Download PDF Version of this week's highlights

Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General, will conduct a Town Hall meeting on Thursday, March 22, at 10 a.m. on the Lawrenceville Armory drill floor.

The Town Hall meeting will precede the department’s awards ceremony which will begin at 11 a.m. Attendance at the Town Hall meeting is mandatory.

Award recipients are to report to the armory cafeteria at 10:30 a.m. Please enter at the side door by the guard house.

DMAVA award winners for the 2nd tripartite
DMAVA award winners for the 2nd tripartite
May, June, July and August 2006
DMAVA CENTRAL OFFICE
Cindy Leese
Manager 1
Human Resources Division
MENLO PARK VETERANS MEMORIAL HOME
Millicent Paulette Young
Secretarial Assistant 2
PARAMUS VETERANS MEMORIAL HOME
Michael Paccione
Human Resources Division
VINELAND VETERANS MEMORIAL HOME
Sandra Crosbie
Human Services Technician
DMAVA team aw DMAVA team award winners for the 2nd tripartite
May, June, July and August 2006
DMAVA FEDERALTEAM AWARD EMPLOYEES
Lt. Col. Robert M. Kelly and Maj. David C. Zink
Chief, Intelligence Branch and Intelligence Officer
108th Air Refueling Wing, McGuire AFB
DMAVA CENTRAL OFFICE
Latisha Malicoat and Herman Hodge
Challenge Youth, Fort Dix
PARAMUS VETERANS MEMORIAL HOME TEAM AWARD
Dena Kinder, Christina Leach, Jeanette Molina and Mike Paccione
Human Resource Office

ChalleNGe needs a few good men & women, ages 21 and up.
If you are willing to:
1. Commit to 14 months of contact with a cadet who will be selected by you 2. Contact your cadet monthly with sound advice and guidance
3. Work with your cadet on an employment/career placement plan
4. Make yourself available to discuss and give input to resolving real life issues with your cadet -
then, call ChalleNGe at 609-562-0577 and request an application.

As a ChalleNGe mentor, you will spend 14 months giving sound advice to a cadet and helping him or her find placement resources within their respective communities. You can visit your cadet at ChalleNGe, which is located on Fort Dix, as well as take them for off-site visits.

A 4-hour mandatory training is provided at Fort Dix upon commitment to your cadet.

ChalleNGe RPM (recruitment, placement & mentoring) staff are readily available to assist you and your cadet in this endeavor. If you have any questions, contact RPM at 609-562-0580.

Being a ChalleNGe mentor is a very rewarding experience and provides you with an opportunity to assist in changing a youth’s life forever.

On March 14, the full time Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) staff moved their offices to JFHQ at Fort Dix. The office, B103, is located on the first floor of JFHQ, building 3650.

The new phone number for Hank Pierre, Executive Assistant is 609-562-0156. His email address remains hank.pierre@njdmava.state.nj.us. The new phone number for Tammy Cartagena, Administrative Assistant, is 609-562-0157; her e-mail address is tammy.l.cartagena@us.army.mil. The office fax number is 609-562-0158.

Assemblymen Jack Conners and Herb Conaway MD are currently holding Operation “We Care”, a gift card drive. Gift cards in denominations up to $25 are being collected for distribution to the families of our deployed Soldiers. The collected cards will be given to the New Jersey Family Readiness Program for distribution to the families. Gift cards can be mailed or dropped off at the address below. Office hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For questions or more information, call 856-461-3997.

Assemblymen Conaway and Conners
Delran Professional Center
8008 Rt. 130 N, suite 125
Delran NJ 08075

McGuire Air Force Base will be holding air show on May 12-13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The two-day air show will feature the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Army Golden Knights and static displays of an array of modern and vintage military aircraft. No tickets are required as the show has free admission and free parking. The Web Site for the event is: http://www.305services.com/main/airshow07.

Ride for the Red Shield – The Salvation Army is sponsoring a Motorcycle Run and Pig Roast at Camp Tecumseh, Pittstown, Saturday May 12. The proceeds will benefit New Jersey Division’s Emergency Disaster Services Program and Services for Military Veterans and their families.

Cost to ride is $25 per bike, $10 for passengers and walk-ins. A free T-shirt will be given to the first 200 riders registered. Sign in at Camp Tecumseh, 445 Mechlin Corner Road, Pittstown between 9-11 a.m., with donuts and coffee at the start. Finish will be at the same place, but a pig roast and barbecue will be at the finish point; no alcoholic beverages will be served or allowed.

Included in the day’s activities will be a Scrabble Scramble Ride, cash prize for the winner, tattoo judging, bike show, trophies and a complimentary photo of each rider and their bike.

If you are interested in riding, contact Ron Yuhas of the Salvation Army at 908-85109300, ext. 239 or e-mail at ron.yuhas@use.salvationarmy.org.

The International Association of Workforce Professionals is conducting its first charity golf outing to support Veterans Haven on May 19 at Falcon Creek golf Club, McGuire Air Force Base. A shot gun start will begin at noon. Cost of $120 per person includes: lunch, greens fee, golf cart, one-hour open bar, dinner and awards. Those non-golfers who would like to only attend the dinner can do so for the price of $50. There will be door prizes, 50-50, raffles and prizes for a putting and chipping contest. The association is looking for hole sponsors and boosters.

Play is limited to 120 players and is first come-first served. You can get the brochure/registration form at www.njcharitygolf.com or call 973-748-0123 and leave your name, phone number and complete address.

The American Legion has scholarship information on their Web site – www.legion.org – including the 152-page booklet, Need a Lift, which is a complete financial aid reference guide for veterans, veterans’ dependents and members of the American Legion family. When you get on the site, click on “Scholarship Information” in the ”Useful Links” block.

From the AMVETS Web site - www.amvets.org

AMVETS and the University of Phoenix are proud to announce a joint venture to help veterans, active duty service members, reservists, Guardsmen and family members obtain a high-quality online education.

Together, the organizations will award 25 scholarships nationwide this year. Each scholarship will consist of a $4,000 credit with the university, which is the nation’s premier educational institution for adult learning.

All veterans, service members and family members are eligible to apply.

Full details and application procedures will be available on this Web site soon.

The International Association of Workforce Professionals is conducting its first charity golf outing to support Veterans Haven on May 19 at Falcon Creek golf Club, McGuire Air Force Base. A shot gun start will begin at noon. Cost of $120 per person includes: lunch, greens fee, golf cart, one-hour open bar, dinner and awards. Those non-golfers who would like to only attend the dinner can do so for the price of $50. There will be door prizes, 50-50, raffles and prizes for a putting and chipping contest. The association is looking for hole sponsors and boosters.

Play is limited to 120 players and is first come-first served. You can get the brochure/registration form at www.njcharitygolf.com or call 973-748-0123 and leave your name, phone number and complete address.

AMVETS National Scholarship Program offers a four-year scholarship to entering college freshmen to be used for full-time study at either an undergraduate college or university or an accredited technical/trade school leading to a certification or degree. For each year, up to a maximum of four years, AMVETS will award $1,000 to students maintaining a 2.0 grade point average or equivalent and showing evidence of enrollment. This program is for children and grandchildren of veterans. A total of six scholarships will be awarded nationally, one per each of the six National Districts of AMVETS. Applicants must meet all of the eligibility requirements and submit the completed application on or before April 15. For questions about the application process, please contact AMVETS toll free at 1-877-726-8387.

Go to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Web site – www-vfw.org – to find information on their three scholarship programs. Two, Patriots Pen and Voice of Democracy, have a deadline of Nov. 1, 2007. The third program is scholarships for VFW members and its deadline is December 31. Click on “Programs,” then “VFW Scholarship Programs” to find the information.

From the American Revolutionary War to the present Global War on Terrorism, women have served a vital role in the U.S. Army. Ever since Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley ("Molly Pitcher") replaced her husband when he collapsed at his cannon, women have continually proven that the narrow stereotype, limiting their choice of occupation, was wrong. As women expanded into different roles in the U.S. Army, it was clear that the heart of a warrior was not limited to one gender. When America went through the Civil War and the world wars of the 20th century, women continued to show their patriotism and their fighting spirit even though they did not receive equal treatment or recognition. Throughout the U.S. Army's history, women have proven that when freedom is threatened, they are equal to any task...and when their country calls, they respond — not in gender-hyphenated roles — but as U.S. Army Soldiers.

Women have served in the United States Army since 1775. They nursed the ill and wounded, laundered and mended clothing, and cooked for the troops in camp; services that did not exist among the uniformed personnel within the Army until the twentieth century. Women are an invaluable and essential part of the Army. Currently, women serve in 91 percent of all Army occupations and make up about 14 percent of the active Army. Women continue to have a crucial role in the War on Terrorism and their sacrifices in this noble effort underscore their dedication and willingness to share great sacrifices.

As we celebrate the second week of Women’s History Month, we continue to recognize major accomplishments by women in the military and their contributions to military service. This week we celebrate some Women profiles in history:

Lt. Col. Mary A. Hallaren - The Women's Auxiliary Army Corps was established in May 1942. Mary Hallaren was a member of the first officer training class. Shortly after the first class graduated, U.S. field commanders were calling for a female battalion to help overseas. Hallaren became the battalion's commander. After arriving in England, Halleran began touring the posts and facilities where her WAACs would be working. The commandant at the first post she visited welcomed the female soldiers, but not the regulations that accompanied them. In 1948, Hallaren helped work on the legislation to make the Women's Army Corps a permanent part of the regular Army and Reserves. The legislation finally passed, but with limitations.

Col. Oveta Culp Hobby - From 1942 to 1945, Oveta Culp Hobby served as Director of the Women's Army Corps, and as a result of the success she achieved at this position, was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. Following World War II, Hobby returned to Houston to help her husband run the Houston Post, and a newly acquired television station. In 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower named her head of the Federal Security Agency and later that year she was elevated to a Cabinet position in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare as its first Secretary, a position she held until 1955 when she resigned and returned to Houston to take care of her ailing husband.

Brig. Gen. Anna Mae Hays - Anna Mae Hays received a commission in the Army Nurse Corps in May 1942. Her overseas assignments included service in India, Korea, and Japan. On June 11, 1970, she became the first woman and the first nurse in American military history to attain general officer rank. During her tenure as Chief she continued to deal with the imposing challenges of recruitment and retention as the Vietnam War reached its height. She received the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Army Commendation Medal among her awards and commendations.

Brig. Gen. Elizabeth P. Hoisington - Elizabeth Hoisington advanced through the ranks of the WAC. She served as the Director of the Women's Army Corps from 1966 until 1971. Hoisington was the second woman and first WAC officer to be promoted to the rank of general officer in 1970. Hoisington was promoted on the same day as Hays, simply later in the day.

Col. Debra Lewis - Debra Lewis is a member of the first class with women to graduate from West Point. She also was the U.S. Military Academy's first woman captain of its highly successful intercollegiate equestrian team and was named the 1980 Academy Equestrian of the Year.

Capt. Linda Bray - In 1989 over 700 women went to Panama in support of Operation Just Cause. Capt. Bray led 30 soldiers of the 988th Military Police Company into combat to seize an enemy objective near Panama City. Her role ignited the debate over the role of women in the Army.

Lt. Gen. Claudia Kennedy - Claudia Kennedy was the first woman to achieve and hold the rank of Lieutenant General. Her promotion also led to her being named the Army Deputy Chief of Staff Intelligence.

Brig. Gen. Coral Pietsch - Coral Pietsch was the first-ever woman general officer in the Judge Advocate General Corps. Brigadier General Pietsch was also the first woman Asian-American general officer in the U.S. Army.

Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester - During an ambush of her convoy in Iraq, Sergeant Hester and her squad repelled at least 30 insurgents. The actions of Sergeant Hester and her comrades earned them great praise for their tactics and actions. Leigh Ann Hester became the first woman to earn the Silver Star Medal for exceptional valor since World War II.

Jackson Premium Outlets has an offer to all members of the military, past or present. Simply by stopping by the Information Center in the Food Court, you can get a free Jackson premium Outlets VIP Coupon Book. Some form of identification indicating military service is necessary and the booklet that normally costs $5 will be given to you for free. There are hundreds of dollars of additional savings in coupons in the book.

