New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
DMAVA Highlights » 24 August 2007

Volume 6, Number 34


Contacting us is easy!

Public Affairs Office

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



Veterans' Organizations Contact Information

State Veterans Service Council
Mr. Richard Clark
RJClark21@msn.com

NJ Advisory Committee for Women Veterans
Mrs. Anna Hoffman
hoffmanannem@aol.com

BG Willam C. Doyle Cemetery Advisory Council
Mr. William Rakestraw
warjrnj@msn.com



Veterans Hotlines

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

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



DMAVA Highlights Archive

DMAVA Highlights Archive Page



NJ World War II Memorial

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

WWII Memorial on the web



New Jersey Freedom Loans

What is a Freedom Loan?
* Up to $10,000
* Annual APR 6%
* Term: 5 years (no pre-payment penalty)
* Unsecured Loan (no collateral required)

Who is eligible to apply?
NJ residents who are:
* Members of the National Guard or Reserve
* Mobilized for one year or longer to fight in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) - excluding routine training.

Or

* Served 90 or more consecutive days in the GWOT on federal or state active duty (excluding routing training) and have received orders extending cumulative active duty a year or longer.

How do I apply?
* Contact participating banks. Call or visit your local branch office to obtain an application.
* Guardmembers, Reservists, or family members with Power of Attorney must submit copies of current mobilization orders with the bank's Freedom Loan application.

Current participants:
Commerce Bank
1-888-751-9000

Credit Union of NJ
609-538-4061, ext. 401

First Morris Bank & Trust
1-888-530-2265

Manasquan Savings Bank
732-223-4450

North Jersey Federal Credit Union
1-888-78NJFCU

Peapack-Gladstone Bank (908)
719-BANK

Pennsville National Bank
856-678-6006

PNC
1-866-PNC-4USA

Sovereign Bank
1-877-391-6365

Sun National Bank
1-800-691-7701


Quote for the Week

Necessity never made a good bargain.

- Benjamin Franklin

Man is what he believes.

- Anton Pavlovich Chekhov

He who reflects too much will accomplish little

- Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller

A wise man knows everything; a shrewd one, everybody.

- Anonymous


Download PDF Version of this week's highlights

News For Your Views

108th NCO gets check for bringing new Airmen to wing

Master Sgt. David Beun of the 108th Security Forces recently received a check for $6,000.  All for talking about the New Jersey Air National Guard to some of his friends and acquaintances!  How did he do that, you ask?  He has gone through the process to register in the Air National Guard G-RAP program and then brought three people into the NJANG.

Trip to Gettysburg battlefields helps battalion gel together

Sgt. 1st Class Kryn P. Westhoven, 444th MPAD

The formation of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) has had it share of challenges for Soldiers, like new jobs, new armories and a slew of new unit designations.

Last summer there was the 2nd-102nd Armor Battalion and 250th Signal Battalion, both units were victims of transformation, but the personnel became the nucleus of the 50th Brigade Special Troops Battalion (BSTB).

"It is a unique organization to the New Jersey Army National Guard and to the Army in general," said Lt. Col. Kenneth S. Schechter, commander of the battalion that serves as the combat support element for the IBCT.

The battalion includes a headquarters, Signal, Military Intelligence and Engineer companies and has a Military Police and Chemical Reconnaissance platoons, providing a wide range of options to the IBCT commander.

The final piece of the Special Troops was not put into place until February of this year, so this new battalion decided to do something unique during their first Annual Training together at Fort Indiantown Gap (FIG), Pa.

The whole battalion of more than 130 Soldiers from E-1 to O-5 boarded three busses and left FIG for the Battlefields of Gettysburg.

"Sort of us ushering in our new identity and connecting with that, and we are using the Battle of Gettysburg to help us do that," said 1st Lt. Jason E. Mull, executive officer for the BSTB Engineer Company and one of the organizers of the field trip.

But it was much more than the stop and look at monuments sightseeing tour, this trip had actually branch specific lessons taught by the senior leaders before moving to the next location.

