Farewell Salute to Signal Corps

A Farewell Salute ceremony was held on Thursday, 17 June 2004, at the Cherry Hill Armory for members of Company A, 250th Signal Corps Battalion. The Company will be deploying for a year-long mission providing signal support to the 278th Regimental Combat Team in support of Iraqi Freedom III. The Company Commander, CPT Grindlinger, and First Sergeant Gaetjens will lead their Company to Camp Shelby, Mississippi, to complete individual and collective training before deploying to theater. The Adjutant General and the Mayor of Cherry Hill addressed the soldiers and their families. Many other dignitaries including retired General Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, local businessmen, and veterans’ organizations were present. The Company was presented with American and State flags to carry with them on their mission. The USO provided entertainment that included a surprise visit by “Bob Hope” and “Marilyn Monroe.” The salute was conducted as part of the Company’s Family Day activities. It was an enjoyable day and one that will be remembered by all who attended as a great send-off for the Company. We wish the “Sound of Might” Godspeed and a safe return!

New law bans hand-held cell phones and wireless devices while driving.

Attention all DMVA employees, effective 1 July 2004, the use of cellular phones and wireless devices while operating a vehicle within the state of New Jersey is banned. The newly enacted law takes effect on the first of next month, and carries a fine that ranges from $100 to $250. Employees who operate state vehicles or use personal vehicles to perform state duties are prohibited from using cell phones or wireless devices while operating a vehicle unless the device is equipped with a hands-free device or feature. The act defines “hands-free wireless telephone” as a mobile telephone that has an internal or external feature or function, or is equipped with an attachment or addition, whether permanent or not, by which a user engages in a conversation without the use of either hand. For additional details on this new policy, please refer to Departmental Bulletin No. 04, Use of Cellular Wireless Devices in State Vehicles, dated 15 June 2004. The bulletin is available for review at URL: nj.gov/military/publications/bulletins/Departmental_Bulletins/

NJ Veterans Memorial Homes are represented at recent Veterans Conventions.

The Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of DMVA’s Veterans Memorial Homes at Menlo Park, Paramus, and Vineland addressed the American Legion convention in Wildwood on 10 June 2004, and the Disabled American Veterans’ convention on 12 June 2004 in Atlantic City. The annual conventions provide an opportunity to speak collectively to the veteran organizations. The CEOs thanked the organizations and their members for their continued support of the varied programs at the Veterans Homes – financially, emotionally, and spiritually. The CEOs presented an update on the construction of the new Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland, the opening of Menlo Park’s “Old Glory Wing,” and the upcoming All-Purpose Room at Paramus.

DMVA’s Homeland Security Center of Excellence (HSCOE) is instrumental in the planning for Homeland Security Technology Seminar.

DMVA’s Homeland Security Center of Excellence was instrumental in the planning for the Homeland Security Technology Seminar hosted by Ft. Monmouth on 7 June 2004. This seminar was sponsored by the State to demonstrate and increase cooperation among federal and state agencies, academia, and industry in a concerted effort to further demonstrate Ft. Monmouth’s value to New Jersey and the nation as EFI-BRAC hearings approach. Approximately 300 attendees were on-hand to witness Governor McGreevey introduce and sign an Executive Order which proclaimed Ft. Monmouth as a New Jersey Center for Homeland Defense Technologies and Security Readiness. The Executive Order also directed NJIT to establish a Homeland Security Technology Systems Center that will work in collaboration with Ft. Monmouth, Picatinny Arsenal, federal military bases, state agencies, and universities to study related technologies that become available to support the Global War on Terrorism.

The Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) supported Task Force North during weapons qualification.

The JFHQ supported Task Force North during June 5-6 with weapons qualification. The JFHQ conducted zero and qualification ranges with the outstanding support of 3-112th FA Battalion and other brigade units. Over 350 soldiers were zeroed and qualified during this drill weekend; over 40,000 rounds of ammunition were expended during this operation. This enabled soldiers from Task Force North and the JFHQ to be prepared to support state and national contingency missions to help secure our homeland. Special thanks to CW2 Eckenrode, SFC Gauthier, SFC Falls, SGT Rowe, SFC Bohanan, and all of the support personnel who made this mission a success!

