Guest passes (for non-dependents) can be purchased at the gate for $7 (limit of 4 per visit).   Please call (973) 724-7275 for more information.   Picatinny Golf Course is also open to Veterans.  Please call (973) 724-GOLF for more information.

Retirement Dinner planned for State Command Sergeant Major Richard S. Adkins, Jr.

A Retirement Dinner in honor of State Command Sergeant Major Richard S. Adkins, Jr. will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2006 at the Lawrenceville Armory.  The buffet dinner will begin with a Social Hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m.  Cost of the dinner is $25.  Checks should be made payable to the DMAVA Employee Activity Fund and mailed to Family Programs, ATTN:  Marie Durling, Building 3650, Fort Dix, New Jersey 08640.  Please RSVP by May 19, 2006 to Marie Durling at 609-562-0739 or SSG David Clark at 609-562-0951.

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HOOAH!! To USP&FO on IG results

The United States Property and Fiscal Office, NJARNG, stationed at Fort Dix, was inspected recently by a team from the Office of the Inspector General, First United States Army and received an outstanding rating. This inspection receives visibility on the highest national levels and is the yardstick by which all states are measured in terms of financial and property accountability proficiency. 

In the words of the Deputy Inspector General Alan Cotney, “Since October 2005, New Jersey is the first state that did not have a negative finding. As a result, it is determined that the USP&FO meets the First Army IG objective that they can account for Federal Funds and property in a manner consistent with Army standards.”

The inspection team repeatedly commented on the efficiency and dedication of the managers of the office.  Specifically, the Credit Card program, the contract administration process, the offices for payroll and budget administration, and the Property Management Bureau were all singled out for praise. The inspection validated that the Property and Fiscal Office maintains proper fiscal oversight and property accountability. During the outbriefing, Cotney remarked, “With results like this, I am confident that they will continue to meet Army standards and be good stewards of public tax dollars and property.”

The NJNG can all be proud and pleased by the results of this high profile national inspection, which highlighted to the rest of the United States the leading role played by the New Jersey National Guard’s Property and Fiscal Office. They are supporting both State and Nation at the same time as they are supporting the men and women of the National Guard in today’s Global War on Terror.  In the words of the USP&FO, “We Never Let Our Guard Down.”

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DMVA Veterans Outreach Campaign continues.

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

23-25 March 2006

East Brunswick Mall

27-29 April 2006

Moorestown Mall

18-20 May 2006

Ocean County Mall

15-17 June 2006

Quakerbridge Mall

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

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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). 

Registration:  8:30-9:45 a.m., and the ride will depart at 10 a.m.

Starting Location:  Parking Lot  between Burger King and Sears Essentials, Marlton, New Jersey, less than a mile from Route 70 & 73 circle (Olga’s Diner on circle) heading east on Route 70, on right.

Destination:  Travel through the Jersey Pine Barrens approximately 60 miles one way to Sweetwater Casino Restaurant on the Mullica River, Hammonton (mailing address), New Jersey.

Donation:  $15 per rider and $5 per passenger.

Proceeds benefit the Freedom Alliance Foundation providing:

1. Educational scholarships to the children of American’s Military Heroes that have given the Ultimate Sacrifice.

2. For the injured in our hospitals pre-paid long-distance phone cards, gift cards for clothing, food, toiletries, books and magazines.

3. 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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The 2nd annual SGT Nutter 5K Run - 20 May 2006

The second annual Sergeant Nutter 5K Run in memory of SGT Sam Nutter (28 Jan ’66 – 2 Jan ’05) will be held on May 20, 2006.  He was a member of the NJ Army National Guard and served in the U.S. Navy from 1989-1997.  He is survived by his wife Michelle Mallozzi-Nutter and three daughters, Summer Ann, Samantha, and Sarah.

Funds raised during this even are donated to a NJ Army National Guard family in need.