"Know the weaknesses of your enemy," was the response from crowd when the Military Intelligence Company executive officer 1st Lt. David Field asked why intelligence is important. Using an artillery piece as his podium, Field led the discussion on information and its use in warfare, with the Soldiers standing near the Eternal Light Peace Memorial, the site of the first day of battles between Union and Confederate soldiers on July 1, 1863.

 "We are forming a foundation here," stressed Schechter as he spoke about team building and bringing the unit together collectively.

The trip to Gettysburg was a reward for plenty of hard training earlier in the two weeks.

"We were focusing on the individual readiness of the Soldiers," Schechter said.

That training included weapons qualification, Warrior Training Tasks (WTT) and Army Warrior Task Battle Drills, such as reaction to IED's or an ambush and removing wounded Soldiers out of vehicles.

Field Artillery sets up FOB at Dix

Sgt. 1st Class Kryn P. Westhoven, 444th MPAD

As you headed down the sandy road towards Artillery Firing Point 14 on Fort Dix you notice something was different. Barriers funneled you to an Entry Control Point where you are greeted by a sign 'Welcome to FOB Steel' as Soldiers manned a gate carefully checking who and what entered.

Once inside you notice the tents lined up neatly behind a semi-circle of artillery pieces, the 230 Soldiers of the New Jersey Army National Guard's 3-112th Fires Battalion, 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) are living for two-weeks in the same place with their cannons.

"It is a first time for us, we consolidated and made a FOB (Forward Operating Base)," said Lt. Col. Brian K. Scully, commander of the 112th headquartered in Morristown.

Soldiers in past slept in a separate bivouac area away from the guns, but now all the firing batteries, the headquarters and the support element, Company G, 250th Brigade Support Battalion shared in the duties of manning the gate, providing perimeter guards and having a Quick Reaction Force to respond to opposing forces attacks. All movement to and from the Forward Operating Base was done in convoys with road movement orders; and everything is done to the Army standard added Scully.

"It is definitely different.more combat like," said Spec. Shadiq Shakir, who has been with the battalion eight years "A lot more training has taken place not just with the guns."

The Warrior Task Training is an integral component of this year's Annual Training (AT) period and those tasks are performed year round according to Scully.

It is especially important for the 3-112th Fires as batteries of this battalion have been deployed twice performing Military Police missions in Iraq and in Germany to support the Global War on Terrorism.

"It is a question of balance. We have to balance the non-standard versus the standard FA (Field Artillery) mission. We are keeping the FA core competencies alive by the live fire we are doing," noted Scully.

One of the 330 rounds scheduled to land in the impact area could be the last from the 155mm guns of the New Jersey Guard's M109A5 howitzers.

"This is kind of a history-making AT," explained Scully. "After this we convert to the M119A2 105mm towed howitzer."

It was thought to be the last firing of the self propelled howitzers at last year's AT as the 3-112th Field Artillery transformed into the 3-112th Fires Battalion.

"Things have a way of changing," noted Scully, who along with the rest of the battalion eagerly await the new equipment.

Oktoberfest and town hall meeting on Oct. 12

Come to the DMAVA/JFHQ Town Hall meeting and afterwards join in the fun at the Oktoberfest at the Lawrenceville Armory on Oct. 12A.  The fest starts at noon; the mandatory town hall meeting begins at 11:30 a.m.

For a mere $10 admittance fee, you can enjoy a roasted pig, bratwurst and sauerkraut, German and regular potato salads, baked beans, strudel and assorted desserts.  To wet your whistle, beverages include O'Doul's beer, birch beer, assorted soda and water.  Those attending are asked to contribute desserts.

The entry fee includes a raffle ticket for two nights at the Borgota in Atlantic City, breakfast, dinner and comedy show tickets for two.

If you are interested in attending, see your department representatives.  At DMAVA, see Darlene Laarz, 609-530-6992, Karen Wallace, 609-530-6766, Dawn Espisito, 609-530-6717 or Tina Taylor, 609-530-7170; at Fort Dix, see Marie Durling, 609-562-0739 or Barbara Alcott, 609-562-0870; and at HSCOE, see Kevin Hearn, 609-530-7069.

