New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
DMAVA Highlights Archives

26 August 2005

Volume 4, Number 34

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NJ Dept of Military and
Veterans Affairs

Maj Gen Glenn K. Rieth
The Adjutant General

Brig Gen Maria Falca-Dodson
Deputy Adjutant General

Col (Ret) Stephen G. Abel
Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs

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Contacting us is easy!

Office of the Assistant Commissioner

Col (Ret) Michael B. Smith

Mrs. Laura A. Branham

Phone: (609) 530-6987

Fax: (609) 530-7109

Email:
branham@njdmava.state.nj.us

We're on the Web!
http://www.nj.gov/military

 

The NJ National Guard Needs You!

Here is our featured
Job of the Week

Signal Systems Support Specialist, 31U

The signal support systems specialist supervises, installs, employs, maintains, troubleshoots, and assists users with battlefield Signal support systems and terminal devices; integrates Signal systems and networks; performs unit level maintenance on authorized Signal equipment and associated electronic devices; trains and provides technical assistance to users of Signal equipment; and operates and performs preventive maintenance checks and services on assigned vehicles and power generators.

Performs Signal support functions, to include providing technical assistance and training for user owned and operated automation and communication equipment.


If you’re interested in an exciting job opportunity,
contact your Recruiting Office at
1-800-792-8396

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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

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Veterans Hotlines

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

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

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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

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Farewell Ceremony for members of the 250th Finance Battalion will be held on Saturday, 26 August 2005.

A farewell ceremony is scheduled to honor members of the 250th Finance Battalion and their families as they ready for their deployment to Afghanistan. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. tomorrow morning at the Flemington National Guard Armory, State Highway 12, Raritan Township, New Jersey. Come out and join The Adjutant General, state and local dignitaries and show your support of your New Jersey National Guard!

Standdown 2005 to be held on Friday, 23 September 2005.

Homeless veterans and their families are invited to attend the annual one-day Standdown to be held at the Cherry Hill Armory on Friday, 23 September 2005, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Federal, state, public, and private support agencies will offer a broad array of FREE services and assistance such as: VA benefit counseling, welfare, Social Security, food stamps, legal services, addiction services, housing, medical, dental, employment/unemployment, haircuts, and clothing provisions. Pre-registration and transportation arrangements are encouraged. Call (800) 464-8387 for additional information.

The Adjutant General visited 50th Brigade at Annual Training.

On August 20th, The Adjutant General, MG Glenn K. Rieth, and Command Sergeant Major Richard Adkins visited the 50th Brigade at the Annual Training period at Fort Indiantown Gap (FTIG), Pennsylvania. The Brigade Commander, COL Frank Caruso, and Brigade Command Sergeant Major Jerome Jenkins accompanied TAG as he reviewed the training. TAG initially received a briefing at the Brigade Headquarters and then proceeded to observe soldiers of the 2nd Battalion 113th Infantry conduct Infantry maneuver lanes training with the assistance of the 1-103rd Training Support Brigade from Fort Bragg, NC. Next, TAG visited the 2nd Battalion 102nd Armored Tactical Operations Center, then observed the scout section conduct a practice mounted route reconnaissance across several wooded miles of the FTIG terrain. TAG observed the 3rd Battalion 112th Field Artillery conduct small arms qualification and moved directly to a .50 caliber heavy machine gun live fire range. Here TAG had the opportunity to meet and speak to a British Officer and Sergeant who were with the Brigade as part of a NATO exchange program. The day concluded with visits to 1st Battalion 114th Infantry TOC and the 5th Squadron 117th Cavalry conducting counter insurgency weapons training with the assistance of a contact team from Picatinny Arsenal, NJ. MG Rieth addressed the troops at all of the locations visited. Across the Brigade, at all the various locations, soldiers were uniformly excited and challenged by the training being conducted and quick to tell TAG that Fort Indiantown Gap is the post to come to for Annual Training.

State Employee discounts are available on a wide variety of goods and services.

The NJ Department of Personnel has announced that to express appreciation for the valuable service that New Jersey state employees provide, various companies are offering discounts on goods and services to NJ State employees. A listing of those amusement parks, fitness centers, insurance companies, phone services, weight loss centers, etc. who are offering discounts on their products and services can be obtained by contacting Patty Smith in DMVA’s Human Resource Division for additional details and contact numbers. Patty can be reached at 609-530-6847.

Late October Tricare Reserve Select deadline looms for eligible Guardsmen.

Most eligible National Guardsmen and Reservists only have until October 28 to sign up for the Defense Department’s new premium-based health care plan. Tricare Reserve Select (TRS) is available to all Guardsmen and Reservists activated for at least 90 consecutive days since September 11, 2001 who agree to continued service. Officials have said that they will apply the coverage retroactively.

TRS is a nationwide, premium-based plan that closely resembles the Tricare Standard coverage available to active-duty personnel. Rates are based on the premiums for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Standard Service Benefit Plan for federal employees: $75 a month for individual coverage and $233 monthly for a family.

