New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
DMAVA Highlights » 26 January 2007

Volume 6, Number 04


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

Nonsense is good only because common sense is so limited.

- George Santayana

Download PDF Version of this week's highlights
News for Your Views

 

The History of the New Jersey National Guard
(Part 3)
"Revolutionary War”

New Jersey was a battle ground during the Revolution. As one of the colonies actively engaged in the war and located as it was between New York and Philadelphia, both occupied by the British, New Jersey in many ways became a "cross roads of freedom".

New Jersey was subject to battles and skirmishes and her people dealt with Tories, Red Coats, Hessians, Continental Soldiers and Militia from all the colonies. New Jersey was the site of lost hopes, victories and major actions as well as rising expectations.

During it all New Jersey Troops served with distinction in the bad times and the good as State Militia and Detached Militia (Continental Line). From Canada to Virginia, New Jersey units participated in the Battles of Ticonderoga, Princeton, Trenton, Red Bank, Monmouth, Germantown, Springfield, Powles Hook and finally Yorktown.

The New Jersey Militia as a State force under the command of the Governor was authorized by an Act of the Provincial Congress on June 3, 1775. The militia raised by this law responded to all calls of the State and the Continental government
In 1776, the State adopted a Constitution which provided for State Officers, including an Adjutant General, William Bott, who was responsible for organizing and training the State's militia.

Elijah Hand, Nathaniel Scudder, Benion Holme, Daniel Niel, Anthony White, Aaron Ogden, Richard Howell, Joseph Bloomfield, Francis Barber, Philemon Dickinson, Alexander Hamilton, William Maxwell and William Alexander (Lord Stirling), -- were some of New Jersey's sons who performed outstanding service during the war for independence.

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Assemblywoman continues to help New Jersey Vets

By Sgt. 1st Class Robert Stephenson, DMAVA/PA

The story is compelling and all too familiar to Assemblywoman Linda R. Greenstein (14th District). The Deputy Speaker of the General Assembly stood next to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) Outreach Kiosk at the Brunswick Square Mall on Jan. 10, and listened as a man who had served in the Army in the late 1950’s wanted to know why he did not qualify for Veteran’s Benefits.

“We hear quite a bit from veterans who are very upset that they served honorably, in some cases they are disabled, and because they didn’t fall into those specified periods of time, they are not able to get benefits,” notes Greenstein. “I personally think that we should open it up, and anybody who served, should get certain benefits.”

Greenstein, whose father served in WWII, has always been involved with veterans, and her office was instrumental in making sure that her constituents were aware of the DMAVA kiosk at the mall. The kiosk is run by Veterans Service Officers and is there to help inform veterans not only about the federal benefits they may be entitled to, but of the specific benefits that the state of New Jersey offers to those who served honorably. In addition, Greenstein has recently been involved in a project with vets and school children.

“We got the stories of more than 80 veterans on tape for the library of congress,” she says with pride. “I worked with all the high schools in my legislative district. I was amazed by the success because what we did is we trained the students to do the interviewing, and then we went down to the high schools to interview the veterans.”

Because of her tireless efforts on behalf of New Jersey’s veterans, Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs retired Col. Stephen G. Abel presented Greenstein with his personal challenge coin when she visited the kiosk.
“I think that we should put other priorities aside, to make sure that they (the veterans) get what they really deserve” said Greenstein, after accepting the coin.

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Black History Month Luncheon

The New Jersey Air National Guard Special Emphasis Program Manager Presents

Of the Past - Present - Future

The featured speaker is

Lt. Col. Thomas Highsmith Jr.


Ret. USAF Tuskegee Airman

Friday – Feb. 23 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

At the 177th Fighter Wing Dining Hall

Chicken or Fish entrée choices

Tickets are $12

Please RSVP by Feb. 16


Tickets can be purchased from the following

Committee Members:
Master Sgt. Tyra Causey – 645-6171
Master Sgt. La Verne Frazer – 645-6116
Master Sgt. Michelle Pierce – 645-6010
Tech. Sgt. Donald Griffin - 645-6222
Staff Sgt. Donna Pugh – 645-6070

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JT2DC receives new communications trailer

The Joint Training and Training Development Center (JT2DC), located at Fort Dix, has received a Joint Incident Site Communications Capability (JISCC) trailer from the EF Johnson Corporation, a communication systems provider for the military and law enforcement.