This event is open to employees only.

Car donated to Vets Haven resident

From the desk of Robert Sauselein, Vets Haven superintendent

The Township of Evesham recently donated a 1996 Ford Crown Victoria to Veterans Haven. The staff and residents of Vets Haven would like to take this opportunity to thank Mayor Randy Brown, Councilmen John McKenna, Mike Schmidt, Chris Brown, Councilwoman Debbie Sarcone and Public Works Superintendent William Cromie for their support of our Veterans.  This will enable another one of our current residents to seek better employment and improve their quality of life.

Vets Haven receives check from golfers

From the desk of Robert Sauselein, Vets Haven superintendent

The New Jersey Chapter International Association of Workforce Professionals held a golf tournament for Veterans Haven.  Angel Llerena, chapter president, presented a check for $3,735.43 to Gary Englert, the Director of Veterans Services and Robert Sauselein at Vets Haven.  Robert Fletcher was instrumental in Veterans Haven being selected by the organization as their project for this year.  Thanks to both Robert Fletcher and Mr. Angel Llerena for their support of our Veterans. 

ARMS offers discounted trip for families to Great Wolf Lodge

From the desk of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Hughes, Family Assistance Specialist

ARMS is again sponsoring a trip to Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos on October 26-28.  This is a wonderful place for children and adults and a great way for families of all ages to connect.  Right now they have 30 rooms on hold, so it will be on a first come, first serve basis.  ARMS has done this as a group before and many of our military families have attended. 

The price they have given is fantastic. The cost for a room for Oct. 26-28 is $500 and for Oct. 27-28 is $250, tax is included in the prices. The price for a group up to six people and includes admission to the indoor water park during your stay.  The water park is open from 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m.  Meals are not included.  Each room ha a refrigerator and the master suites also have a microwave.

Your children may wear their Halloween costumes on Saturday night.  Great Wolf will be sponsoring a trick or treat night for the children. Great Wolf is not just for children. They have many things to offer for adults: a ½ mile down the road there is an outlet mall for shopping.

Check out the Great Wolf Lodge website at http://www.greatwolflodge.com/ Locations/Poconos/ for information about the resort.

If you would like to attend, they need to know as soon as possible. Please send the following information to Ronnie Micciulla at usslibertyhouse@comcast.net or call 732-890-4914:

Name, phone number, how many people will be attending and which days everyone will be there.  No money is due before Sept. 10, but all money MUST be paid by then.  Checks can be made out to ARMS and sent to ARMS, 64 Harding Road, Red Bank, NJ 07701.

Monmouth county VSO offers additional day at clinic

From the Veterans Service Office

Effective August 22, Don McNamara, Monmouth County Veterans Service Officer will be at the Fort Monmouth VA Clinic Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 to 4 pm. He can be reached there at 732-532-4496.

State offers annual fitness challenge

By Ernie Razzano, Health Professions recruiter

It's that time of year again.  Working Well NJ is having its annual Fitness Challenge kickoff on Friday, Sept. 21.  The rain date is Sept. 28.  The program will begin at noon on state house steps, followed by a walk down State Street and a health fair from noon-2 p.m. Let's try to have a great turn-out this year!!!  See you there!!!

Marriage seminars open to couples

From the desk of Marie Durling, Family Programs Specialist

Soldiers or Airmen (Army and Air Guard) and their significant others are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming Marriage Enrichment Seminars.  Soldiers will attend in a paid SUTA status and all expenses are paid.  These seminars have been extremely successful and are designed to strengthen relationships.    The cost of the hotel and meals are paid for by the State.