The European Command has changed the area of consideration for the Bilateral Affairs Officer position in Albania. The position now is open to both N.J. Army and Air National Guard Majors and Captains. Additionally, children are authorized on the accompanied two year tour. The closing date for this job announcement is extended until April 13. Air Guard officers who are interested in applying should follow the instructions from Army Bulletin #4 and adapt it by using Air Force documentation. Please contact Maj. Judie Marranco for further information on the job opening or clarifying information on allowing children on this tour of duty. Maj. Marranco’s work number is 609-530-7079, cell 609-209-9371 and e-mail is judie.marranco@us.army.mil. (See Position Vacancy section below for more information.)

Here is a collection of recent accomplishments from the Veterans Service Offices throughout the state -
Since December 2006, the New Brunswick office has worked on contacting more than 150 veterans and their dependents for state medals.

Donald McNamara or the Monmouth office talked to the Home Care Association of New Jersey Social Work Committee about VA Services. He gave them information on the Improved Pension/Housebound/Aid and attendance programs for housebound vets and gave out Vet Guides and Journals.

From the Salem/Cumberland office comes a note that a POW from World War II had his claim for individual unemployability – which is when a veteran has a number of service-connected disabilities severe enough to prevent the veteran from pursuing meaningful employment – approved with retroactive compensation.

Guy Wiener, Veterans Service Officer at the Thorofare (Camden County) VSO office will be retiring April 1. After more than 27 years of service to the State of New Jersey, Guy will be handing the baton off to Bill McDonnell as the new chief VSO at the Southern N.J. office. Guy’s leadership as VSO and his support of the state’s veterans’ community has been outstanding. His presence will be missed by all those who know him. We want to thank Guy for his service. His legacy will live on as part of the office he served with such dedication. Happy Retirement to Guy Wiener!

Effective immediately as part of the cost-saving initiatives, employees who need to use directory assistance will dial:
1-602-293-4907

Numbers such as “411,” (area code) 555-1212 or any other directory assistance number are not to be used.

This new number will be used when calling from a department land-line, cell phone or Blackberry. When calling for assistance, you will hear, “Welcome to Directory Assistance for the State of New Jersey. Cell phone users should NOT use the auto-connect feature which costs the state and additional 15 cents for each such call. State cell phone and Blackberry users are directed to add this number to their dialing directories.

Another way to further cut costs when looking for telephone numbers is the Web’s phone books. Whenever possible these sites should be used as the primary source of directory assistance.

Verizon Super Pages: http://www.superpages.com/

AT&T: http://www.anywho.com/

SBC Yellow Pages: http://www.yellowpages.com/

Telephone and contact information on any state employee can be found at http://njdirect.state.nj.us/.

This new system does not apply to the two New Jersey Air National Guard facilities: the 108th ARW, McGuire Air Force Base and the 177th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard Base, Egg Harbor Township.

The New Jersey Bar Association has created the Military Legal Assistance Program. This pro bono program provides assistance to New Jersey residents who have served overseas as active duty members of reserve components of the armed forces after Sept. 11, 2001.

Individuals who have been adversely affected upon their return from deployment and the program currently offers assistance to the following areas: family law, employment law and debtor-creditor law.

The Military Legal Assistance program will refer members of the military who contact the state bar association to volunteers qualified to assist them with their specific legal issues. Volunteers who accept a case through the program must agree to handle such case from inception to resolution without compensation or reimbursement for expenses.

If interested in the program, contact D. Todd Sidor, Esq., by e-mail: tsidor@njsba.com or phone: 732-937-7544.

The On Guard – the National Guard’s bi-monthly newspaper – is searching for charter Air National Guard (ANG) members to interview for an upcoming series of articles leading up to the ANG’s 60th Birthday.

Please call Public Affairs Office at 609-530-7088 if you know of any veteran Airmen from the 1947 Air National Guard who would be willing to answer a few questions about their service.

The Microsoft Home Use Program (HUP) is eligible to all Army personnel including, active duty, reserve, Guard, and civilians currently employed by the Army.
The program allows individuals to get a licensed copy of Microsoft Office desktop applications to install and use on a home computer.