The New Jersey National Guard will use this communications trailer in its mission to provide support to state and federal authorities in the event of a natural disaster or a terrorist event. Maj. Jeff Brownlee from the JT2DC is in the process of assembling a team of communication specialists to provide rapid deployment communications capabilities within New Jersey and nationwide.

For more information regarding the JISCC, please contact Maj. Brownlee at jeffrey.brownlee@nj.ngb.army.mil

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Deployed Military Spouses Assistance Program Award

Governor Jon S. Corzine awarded $150,000 through the Deployed Military Spouses Program to benefit families of New Jersey’s deployed military. The Governor was joined by Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Susan Bass Levin and Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, the Adjutant General of New Jersey at the Burlington County YMCA in Mount Laurel.

“The least we can do for the brave men and women who are serving our country is help ensure that their families are taken care of while they are away,” said Governor Corzine. “It is important for these families to understand that they have the full support of New Jersey.”

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. High levels of deployment have contributed to an increased need for services to spouses who are experiencing financial and emotional stress.

The DCA awarded $100,000 to the Women’s Opportunity Center in early 2006. As of September 30, 2006, the program awarded 69 grants to 64 families from bases and armories throughout the state. The awards ranged from $76 to $2500.
“Few citizens of New Jersey will fully understand the sacrifices that the families of our deployed service members make every day,” said Maj. Gen. Rieth. “This program helps to ensure that those National Guard and Reserve service families have the financial resources to keep the home front going while their Soldier, Airman, Sailor, Marine or Coast Guard members are away.”

The Deployed Military Spouses Program is administered through the Division on Women at the DCA. The $150,000 grant is part of a federal Community Services Block Grant and, to qualify, applicants must meet federal income guidelines.
Potential 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.

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Change of Command Ceremony

The Second Modular Training Battalion, 254th Regiment located at the National Guard Training Center at Sea Girt will hold a Change of Command ceremony on Feb. 3.

Lt. Col. Eugene Ingrao will assume command of the Battalion from Lt. Col. James Stentson. The ceremony will take place at 4:30 in Building 35 at the Center.

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NJNG is looking for runners

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. Last year, Maj. Jesse Arnstein of the 21st Civil Support Team finished 12th among National Guard members in Lincoln.
Interested Guardsmen should contact Major Arnstein at 609-562-3239.

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Nutter Run beneficiary is Guard daughter, granddaughter

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.

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

Jan. 27 at 1 p.m. "The Battle of Khe Sanh," on the 39th anniversary of the battle that started the Tet Offensive of 1968, a screening of the 1969 Department of Defense documentary film, followed by a group discussion led by Brookdale Community College history professor Jess LeVine (click here for more information:

www.njvvmf.org/category.cfm?SID=23&Category_ID=260&ClearCache=1)

Feb. 17 at 1 p.m. "Operation Babylift--Homeward Bound," a screening of the 2005 documentary film about Vietnam Babylift adoptees returning to the land of their birth. Following the film will be a group discussion led by Babylift adoptive mother Lana Noone, along with a tribute to the late President Gerald R. Ford for his role in Operation Babylift, rescuing orphans before the fall of Saigon.

“The OnGuard” is searching for charter Air Guard members

The OnGuard – 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 609-530-6942 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.

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Change of Authority Ceremony of the Command Chief Warrant Officer.

You are cordially invited to attend the

Change of Authority Ceremony for the

Command Chief Warrant Officer


Outgoing Chief Warrant Officer Five Albert G. Curving

Incoming Chief Warrant Officer Five Randy Niedt

Joint Force Headquarters Drill Floor

3650 Saylors Pond Road, Fort Dix, New Jersey 08640

Saturday, Feb. 10, at 1 p.m.

Refreshments will follow

Military; Duty uniform – Civilian; Business casual

Please RSVP to Spc. Laurie Leskanic 609-562-0962 NLT Feb. 7line

The NJARNG Environmental Management System

Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General of New Jersey has issued an Environmental Policy Statement listing objectives of the New Jersey Army National Guard (NJARNG) Environmental Management System (EMS).

This System requires commanders and supervisors at all levels to emphasize the importance of compliance with environmental policies and procedures before, during and after training exercises.

The New Jersey Army National Guard is required to implement an Environmental Management System (EMS) to establish a consistent, logical and intuitive organizational structure for EMS information that will meet the requirements of Executive Order 13148, the Department of Defense EMS implementation criteria and Army EMS implementation guidance and schedule.

