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| DMAVA Highlights Archives |
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24
March 2005
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Volume
4, Number 12
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. NJ
Dept of Military and Maj Gen
Glenn K. Rieth Brig Gen
Maria Falca-Dodson Col
(Ret) Stephen G. Abel . Contacting us is easy! Office of the Assistant Commisioner COL (Ret) Michael B. Smith Mrs. Laura A. Branham Phone: (609) 530-6987 Fax: (609) 530-7109 Email: We're
on the Web! . Veterans’ Organizations
State Veterans Service Council
NJ Advisory Committee for Women
Veterans BG Willam C. Doyle Cemetery Advisory
Council
- New Jersey Freedom Loans
What is a Freedom Loan? * Up to $10,000 Who is eligible to apply? NJ residents who are: * Members of the National
Guard or Reserve 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. Current participants: Commerce Bank Credit
Union of NJ First
Morris Bank & Trust Fleet Manasquan
Savings Bank North
Jersey Federal Peapack-Gladstone
Bank Pennsville
National Bank PNC Sovereign
Bank Sun
National Bank
Happy Holidays to our employees, friends and families who are celebrating the Easter Holiday this weekend.
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The Adjutant General visits European Command (EUCOM). MG Glenn K. Rieth and CSM Richard S. Adkins recently returned from visiting the Republic of Albania and Germany, 9-16 March 2005, in support of the NJ National Guard’s State Partnership Program (SPP) effort. Their first stop was the Albanian capital of Tirana. While there, they met with the US Ambassador, Ms. Marcie Ries, and senior officials of the Albanian Government to include the Minister of Defense, Pandeli Majko, and Chief of General Staff, LTG Pellumb Qazimi. While there, the Adjutant General toured the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Local Government and Decentralization, Albanian TRADOC, the Civil Protection Base, which specializes in providing military support to civil authority in emergency operations, Tirana University, and finally, the Armed Forces Hospital in Tirana, which provides health care to all of the citizens of the capital. The Adjutant General reiterated his support of the partnership between the State of New Jersey and the Republic of Albania. Leaving Albania, MG Rieth and CSM Adkins attended the TAG SPP Conference held this year in Garmisch, Germany. Attendees of this conference were the Adjutants General from the many states that support the SPP, as well as senior officials from both U.S. European Command and the National Guard Bureau. A broad array of SPP and international topics were discussed, as were the roles of the individual states and their National Guard organizations in supporting the United States’ national goals and objectives abroad.
Freedom Salute Ceremony held for the 253rd Transportation Company. On Saturday, 19 March 2005, the men and women of the 253rd Transportation Company that had been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom were honored at the Wildwood Convention Center, Wildwood, New Jersey. These soldiers, their families and their centers of influence were honored at a formal event known as the “Freedom Salute Ceremony.” This ceremony is part of the Freedom Salute Campaign that honors soldiers, family members, and their civilian centers of influence that were instrumental in providing support to the soldiers and to the unit during the unit’s deployment. Each attending soldier, family member, and center of influence was presen5ted with a folded American flag, pin and/or medallion. Over 500 people, soldiers, family members, and civic leaders attended the ceremony.
NJ Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) held its annual Bosslift. On 16 March 2005, New Jersey ESGR members escorted thirty employers of New Jersey’s citizen soldiers to observe military facilities and training in the New Orleans, Louisiana area. The 108th Air Refueling Wing provided the airlift on a KC-135E. On Wednesday, the employers visited the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, and were able to observe up close and personal an A-10 Thunderbolt II owned by the 926th Air Force Reserves and an F-15 Eagle of the Air National Guard’s 159th Fighter Wing. On Thursday, 17 March, the group was taken on a US Naval Reserve shuttle boat ride on the Mississippi River to observe a Search and Rescue demonstration provided by the US Coast Guard on Lake Pontchartrain. The employers received a briefing and tour of the Louisiana Military Museum. After observing the Navy’s P-3 Orion and the Coast Guard’s Dolphin helicopter, the group left for their return trip to McGuire Air Force Base. The employers gained an awareness and understanding of the role that Guardsmen and Reservists play in the Global War on Terrorism, and the importance of employer cooperation and support when their citizen soldier/employee is mobilized.