The Army awarded a six – year Enterprise License Agreement (ELA) for Microsoft products on May 30, 2003. The MS ELA established by the Army is a “Volume License” agreement with Software Assurance, and as a “Volume License” owner, the Army is entitled to exercise the Home Use Program.

Army Guard members taking advantage of this offering are responsible for paying the administrative costs for obtaining the software and may use the software as desired. Guard members can only obtain one version of the software at any given time.

Go to this website for more details: https://ascp.monmouth.army.mil/scp/software/ hup.jsp

Troops to Teachers (www.ProudtoServeAgain.com) is administered by the Department of Defense and Department of Education and managed by the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). The program helps eligible military personnel begin second careers as public school teachers by providing referral assistance, placement services, and - for those electing to teach at high-need schools - financial stipends and bonuses.

Members of the National Guard and Reserves with 10 or more years of service are eligible for the program, provided they commit for an additional three years.

We Need You!

Volunteer Today!

One Day of Pay (Minimum $50)

One Retirement Point (TDG’s only)
Selfless Service and Personal Satisfaction.
Call 609-530-7090 Today To See If You Qualify.

Have you ever looked at the flag and seen it flying at half staff and wondered who and why? It’s easy to find out the reason New Jersey is flying the flags at half staff. Every day, on the state’s Web site www.nj.gov, you will find a New Jersey flag on the right hand side of the page, slightly below the governor’s photo. Here it tells you if the flag should be flying at full or half staff. You can find more information by clicking on the “Learn more” button.

HQ Group, who currently runs the Helmets to Hardhats program, is expanding!  Hire A Hero is our newest initiative that helps transitioning military personnel, Guard members and Reservists find jobs with all industries.

Hire A Hero is a non-profit initiative that is powered by the Armed Forces Support Foundation.  To find out more about these programs, visit the following Web sites: www.hireahero.com/ or http://armedforcessupportfoundation.org/

Are you a state employee looking to save a few $$$?

Visit www.state.nj.us/personnel/discounts/index.htm and you can find a number of businesses who offer discounts to New Jersey state employees. From amusement parks to fitness to computer to phones and lots of other discounts between, you will find many ways to save money. For more information, please contact Patty Smith at patty.smith@njdmava.state.nj.us or call 609-530-6847.

As a corporate partner with the Defense Department’s America Supports You program, World Wrestling Entertainment supports the military and its many servicemembers and their families. WWE is expressing their generosity by giving members of the military free admittance into WEE events worldwide.

Members of the military can receive a free ticket to WWE events, based on availability and excluding WrestleMania events, when they provide valid identification to the box office on performance day.

WWE has shown their support of the military by visiting casualties in military hospitals overseas and at Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Medical Center. Stars from WWE have gone to Iraq for the past three years to tape a holiday special that was broadcast in America and to troops around the globe. The organization has also donated T-shirts, videos, CDs and other promotional items to members of the armed forces serving on the front lines of the Global War on Terrorism.

Military Handbooks has announced the launch of its new website and the release of its latest seven FREE handbooks for military personnel.  Military Handbooks is a small company owned and operated by former federal employees and veterans. Their offices are located in Alexandria, Va.

These free handbooks were written specifically for military members. To get your own copies of these free handbooks, simply go to their new website:

www.militaryhandbooks.com  The handbooks include:
     - 2007 U.S. Military Handbook
     - 2007 U.S. Military Retired Handbook
     - 2007 Getting Uncle Sam To Pay For Your College Degree
     - 2007 After The Military Handbook
     - 2007 Benefits For Veterans And Dependents Handbook
     - 2007 Veterans Healthcare Benefits Handbook
     - 2007 Military Children's Scholarship Handbook

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

For the Families

The thirteenth Annual New Jersey National Guard Youth Camp will be held July 29 to Aug. 4 at the New Jersey National Guard Training Center, Sea Girt.

Applications are available at: www.state.nj.us/military/familysupport/youth_camp.html

Children, ages 9-13 are invited to apply. The camp fee is still $100. Campers must be children, grandchildren or legal dependents of an active or retired member of the New Jersey National Guard. A variety of volunteer positions are available.
For more information, call the Family Programs Office at (609) 562-0668.

As part of April’s “Month of the Military Child,” United Concordia is sponsoring a Web-based, random-selection drawing. Prizes will be awarded to military children of varying ages.