The seminars are not therapy sessions or encounter groups nor are they for sharing your personal concerns. The seminars are conducted by the state chaplains' office and begin 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.  These seminars usually fill up fast, so if interested, please call as soon as possible. Upcoming seminars are:

Sept. 7-9 in south Jersey

Sept. 14-16 in central Jersey

Sept. 21-23 in north Jersey

Helmets to Hardhats

The New Jersey State Building and Construction Trades Council's Helmets to Hardhats Program (NJ H2H) is designed to help transitioning military personnel, National Guardsmen and Reservists find the careers in the building and construction industry.  The program seeks to help military members find a career in one of 15 affiliated trades, such as electrical workers, carpenters and painters.

They work in cooperation with the national Helmets to Hardhats program, adding a personal component to the program's on-line services.  NJ H2H offers veterans preparation for successful application to any of New Jersey's registered apprenticeship programs in the building and construction trades. Services include career counseling, entrance test preparation and referral to supportive services.

For program registration and information, visit online at www.njbctc.org/h2h or contact at 732-499-7295 or at H2H@njbctc.org.

 

Jack Green Memorial 5k Run/Walk October 21

 

The 177th Fighter Wing will be holding the first annual Jack Green Memorial 5K Run/Walk on Oct. 21st at 8:30 a.m., at the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base.  Proceeds from this event will go toward the educational fund for Master Sgt. Jack Green's son, along with starting an additional fund for unit members who may be faced with similar circumstances.  The event is also meant to raise awareness of the Air Force's Fit to Fight program, a favorite focus of the late MSgt Green who was a health and fitness enthusiast.

This event will be open to unit members, dependents, and individuals that would normally have access to the base.  This is not open to the general public.

Race day registration will be at the base gym, building 229, from 6:30-8 a.m.  Entry registration postmarked by Oct. 10 will be $10 and registration on the day of the race is $20.  The first 200 participants will receive a commemorative coin.

For more information, contact Master Sgt. Frank Heath at 609-645-6109 or Tech. Sgt. Erica Nelson at 609-645-6224.

For Your Calendar   

Town Hall meeting for DMAVA scheduled for Sept. 6

Deputy Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Maria Falca-Dodson, and retired Col. Stephen G. Abel, Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs, will conduct a Town Hall meeting on Sept. 6, 2007 at 8 a.m.

At 8:45 a.m. retired Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Pierson and retired Col. Jay Lovas will brief employees on the COOP/COG, which is how the department would function in the event of a disaster. 

The Town Hall meeting and briefing will take place on the Drill Floor at the Lawrenceville Armory. Attendance for DMVA state employees is mandatory.

National Guard Appreciation Day at Jenkinson's on the Boardwalk

Jenkinson's on the Boardwalk in Point Pleasant, N.J., is hosting a New Jersey National Guard Appreciation Day on Sept. 3, at Jenkinson's Pier, open only to N.J. National Guard personnel (with IDs) and their immediate family.  Details will follow in a future issue.

First Annual Jack Green Memorial 5K Run/Walk

The First Annual Jack Green Memorial 5K Run/Walk will be held Sunday Oct. 21 at 8:30 a.m. at the 177th Fighter Wing, 400 Langley Road, Egg Harbor Twp, N.J.

Registration will be held from 6:30 to 8 a.m., in building. 229 - the Base Gym.  Pre registration fee is $15 if postmarked by Oct. 10.  Race day fee will be $20. Please make checks payable to: 177 Fighter Wing Chief's Council and mail to:

MSG Frank G Heath, 400 Langley Road, Egg Harbor Twp., NJ 08234.

For an application or information contact Tech. Sgt. Erica Nelson at (609) 645-6224 or Master Sgt. Frank Heath at (609) 645-6109 or frank.heath@njatla.ang.af.mil

Honorable Mention

TRICARE dental coverage; enroll today

From the office of J1-HRO

Did you know...Your patriotism ENTITLES you to dental coverage? The TRICARE dental program is affordable and comprehensive.

It's the ONLY dental insurance plan sponsored by the Department of Defense for:

v    National Guard and Reserve Members

v    National Guard and Reserve Family Members

v    Active Duty Family Members

Enroll today to claim the dental benefits you've earned and experience the service you and your family deserve.  Call 800-866-8499 or visit www.TRICAREdentalprogram.com for more information.

