Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins for most of the United States at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, 2 April 2006.  During DST, clocks are turned forward an hour, effectively moving an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening.

On 15 March 2006, five members of the New Jersey Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and Major General Eugene Chojnacki, Commander of the New Jersey Air National Guard, escorted twenty-eight employers of New Jersey citizen soldiers to Colorado Springs, Colorado, to observe National Guard and Reserve soldiers and airmen’s training, facilities, and weapons systems in the Colorado Springs area.  The 514th Air Mobility Wing from McGuire AFB, provided the airlift on a KC-10.  Wing Commander, Col Jimmy Stewart, piloted the KC-10 and participated in the Bosslift’s  events along with the employers.   On the flight to Colorado everyone on board was able to observe a B-52 being refueled by the KC-10.  On Wednesday, March 15th, the employers were able to get up close and personal with different types of aircraft as they visited the Air Force Reserves’ 302nd Airlift Wing and their C-130 aircraft,  and the Air National Guard’s 311th Airlift Squadron’s C-21s.  In the afternoon the group visited Fort Carson and toured the Army Guard Maintenance Facility and the 244th Aviation Company, a Reserve Unit that flies Chinooks.

On Day 2 of the trip, the group visited the flight facilities of the United States Air Force Academy and the Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel.   The group also had a chance to meet with two cadets that are in the Academy’s excellent sailplane and jump programs.  Later that day, the group had an incredible opportunity to visit the Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, the home of NORAD, NORTHCOM, TRATCOM and SPACECOM. 

The group arrived back at McGuire AFB on Thursday evening, March 16th.  The trip gave the employers an awareness and understanding of the key role that the National Guard and Reserves play in the Global War on Terrorism and the importance of employer cooperation and support when their citizen soldier/employee is mobilized. 

Members of the Paraguayan Air Force visited the 108th Air Refueling Wing on March 3-16.  The 14 member team, headed up by Paraguayan Air Force Lt. Gen. Arnulfo Soley, spent the entire trip learning about the maintenance and operations of the KC-135E Stratotanker, which is almost identical to the Paraguayan presidential aircraft that the team maintains.

The trip was conceived in October, when Maj. Timothy Burke, a 141st ARS pilot, was asked by the Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC), Paraguay, if the 108th ARW would be willing to assist the Paraguayan Air Force in learning more about the maintenance of their aircraft.

 “(In an October visit to Paraguay), we helped them evaluate maintenance conditions of their aircraft, their maintenance programs, and compared similar aircraft problems,” said Senior Master Sgt. Robert Dempsey, the 108th logistics squadron maintenance superintendent.

 “It was an outstanding effort from all involved. The exchange was very productive, and our people gained a new appreciation for the Paraguayan Air Force,” Sergeant Dempsey said.

The ODC has already proposed a return trip, which will be determined at a later date.

“The Moving Wall” is scheduled to visit New Jersey.

"The Moving Wall" is the half-size replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has been touring the country for almost twenty years.  When John Devitt attended the 1982 dedication in Washington, he felt the positive power of "The Wall." He vowed to share that experience with those who did not have the opportunity to go to Washington.

On June 14-19, 2006, the Medford New Jersey Township Council will sponsor “The Moving Wall” exhibit at Freedom Park, 86 Union Street, Medford, New Jersey.  Opening ceremonies are planned for Wednesday evening, June 14th.  For further information, please contact the Recreation Department at 609-654-2512, or visit www.medfordtownship.com or www.themovingwall.org.

Retirement Dinner planned for State Command Sergeant Major Richard S. Adkins Jr.

A Retirement Dinner in honor of State Command Sergeant Major Richard S. Adkins, Jr. will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2006 at the Lawrenceville Armory.  The buffet dinner will begin with a Social Hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m.  Cost of the dinner is $25.  Checks should be made payable to the DMAVA Employee Activity Fund and mailed to Family Programs, ATTN:  Marie Durling, Building 3650, Fort Dix, New Jersey 08640.  Please RSVP by 19 May 2006 to Marie Durling at 609-562-0739 or SSG David Clark at 609-562-0951.

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

The kiosk will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the identified dates.

Support our Troops Motorcycle Run

The Freedom Riders “Support Our Troops” Motorcycle Run is scheduled for October 14, 2006 (October 15 – Rain date). 

Registration:  8:30-9:45 a.m., and the ride will depart at 10 a.m.

Starting Location:  Parking Lot  between Burger King and Sears Essentials, Marlton, New Jersey, less than a mile from Route 70 & 73 circle (Olga’s Diner on circle) heading east on Route 70, on right.

Destination:  Travel through the Jersey Pine Barrens approximately 60 miles one way to Sweetwater Casino Restaurant on the Mullica River, Hammonton (mailing address), New Jersey.