Children of active duty or National Guard and Reserve sponsors who are enrolled in the Tri-Care Dental Program are eligible for this drawing. To enter, simply complete the form found on the TDP Web site – www.TRICAREdentalprogram.com between March 28 and April 26 and submit it online.

One first, second and third place prize will be awarded in each of the six TRICARE regions for the four age categories.

Ages 0-4
First prize: VTech V.Smile™ Baby
Second prize: $100 U.S. Savings Bond
Third prize: $25 AAFES gift certificate

Ages 5-7
First prize: VTech Nitro Notebook™
Second prize: $100 U.S. Savings Bond
Third prize: $25 AAFES gift certificate

Ages 8-12 and Ages 13-17
First prize: iPod® Shuffle™
Second prize: $100 U.S. Savings Bond
Third prize: $25 AAFES gift certificate

Only one entry per child is permitted; winners will be announced on the TDP Web site on May 10, 2007.

The thirteenth Annual New Jersey National Guard Youth Camp will be held July 29 to Aug. 4 at the New Jersey National Guard Training Center, Sea Girt.

Applications are available at: www.state.nj.us/military/familysupport/youth_camp.html

Children, ages 9-13 are invited to apply. The camp fee is still $100. Campers must be children, grandchildren or legal dependents of an active or retired member of the New Jersey National Guard. A variety of volunteer positions are available.

For more information, call the Family Programs Office at (609) 562-0668.

The Deployed Military Spouses Assistance Program provides direct assistance and referrals to existing programs for spouses of deployed military personnel (active duty, reserve and National Guard) who face unusual financial and emotional stress as a result of the deployments. 

Applicants should contact Fawn Mutschler at 609-543-6200 ext. 325 or wocmilitarygrant@ymca-bc.org to obtain an application.  In addition to the completed application form, applicants will also need to submit the following documentation: LES/paystub for applicant and spouse; statement of Financial Need (i.e. reason for applying and how the grant will help); bill or pricing of expenditure as well as any other supporting information the applicant feels may be helpful. Additional information can be found at: www.state.nj.us/dca/dow/depmilspouseasst.shtml

The Army Community Service (ACS) office at Fort Dix has several programs to support the Soldier and his/her family during mobilization and deployment.  Their number is (609) 562-2767 or (800) 877-2380 and they are located in Building 5201 at Maryland Ave and 8th Street.  Some of the programs available are:

Army Emergency Relief: Provides emergency financial assistance to active duty military personnel, retirees, National Guard and Reserve Component on active duty for over 30 consecutive days and their family members (with ID card and power of attorney).

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): Entitles member to additional benefits through TRICARE's Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) Program.  Provides information, referrals, crisis intervention, community support and assistance to meet individual needs.

Family Advocacy Program: Provides for the identification, reporting, prevention, and treatment of child abuse and domestic violence.

Employment Readiness Program: Offers information and referral for employment, education (resume writing and interviewing), volunteer and training opportunities.

A group of NFL, NFL Europe, AFL, and CFL football players have announced they are extending their sponsorship of the SAT/ACT training to all military families.

The sponsorship allows any military person (active, Guard, reserve, or retired) to request as many programs as they need for the students in their lives.  There is a secure website to confirm a person’s military status before directing the user to the software order site.

Logon to:: Click Here

Programs are shipped to domestic U.S. addresses and APO addresses. The sponsorship covers the purchase price of $199 and the family pays only the shipping and handling of $9.95.

The New Jersey National Guard State Family Readiness Council has expanded its Family Grants Program to include an additional grant.  There are now two levels of Family Grants; TIER I is the $2,500 grant that has been in place for the past couple of years.  The TIER II opens family grants to New Jersey Army and Air National Guard non-deployed service members who were on State Active Duty or State Missions (e.g., hurricanes, floods, border missions) for more than 20 consecutive days.  Service members meeting these criteria are eligible to apply for a financial hardship grant up to $1,500.  Applications are available at all New Jersey Army and Air National Guard Family Assistance Centers.

Sports and Entertainment

The New Jersey National Guard is looking for a few good runners to represent the state in the 2007 National Guard Marathon in Lincoln, Neb., on May 6.

