VA in Ewing to hold services on May 21
The Department of Veterans Affairs/Readjustment Counseling Service requests your company at the annual Memorial Day service on Wednesday, May 21 at noon. The service will be held at 934 Parkway Avenue, Ewing, N.J., and there will be a reception immediately following the ceremony. If you are interested in attending, RSVP by May 16 with Darryll Johnson at 609-882-5744 or Darryll.Johnson@va.gov.
Brig. Gen. Doyle Cemetery Memorial Day ceremony set for May 24
The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery will hold the Annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Saturday, May 24, at the Doyle Cemetery, North Hanover Township. The parade of New Jersey veterans’ organizations will pass in review at 10:30 a.m. and the memorial service will begin at 11 a.m.
One Nation Under God musical
You are invited to the Come Alive! New testament Church, 240 Old Marlton Pike, Medford, on Sunday, May 25 at 10:30 a.m. for a musical, “One Nation Under God,” presented by the church choir. All active duty military, National Guard members and veterans are invited to attend.
A free picnic with special activities and games for all will begin immediately after the service. Call 609-654-8466 for free tickers, directions and more information.
Hopewell Valley Vets ceremony recognizing N.J. veterans
The Hopewell Valley Veterans Association is holding a Memorial Day ceremony on May 24, at 10 a.m. The event is located at the memorial site at the Alliger Tract, on Washington Crossing- Pennington Road, adjoining the Hopewell Township municipal complex. The public is welcome to attend this free event and view the memorial site. The celebration will recognize New Jersey veterans and will include military displays, a rifle salute, benediction, and an unveiling of engraved bricks donated in honor of veterans. The association is raising funds for constructing and maintaining a permanent Veteran's Memorial in Hopewell Township. For more information, visit www.hopewellvalleyveterans.org or call 609-737-6681.
For Your Calendar
See the band America at Patriots Theater May 16
America will be at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton on Friday, May 16 at 8 p.m. Hear classic hit like “Horse With No Name,” Sister Golden Hair,” “Ventura Highway,” and more. The special guest for the evening will be The Ernie White Band.
There will be a 20 percent military discount at the box office only, with ID; discount does not apply to prior sales.
For more information call the box office at 609-984-8400 or visit www.thewarmemorial.com.
May 17 is Museum gala; reduced price for military – tickets available
The Foundation for the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey invites everyone to support the First Annual Gala which will benefit the museum and its mission.
The Lawrenceville Armory is the setting for the gala on May 17. Tickets cost $75 per person. Military personnel and spouse/date will pay $50 for their tickets. Tables of 10 cost $500 and include special recognition at the event. RSVP for the event has been extended to May 7, 2008.
Other ways to support the gala include –
ý Become an advertiser or booster sponsor in the gala’s souvenir commemorative ad journal
ý Donate a gift or service that can be auctioned off during their Silent Auction or Live Auction during the event.
If you would like to purchase tickets, place an ad in the journal or have an item for the auctions, contact Bob Dennin at denninr@verizon.net or retired Col. Donald Kale at the Lawrenceville museum, 609-530-6802.
All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the museum. Your support of the event will help the museum to continue to tell the story of the military history in New Jersey, and the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard.
Great Adventure’s Military Appreciation Day is May 17
From the desk of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hughes, Family Assistance Specialist
Great Adventure Military Appreciation Day will be on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 17. There will be meal vouchers for $9.50 each which can be used at six of the food vendors in the park. Tickets will be available for Great Adventure on April 15 in the State Family Programs Office. Tickets are good for the Theme Park and the Safari. The price of each ticket is $20.
Ride your motorcycle and support the troops
Join fellow motorcycle riders for a 100 mile police-escorted ride on Sunday, May 18. The ride will start at 11 a.m. at Legends Harley, 1895 U.S. Highway 46, Ledgewood, NJ. It will return to Legends and riders will find food and entertainment to enjoy. Proceeds of this event benefit the Family Readiness Group of Company B 50th Brigade Support Battalion.
Pre-registration must be postmarked by May 16; make checks payable and mail to B Co. Readiness Group, PO Box 511, Augusta NJ 07822, or drop it off at Legends Harley Davidson by May 16.
Cost is $20 for riders and $15 for passengers.
Visit www.legendsharley.com for more information.