VA Launches Suicide Hotline

To ensure veterans with emotional crises have round-the-clock access to trained professionals, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun operation of a national suicide prevention hot line for veterans. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson said: "Veterans need to know these VA professionals are literally a phone call away. All service members who experience the stresses of combat can have wounds on their minds as well as their bodies. Veterans should see mental health services as another benefit they have earned, which the men and women of VA are honored to provide." VA's hot line will be staffed by mental health professionals in Canandaigua, N.Y. They will take toll-free calls from across the country and work closely with local VA mental health providers to help callers. The toll-free hot line number is 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255).

Pilot bonus program for Army to aid recruiting effort; reward helpers

From the desk of Cyndi McCoy, NJARNG Recruiting, Marketing Representative

Every Soldier a Recruiter (ESAR) is a pilot referral bonus program of the Active, Reserve and National Guard components of the Army that provides select Soldiers and retired members of the U.S. Army the opportunity to assist with recruiting efforts and rewards those efforts with referral bonuses up to $2,000.  For more information, contact NJARNG Marketing Representative Cyndi McCoy at 609-672-6308.

Discounts offered for State employees

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 Cindy Leese at cindy.leese@njdmava.state.nj.us or call 609-530-7056.

For the Families

Military Family Day at Six Flags on Aug. 27

Family Appreciation Day at Six Flags, Great Adventure, Jackson, will be held on Aug. 27.  The park opens at 10:30 a.m. and the discounted tickets cost $20 per person, children under 3 have free admittance.  Parking will cost $15 per car.

Tickets include all the rides and the safari.  Tickets can be purchased at JFHQ', Family Program's Office (see Marie or Amanda) or at any Family Assistance Center. For more information, please contact the Family Program Office at marie.durling@nj.ngb.army.mil or amanda.balas@us.army.mil. This is a one-day ticket only, not a season pass.  This offer is available to all New Jersey National Guard soldiers, airmen and DMAVA State and Federal civilian employees.

Job assistance for military spouses, retirees, injured military

From the desk of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hughes, Family Assistance Specialist

Re/Max in conjunction with the US Department of Defense Military Spouse Employment Initiative launched Operation Re/Max in 2006 to help mentor interested military members and their family members in a career in real estate.  Interested military spouses, retirees and injured soldiers can obtain detailed Operation Re/Max information at http://www.remax.com/inside_remax/become_an_agent/new_to_ real_estate/index.aspx or contact operation remax@remax.net or 1-800-826-7720.

Youth trip to Camp May Zoo, lighthouse on Aug. 23

Family Programs is conducting a youth trip to Cape May zoo and lighthouse on Aug. 23 for youths, ages 8-15.  Cost is $5 per child for the T-shirts

The Family Programs staff is renting a charter bus for the day and taking 35 children and 10 staff members as chaperones.  There will be two pick-up and drop-off points - Fort Dix Reserve Center on Route 68 at 7:15 a.m./5:15 p.m. and the Hammonton Armory at 8:30 a.m./4:30 p.m.

Reservations can be made by calling Amanda Balas, State Youth Coordinator, at 609-562-0742 or by e-mail at Amanda.balas@us.army.mil. They will be taken on a first come, first serve basis and children of deployed service members have priority.

Sports and Entertainment

Trenton Vets Center, Trenton Thunder offer "cheap" seats

The Trenton Vet Center with support from their community partner, Trenton Thunder Baseball, will sponsor baseball tickets at a special rate for Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard, separated, and retired veterans.  A regular $10 season ticket will be offered at $7 for veterans and family members.  The primary purpose of the program is to allow veterans and their families an opportunity to experience Trenton Thunder baseball due to their service and sacrifice for our country.  If you have questions, call Matt Petima, director of ticket operations for the Trenton Thunder at 609-394-3300, ext 1200 or the ticket box office at 609-394-3300.

Proof of Veteran Status:  Interested veterans must have a picture I.D. and provide proof of their veteran status by showing one of the following documents:  Military I.D. card; Federal Department of Veteran Affairs medical I.D. card; DD Form 214.