“The Heart of a Soldier” – 2004 U.S. Army Soldier Show at Fort Dix (27-28 June).

Communication between deployed Soldiers and their loved ones is the driving force behind “The Heart of a Soldier” theme of the 2004 U.S. Army Soldier Show, which is coming to Fort Dix on June 27-28, 2004. Although every edition of the Army Soldier Show has a theme, few have woven a storyline throughout like this year’s emotional rendition. From letters to cellular telephone calls to e-mails, this is a song-and-dance of how soldiers touch base with home from the Global War on Terrorism – communications from the front lines and beyond.

Veterans honored at recent Medal ceremonies.

Two Medal ceremonies were held on Tuesday, 15 June 2004, at the National Guard Training Center, Sea Girt, New Jersey. Colonel Alphonse Stephenson, Command Chaplain, NJ Air National Guard, presented 48 veterans with the New Jersey Distinguished Service and Meritorious Service medals at the morning ceremony. Father Stephenson presented the Korean War Commemorative Medal to 130 veterans in a ceremony held later in the day. Ms. Kathy Hymes, Division of Veterans Programs, performed Mistress of Ceremony duties at both ceremonies, and was assisted by DMVA employees, Ms. Karen Hansen, Ms. Michelle Johnson, and Ms. Kelly Forester.

The Air National Guard Band of the Mid-Atlantic plans its first visit to our area.

As part of their active duty training, the Air National Guard Band of the Mid-Atlantic will be picking up its “stakes” at Harrisburg International Airport in Middletown, PA and coming to our area to perform in concert. The band has received many awards, including the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and Pennsylvania Governor’s Unit Citation. A concert highlight will be John Williams’ Hymn to the Fallen, transcribed from the soundtrack of the hit move “Saving Private Ryan,” and accompanied by text entitled “Tribute to the American G.I.” written by Secretary of State, Retired General Colin Powell. Mark the following dates on your calendar, and plan on enjoying an evening of wonderful live music:

NJ Army National Guard’s 63rd Army Band announces its Summer Concert schedule.

Jenkinson’s Pier will hold a New Jersey National Guard Appreciation Day – Friday, 25 June 2004.

Jenkinson’s Pier will celebrate NJ National Guard Appreciation Day on Friday, 25 June 2004, between 12 noon and 5 p.m., at their Point Pleasant and Seaside Heights locations for immediate family members of deployed soldiers. Family members must have their Military ID card and a copy of the deployed soldier’s orders. Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, significant others, and fiancées must get an authorization slip from any Family Assistance Center to bring with them to the check-in area at Jenkinson’s Pier, where you will receive a wrist band that will allow you to ride free of charge on the Pier’s amusement rides.

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

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

Veterans to be honored at upcoming Medal Ceremonies.

The following ceremonies have been scheduled to honor our State’s veterans.

At three, eArmyU defies critics.

In three short years, Army Continuing Education Services’ online program, eArmyU, has defied skeptics with is growth. Only the war and budgets have slowed its ascent. Army University Access Online – eArmyU – was designed for active and Reserve enlisted soldiers to take web-based classes at their convenience all over the world to earn college degrees and certifications. It’s an all-expenses-paid degree in which students get a free laptop computer if they complete a set curriculum within two years. Initially met with skepticism from military educators, eArmyU has grown to 29 partner schools offering 146 academic degree programs. Also, eArmyU has received multiple awards and interest from international organizations looking to use the eArmyU as a model. For more information visit www.earmyu.com.

Attention Veterans – Small Business Resource Day is scheduled.

The second annual Small Business Resource Day is scheduled for Wednesday, 23 June 2004, at 26 Federal Plaza, New York City (Duane Street Entrance) from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sponsored by the U.S. General Services Administration, The U.S. Small Business Administration, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the day’s goal is to help veteran-owned small businesses discover government procurement opportunities. Admission is free! Refreshments will be served! If you need additional information, please call (212) 264-8265.