This year’s recipient will be Ashleigh Ryann Gwin, daughter of 1LT Howard and Michelle Gwin of C-5/117th CAV.  1LT Gwin is currently deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and his two year old daughter, Ashleigh, has been diagnosed with Krabbe Disease, a rare genetic disorder that affects the central and peripheral nervous systems.  She has received chemotherapy, a cord blood transplant, and currently receives intense therapies.  She must travel to Duke University in North Carolina for follow-up care and treatment.  You can learn more about Ashleigh at www.caringbridge.org/nj/ashleigh.ryann

All ages are welcome and 45 prizes will be presented to winners in various categories.  Registration will be held from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; the Race will start at 10 a.m. Cost is $12 (postmarked by April 20th), $15 (postmarked by May 5th), and $20 (day of the event).  Call 877-850-0240 to sign up or get additional details.  You can also visit the website at www.nutterrun.com.

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Scholarship News!

NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation:  Graduating seniors have until April 7, 2006 to submit their applications and essays to qualify for one of two $2,500 scholarships offered by the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial.  Scholarships will be awarded to two graduating seniors from NJ who plan to further their education either at a college or university or trade/technical school.

Winners will be notified in early May and will be awarded the scholarship on Monday, May 29, 2006 during the Memorial Day Ceremony held at the NJ Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  In addition to the scholarship application and proof of acceptance to a college or trade school, all applicants must submit a 250-300 word essay about his/her visit to the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial. 

For a scholarship application form or more information about the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation, please call 732-335-0033 or visit the website at www.njvvmforg.

EANG-NJ Scholarships:  Eligibility – The legal children of New Jersey National Guard members who are also members of the Enlisted Association may submit applications for consideration.  Also, any drilling Guardsperson who is a member of this association may submit an application for the CSM Baldassari Scholarship. 

USAA Scholarship:  Open to any drilling Guardsperson (need not be a member of the EANGNJ).  This scholarship is administered by the EANGNJ and funded by USAA.  Previous recipients are not eligible for subsequent awards.  Applications are available at:  http://www.eang-nj.org/scholarships.html

National Military Family Association’s Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarships are awarded to spouses of Uniformed Services members (active duty, National Guard and Reserve, retirees, and survivors) to obtain professional certification or to attend post secondary or graduate school.  Scholarships are normally in the amount of $1,000 and the number awarded each year varies depending on funding.  Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, book, and school room and board.  Application deadline:  midnight April 15, 2006.  Additional information can be obtained at:  http://www.nmfa.org/site/pageserver?pagename=spouse_scholarship.

DCA Scholarship for Military Children:  If your mother or father is active duty, reserve/guard, or retired military personnel, or if you are the survivor of a deceased member and you have a military dependent I.D. card, you can apply!  You must be planning to attend a college or university on a full-time basis.  For details and how to apply, go to:  http://www.militaryscholar.org/apply/apply.shtml

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National Guard Association of New Jersey (NGANJ) – Upcoming Events

The National Guard Association of New Jersey will be conducting the following events.  All members are encouraged to participate and mark these events on your calendars:

Business Meeting – The annual Business Meeting will be conducted on May 13, 2006 at the Lawrenceville Armory.  The meeting will begin at 0800 hours (sign-in starting at 0730 hours) and will conclude at approximately 1200 hours.  The attire for this meeting is “business casual.”

NGANJ President’s Golf Tournament – This tournament will be held at Falcon Creek Golf Course at McGuire AFB, NJ on June 5, 2006.  This will be a “shotgun” start beginning at 1100 hours.  The course limit is 144 players, so early reservations are suggested.  A hot buffet dinner will follow at approximately 1700 hours at the McGuire NCO Club, which is located across the street from the course.  This tournament benefits the Scholarship Fund.  Last year, with your help, we were able to award nine (9) $1,000 scholarships to deserving students.  This year, we hope to meet or exceed that goal.

NGANJ Social – The Association’s Social will be conducted on June 24, 2006 at the Ramada Inn in Hightstown, New Jersey.  This event will begin at 1800 hours and will conclude at approximately 2300 hours.  Cost per person is $60.  This includes a full course dinner with DJ and live entertainment.  The attire for this event will be the “dress” uniform for military and formal (suit) for civilians.