ESGR Golf tourney on Sept. 18

From the desk of Hank Pierre, NJ ESGR

The NJ Friends of the Guard and Reserve is proud to present the 2007 State Chairman's Annual Golf Outing.  The golf outing will be held on Sept.18, at the Miry Run Country Club in Robbinsville, N.J.  The rain date is Sept. 25.  The $95 per golfer registration fee includes greens fees, cart, registration, continental breakfast, food and beverages on the course, door prizes and a buffet luncheon at the golf club.  Corporate, hole and cart sponsors are also being sought.  All proceeds to benefit the activities of the NJ Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.  For additional information please contact Hank Pierre at 609-562-0156 or Tammy Cartagena at 609-562-0157. 

Dave Savino Golf Tournament to be held Sept, 17

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.

Inaugural Joint Base Race to be held Sept. 29

MGUIRE AFB, N.J. -- McGuire Air Force Base, Fort Dix and NAES Lakehurst will hold the Inaugural Joint Base Race Sept. 29 at 8:30 a.m.

The race, featuring a half-marathon, a 5-K Run/Walk and a Kid's Run, will be open to any interested participants, and all DoD cardholders are encouraged to participate. All are invited to compete against the men's and women's military academy marathon teams from the Air Force Academy, Naval Academy and West Point in the first of what base leadership plans to be an annual event.

"This will be a good event for us," said Col. Tom Kastner, U.S. Army Academy Marathon Team officer in charge. "The cadets will enjoy the sister academy competition and the whole experience."

The 13.1-mile route will be on paved surfaces within McGuire AFB and Fort Dix's Cantonment Area and will pass static displays such as McGuire's "Pudgy's" aircraft, a replica of the P-38 flown by Maj. Thomas B. McGuire Jr, and a C-118 that actually flew Elvis Presley to the U.S. from Germany in March 1960. On Fort Dix, runners will see U.S. and Soviet military tanks including a Huey Helicopter, a Russian T-72 Main Battle Tank and more.

Participants will receive a T-shirt (if registered before Sept. 1), a participation medal, a pasta dinner the night before the race, post-run snacks as well as entertainment. Runners will also compete against each other in various categories.

For more information or to register, call 1st Lt. Terry Demille, 305th Services Squadron, at (609) 754-4750 or go online. Registration deadline is noon Sept. 24.

Here's To The Heroes

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

Scholarships for OIF/OEF veterans

The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is offering scholarships to combat veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. It offers a scholarship of up to $1,250 per year for person pursuing a BA/BS degree. You must have an honorable service record and a 2.0 GPA.

The deadline for applying is Sept. 28, 2007. Contact: www.horatioalger.org.

Free SAT/ACT Offer Extended

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::

www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/portal/page/itc/MHF/MHF_DETAIL_0?current_id=20.20.100.30.0.0.0.0.0

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.

American Legion offers scholarships, booklet on their Web site

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, family members and the American Legion family.  When you get on the site, click on "Scholarship Information" in the "Useful Links" block.

Association News

NGANJ group life insurance available to members

Are you covered by the NGANJ Group Life Insurance Program?  As a member of either the Officers or the Enlisted Association, you are entitled to enroll in your Association Life Insurance Program.  This special program provides from $5,000 to $50,000 of Life Insurance for you, "round the clock".  Premiums range from as little as $2 per month and may be payroll-deducted from your drill check.  Family coverage is also available at low rates designed for you as a member of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard.  Think of it!!  No aviation exclusions...No hazardous duty restrictions...No war clauses.No checks to write.  Dependent coverage includes spouses and all children.  Information can be obtained by contacting retired CWO Jack Petrosilli at 609-530-6843, or retired Brig. Gen. Robert S. Dutko Sr. at 609-273-1004.  Enrollment forms can be obtained by calling retired Col. Frank L. Carlone, Program Coordinator at 732-249-8335.