Donation:  $15 per rider and $5 per passenger.

Proceeds benefit the Freedom Alliance Foundation providing:

1. Educational scholarships to the children of American’s Military Heroes that have given the Ultimate Sacrifice.

2. For the injured in our hospitals pre-paid long-distance phone cards, gift cards for clothing, food, toiletries, books and magazines.

3. Funding for family members to travel to see and encourage their loved one.

For registration and information on the run go to:  www.citikids.org/freedom.htm

The 2nd annual SGT Nutter 5K Run - 20 May 2006

The second annual Sergeant Nutter 5K Run in memory of SGT Sam Nutter (28 Jan ’66 – 2 Jan ’05) will be held on May 20, 2006.  He was a member of the NJ Army National Guard and served in the U.S. Navy from 1989-1997.  He is survived by his wife Michelle Mallozzi-Nutter and three daughters, Summer Ann, Samantha, and Sarah.

Funds raised during this even are donated to a NJ Army National Guard family in need.

This year’s recipient will be Ashleigh Ryann Gwin, daughter of 1LT Howard and Michelle Gwin of C-5/117th CAV.  1LT Gwin is currently deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and his two year old daughter, Ashleigh, has been diagnosed with Krabbe Disease, a rare genetic disorder that affects the central and peripheral nervous systems.  She has received chemotherapy, a cord blood transplant, and currently receives intense therapies.  She must travel to Duke University in North Carolina for follow-up care and treatment.  You can learn more about Ashleigh at www.caringbridge.org/nj/ashleigh.ryann

All ages are welcome and 45 prizes will be presented to winners in various categories.  Registration will be held from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; the Race will start at 10 a.m. Cost is $12 (postmarked by April 20th), $15 (postmarked by May 5th), and $20 (day of the event).  Call 877-850-0240 to sign up or get additional details.  You can also visit the website at www.nutterrun.com.

Scholarship News!

NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation:  Graduating seniors have until April 7, 2006 to submit their applications and essays to qualify for one of two $2,500 scholarships offered by the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial.  Scholarships will be awarded to two graduating seniors from NJ who plan to further their education either at a college or university or trade/technical school.

Winners will be notified in early May and will be awarded the scholarship on Monday, May 29, 2006 during the Memorial Day Ceremony held at the NJ Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  In addition to the scholarship application and proof of acceptance to a college or trade school, all applicants must submit a 250-300 word essay about his/her visit to the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial. 

For a scholarship application form or more information about the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation, please call 732-335-0033 or visit the website at www.njvvmforg.

EANG-NJ Scholarships:  Eligibility – The legal children of New Jersey National Guard members who are also members of the Enlisted Association may submit applications for consideration.  Also, any drilling Guardsperson who is a member of this association may submit an application for the CSM Baldassari Scholarship. 

USAA Scholarship:  Open to any drilling Guardsperson (need not be a member of the EANGNJ).  This scholarship is administered by the EANGNJ and funded by USAA.  Previous recipients are not eligible for subsequent awards.  Applications are available at:  http://www.eang-nj.org/scholarships.html

National Military Family Association’s Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarships are awarded to spouses of Uniformed Services members (active duty, National Guard and Reserve, retirees, and survivors) to obtain professional certification or to attend post secondary or graduate school.  Scholarships are normally in the amount of $1,000 and the number awarded each year varies depending on funding.  Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, book, and school room and board.  Application deadline:  midnight April 15, 2006.  Additional information can be obtained at:  http://www.nmfa.org/site/pageserver?pagename=spouse_scholarship.

DCA Scholarship for Military Children:  If your mother or father is active duty, reserve/guard, or retired military personnel, or if you are the survivor of a deceased member and you have a military dependent I.D. card, you can apply!  You must be planning to attend a college or university on a full-time basis.  For details and how to apply, go to:  http://www.militaryscholar.org/apply/apply.shtml. 

The National Guard Association of New Jersey will be conducting the following events.  All members are encouraged to participate and mark these events on your calendars:

Business Meeting – The annual Business Meeting will be conducted on May 13, 2006 at the Lawrenceville Armory.  The meeting will begin at 0800 hours (sign-in starting at 0730 hours) and will conclude at approximately 1200 hours.  The attire for this meeting is “business casual.”

NGANJ President’s Golf Tournament – This tournament will be held at Falcon Creek Golf Course at McGuire AFB, NJ on June 5, 2006.  This will be a “shotgun” start beginning at 1100 hours.  The course limit is 144 players, so early reservations are suggested.  A hot buffet dinner will follow at approximately 1700 hours at the McGuire NCO Club, which is located across the street from the course.  This tournament benefits the Scholarship Fund.  Last year, with your help, we were able to award nine (9) $1,000 scholarships to deserving students.  This year, we hope to meet or exceed that goal.