Each year hundreds of National Guardsmen from around the nation compete in the Marathon.  Qualifying times to attend the race (fully funded TDY) are: four hours for men under 40; 4:15 for men 40 and over; and 4:30 for women.  The qualifying time must have been accomplished within the last 18 months.  The top runners in Lincoln are selected for the National Guard Running Team and compete in races across the nation. Interested Guardsmen should contact Maj. Arnstein at 609-562-3239.

Please join the 2007 Nutter Run at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt on May 19. The run starts at 10 a.m. This year’s beneficiary is Caitlyn McGuire.
Caitlyn is the daughter of New Jersey Army National Guardsman, Spc. Robert McGuire and the granddaughter of another New Jersey National Guardsman; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mickey McGuire.

The run will also feature live music, food, giveaways, raffles, prizes, games for children and much more. To see the flyer for the event, visit www.nutterrun.com.

If you can't participate in the run/walk, please help us help Caitlyn by spreading the word and raising awareness about this event. Your support and generosity are greatly appreciated.

The 11th Annual Lt. Col. Dave Savino Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on Sept. 17 at the Fountain Green Golf Course, Ft. Dix. Shotgun start is at 8 a.m., with a two-person scramble (best ball). Cost to play is $85 per person, with checks made payable to “Lt. Col. Dave Savino Memorial Fund.” Call Senior Master Sgt. Mike Balas at 609-330-4069 or Connie Cisek at 609-562-0901 for more information. Proceeds from the tournament go to help fellow Guardsmen in need.

Here’s to the Heroes provides a single day’s free admission to any one SeaWorld or Busch Gardens park, Sesame Place, Adventure Island or Water Country USA for the service member and as many as three direct dependents.

Any active duty, active reserve, ready reserve service member or Guard member is entitled to free admission under the program. He or she need only register, either online at www.herosalute.com or in the entrance plaza of a participating park, and show a Department of Defense photo ID.

Scholarship, Education News

A bill which extends eligibility for higher education tuition assistance to certain former members of New Jersey National Guard and increases the number of tuition-free credits available to National Guard members and their dependents was signed into law by Governor Jon. S. Corzine on Jan. 24.

The legislation would allow National Guard members who are called into active duty to utilize state tuition assistance credits after their enlistment expires.

Under the old law, active members of the New Jersey National Guard may receive up to 15 credits per semester tuition free from public institutions of higher education in the State. Similarly, the child or surviving spouse of a National Guard member killed in the performance of his duties may also receive this benefit.

This bill, A-2542, amended the law to extend eligibility for this higher education tuition benefit to members of the New Jersey National Guard whose use of the free tuition benefit is interrupted by a deployment to active duty. The change would permit these soldiers to receive their earned educational benefits should their enlistment expire, or should they be medically discharged, prior to completing their studies.

The new law will also increase the number of credits eligible for funding under this program from 15 to 16 per semester.

Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded by the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation. Information about the scholarships, including application form, can be found at www.njvvmf.org. Applications must be received at the foundation office by 5 p.m. April 20. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted. Recipients will be notified prior to the award ceremony on May 28.

Colleges

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.

Scholarship information on BBB Military Line

There are many scholarships available to military family members. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Military Line suggests that you not pay someone to find scholarships for you. Why? Because these researchers will use the same sources on the internet that you will use, so why pay them to do so? For suggestions on where to find scholarships for which you might be eligible, visit: www.enewsbuilder.net/cbbbmilitary/e_article-000694547.cfm?x=b8r7v3.

For information to help military families avoid financial pitfalls, visit: http://military.bbb.org

Position Vacancies

There is a position open for a Bilateral Affairs Officer in Tirana, Albania in association with the State Partnership Program. The position is a tour of extended active duty for one year unaccompanied or two-year accompanied (spouse only, no children), with an estimated start date of June 1, 2007. The grade required for the position is captain or mid-grade major; the branch is immaterial.

Along with assignment are many incentives including diplomatic status and embassy privileges, individual housing provided in country, use of embassy VIP badges/privileges available, member of ambassador’s Country Team and high level and very visible assignment working with the U.S. ambassador, NATO commander, and other organizations in country.