Joint Force Headquarters – Army, Semi-Annual Training Conference held. The Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) –J3 – Army, Deputy Chief of Staff Operations (DCSOPS) Directorate, conducted the 7th Semi-Annual Training Conference on March 20th. The purpose of this conference was to solidify the Adjutant General’s guidance for the upcoming training year, discuss short-range training, future training, specific training objectives, and relative activities. The Commanders of the 50th Brigade, 57th Troop Command, 254th Regiment (CA) and the Joint Training and Technology Development Center gave annual Training 2005 Briefbacks. The attendees included the Deputy Commander JFHQ, Assistant Adjutant General, Chief of Staff, Army Joint Staff, Major Command (MACOM) Commanders, their Command Sergeant Majors, and Operations Officers. The New Jersey Army National Guard’s mission is to provide a trained and ready force capable of operating across the full spectrum of military and civil operations. A force that can rapidly mobilize and deploy in support of Federal, State, and Homeland Security Missions, while serving the nation, state, and local communities; simultaneously, educating and building relationships with the public and employers. The Semi-Annual Training Conference provided a forum that gave MACOMs and Directorates an opportunity to network and brainstorm training requirements and opportunities.
108th Air Refueling Wing’s recent mission provided job satisfaction. Knowing that our job made a difference in the events of the day is sure to give job satisfaction to most of us. The other week members of the 108th Air Refueling Wing and the Tanker Task Force found that feeling. On March 10th, they refueled a C-17 Medevac mission flying a critically burned patient from overseas to San Antionio, Texas. The aircraft needed extra fuel to make the flight and the 108th Team was there – 80,000 pounds and an hour later, the flight was winging its patient to special care. The next day, March 11th, the team fueled another C-17, this one going overseas. While returning to base, another call was received asking if they could refuel another aircraft whose refueling aircraft had a maintenance problem. In addition to the C-17s, the 108th regularly refuels AC-130 aircraft, coming home after a three-month tour overseas. The pilots of the AC-130s commonly remark, “You’re a sight for sore eyes,” as the KC-135 pulls up to perform the refuel.
Department of Defense (DoD) announces Health Plan for eligible National Guard and Reserve members. DoD announced today that beginning April 2005 a new premium-based, health care plan will be available to eligible National Guard and Reserve members activated for contingency operations on or after September 11, 2001. Tricare Reserve Select (TRS) is authorized under the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2005 and, when purchased by a TRS eligible member, provides comprehensive health care coverage similar to Tricare Standard and Extra for the member and his or her eligible family members. Updated information on the TRS program will be posted later this month on the Tricare Website: http://www.tricare.osd.mil/trs.cfm
Recruiting age is raised. The Army raised the maximum age for recruits for the National Guard and the Army Reserve by five years, from the current 34 years old to 39. The change, which went into effect on Friday, gives the Army access to another 22.6 million potential enlistees. The change for the Army Guard and Reserve does not affect recruits for the active-duty Army, the Marines, the Navy, or the Air Force, all of whom must still be no older than 34. Recruits for all branches must be at least 17 to sign up. The change is long overdue because warfare has become more suitable for middle-age troops. Hand to hand combat is not a common thing today. Experience has shown that older recruits, who can meet the physical demands of military service, generally make excellent soldiers based on their maturity, motivation, loyalty, and patriotism.