NGANJ Social – The Association’s Social will be conducted on June 24, 2006 at the Ramada Inn in Hightstown, New Jersey.  This event will begin at 1800 hours and will conclude at approximately 2300 hours.  Cost per person is $60.  This includes a full course dinner with DJ and live entertainment.  The attire for this event will be the “dress” uniform for military and formal (suit) for civilians.

National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) 128th Conference will be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico from September 15-18, 2006.  The New Jersey delegation will be staying at the Marriott Pyramid.  Additional information and registration forms will be coming out shortly.

NGANJ 2006 Yearbook – CW5 (Ret) Jack Petrosilli and his Committee (Brig Gen Robert S. Dutko, Sr. and CW4 (Ret) Ken Langer) sent a mailing to all members requesting their support for the Yearbook.  Please return your ads and/or booster request to CW5 Petrosilli by April 15, 2006.

National Guard Association of New Jersey Scholarship applications are being accepted now through March 15th.  For more information, please contact COL Edward Slavin at Edward.slavin@nj.ngb.army.mil.

Job Fair -

Bergen County – Veteran’s Job Fair will be held on Tuesday, 18 April 2006 from 0900 to 1230 hours at VFW Post 4591, 513 Veterans Place Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey 08604 “Click here” for directions to this event. The NJ Department of Labor, VFW Post 4591, and the Bergen County Division of Veteran Services 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 John Bautz at 201-996-8950 ext 28 or by email at john.bautz@dol.state.nj.us.

Once again, the Enlisted Association is asking for your support by becoming a member of the Enlisted Association again this year.  Your continued support will increase our numbers and give our State a larger voice on all legislative issues that will benefit you and your families.  Your Association works for you at the Federal and State level on all important issues.  Visit our website www.EANG-NJ.org and click on Benefits for the application and also find out more about what we do.  Thank you for your support.  You can reach the Membership Chairman, Jerome Zebrowski, with any questions at 609-214-6959 or jcptfalc@aol.com or Co-Chairman, Edward Goetschius, at 609-965-1972 or esgtmaj@comcast.net.

SGT Ryan E. Doltz Memorial Foundation fund raiser - Tricky Tray

A Tricky Tray will be held at 8:00 p.m. on May 5, 2006 at Dover High School, Dover, NJ.  Proceeds from the Tricky Tray will be used to fund scholarships for deserving students.  Tickets are $8 and the doors open at 6:30 p.m.  For additional information, please call 973-361-2399. 

PREP is NOT therapy, and is unlike anything to which you have been exposed.  No encounter group or sharing of personal concerns, simply thrilling insights into a more loving, grown filled relationship!  PREP begins with teaching effective communication skills, addresses problem resolution strategies that work, and teaches how to discover the hidden issues in every relationship.  The program then moves into friendship, forgiveness, fun, and sensuality.  If you are interested in attending (soldiers that were deployed are given priority) or need additional information, please call Marie Durling at 609-562-0739. 

PREP is scheduled to be held at the Ramada Inn, East Windsor, New Jersey on 24-26 March, 21-23 April, and 9-11 June 2006.

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 SGM Edward Goetschius, Military Funeral Honors Coordinator, at 609-530-7090 or by e-mail at Edward.goetschius@nj.ngb.army.mil.

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

25 March, 1:00pm
“Screaming Eagles in Vietnam:  The 101st Airborne Division during the War”  -- an oral history discussion and slide presentation by NJ Vietnam Veteran Peter Engelhardt.

Peter Engelhardt, of Summit, served in Vietnam from October 1968 through August 1969 with the 101st Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade, which operated out of Landing Zone (LZ) “Sally,” near the ancient imperial city of Hue, and Fire Support Base (FSB) “Whip” in the Ashau Valley near the Laotian border in northern South Vietnam.  Engelhardt was a college graduate who then attended Army Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia.  As an officer in Vietnam, he worked primarily behind the scenes dealing with operations planning and coordination, intelligence assessment, and psychological warfare exercises.  He holds a deep admiration and respect for the airborne infantry “line” officers and their men, whose primary duty was combat.  It is in their honor that he retells the story of his group of “Screaming Eagles,” the nickname for members of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division.

Lecture attendees are asked to RSVP to 732-335-0033.  A $5 donation is suggested.

7 April, 5:00pm
Scholarship Deadline - Scholarships ($2,500 each) will be awarded to two graduating seniors from NJ who plan to further their education either at a college, university, or technical/trade school.  Scholarship details and application forms can be obtained at www.njvvmf.org or by calling (732) 335-0033.