The System is a process that involves policy, planning, implementation and operation, checking and corrective actions and management review. Awareness of the EMS is the responsibility of all personnel that support the NJARNG.
Environmental programs support readiness and enhance the well being of all the members of the New Jersey Army National Guard. Through these objectives, the NJARNG will achieve the goal of being a responsible environmental steward and community neighbor.

For more information visit the following website:
www.state.nj.us/military/installations/index.html - environmental_pubsline

254th looking for 88Ms

The 2-254th Battalion is looking for two 88M (Wheeled Vehicle Operator) instructors.

Interested Staff Sergeants or Sergeants First Class may contact Sgt. 1st Class Jerry O'Rourke at 732-974-5904 for more information.

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Guard couples marriage workshop postponed

The Marriage Enrichment Seminar scheduled for 16-18 February has been postponed. The next one will be scheduled for 4-6 May. Location has not been selected. If you are interested in attending, please call Marie Durling at 609-562-0739 for the approved date, time and location for registration.

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Youth Camp Forms Available

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.

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Upcoming ESGR Boss Lift

The New Jersey Committee for Employer Support to the Guard and
Reserve (ESGR) will be conducting a Boss Lift to Jacksonville, Fla. on April 11-13.
The purpose of the Boss Lift is to provide employers with a better understanding of what their employees do when they are away from their civilian occupation for duty with their military units. Nominations for relatives, minors or assistance cannot be accepted. Commanders and Primary Staff officers should encourage Guard members to nominate employers for participation in this trip.

Nomination forms can be found at the ESGR website at www.njesgr.org

The Forms can then be submitted to:
DMAVA, NJESGR
ATTN: Hank Pierre
101 Eggert Crossing Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08640.

Additional information can be obtained from Hank Pierre at 609-530-6879.

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“Troops to Teachers” program helps service members become teachers

Troops to Teachers, the government program helping former military members become public school teachers, has broken the 9,500 mark in hires. Latest data shows that 9,502 teachers have been hired through the program since 1994, with Troops to Teachers represented in more than 3,000 school districts across the country.

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.

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2007 Freedom Award Nomination season open

The 2007 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award Nomination deadline is Feb. 28. Please visit the ESGR website at www.esgr.mil to nominate supportive employers for this award.

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Honorable Mention

Hire A Hero – new program to help find jobs

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 across all industries.

Hire A Hero is a non-profit initiative that is powered by the Armed Forces Support Foundation. That foundation works to help keep the military promise. That promise is that military service has value and those who serve our country deserve more than a “Thank You.” They, as well as their family members, deserve good paying jobs to support themselves and their families after returning home from battle. To find out more about these programs, visit the following Web sites:

http://www.hireahero.com/ or http://armedforcessupportfoundation.org/.

Discounts offered for State employees

Are you a state employee looking to save a few $$$? Visit http://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 on each discount, please contact Patty Smith at patty.smith@njdmava.state.nj.us or call 609-530-6847.

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Free Military Handbooks on website

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 

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Guard gate now has a phone line

The Guard Booth Telephone Number is 609-671-6623.

Effective immediately all Directors, Managers, Supervisors and Employees that interface with outside personnel for hosting on-site meetings here at the Lawrenceville Headquarters are directed to notify the security guard when expecting scheduled visitors. If you are expecting a large party for a meeting or event please provide a roster of attendees, with the meeting date time and location to the gate guard prior to the event.

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DMAVA Hotline

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

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Enlisted Association of the National Guard of New Jersey

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.

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For the Families

Free, three-Day Reintegration Workshop for Veterans and Their Families

Feb. 2-4 at the Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge, PA
Return To Honor is a three-day after-theatre decompression training for veterans and their families.

The workshop is an intensive, cognitive and experiential reintegration training designed by “those who have been there”. It is particularly geared to those who are suffering from the mental and emotional trauma of war including combat stress and focused upon their reintegration as healthy, productive members of the service/society.

Return to Honor is a process from which to move through the experience for both the veteran and their family with other veterans. Return to Honor offers understanding, coping skills, re-alignment, and a renewed sense of purpose and mission.

For more details and/or to register for either of these programs, go to www.freedomandhonor.org; or contact Martin Richardson at 610-717-9977 cell
Or at the Freedoms Foundation 610-933-8825 x241.

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Home Energy Savings

Homeowners should consider replacing high watt incandescent light bulbs with low watt compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). The cost of CFLs is dropping in price and their longevity makes this a wise investment.