‘Cycles riding to support service members
Okay all you motorcycle riders out there – here’s a way to support of the men and women who defend our freedom everyday and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. The Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation, Burlington County Military Affairs Committee and Barb's Harley-Davidson (barbshd.com) have organized the second annual Armed Forces Freedom Ride - Sunday, May 18.
Participants of the ride will meet at Barb's Harley-Davidson, West Collingswood Heights, at 8:30 a.m. Departing at 10 a.m., the procession lead by police escort and Army Hummers will ride through historic, downtown Mt. Holly, and proceed to McGuire Air Force Base where all riders will have the opportunity to ride down the flight line of one of the runways. Don't miss this opportunity to virtually ride under the wings of Boeing C-17 transport planes. Due to security restrictions pictures will not be permitted. The ride will conclude at Fort Dix Military Base in Burlington County. Arriving at the base, participants will receive a complimentary BBQ chicken lunch and enjoy a variety of activities including live music, motorcycle vendors, The Crescent Shrine Motorcycle Patrol Drill Team Show and much, more....
All participants MUST pre-register by May 16, in order to take part in the ride. The first 200 riders will receive a free t-shirt and all riders will receive an event pin. Registration is open to anyone wishing to show their support, $30.00/per person (passengers additional) and must be paid at the time of registration. Proceeds benefit the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation and Burlington County Military Affairs Committee. Active military personnel ride free and must present valid ID. Participants can register in-person at Barb's Harley-Davidson or print a registration form and submit it by mail. Go to www.barbshd.com for registration slip and more information.
Hop on your Hog and Ride for the Red Shield on June 21
Hop on your motorcycle and “Ride for the Red Shield” on Saturday, June 21. The second annual ride will benefit The Salvation Army, New Jersey Division’s Emergency Disaster Services Program and Camp Tecumseh. The ride will start and finish at Camp Tecumseh.
The ride will be a Scrabble Scramble Ride with trophies for the best bike, best tattoo and a complimentary photo of each rider and their bike. There will be donuts and coffee at the start of the ride and barbecue at the finish; no alcoholic beverages will be served or allowed.
Cost is $25 per bike, $10 per passenger. Cost for lunch only, for family and friends is $5, children under 7 are free. If you sign up early, before May 31, cost is reduced to $20 and includes a complimentary T-shirt.
For more information or to register, contact Ron Yuhas, 908-851-8239,
or ron.yuhas@use.salvationarmy.org.
HRD presents seminars for training
From the desk of Paul Serdiuk, DMAVA Human Resources Division
The Human Resources Division is offering a number of free seminars presented by the Human Recourse Training Section. Reservations are needed for each seminar; contact Paul Serdiuk at 609-530-6878 or at paul.serdiuk@njdmava.state.nj.us. All seminars will be held in Conference Room A at DMAVA Central Office. All are welcomed.
June 12: Automobile Insurance – We all have it, are required to have it, but do we really know what it is about? A representative from the Department of Banking and Insurance will present a one hour overview on what you need to know about automobile insurance in New Jersey, decipher many of the terms and jargon of your policies and give an overview of what a policy should include in it to protect you.
Sep. 17: State Deferred Compensation – Mike McConnell from Prudential Financial will meet with State employees to discuss their participation and contributions to their deferred compensation account. A 30 minute consultation will be scheduled per each employee.
Retirement Happenings
Enjoy an evening with a “retiring” Colonel
Col. Barry Johnson, formerly of the 117th Fighter Wing, 108th Air Refueling Wing, Headquarters New Jersey Air National Guard and National Guard Bureau is having a retirement dinner following a round of golf at the Blue Heron Pines Golf Club, Cologne, on June 20.
Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m. and the buffet dinner starts at 6 p.m. There will be a cash bar. Cost is $40 per person. Attire is sport casual.
RSVP no later than June 13 to Maj. Yvonne Mays, 609-645-6206, Yvonne.mays@ njatla.ang.af.mil or Connie Cisek, 609-562-0901, connie.cisek@njmcgu.ang.af.mil
Play a round of golf with Col. Barry Johnson before he retires
Come play a round of golf with Col. Barry Johnson and check up on his plans for retirement. Golfing will take place at the Blue Heron Pines Golf Club, 550 West Country Club Drive, