News For Your Views

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Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General-New Jersey, invites everyone to concert with the 63rd Army Band on July 3 at 7 p.m. at the National Guard Training Center, Sea Girt.

Dress for the evening’s festivities is casual and the concert will take place rain or shine. 

For those planning on attending, RSVP no later than June 26 by calling Officer Candidate Ana Bolanos at 609-530-6780 or e-mail at ana.bolanos@njdmava.state.nj.us.

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By Sgt. Michael Coleman, Nebraska National Guard

LINCOLN, Neb., (5/29/09) – Fifty-seven of the nation’s top Army and Air National Guard distance runners were named to the 2009-10 “All Guard Marathon Team” after completing the arduous Lincoln/National Guard Marathon, May 3.

Lt. Col. Jesse Arnstein, commander of the 21st Civil Support Team (WMD), was the only Guard member from New Jersey to be named to the team.

The All Guard Marathon Team is comprised of the top 40 male finishers, the top 15 female finishers and the top 2 masters, 50 and older, finishers.

The All Guard Marathon Team is expected to compete in five to eight marathons across the United States during the upcoming running season. The selectees will alternate events that they attend.

Along with competing at the races, the members of the All Guard Marathon Team will also staff race expo booths designed to help raise interest in the National Guard and marathon running, said Hagen.

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If the rising gas prices and the sinking economy is having an effect on your summer plans, take advantage of the large variety of events here in New Jersey. Most of the counties have concert series, movies at night in the local park, and special events for kids and seniors on their schedules for the summer. The cost for many of these happenings? Free or at a low cost.

For those who find listening to music a great way to spend a few hours, you will find free (or almost free) concerts throughout the state this summer – from Chuck Mangione to Livingston Taylor to Pure Prairie League. Or you can pull up your lawn chair in a local park and listen to one of the many tributes to singers and bands that will be traveling over the state. You can hear the music of Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Jimmy Buffet, the Eagles, Rod Stewart, and more.

Virtually all sounds of music will find their way to the stages across the state, in parks and arenas. Gospel, jazz, rock, classical, big band, country, 50’s, salsa, Zydeco, and string bands; or you can drop in on a festival celebrating different geographical areas or groups: Spanish, West Indian Caribbean, Irish, and more.

Visit the following Web sites to find out what is happening in your neck of the woods or a great way to spend a day or weekend with family and friends.

New Jersey – http://www.nj.gov/nj/things/

Atlantic County - http://www.aclink.org/webadmin/MainPages/Recreate.asp

Bergen County – http://www.co.bergen.nj.us/; http://65.244.122.200/bcparks/ ArtsCalandar.aspx 

Burlington County – http://co.burlington.nj.us/announcements/calendar/events.asp

Camden County – http://www.ccparks.com/

Cape May County – http://www.co.cape-may.nj.us/

Cumberland County – http://www.co.cumberland.nj.us/content/159/3747.aspx

Essex County – http://www.essex-countynj.org/

Gloucester County – http://www.co.gloucester.nj.us/

Hudson County – http://www.hudsoncountynj.org/

Hunterdon County – http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/depts/parks/concertseries.htm

Mercer County – http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=MCNJ

Middlesex County – http://www.co.middlesex.nj.us/parksrecreation/index.asp    

Monmouth County – http://www.co.morris.nj.us/generalHTML/recreation.asp

Morris County – http://www.co.morris.nj.us/

Ocean County – http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/

Passaic County – http://www.passaiccountynj.org/

Salem County – http://www.salemcountynj.gov/cmssite/

Somerset County – http://www.co.somerset.nj.us/

Sussex County – http://www.sussex.nj.us/

Union County – http://www.ucnj.org/home.cfm

Warren County – http://www.co.warren.nj.us/

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The 2009 edition of “Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors” can be found on the Web at http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.asp. You can either download a pdf version of the booklet or read it online.