29 April, 1:00pm
“The Trail” – video presentation of an illustrated narrative about “walking point” in a combat patrol in the Vietnam War, by Vietnam Veteran Robin Bartlett.

7 May, 11:00am
NJ Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day Ceremony

20 May, 1:00pm
For Armed Forces Day – “The Originals” – The Women’s Auxiliary Ferry Squadron of WWII – Breaking the Gure ender Barrier in Military Aviation – a lecture by Honey Fulton Parker, youngest sister of one of the first WAFS, Dorothy Fulton.

29 May, 11:00am
Memorial Day Ceremony.

For more information, please call the NJ Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation office at (732) 335-0033. or (800) 648-VETS.

The Vietnam Era Educational Center is located adjacent to the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial off the Garden State Parkway at Exit 116.

Family Readiness Council Grants available.

The State Family Readiness Council has established a Grant Program that will provide both Family and Business Grants to deserving New Jersey National Guard families impacted by deployment. Additional information regarding these grants is available at Family Assistance Centers and Family Readiness Groups throughout the state. Those interested should contact Family Assistance at 1-888-859-0352.

Fitness Corner - Ernest Razzano, Certified Fitness Trainer, ISSA

Sweating

Working out at the gym will most likely make you sweat.  It’s both natural and healthy to sweat under these conditions.  In fact, when you’re exercising strenuously, you may lose several quarts of fluid in perspiration.  A pea-sized bead of sweat can cool nearly 1 liter (about  1 quart) of blood 1 degree Fahrenheit.

For some people who seat excessively (hyperhidrosis), the answer may be simple:  an over-the-counter antiperspirant.  Antiperspirants block your sweat ducts with aluminum salts (aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, and/or aluminum zirconium), thereby reducing the amount of perspiration that reaches your skin.  Deodorants eliminate odor, but not perspiration.  They turn your skin acidic, which makes it less attractive to bacteria, which ultimately prevents smell.  Antiperspirants can cause irritation or even contact dermatitis.  In fact, antiperspirants are the cosmetic product most associated with skin irritation.  Deodorants, especially herbal or crystal deodorants may be less irritating for most people.

If over-the-counter products aren’t strong enough, your doctor may suggest a prescription antiperspirant.  For more severe problems with sweating, he or she may recommend other treatments, including:

Iontophoresis.  In this procedure, a dermatologist uses a battery-powered device to deliver a low current of electricity to the affected area.

Bolulinum toxin (Botox).  This is the same product that helps smooth facial wrinkles by paralyzing certain muscles.  Researchers have discovered that Botox injections are also an effective 3way to treat severe hyperhidrosis by blocking the nerves that trigger the sweat glands.  In addition, although Botox stops sweating, it doesn’t prevent body odor. 

Surgery.  In rare cases surgery may be an option.  If excess sweating occurs just in your armpits, removing the sweat glands might help.

Anticholinergic drugs.  If you have generalized sweating, your doctor may prescribe an anticholoinergic drug.  Anticholinergics work by blocking the actions of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger in your body that helps to stimulate your sweat glands.

Tax Assistance is available for Service Members & Families

Free Turbo Tax online filing program is provided at no cost by the Department of Defense for active duty, Guard and Reserve (regardless of activation status) and their families.  Visit Military Onesource at www.militaryonesource.com for details and additional information.

Also, almost every military installation offers a tax center for military, retired military and family members:  the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) office.  VITA volunteers are trained by the IRS and military legal office and can provide advice or assistance in filing taxes.  Returns filed through the tax center are sent electronically, and people will received their refunds within 7-10 days.  Each installation determines its tax center’s operating hours and whether people need an appointment to come in.  Contact the Legal Assistance Office at the facility nearest you.

This day in history..

Today is Friday, 31 March 2006.  It is the 90th day of the year with 275 days remaining.

1776 – Abigail Adams wrote to her husband John that women were “determined to foment a rebellion” if the new Declaration of Independence failed to guarantee their rights.

1870 – In Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Thomas P. Munday became the first black to vote in the United States.

1880 – Wabash, Indiana, became the first town to be completely illuminated with electric light.

1889 – The Eiffel Tower officially opened in Paris to commemorate the French Revolution.

1917 – The U.S. purchased and took possession of the Virgin Islands from Denmark for $25 million.

1918 – Daylight Saving Time went into effect in the United States for the first time.

1921 – Albert Einstein lectures in New York on his new theory of relativity.

1923 – The first U.S. dance marathon was held in New York City.  Alma Cummings set a new world record of 27 hours.

Mark your Calendar

26 April – Administrative Professional Day
5 June - DMVA/JFHQ Picnic, Lawrenceville Armory
14 June – Trenton Thunder Military Appreciation Day
15 June – Unity Day
16-22 July – National Guard Youth Camp (Sea Girt, NJ)