Guardsmen and Reservists are eligible for one year of TRS coverage for each 90-day period of continuous active duty and each year added to their service agreement. For example, soldiers who serve a 360-day qualifying active-duty tour are eligible for years of TRS coverage provided they agree to serve another four years.

There are narrow application windows. Guardsmen and Reservists separating from qualifying active duty on or before April 26, 2005, must execute the extended service agreement by October 28, 2005. Those separating from qualifying active duty on or after April 27, 2005, must execute the agreement within four months of leaving active duty.

Further details are available on the Tricare website at www.tricare.osd.mil.

The New Jersey War World II Memorial needs your help

WWII was by all account the greatest victory for the United States – along the front lines and the home front. Every individual alive during this period of history was involved and had a stake in the outcome. It was a war the United States and our Allies could not afford to lose. Now, America is slowly saying goodbye to its greatest generation of citizens. The State of New Jersey is taking the initiative to honor and remember them by establishing a Memorial in Trenton, across from the Statehouse in Veterans Park.

Fittingly, the theme for New Jersey’s WWII Memorial is “Victory”. The memorial hopes to honor and pay tribute to the many sacrifices made during WWII and celebrate the greatest victory our country has ever known. It is our goal to dedicate the memorial in the spring/summer 2006. Time is short – we need your help now in order to ensure that we can meet this ambitious goal. We urge you to support the New Jersey World War II Memorial through your generous contribution. We cannot afford to let new generations forget the legacy that has been left to them from what has been called “the Greatest Generation”. To make a tax-deductible contribute, download a donation form from our website at www.state.nj.us/military/veterans/wwii_memorial/.

Veterans to be honored at ceremony on 29 September 2005.

Salem and Cumberland County veterans will be honored in ceremonies to be held at the Salem County Community College, 460 Hollywood Avenue, Carneys Point, NJ. Veterans will be presented with the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal at an 11 a.m. ceremony, and Korean Service Medals will be presented at a ceremony scheduled for 1 p.m.

NJ Friends of the Guard and Reserve Announce Golf Outing

The NJ Friends of the Guard and Reserve is proud to present the 2005 State Chairman’s Annual Golf Outing. The golf outing will be held on Thursday, 22 September 2005 at the Falcon Creek Golf Course at McGuire AFB. The $85 per golfer registration fee includes greens fees, cart registration, food and beverages on the course, door prizes and dinner at the McGuire AFB Officer’s Club. Hole and cart sponsors are being sought too. All proceeds to benefit the activities of the NJ Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. For additional information please contact Hank Pierre at 609-530-6879.

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

10 Sep - 1 p.m.
Between the Lines: Photographs from the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Author lecture and slide presentation by Vietnam Veteran Thomas F. Morrissey.

16 Sep - 11 a.m.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day and Gold Star Mothers Recognition Day ceremony.

18 Sep - 11 a.m.
Rolling Thunder – NJ, Motorcycle Run for POW/MIA Awareness.

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.

Sandy Cove offers a free stay for our military members & families at Operation Oasis on Chesapeake Bay.

Operation Oasis is an outreach program developed to offer a time of rest and renewal to military personnel involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Located in North East, Maryland, at the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay, Operation Oasis offers a free 3-day, 2-night time of rest and relaxation. It is a thank you to those who seek to secure and sustain our freedom. Simply contact Carol Lee Lynch at c.lynch@sandycove.org or by phone at 800-287-4843 for additional information. You can also visit the website www.sandycove.org for a more detailed description of the facility.

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.

Support the Troops

Here are some of the activities and fundraisers planned in support of our deployed troops and their families:

104th Engineer Association plans benefit golf outing - The 104th Engineer Association will hold its first annual golf outing to benefit the “SGT Frank T. Carvill Scholarship Program.” The event will be held on Monday, 19 September 2005 at the Overpeck County Golf Course in Teaneck, NJ. Contact SGM (Ret) Jerome Zebrowski at 609-214-6959 or by e-mail at jcptfalc@aol.com or SGM Edward Goetschius at 609-965-1972 or e-mail at esgtmaj@comcast.net or www.EANG-NJ.org to obtain additional information.

National Guard Family Day at Six Flags Great Adventure Saturday, 24 September 2005, join the New Jersey National Guard for a day full of family, fun and excitement! Tickets to the NJ National Guard Family Day are $17 each and they will go fast. Purchase your tickets today at your nearest Family Assistance center: Morristown, Teaneck, Lawrenceville, Woodbury, Toms River, Jersey City, Somerset or Pomona. Call for more information at 888-859-0352.