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The Delaware Valley Vietnam Veterans’ 24th Annual Donald W. Jones Flag Memorial and POW/MIA repatriation ceremony will take place June 12-14 at the Falls Township Community Park, 9072 Mill Creek Road, Levittown, Pa.   This weekend-long event honors all veterans who have served and sacrificed in the service of our country.  On Friday, June 12, volunteers will place more than 58,000 flags in the ground, one flag for every American killed or missing in action in the Vietnam and Gulf wars.  Starting Saturday at noon, several bands – including Angry Vic,  Band Kamp, Groove Train Riders, Jayded, Jekylls Hyde, Legend, Sister Blue and The Destinations, will play a free concert.  On Sunday, June 14, a motorcycle rally will leave at noon from the Bristol Township Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and the War Dog Memorial, 2501 Bath Road, Bristol, Pa, ending at the Flag Memorial, where the memorial and repatriation ceremony will take place at 1 p.m.  For further information, call Donnie Jones, 267-566-2860 or Jessie Hill, 215-949-2490.  To participate in the motorcycle rally, call Adine at 267-250-9249.

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The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund will participate in a
baseball/picnic outing celebrating Military Appreciation Night at the Lakewood Blue Claws Stadium on Tuesday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m.

The memorial fund’s mission is to continue to serve and assist returning men and women called to serve our country. Previous donations have been made to The Fisher House; Underwater Warriors; New Jersey National Guard Family Readiness; 2008 Rakkasan WIA Hunt; Lt. Brian Brennan Stands Alone Trust; Spc Kevin McCloskey; Reserve Aid; Freedom Alliance; and Soldiers’ Angels. 

For Payment/Reservations/Sponsorship Info, or Inquiries Contact: RunwithDennis@yahoo.com Ticket Pickup: Tickets will be at our Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund table located to the left of the Will Call Window.

Cost of the tickets is adults $25, kids 7-12 $20, under 7 are free. Tickets include: game, hamburgers, hot dogs, soft drinks and sides.

For a registration form, visit www.Runwithdennis.org and click on the Blue Claws button on the left side of the page.

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Join The Ultimate Warrior technical workshop and career fair for OIF/OEF service members and spouses at the Timmerman Center on Fort Dix, N.J., on July 29-30.

The technical workshop will give veterans information on resume writing, Social Security disability benefits, Military One Source, Army Career Alumni Program (ACAP), Tip of the Arrow program, veterans benefits and more.

Tip of the Arrow is an organization that helps service members find jobs when they leave the military. Sponsors are provided who stay with the veteran until they find a job for them. ACAP help the OIF/OEF veterans with resume writing and how to conduct the interview process.

More than 60 employers will be at the career fair including defense contractors, private sector companies, homeland security, Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service, FBI and private sector companies.

All branches of the military are eligible to take part in the two-day event, along with their spouses. To register, call Sgt. 1st Class Loranda Taylor, 609-864-2565 or e-mail loranda.mitriece.taylor@us.army.mil.

Bring a copy of your resume on a CD or as a hard copy; thumb drives cannot be utilized. Children cannot be accommodated during the event due to the demanding activities of the workshop. Uniform for all events will be the ACUs/ABUs; no civilian attire for military personnel.

The event will be 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on July 29 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 30.

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If you are not sure which Family Assistance Center supports your armory, here is the way to find out. By going to the new and growing New Jersey FAC Web site you will be able to locate the FAC nearest you.  It also gives you a place to e-mail your questions and concerns.  Just go to http://www.nj-fac.org.  

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Here is a list of the National Guard Association of New Jersey Executive Council meetings for 2009.

Date                 Host Command                      Location

July 7               50th IBCT                               McGuire AFB

Sept. 11-13      131st NGAUS General Conf.     Nashville, Tenn.

Oct. 6               177th FW                                McGuire AFB

All meetings will be held at the 108th ARW Conference Room, McGuire Air Force Base unless otherwise noted. All Executive Council meetings begin at 7 p.m.; food will be provided at 6:30 p.m. The annual business meeting will begin at 8 a.m. and sign-in starts at 7:30 a.m. If there are any questions, contact Capt. Paul Koester at 609-754-2128.

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In order to comply with TAG goals on energy conservation, New Jersey Army National Guard computer users will ensure that all desktops, laptops, printers, and external devices are turned off prior to leaving work at the end of the day. There is no reason to keep the devices turned on for updates during the evenings or weekends. The only exception to this rule is multifunction devices that need to stay on for the purpose of receiving faxes sent after duty hours. In the event that something arises that would necessitate a change in the policy you will be notified.

NOT POWERING DOWN IS A BIG DEAL - In a recent study a company with 2500 PC's can save 91,203 kWh per year, or $92,372 just by using good power management.

There will be scans accomplished this weekend identifying those systems and users that are not in compliance with this policy.

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The National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey and the Star-Ledger are extending the pre-publication sale “A Tribute to New Jersey Veterans” until June 12.  This 128-page, historical hard-cover book will be available on July 4, 2009, and includes numerous unpublished photos from the museum’s collections, the N.J. National Guard, Star-Ledger’s archives, and personal collections that chronicle the men and women of New Jersey who have protected democracy since the inception of our great country right up to today’s conflicts. With photos from over the past 150 years as well as illustrations of the country’s early history, this book captures New Jersey’s men and women’s contributions since the beginning. It is a deserving tribute dedicated to all who have served and sacrificed so much for our country and shows how the state has honored and supported our veterans in the past, and will encourage its citizens to continue their support for our military.      

Part of the proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit the Museum.  At the present time, pre-sale on-line orders are being accepted through the Star-Ledger at a $5.00 discount (see ordering information at the site link below).  Pre-sale price: $34.95+ S&H.  This offer expires June 12; thereafter the regular price is $39.95 +S&H.  Books can be ordered with a credit card on the following secure site:  www.starledger.com/njmilitary

That is the best way to buy a copy.  Eventually, regular price copies will be made available for sale at the Museums.  If you have any questions, please contact Col. Donald Kale, museum curator at 609-530-6802. 

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From the desk of Master Sgt. Alex Estrada

Did you miss the registration date for the Army 10-Miler? Or did you register and now decided that you cannot participate? The online transfer process opened May 15. If you can't run in October consider transferring your entry through the Online Transfer Process. The program will run through Aug. 14. The online transfer process is secure and easy to use. Sellers are responsible for finding buyers. All transfers are conducted online and an administration fee applies. All parties will receive an e-mail confirmation after the transaction has been processed.

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On Saturday, June 6, at 1 p.m., the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation, in conjunction with the United States War Dogs Association, will host a program entitled, “U.S. War Dogs: Remembering Man's Best Friend.”  This program will be held at the Vietnam Era Educational Center, Holmdel.  In addition, there will be an exhibition of Vietnam era military equipment and combat gear on display, courtesy of the Veterans United Military Memorial Museum.  Light refreshments will be provided.

Since World War I, tens of thousands of K-9s have served in the United States Armed Forces alongside their handlers.  Thousands have died in combat saving the lives of our military troops.  The United States War Dogs Association, founded in 1999 by a group of former U.S. military dog handlers and supporting members, is committed to promoting the long history of military service dogs, establishing war dog memorials, and educating the public about the role of dogs in the military. 

This program will include a discussion of the history of military working dogs, today's military working dogs and how to adopt a retired military working dog.  A number of retired dog handlers who serve as officers of the U.S. War Dogs Association will be in attendance to share their own personal stories.  Attendees include New Jersey residents: Ron Aiello, Burlington, Bob Cicero, Somerville, Bucky Grimm,  Long Branch, Bob Thompson, Roebling, and Al Gunderson, Paramus. 

The Veterans United Military Memorial Museum will also have an exhibition of Vietnam Era military equipment and combat gear.  This non-profit organization, based in Burlington County, hosts a traveling exhibition of military memorabilia.  Its members work to preserve military history by exhibiting artifacts to educate the public throughout New Jersey.

Program attendees are asked to RSVP by calling (732) 335-0033.  A donation of $5 per person is suggested. 

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Applications for the 2009 Essex Troop Scholarship Program are now available. The scholarships are for qualified Essex Troop members and their family members, 102nd Cavalry and 50th BSTB qualified personnel.

Applications can be found online at the Essex Troop Web site, http://www.essextroop.org/index.htm, by requesting at etroop@verizon.net or by calling the Troop office at 1-973-736-0952.  Deadline for submitting applications is June 15, 2009.

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The Philadelphia VA Medical Center, 3900 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa., is inviting all veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and their spouses, families and significant others to attend a Welcome Home event on Saturday, June 20.

Activities include: free lunch, entertainment, children’s activities, veterans benefits representatives, veterans organizations representatives, health education and resources, door prizes and recreation, employment, safe driving information.

RSVP by June 10 to Lori Maas, OEF/OIF Program Manager at 215-823-5200.

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The Veterans Health Administration and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) have teamed to provide the NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program for families of veterans.  The Family-to-Family Education Program (FFEP) is a free 12-week course for family caregivers of individuals with mental illness and is now offered at VA New Jersey Health Care System locations.

The course includes:  Current information about schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and co-occurring brain disorders and addictive disorders; current research and treatments to promote recovery; up-to-date information about medications, side effects, and strategies for medication adherence; gaining empathy for a person with mental illness; learning skills for handling crisis and relapse; coping with care giver worry, stress, and emotional overload; and guidance on locating and advocating for appropriate supports and services for your family.

NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.  NAMI New Jersey and VA New Jersey Health Care System are accepting family members of veterans for the class starting June 25 at the Lyons Campus.  Classes will be from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings.  For information/sign up contact Mike at 734-380-9400 ext. 3618.  Visit www.naminj.org or call 732-940-0991 for additional information about NAMI New Jersey.

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Join the Sky Blue FC on July 4 at 7 p.m., for their 1st Annual Heroes’ Night at Yurcak Field, Piscataway. Sky Blue FC is the women’s professional soccer team located in Somerset. They are honoring the members of the Armed Forces, police and fire departments when they take on the Boston Breakers.

Heroes’ with identification will receive a free game ticket and access to discounted ticket prices for family and friends.  For more information, contact Rich Fetter, 732-271-7700, extension 309 or rfetter@skybluesoccer.com. Check out their Web site, www.skybluefc.com for more information about the team.

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The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of New Jersey scholarship season is open.  The CSM Baldassari Memorial Scholarship is open to all members of the Association and their dependents.  Scholarship forms can be found at the association’s web site – www.eanj-ng.org. 

The Enlisted Association offers five $1000 scholarships. All applications must be received no later than July 15.  Previous winners are not eligible to reapply.  The Enlisted Association would also like to announce the USAA Scholarship.  This is a $500 scholarship that is open to all members of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard.  Forms also may be found at the Enlisted Association web site. 

For more information on either scholarship, contact retired Sgt. Maj. Michael Amoroso at 609-562-0754.

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For all of you are eligible for the Post 911 GI Bill and are finding yourselves with questions – here is where to find answers!  There will be a Post 911 GI Bill briefing for the McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst community on July 21 in the Timmerman Center, Fort Dix. Briefings will be held at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.  All the briefings are for active duty, National Guard, Reserve and family members. 

The McGuire Education Office is advising delaying application for the Post 911 GI Bill until after attending one of these briefings.

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Come to the local AUSA Membership Drive Golf Tournament on July 27 at Sun Eagles Golf Course, Fort Monmouth. Shotgun start of the tourney is 8 a.m., with the awards luncheon at 1 p.m.

Cost to play in the tournament is $40 for government/military (AUSA members); $70 for government/military non-members; $100 for industry AUSA members; and $130 for industry non-members.

AUSA is also looking for sponsors - $2,000 for a tournament sponsor, $1,500 luncheon sponsor, $500 golf cart sponsor and $125 for a hole sponsor.

This is one of the many events the organization runs to support the Fisher House. On May 30, they will donate more than $150,000 to Fisher House and $25,000 to Homes for Our Soldiers to help them build a house for Sgt. Mike Minard.

For a registration form or more information, contact Kit Roache at 732-380-9500, extension 202 or kit.roache@gdc4s.com. For AUSA membership information contact Tony Smith, tony.smith@us.army.mil, 732-427-5553.

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NGTC Sea Girt beach passes are now available.  If you have not already received yours, contact Gail Miller at 609-530-6911, gail.miller@njdmava.state.nj.us to get your passes. 

Information to remember:

DMAVA employees can use the employee ID card or NJ military ID for admission to the beach. 

Passes can be issued to family members and friends, but each pass is to be issued to only one person. 

Each pass will admit all occupants of one car to the beach.  The pass is good for the entire season. 

On the back of the pass there are two lines to fill in:

• First line:  You or the person who will be using the pass (name/guest) must print his/her name on the first line.  Guests may also be asked to show a driver’s license or other photo ID. 
• Second line (unit/sponsor):  You must print your name and DMAVA division or unit.