Upcoming Job Fairs Army Community Service, Fort Monmouth - A Job Fair will be held on Tuesday, 29 March 2005, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Gibbs Hall, Fort Monmouth. The Job Fair is being sponsored by the Army Community Service – Employment Readiness Program, and more than 60 companies are registered to participate. Picture ID will be required. No large bags, backpacks, briefcases, etc. will be permitted. If you would like additional information, you may contact jill.mcdonald@mail1.monmouth.army.mil. Veterans Job Fair, Bergen County – A Veterans Job Fair will be held on Tuesday, 5 April 2005, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at VFW Post 4591, 513 Veterans Place, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey 08604. The NJ Department of Labor, VFW Post 4591, and the Bergen County Division of Veterans Affairs 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 MSG (Ret) John Bautz at 201-996-8950 or by email at john.bautz@dol.state.nj.us. Veterans Job Fair, Iselin – The NJ Department of Labor announced a Veterans Job Fair on 29 April 2005 at the American Legion Post 471, 25 Brown Avenue, Iselin, New Jersey, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Participation is free for veterans and employers. Mr. Joe Battito, our Middlesex County Veterans Service Officer, will represent DMVA at the job fair. If you have any questions, please contact Veterans representative, John Leary, at 732-937-6205
Veterans to be honored at upcoming Medal Ceremonies. The following ceremonies have been scheduled to honor our State’s veterans.
Support the Troops Here are some of the activities and fundraisers planned in support of our deployed troops and their families: “Waiting to Exhale” Workshop - The Teaneck Family Assistance Center has planned a “Waiting to Exhale Workshop for the women of the 50th MSB. The event will be held on 31 March at 7 p.m. A fun-filled and relaxing evening is planned to bring the women of the battalion together during Women’s History Month. If you are interested in attending, please call SSG Loureiro at 201-883-8356. Pancake Breakfast – Waterfront Café, Carlstadt, 17 April 2005. The Waterfront Café – Steak and Clam House, Paterson Plank Road, Carlstadt, NJ (right behind the Continental Arena) will host a Pancake Breakfast to benefit the families of our Army National Guard troops deployed out of the Teaneck Armory. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is sponsored by the Nam Knights of America, VVA Chapter 800, and the Jewish War Veterans of USA. Cost is $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for Seniors and children under 12 JT2DC (T3BL) Soldier’s Association Golf Tournament – 25 April 2005. The event will begin with a 9 a.m. Shotgun Start at the Fountain Green Golf Course, Fort Dix. Cost $80 per person. Proceeds will assist the families of our deployed soldiers. For additional information, contact CSM Tim Maskery at 609-562-0539. Get Dunkin Donuts coffee for your soldier. Dunkin Donuts will send a case of free coffee to your soldier. Just go to www.dunkindonuts.com, click on “About Us,” click on “Contact Us,” click on “Instore Visits,” fill out the form, in the comments section put the soldier’s rank, name and APO address, and say that you would like to send your soldier coffee. Then click “Submit.” You can mail a request to Dunkin Brands, 130 Royall Street, Camton, MA 02021, Attention Customer Care or request the coffee by phone at 781-737-3000 (Customer Relations). Operation Uplink. Visit http://www.operationuplink.org/request.cfm to request free phone cards for active duty military personnel deployed away from home. At this site you can fill out a request for a phone card to be sent to yourself or a loved one. One card per request per servicemember will be honored during a 60-day period. Gifts from the Homefront. The “Gifts from the Homefront” program was begun last year by the Army and Air Force and enables people from all walks of life to rally around America’s troops by purchasing gift certificates designed to lift the morale of deployed troops around the world. The certificates, which can be purchased by any individual or civic organization, allow service members to purchase items of necessity and convenience at PX and BX facilities around the world. “Gifts from the Homefront” certificates can be addressed to “any service member” or individual service members. Because the gift certificates can be use for merchandise already stocked at contingency locations, “Gifts from the Homefront” are a safe alternative to traditional care packages that can strain the military mail system and present force protection issues. Those wishing to send a “Gift from the Homefront” can simply log on to the AAFES website, www.aafes.com, or call 877-770-4438 toll-free to buy gift certificates in $10 or $20 denominations. From there, the “Gift from the Homefront” may be sent to an individual service member designed by the purchaser or distributed to “any service member” through the USO, American Red Cross, Air Force Aid Society, or Fisher House. Operation Mail Call. Operation Mail call is a program initiated by New Jersey Assemblymen Jack Conners and Herb Conaway that enables citizens to donate postage stamps for use by our troops and their families. Over 23,000 stamps have been donated to our National Guard soldiers and airmen and Family Readiness Programs. If you would like to participate, please mail or drop off your postage stamps to the 7th Legislative District Office, Delran Professional Center, 8008 Route 130 North, Suite 125, Delran, NJ 08075.