Enlisted Association of the National Guard of New Jersey

The Enlisted Association is seeking members to help give our state a larger voice.  The Association speaks on legislative issues that benefit military members and families. The association works 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.

Enlisted Association of NGNJ Conference slated for Oct. 5-7

The 34th annual conference of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of New Jersey will be held at the Radisson Hotel, Valley Forge, Penn., Oct. 5-7.

Proceeds from this weekend event are spent directly on our membership.  It is a nice feeling to know that for every 50/50 ticket and Chinese Auction ticket you buy helps fund the scholarship program allows junior enlisted to attend the National Conference and supports legislative actions for benefits and so much more. 

Friday night features "The American Game Show Challenge," which is a series of fun trivia contests and physical challenges.

Saturday is back to business with a business meeting and elections for the executive council.  The new Junior Enlisted Team is sponsoring the Chinese Auction.  Local attractions are abundant; register for trips to Valley Forge and/or Longwood Gardens.  Saturday Night wraps up our conference with our customary formal Military Ball. 

There are several package plans to fit your particular needs.  If you have any questions, call retired Sgt. Maj. Jerome Zebrowski at 609-214-6959 or e-mail at jcptfalc@aol.com or Co-Chairman retired Sgt. Maj. Edward Goetschius at 609-965-1972 or e-mail at esgtmaj@comcast.net.  Visit the association's web site at www.eang-nj.org/conference_2007.pdf for additional information, updates and applications. 

NGANJ's calendar for members in 2007

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

§       National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) 129th Conference - this conference will be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico from August 25-27, 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

DMAVA Veterans Outreach Campaign continues

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

 

September 12, 13*, 14

Livingston Mall

October 2, 3, 4

Deptford Mall

October 30*, 31, November 1

Brunswick Square Mall

November 27, 28, 29

Quaker Bridge Mall

*Medal ceremonies begin at 10:30 a.m. on these dates.  The kiosk will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., July-Sept.; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Oct. and Nov.

N.J. Vietnam Veterans Memorial

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

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Free guided tours of the Memorial are offered on the first Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Aug. 25, 1 p.m. - "Veterans Returning to Vietnam," an oral-history presentation by NJ Vietnam Veteran Bob Maras about his return trips to Vietnam taking other veterans returning to their former war zone for the first time.  "Veterans find there just what they need.  For me," says Maras, "it is healing."  Maras served in Vietnam with the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, nicknamed "The Walking Dead."

Sep. 14, 7 p.m. - "An Evening with Adrien Cronauer," a special presentation by the original "Good Morning, Vietnam!" Armed Forces Radio disc jockey.

Sep. 16, 12:30 p.m. - Rolling Thunder-NJ Motorcycle Run for POW/MIA Awareness, departs Warinaco Park, Roselle, N.J. at 11:30 a.m.; arrives N.J. Vietnam Veterans' Memorial at 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 21, 11:00 a.m. - National Gold Star Mothers Day and National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony.

Sep. 22, 1 p.m. - Secret and Dangerous: Night of the So'n Tay POW Raid, lecture and book signing by the author, Vietnam Veteran air commando pilot Bill Guenon.

Oct. 19, 8 a.m.-3:00 p.m. - "Weighing In On War, and Why: Public Opinion and Its Influences, Vietnam to Iraq," 9th annual Forum on the Vietnam Era.  Keynote Speaker: Bobby Muller, Founder of Vietnam Veterans of America.  Preregistration required. 

Oct. 20, 1 p.m. - "Choppers at War: Vietnam to Iraq," a lecture by NJ Vietnam and Iraq War Veteran, Lt. Col. Mark Preston, USA.  

Nov. 3, 1 p.m. - The Last Ghost of War, a film about Vietnam Veterans and Agent Orange presented by film director Janet Gardner.       

Dec. 8, 1 p.m. - Ghosts in the Landscape: Vietnam Revisited, a photo gallery display and book discussion by the author/photographer, N.J. Vietnam Veteran Craig J. Barber.

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For further information call 1-800-648-VETS or visit www.njvvmf.org.

 

   
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