National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) 128th Conference will be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico from September 15-18, 2006.  The New Jersey delegation will be staying at the Marriott Pyramid.  Additional information and registration forms will be coming out shortly.

NGANJ 2006 Yearbook – CW5 (Ret) Jack Petrosilli and his Committee (Brig Gen Robert S. Dutko, Sr. and CW4 (Ret) Ken Langer) sent a mailing to all members requesting their support for the Yearbook.  Please return your ads and/or booster request to CW5 Petrosilli by April 15, 2006.

National Guard Association of New Jersey Scholarship applications are being accepted now through March 15th.  For more information, please contact COL Edward Slavin at Edward.slavin@nj.ngb.army.mil.

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Job Fair -

Bergen County – Veteran’s Job Fair will be held on Tuesday, 18 April 2006 from 0900 to 1230 hours at VFW Post 4591, 513 Veterans Place Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey 08604 “Click here” for directions to this event. The NJ Department of Labor, VFW Post 4591, and the Bergen County Division of Veteran Services are sponsoring the Job Fair, and more than 50 leading employers are registered to participate. Please bring plenty of resumes, a copy of your DD214 (separation/discharge), and dress to impress. If you would like additional information, contact John Bautz at 201-996-8950 ext 28 or by email at john.bautz@dol.state.nj.us.

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Support the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of New Jersey

Once again, the Enlisted Association is asking for your support by becoming a member of the Enlisted Association again this year.  Your continued support will increase our numbers and give our State a larger voice on all legislative issues that will benefit you and your families.  Your Association works for you at the Federal and State level on all important issues.  Visit our website www.EANG-NJ.org and click on Benefits for the application and also find out more about what we do.  Thank you for your support.  You can reach the Membership Chairman, Jerome Zebrowski, with any questions 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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SGT Ryan E. Doltz Memorial Foundation fund raiser - Tricky Tray

A Tricky Tray will be held at 8:00 p.m. on May 5, 2006 at Dover High School, Dover, NJ.  Proceeds from the Tricky Tray will be used to fund scholarships for deserving students.  Tickets are $8 and the doors open at 6:30 p.m.  For additional information, please call 973-361-2399. 

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"Marriage Enrichment" is NOT Therapy

PREP is NOT therapy, and is unlike anything to which you have been exposed.  No encounter group or sharing of personal concerns, simply thrilling insights into a more loving, grown filled relationship!  PREP begins with teaching effective communication skills, addresses problem resolution strategies that work, and teaches how to discover the hidden issues in every relationship.  The program then moves into friendship, forgiveness, fun, and sensuality.  If you are interested in attending (soldiers that were deployed are given priority) or need additional information, please call Marie Durling at 609-562-0739. 

PREP is scheduled to be held at the Ramada Inn, East Windsor, New Jersey on 24-26 March, 21-23 April, and 9-11 June 2006.

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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.

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

25 March, 1:00pm
“Screaming Eagles in Vietnam:  The 101st Airborne Division during the War”  -- an oral history discussion and slide presentation by NJ Vietnam Veteran Peter Engelhardt.

Peter Engelhardt, of Summit, served in Vietnam from October 1968 through August 1969 with the 101st Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade, which operated out of Landing Zone (LZ) “Sally,” near the ancient imperial city of Hue, and Fire Support Base (FSB) “Whip” in the Ashau Valley near the Laotian border in northern South Vietnam.  Engelhardt was a college graduate who then attended Army Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia.  As an officer in Vietnam, he worked primarily behind the scenes dealing with operations planning and coordination, intelligence assessment, and psychological warfare exercises.  He holds a deep admiration and respect for the airborne infantry “line” officers and their men, whose primary duty was combat.  It is in their honor that he retells the story of his group of “Screaming Eagles,” the nickname for members of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division.

Lecture attendees are asked to RSVP to 732-335-0033.  A $5 donation is suggested.

7 April, 5:00pm
Scholarship Deadline - Scholarships ($2,500 each) will be awarded to two graduating seniors from NJ who plan to further their education either at a college, university, or technical/trade school.  Scholarship details and application forms can be obtained at www.njvvmf.org or by calling (732) 335-0033.

