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LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. - Air Force officials determined that the cause of the forest fire on the Warren Grove Range on May 15 was pilot error, committed when an F-16 pilot deployed countermeasure flares at an altitude that allowed the flares to contact the range while still burning. 

Maj. Gen. Emmett R. Titshaw, president of the Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board established to investigate the Air National Guard F-16 training mishap that resulted in the forest fire at the training range, released his findings at a press conference on Thursday, July 26.

The investigation team discovered that during a basic surface attack training mission, two F-16C pilots, assigned to the 177th Fighter Wing, conducted an unscheduled "show of force" maneuver.

While executing the show of force maneuver, the wingman pilot deployed multiple countermeasure flares below the WGR minimum release altitude of 500 feet.  At the time of the flare release, the pilot was unaware that the environmental conditions on the range prohibited the use of flares on the range.  The aircraft's flares contacted the ground while still burning, causing several fires.  One of these fires spread rapidly beyond the boundary of the WGR due to extreme environmental factors. 

The AIB results have been presented and briefed by Maj. Gen. Titshaw to residents of homes destroyed by the fire and to New Jersey Congressional members and state officials.  The report has also been forwarded to The Adjutant General of New Jersey and to the commander of the 177th Fighter Wing.  

Questions regarding the AIB findings should be directed to the ACC Public Affairs office at (757) 764-5007 or e-mail accpa.operations@langley.af.mil.  To download the report's executive summary, statement of facts and statement of opinion, visit: http://www.acc.af.mil/aibreports/.

By Kryn P. Westhoven, NJDMAVA/PA

For members of the Army Guard's 110th Engineers Utilities Detachment (EUD) based in Tuckerton, their annual training might have sounded like a government funded vacation. Their two-weeks in Belize was certainly exotic, but was far from a vacation as one could get.

In just two months one of New Jersey's newest units sent 27 Soldiers in two rotations to support Operation Tradewinds-Belize to provide build-up, operational and carry-on engineer support for the annual multinational exercise.

It was the New Jersey's mission to make the training facilities better in the coastal nation south of Mexico for the participating military forces from Antigua-Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Canada, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad-Tobago and United Kingdom, to name a few.

The training to combat transnational threats, in counter drug operations and conducting a disaster response was coordinated by Marine Forces South and U.S. Army Southern Command.

Participation in the Operation Tradewinds was a first for the unit which features a cross section of engineering skills such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians and heavy equipment operators. The remote annual training provided an opportunity to build unit cohesion and practice newly acquired engineer skills. "A lot of guys got a chance to show what they can do as well as learn from the experts in the unit," said Sgt. 1st Class Donald Brandinelli, 110th EUD NCOIC.

The engineers used their two Bobcats and assorted power or hand tools to make the military home improvements in weather that makes the hot, humid days on the Jersey Shore easy to take. "It was brutal, no breeze just dead air,' added Brandinelli.

Besides the stifling environment the engineers had to deal with an existing infrastructure that was quite antiquated.

 "Years of wiring and rewiring, and transition from the European to American Voltage standard made the utilities part of the project especially challenging," noted Brandinelli as he talked about the electrical work on the former British colony. The varied projects kept the electrical section busy with several crews in multiple buildings.

"But as far as a pure physical challenge; the construction of the tent city on nearby Hattieville range took the cake," explained Brandinelli.

The tent city was built from the ground up and included 24 barracks, an Ammo Supply Point (ASP), medical, and a pair of dining facility tents complete with platforms, tables and electrical lighting. The power generation was provided by an on-site generator and the electrical distribution network was custom built and buried during the tent city phase of the project which was completed in just five days.

Follow on support for the operation included earthmoving operations, furniture construction, plumbing repairs, logistical support and construction of an emergency barracks to quarantine a group of visiting military that developed cases of chicken pox.

"The guys out here really gave their all and impressed me with just how far they were willing to go to accomplish the project within the allotted time," said Capt. George Fedorczyk, 110th EUD commander.

Despite the difficult working conditions, and the challenges presented by both a tight deadline and shifting project requirements, the 110th EUD showed determination and skill in accomplishing the mission for this Caribbean nation of 300,000 people.

The city of Long Branch will host the traveling Vietnam Wall, "The Wall that Heals," July 26-29.  During the opening ceremony, retired Col. Stephen G. Abel, Deputy Commissioner for NJDMAVA will be one of the speakers.

The Wall that Heals has been traveling around America, Canada and Ireland for more than 10 years.  Along with the ½ scale replica of the monument in Washington, D.C., a traveling museum and information center completes the exhibit.  The museum reports the history of the Vietnam War Era and the interesting healing powers of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  The information center gives visitors the opportunity to learn about friends and loved ones lost in the war.

The "Wall" is open 24 hours a day during its stay.

From the desk of Lorraine Jamison, Human Resource Development Specialist

HRO is sponsoring two retirement seminars on Fort Dix at the JT2DC in August.  The technician pre-retirement planning seminar is Aug. 21-22. The AGR pre-retirement planning seminar is scheduled for Aug. 23.

These seminars are important step in planning for your future.  For more information, call Lorraine Jamison at 609-562-0874 or e-mail lorraine.jamison@us.army.mil.

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.

Salary increases (effective July 7, 2007) for Executive Branch employees in CWA, AFSCME, IFPTE, and non- aligned employees in units V,W, and Y are reflected in this paycheck.  Clothing Allowances for eligible employees in the Executive Branch in CWA, AFSCME, and IFPTE are also included in this paycheck. 

Salary increases for eligible employees in the Judicial Branch are reflected in this paycheck.