Interested individuals should contact Maj. Judie Marranco at 609-530-7079 for further details.

Association News

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.

The National Guard Association of New Jersey will be conducting the following events. All members (active and retirees) are encouraged to participate:

?? NGANJ Social - the Association’s Social will be conducted on Friday, April 13, 2007 at the Holiday Inn, East Windsor (Hightstown), N.J. This event will begin at 6 p.m. and will conclude at approximately 11 p.m. Cost per person is $60. This includes a one hour open bar, full course dinner and DJ. The attire will be the “dress” uniform for military and formal (suit) for civilians.

?? NGANJ 2007 Yearbook – Retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jack Petrosilli and his committee sent a mailing to all members requesting support for the Yearbook. Please return your ads and/or booster request no later than April 15. If you need a form, please contact Petrosilli.

?? Annual Business Meeting - the annual Business Meeting will be conducted on May 19, 2007 at the Timmermann Conference Center, Fort Dix. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. (sign-in begins at 7:30 a.m.) and will conclude at noon. The attire for this meeting is “business casual”. This will be an opportunity for all members to see the four classrooms that were dedicated to New Jersey’s fallen Soldiers.

?? NGANJ President’s Golf Tournament - this tournament will be held at Falcon Creek Golf Course at McGuire AFB, on June 4. This will be a “shotgun” start beginning at 11 a.m. The course limit is 144 players, so early reservations are suggested. A hot buffet dinner will follow at approximately 5 p.m. at the McGuire NCO Club, located across the street from the course. This tournament benefits the “Scholarship Fund”. Last year, with your help, we were able to award nine $1,000 scholarships to deserving students. This year, we hope to meet or exceed that goal.

?? National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) 129th Conference - this conference will be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico from August 15 - 18, 2007. The New Jersey delegation will be staying at the Caribe Hilton (15 minutes from airport). Our hotel is located on the beach, has a great pool for the family and is located close to the convention center (10 minutes). We have reserved 30 rooms on a first come, first gets basis. Additional information and registration forms will be coming out shortly. If you are interested, please contact Capt. Jose Maldonado.

?? NGANJ Website - The above information is posted on the NGANJ website. If you need copies of the forms, specific contacts or additional information, please go to the website at: www.nganj.org.

Veterans Information

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

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

N.J. Vietnam Veterans' Memorial and Vietnam Era Educational Center's upcoming events

Mar. 31 / 1 p.m. / "Avoiding Armageddon: John F. Kennedy and American Foreign Policy," a lecture by political science professor and Cold War Era veteran, Philip J. Briggs, Ph.D., from his book, Making American Foreign Policy: President-Congress Relations from the Second World War to the Post-Cold War Era. This lecture examines President Kennedy’s life, with particularly attention to his White House years during the height of the Cold War, including reactions to the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and Vietnam. Also discussed are the roles played by other key personalities, including Bobby Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and even Jacqueline Kennedy.

April 14 / 1 p.m. / "Answering the Call for Those Who Have Answered the Call of Duty – N.J. Veteran's Hotline," a discussion about this service to veterans by N.J. Vietnam Veteran, Chuck Arnold, UMDNJ - University Behavioral HealthCare Counselor.

May 7 / 11 a.m. / New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day ceremony in the courtyard of the N.J. Vietnam Veterans' Memorial.

May 28 / 11 a.m. / Memorial Day ceremony in the courtyard of the N.J. Vietnam Veterans' Memorial.
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On Saturdays, between February 17 and April 14, free guided tours of the N.J. Vietnam Veterans' Memorial will be available at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Beginning May 5, free guided tours of the Memorial will be offered on the first Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will award N.J. Vietnam Service Medals and Distinguished Service Medals in a ceremony on May 7, 2007, at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial as part of the N.J. Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day ceremony. In order to participate in this ceremony, you must complete the DMAVA award application and send it with the necessary supporting documentation. You can get a .pdf file of the application online at http://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/awards/forms/application.pdf (you will need Adobe Acrobat to open the .pdf file) or you can call the N.J. Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation at 732-335-0033 to have one mailed to you. For questions about eligibility and criteria for the medals, please call 609-530-7035.