NJ Advisory Committee for Women Veterans’ meeting is scheduled. The New Jersey Advisory Committee for Women Veterans will hold their regular meeting on April 1, 2005 at 10 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park, Evergreen Road, Edison, New Jersey. Guest speakers will be Mr. William Devereaux, Director, Division of Veterans Programs, Mr. Daryl Johnson of the Trenton Vet Center, and Pamela Corrigan from Veterans Haven, who will update the committee on their activities and duties. The Committee is busy making plans for the annual Women Veterans Luncheon to be held on October 22, 2005 at McAteers in Middlesex, NJ. This year’s luncheon will honor all of the World War II veterans, who served in the military at the end of the war 60 years ago.
Part-time opportunities in Military Funeral Honors Program. The New Jersey Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors Program has several part-time employment opportunities immediately available across the state for TDGs and Technicians. Earn one day’s base pay and one retirement point for a few hours work providing Military Funeral Honors for our Veterans. If you are interested, please contact SFC Raymond Denson, Military Funeral Honors Coordinator, at 609-530-7090 or by e-mail at Raymond.Denson@nj.ngb.army.mil.
National Guard Association of NJ –Scholarship Announcement. The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation Scholarship Contest is available to graduating NJ high school seniors. Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded on May 30, 2005 at the Memorial Day ceremony at the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial. To apply, students need to complete an application, submit proof that they are continuing their education at a college/university or trade/technical school, and submit a short essay about his/her visit to the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 15, 2005. Application and information can be found at www.njvvmf.org or by calling 1-800-648-VETS. American Legion Scholarship - If you have a son, daughter, grandson, or granddaughter that is a senior in high school, they may qualify to receive a scholarship through the American Legion. For applications, please call Mr. Robert Luby at 908-996-6005 or email him at robertlooby@earthlink.net. CSM Vincent Baldassari Memorial and USAA Scholarship Awards Program. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of New Jersey will sponsor five scholarships of $1000 ach for children of members of the Association and drilling members of the NJ National Guard (Army or Air) who are also members of the Association. Additionally, USAA will sponsor one $1000 scholarship for a drilling member. Applicants must complete the appropriate application in its entirety with all required and prescribed documents. The deadline for application submission is 15 April 2005. Additional details and application can be found on the Department’s website (click here - PDF)
Armory Happenings – Listed below are events taking place at your local armory.
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. The Vietnam Era Educational Center is located adjacent to the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial off the Garden State Parkway at Exit 116. Today in History.. Today in History… Today is Thursday, 24 March 2005. It is the 83rd day of the year with 282 days remaining. 1664 – A charter to colonize Rhode Island was granted to Roger Williams in London. 1898 – The first automobile was sold. 1900 – In New Jersey, the Carnegie Steel Corporation was formed. 1920 – The first U.S. Coast Guard air station was established at Morehead City, NC. 1947 – The U.S. Congress proposed the limitation of the presidency to two terms. 1955 – The first oil drill seagoing rig was put into service. 1989 – The Exxon Valdez spilled 240,000 barrels (11
million gallons) of oil in Alaska’s Prince William
Sound after it ran aground.
To reach any NJ National Guard Family Assistance Center - Call toll free 888-859-0352.
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Department: Home | Army | Air | Veterans | Administration | Leadership | Youth Challenge | Sitemap | Links Statewide: NJ Home | Services A to Z | Departments/Agencies | FAQs Copyright © State of New Jersey, 2018 Department of Military & Veterans Affairs P.O. Box 340 Trenton, NJ 08625-0340 Phone: 609-530-4600 Updated: June 13, 2018 8:59 |
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