VA Benefits Pamphlet – Availability

The most current VA Publication that is assessable to each of you is VA Pamphlet 80-04-1 (Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents). The pamphlet can be ordered through U.S. Government Information (bookstore), Superintendent of Documents, PO Box 372954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954; toll-free (8 66) 512-1800; or thru e-mail at www.bookstore.apo.gov. The cost is $7 per pamphlet. The pamphlet is also available on-line FREE on the VA homepage, www.va.gov. On the left side of the page, see “Today’s VA.” Click on Public Affairs to get the next page. Click on Fact Sheets and go down the list until you come to Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents.

Don’t’ Forget – Register to Vote

The Department of Defense recently announced that it has worked out a plan with the United States Postal Service to get absentee ballots to overseas members faster, but registering to vote is the first step to acquiring a ballot. Deadlines and state specific rules on voter registration can be found on the Federal Voting Assistance Program website at http://www.fvap.gov. The site includes a list of 10 things to do to ensure your vote counts. Remember—you must register to vote and request your ballot in a timely manner -- not later than September. VOTE – mail your ballot not later than October 15, 2004.

Today in History…

Today is Friday, 18 June 2004 and the 170th day of the year. There are 197 days left in the year. On this day…

- 1812 – War of 1812 begins as U.S. declares war against Britain.

- 1873 – Susan B. Anthony fined $100 for attempting to vote for a U.S. President.

- 1898 – Steel Pier opens in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

- 1903 – First transcontinental auto trip begins in San Francisco and arrives in New York three months later.

- 1942 – The U.S. Navy commissioned its first black officer, Harvard University medical student Bernard Whitfield Robinson.

- 1948 – The United Nations adopted its International Declaration of Human Rights.

- 1983 – Dr. Sally Ride became the first American woman in space aboard the space shuttle Challenger.

You know you’re from New Jersey when…

* At least three people in your family still love Bruce Springsteen, and you know the town Bon Jovi is from.

* You know that WaWa is a convenience store.

* You live within 20 minutes of at least three different malls.

* You remember the stores Korvette’s, Two Guys, Rickel’s, Channel Lumber, and Bamberger’s.

* You also remember Palisades Amusement Park.

* You’ve NEVER, EVER pumped your own gas.

101 Critical Days of Summer – Driving Tips for Long Trips

- Start out refreshed – Don’t head out after a long day at work. You are not gaining a little extra vacation time – you are setting yourself up for driver fatigue.

- Wear sunglasses – Your eyes use about 25% of your total energy under normal circumstances and more if they have to work harder. Eyestrain makes you tired, gives you headaches and interrupts your concentration. Reduce the effects of eyestrain by getting quality sunglasses with 100% UV protection and polarization.

- Clean the windows – Dirt, road film, fogged windows, and fingerprints decrease overall visibility and cause glare. This incr4eases eyestrain and tiredness. Clean all the car’s windows, inside and out, before starting out and clean the entire windshield whenever you fill up. Make sure the washer reservoir is full and wiper blades are in good condition.

- Limit distractions - Turn off the cell phone, turn down the radio, and don’t eat or drink while driving. If you need to make a call, eat, or consult a map, pull off the highway.

- Take breaks often – Driver fatigue sets in much sooner than most people think, which is why driving experts agree that you should stop every two hours or so and take a safety break to recharge and refresh. Make it a habit to stop at every other rest stop-get out of the car, stretch your legs, and visit the restroom. Realize that fuel stops are not rest stops.

- Drive defensively – Although you may be relaxed and rested, others may not. Always drive defensively.

Family Appreciation Day –

Don’t forget to mark 21 August 2004 on your calendars – It’s Family Appreciation Day for all members of the New Jersey National Guard, employees of the Department of Military & Veterans, and their families. A day of fun in the sun is planned at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt.

Call today and volunteer to help at a Family Readiness Center near you.
As the New Jersey National Guard deploys soldiers and airmen around the globe, the families that are left behind need our support and assistance. Can we count on your help?

To reach any NJ National Guard Family Assistance Center –
Call toll free 888-859-0352

Father’s Day – 20 June 2004
Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father." …Lydia M. Child

Happy Father’s Day!!