Effective July 7, Executive Branch employees covered under labor agreements with the CWA, AFSCME, and IFPTE, and employees not covered by a labor agreement, are required to contribute 1.5 percent of their annual base salary for health and/or prescription drug coverage under the State Health Benefits Program.  Employees affected by this agreement will see the new deduction beginning  with this paycheck.

Also effective July 7 - for all members of the PERS and TPAF retirement systems employed by the Executive and Legislative Branch of State Government, the pension deduction will increase from 5.0 to 5.5 percent of compensation.  Employees affected by this change will see the increased deduction beginning with this paycheck.

From the office of J1-HRO

Be on the lookout in late fall for a mailing from the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with your new TSP account number.  This account number will replace your Social Security number as your primary ID for your TSP account.  You will need to use your account number when filling in TSP forms.  You will use it with your TSP password when entering the Account Access section of the TSP Web site.  You will use it with your TSP Personal Identification Number (PIN) to gain access to your account through the ThriftLine.  If you send the TSP loan payments from your own funds, you will need to include your account number on the loan coupon that accompanies your check or provide it to your on-line bill-paying service if you have one.  Substituting this randomly selected account number for your Social Security number will make your TSP transactions more secure.  We at the TSP are doing all we can to protect the security of your personal information.  The rest is up to you.  Be careful about giving out your account number, and don't write it down where it can be seen by others who should not have access to it.

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.

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

Sign up today and earn up to $2,000 for each new recruit who enlists into the National Guard and reports to basic training.

The Guard Recruiting Assistance Program (G-RAP) is a contracted program designed for individuals who voluntarily apply to become eligible to serve as a part-time Recruiting Assistant (RA).

G-RAP is available to Traditional Guard members and National Guard retirees.  This opportunity is open to both Army and Air Guard members.  For more information, contact Cyndi McCoy at 609-672-6308, NJARNG Marketing Representative.

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.

Come say your goodbyes to Command Chief Master Sgt. Joe Ortu of the 108th Air Refueling Wing on Aug. 4, at the Community Center, McGuire Air Force Base. Cocktail hour with a cash bar begins at 5 p.m. and the spaghetti buffet will begin serving at 6 p.m.

Cost for the dinner is $15 per person for E-5 and below and civilians; $20 for E-6 and above.  "Uniform" for the evening is civilian casual.

Members of the 108th ARW can sign up with their duty section Chief Master Sgt., others can RSVP by calling 609-754-3683 or e-mail 108ARWCCE@njmcgu.ang.af.mil.

Bring the family to Family Appreciation Day at Six Flags, Great Adventure, Jackson, 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 further 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.

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.

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.

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. 

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

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.

On Monday, July 30, the Camden Riversharks, together with the Camden County Office of Veterans Affairs, will present Camden County Veterans Night, as the Riversharks play the Atlantic League's Road Warriors at Campbell's Field.

The game begins at 7:05 p.m. and the Veterans Night pre-game ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m.

The two different discounted offers for the Veterans Night game are:

Advanced sale order: Two tickets plus two hot dogs and two sodas for $10.  To receive this rate, you must purchase your tickets by noon, July 26 and mention the promotional code: CCVETS.  Tickets can be purchased at the box office, call 1-866-SHARKS9 or order online at www.riversharks.com.

Day of game: $10 per ticket with $5 of each ticket going to the Military Support Group of NJ and PA.

Come watch the Lakewood Blue Claws play baseball, eat lots of hot dogs and hamburgers and support the Fisher House Foundation all at the same time.

On Aug. 6, The Fort Monmouth chapter of the Association of the United States Army is sponsoring a "Night at the Baseball Park" to salute disabled service members and their families. For the cost of $20 for adults or $15 for children, you can get all you can get all you can eat hot dogs and hamburgers.  Sponsors at various levels are also needed. To make payment, reservations or for sponsorship, contact Kit Roache at 732-380-9500 or kit.roace@gdc4s.com.

Proceeds from the night are being donated to the Fisher House Foundation. The Fisher House Foundation supports America's military in their time of need; the Foundation provides "a home away from home" that enables family members to be close to a loved one (military member) at the most stressful time -- during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury.

Hey all you military golfers - here is a contest for you! On August 11, at Greely Field, Fort Monmouth, at 1 p.m., the 2007 Military Long Drive Championship is being held.  Take your best shot and you could win $10,000.  You can win an all-expense paid trip, luxury hotel, premier golf outings and play in a pro-am event in Mesquite, Nevada.

For rules and information, or to register, call 732-532-8404 or visit www.armymwrgolf.com.

Go to Waterfront Park in Trenton on August 25 for the Veterans Appreciation Day.  The game starts at 7 p.m. and will be between the Trenton Thunder and the Binghamton Mets.  Stay for the postgame fireworks. 

Tickets will cost $10 each and a portion of the ticket sales will support troops serving in the Middle East and their families.

The evening is sponsored by the Mercer County Veterans Council and the New Jersey State Elks Association.

For more information and to purchase tickets, call:

Col. Norman Matthews at 609-838-0354, John Tymash at 609-499-3339, James Hall at 609-610-2240, Cus Dalik at 732-295-8370 or retired Brig. Gen. Robert Dutko at 609-273-1004.

The Trenton Vet Center with support from our 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.

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.

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 September 28, 2007. Contact: www.horatioalger.org.

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.

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

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.

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.

The 34th annual conference of the Enlisted Association Convention 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 for a bit, with a business meeting and elections for the executive counsel.  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. 

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.

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

*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 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.