State Park Passes - All Active New Jersey National Guard members are entitled to Division of Parks and Forestry State Park passes. When parking fees are in effect this pass entitles the NJNG member (and passengers) free parking at all New Jersey State Parks, Forests, Recreation Areas and Historic Sites. This pass does not pertain to campground fees. ID cards must be shown along with this pass for access. Active NJ National Guard members and families of deployed soldiers can obtain their state park passes through the State Family Programs office by calling 609-562-0739 or at any NJ National Guard Family Assistance Center, 888-859-0352. Questions and inquiries concerning the NJ State Park Pass program should be addressed to CW4 Ralph Cwieka, State Family Program Coordinator at 609-562-0668 or e-mail: Ralph.cwieka@nj.ngb.army.mil

Shades of Green Offers Summer Specials The Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort has announced 2005 end of summer specials available from 7 AUG through 30 SEPT. Members of the military community, including retired members, are eligible for package deals. Resort officials say that Shades of Green guests have exclusive access to discounted theme park tickets, reduced rates at Disney’s PGA professional golf courses, extra Magic Hours at the parks, and much more. For more information, visit the Shades of Green website at www.shadesofgreen.org/funandsun.htm.

Free Military Care Package Kit of Priority Mail The United States Postal Service is offering free packaging materials to spouses and families of military members who are deployed overseas. To take advantage of this service call: 1-800-610-8734 and press 1 (for English), then 3 for an operator and request CAREKIT04. USPS will send you free boxes, packing materials, tape and mailing labels. These products are to be used to mail care packages to service members.

Sign up for a chance to send your soldier Dunkin Donuts coffee. Dunkin Donuts will send a case of free coffee to your soldier if he/she is among the 50 selected in a monthly lottery. 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 30,000 stamps have been donated to our National Guard soldiers and airmen and Family Readiness Programs. With Memorial Day 2005 approaching, we recall the unique sacrifices made by every generation that has served in uniform for the good of America. We are often asked what can be done to support the soldiers of this generation. 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.

American Hero Band - The American Hero Band is a free wristband worn by Americans to demonstrate their support of the “Defenders of Freedom” who are Army National Guard soldiers deployed across the globe. Engraved on the metallic wristband are the words IN HONOR OF AN AMERICAN HERO SERVING IN THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD. These words are flanked left by the Army National Guard logo and right by the American flag. There is also an inscription of the National Guard website, http://www.virtualarmory.com and a unique serial number engraved inside this commemorative wristband. If you are interested in getting The American Hero Band, go to http://www.virtualarmory.com and click on the American Hero Band banner.

American Airlines: Special fare for military personnel and their dependants (you will need your military ID card and a copy of your soldier’s orders to fly). Just call 800-433-7300 and ask for the military fare offer for your desired destination. You can also go to www.aa.com, but you cannot book a flight online.

Armory Happenings

Listed below are events taking place at your local armory.

25 – 28 August - Tool Show, Homier Dist. Co.
Trenton Armory

26 August - Moscow State Circus
West Orange Armory

27 August - Flea Market, J&C Market place
Teaneck Armory

Fitness Corner – Ernie Razzano, Certified Fitness Trainer

Lose That Ugly Fat Now!

Folks, this week’s article is short and sweet. I found the perfect website/product that will finally take care of what you always wanted! I know you will have to wait until you get home to open this site, but it will be worth the wait. Once you open the site, take the short quiz first, then follow the instructions. Enjoy!

http://www.wemarket4u.net/fatfoe/

Americans are getting fatter, fast!

In the past year, the adult obesity rate rose in 48 of America’s states, and nationally from 23.7% to 24.5%. In 10 states, over a quarter of adults are now obese, despite campaigns and films such as Super Size Me alerting people to the dangers of over-eating. Currently, about 119 million, or 64.5% of US adults are either overweight or obese. At this rate, 73% of US adults could be overweight or obese by 2008.

Today is 19th of August, the 231st day of the year with 134 days remaining.

On this day in history…

1498 – Michelangelo was commissioned to make the “Pieta.”

1843 – The school board of St. Louis, Missouri, authorized the first U.S. public kindergarten.

1907 – Houdini escaped from chains underwater at Aquatic Park in 57 seconds.

1920 – The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution went into effect. The amendment prohibited discrimination on the basis of sex in the voting booth.

1939 – The first televised major league baseball games were shown. The event was a double-header between the Cincinnati Reds and the Brooklyn Dodgers.

1945 – The Japanese were given surrender instructions on the U.S. Battleship Missouri at the end of World War II.

1957 – The first Edsel made by the Ford Motor Company rolled out.

1971 – The New York Giants football team announced it was leaving the Bronx for New Jersey in 1975.

1973 – A U.S. Presidential Proclamation was declared that made August 26th Women’s Equality Day.

Thought for the day…. Back to School days have arrived.

"Invest in yourself, in your education. There’s nothing better."

Call today to volunteer at a Family Readiness Center near you.

If you are able to assist the families of our deployed soldiers and airmen, please call our Family Readiness Center at our toll-free number 888-859-0352.

 

   
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