Here is how you will save money:
Standard household with 25 Lights using 55 watt incandescent bulbs

55 watts x 25 Lights = 1,375 watts

1,375 watts / 1000 = 1.375 kWh

1.375 kWh x 4 hours per day (average of lighting a home) = 5.5 kWh

5.5 kWh per day x 365 days = 2007.5 kWh per year

2007.5 x$0.12 per kWh = $240 per year (cost of lighting a home with incandescent bulbs)

Standard household with 25 Lights using 14 watt Compact Fluorescent Lamps
14 watts X 25 Lights = 350 watts

350 watts / 1000 = 0.35 kWh

0.35 kWh x 4 hours per day (average of lighting a home) = 1.4kWh

1.4 kWh x 365 days = 511 kWh per year

511 x $0.12 per kWh = $61.32 per year (cost of lighting home with CFLs)

One year savings by replacing incandescent bulbs with CFLs

$240 - $61.32 = $178.68 (electricity savings)

Simple Payback (initial cost of CFLs) $2.50 per x 25 =$62.50

Cost Savings of Electricity $178.68

$62.50 (initial Cost) / $178.68 = 0.35 years or 3½ months

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ACS at Fort Dix offers programs to Soldiers and family members

The Army Community Service (ACS) office at Ft 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, interviewing), volunteer & training opportunities.

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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.

Instructions for ordering the software are available 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. To view a flyer that has been made to assist in the effort, go to: http://sat.eknowledge.com/military.asp

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Family Readiness Council offers Tier I and II grants

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.

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Harlem Globetrotters Tickets

The Harlem Globetrotters and Continental Airlines Arena would like to offer to all military members, friends and family a special $16.50 lower level ticket that is regularly priced at $35.

This offer is valid now through Friday, February 16 at 3 p.m. Military members can call the Meadowlands office at 201-460-4370 to request an order form or to find out more about this offer. There will not be any in person/box offer discounts for this event.

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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 National Guardsman 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.

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Scholarship News

NJ Vietnam Memorial Foundation offers scholarships

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.

MOAA offers scholarships

The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) has a scholarship program for the children of MOAA members as well as the children of active duty, retired, Reserve and National Guard enlisted military personnel. The application period for the 2007-2008 school year begins Nov. 1, 2006 and the deadline is March 1, 2007. Members of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard who are interested, can learn more about the scholarship program, by visiting the MOAA website, www.moaa.org, and clicking on “Educational Aid.”

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Defense Commissary Agency offers scholarships

The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) announced last week that the application process for its Scholarships for Military Children program has now begun for 2007. Applications for the $1,500 scholarships are available at 264 commissaries worldwide, or can be downloaded through links at http://www.commissaries.com/, http://www.militaryscholar.org/, or http://www.dodea.edu/.

The program is open to unmarried children under the age of 21 (23 if enrolled in school) of military active-duty, Reserve, Guard and retired personnel. Eligibility will be determined using the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System database. Applicants should ensure that they, as well as their sponsor, are enrolled in the DEERS database and have a current ID card.

The applicant must be planning to attend, or already attending, an accredited college, or university full-time in the fall term of 2007, or enrolled in a program of studies designed to transfer directly into a four-year program. Applications for 2007, which includes an essay on "how and why" the applicant would change an historical event, must be turned in at a commissary by close of business on February 21, 2007. At least one $1,500 scholarship will be awarded at every commissary location with qualified applicants.

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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.

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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

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Veterans Information

Stamps and coins for Vets

The Veterans’ National Stamp and Coin Club is a non-profit group of volunteers who use the hobbies of stamp and coin collecting as a therapy program to support medical staff of VA Medical Centers nationwide in the treatment and rehabilitation of disabled, homebound, shut-in and outpatient veteran patients.

If you have any U.S. and foreign stamps, both on and off paper, U.S. and foreign coins or paper money, sports cards, old and new picture post cards, first day covers, catalogues for stamps and coins and mounts, please send them to Charlie Koppelman, 6 Yarmouth Drive, Monroe Township NJ 08831-4742.

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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:

February 8, 9*, 10 Moorestown Mall
Feb. 28, Mar. 1-2 Hamilton Mall
March 14*, 15, 16 Paramus park Shopping Center
April 4-6 Cherry Hill Mall
May 16, 17*, 18 Ocean County 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. on the identified dates.

   
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