For more information, see TAG Memorandum 2-09 dated 10 February 2009 at

http://www.nj.gov/military/publications/tag-memo_09/TAGMEMO-2-09.pdf.

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From the desk of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hughes, Family Assistance Specialist

The Military Housing Assistance Fund (MHAF) helps military families to become homeowners by providing them with grants to assist them with purchasing a home. The Fund also provides financial counseling to members of the National Guard and Reserves, deployed and serving in combat zones overseas, which are having problems meeting their monthly obligations due to their deployment and activation. Learn more at http://www.militaryhousingassistancefund.org. The Fund is a project of the Financial Counselors of America (FCA), a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization founded in 1991 to help Americans manage their finances and get out of debt. Visit the FCA website at http://www.financialcounselors.org. 

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The AMVETS are offering scholarships for DeVry University with a $1,000 per semester tuition award and a $9,000 total award. This is open to veterans of all branches of service, Reserve and Guard components. This offer is also extended to immediate family members (spouses, natural and adopted children). This scholarship is applicable for DeVry University and the Keller Graduate School of Management.

Deadlines to submit scholarship applications are June 8 for the July 2 semester and Sept. 28 for the Oct. 26 semester. For more information concerning the application or the application process contact AMVETS toll free at 877-726-8387 or devryscholarships@amvets.org.

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

June	Wildwood Convention Center-see below
July 28*, 29, 30	Ocean County Mall
August 5	First Energy Park, home of the Lakewood Blue Claws, 6-10 p.m.

Wildwood Convention Center schedule is: (outreach only, no medal ceremonies)

•   Elks State Convention – June 4-5
•   American Legion State Convention – June 10-12
•   VFW State Convention – June 17-19

*Medal ceremonies begin at 10:30 a.m. on these dates.  The kiosk will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

**Medal Ceremony only; begins at 11 a.m.

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From the desk of Lisa Dandrea, Human Resources, Personnel Assistant

NOTICE from the Division of Pensions and Benefits:

Effective Nov. 1, 2008, an eligible member who wishes to borrow against their pension account, MUST submit the loan request through the Pension Loan Application accessible through a personal account with the Member Benefits Online System (MBOS). Please note the following changes:

• The Loan Application will no longer be available as a printed form or through the Division's Web site.
• Paper Loan Applications that are received by mail as of Nov. 1, 2008, will be returned to members with instructions on submitting the loan request through MBOS.
• The loan fax number, which has been phased out of use since the introduction of loans through MBOS, will be completely disabled.
• Limited access to a computer or a member's reluctance to use MBOS will not be considered sufficient circumstances to allow manual loan processing.

Employees who are already registered MBOS users currently have access to the online loan application through their MBOS account.

Employees who are new to MBOS can access MBOS after they register with both the MyNewJersey Web site and MBOS. Registration is free; however, the registration process requires several steps and new users should carefully follow the MBOS registration instructions. Visit http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/mbosregister.htm for a complete list of instructions. If, after following the MBOS Registration Instructions, you still need assistance registering for or using MBOS, please contact the MBOS Help Desk at (609) 777-0534 or send an e-mail with the subject line "MBOS E-mail" to: pensions.nj@treas.state.nj.us

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Inquiries about NEW handbooks and directories for NJDIRECT has prompted this reply from Pensions and Benefits: 

"Unfortunately, we do not have NJ Direct Handbooks to give to members and will not be receiving a supply. Members may visit the NJ Direct website www.horizonblue.com/shbp. Members without computers are encouraged to use their local library or a relative's computer or call the plan directly". 

You may also look up benefit information and visit the Unified Provider Directory on the Pensions and Benefits website under State Health Benefits Program.

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Looking for a local place to take the family for a history lesson?  Try the National Guard Museum of New Jersey in Sea Girt.

The museum had a recent face-lift and upgraded its exhibits which tell the story of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard and the Naval Militia of New Jersey from the Revolutionary war to the current Overseas Contingency Operation.

The four gallery rooms feature diaries, uniforms, vehicles, weapons and even a Civil War submarine built in 1865.

Open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday and the same hours on the first and second weekends of the month, admission to the museum is free of charge, but a donation is requested. Groups who would like to make arrangements for tours should call 732-974-5966.