29 April, 1:00pm
“The Trail” – video presentation of an illustrated narrative about “walking point” in a combat patrol in the Vietnam War, by Vietnam Veteran Robin Bartlett.

7 May, 11:00am
NJ Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day Ceremony

20 May, 1:00pm
For Armed Forces Day – “The Originals” – The Women’s Auxiliary Ferry Squadron of WWII – Breaking the Gure ender Barrier in Military Aviation – a lecture by Honey Fulton Parker, youngest sister of one of the first WAFS, Dorothy Fulton.

29 May, 11:00am
Memorial Day Ceremony.

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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Family Readiness Council Grants available.

The State Family Readiness Council has established a Grant Program that will provide both Family and Business Grants to deserving New Jersey National Guard families impacted by deployment. Additional information regarding these grants is available at Family Assistance Centers and Family Readiness Groups throughout the state. Those interested should contact Family Assistance at 1-888-859-0352.

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Fitness Corner - Ernest Razzano, Certified Fitness Trainer, ISSA

Liquid Candy

Carbonated soft drinks are the single biggest source of calories in the American diet, providing about 7 percent of calories; adding in noncarbonated drinks brings the figure to 9 percent.

The empty calories of soft drinks are contributing to health problems, particularly overweight and obesity.  Several scientific studies have provided experimental evidence that soft drinks are directly related to weight gain. That weight gain, in turn, is a prime risk factor for type 2 diabetes, which, for the first time, is becoming a problem for teens as well as adults. As people get older, excess weight also contributes to heart attacks, strokes, and cancer.

Frequent consumption of soft drinks may also increase the risk of osteoporosis—especially in people who drink soft drinks instead of calcium-rich milk. Dental experts continue to urge that people drink less soda pop, especially between meals, to prevent tooth decay (due to the sugars) and dental erosion (due to the acids).

Besides the sugars and acids, other soft drink ingredients are of concern. Caffeine, which is added to many of the most popular soft drinks, is a mildly addictive, stimulant drug. It also increases slightly the excretion of calcium. Artificial colorings, especially Yellow No. 5, promote attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in some children. Yellow No. 5 also causes hives, asthma, and other allergic reactions in a small number of individuals.

For those of you who are saying “I drink sugar-free”.  They’re no better.  Saccharin is a non-caloric petroleum derivative estimated to be three hundred to five hundred times sweeter than sugar… It's used in diet soft drinks… Studies linked saccharin ingestion to bladder cancer in laboratory animals.  Aspartame contains methyl or wood alcohol, which can affect fetal brain development.  If you read my article on Splenda then you already know it’s made by converting the molecular structure of sugar using chlorine!

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This day in history..

Today is Friday, April 7, 2006.  It is the 97th day of the year with 268 days remaining.

1864 - The first camel race in America was held in Sacramento, Calif.
1927 - The first long-distance TV transmission was sent from Washington, DC, to New York City. The audience saw an image of Commerce Secretary Herbert Hoover.
1930 - The first steel columns were set for the Empire State Building.
1933 - Prohibition ended in the United States.
1940 - Booker T. Washington became the first black to be pictured on a U.S. postage stamp.
1948 - The musical "South Pacific" by Rogers and Hammerstein debuted on Broadway.
1953 - IBM unveiled the IBM 701 Electronic Data Processing Machine. It was IBM's first commercially available scientific computer.
1963 - At the age of 23, Jack Nicklaus became the youngest golfer to win the Green Jacket at the Masters Tournament.
1970 - John Wayne won his first and only Oscar for his role in "True Grit." He had been in over 200 films.
1971 - U.S. President Nixon pledged to withdraw 100,000 more men from Vietnam by December.
1983 - Specialist Story Musgrave and Don Peterson made the first Space Shuttle spacewalk.

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Mark your Calendar

26 April – Administrative Professional Day
5 June - DMVA/JFHQ Picnic, Lawrenceville Armory
14 June – Trenton Thunder Military Appreciation Day
15 June – Unity Day
16-22 July – National Guard Youth Camp (Sea Girt, NJ)

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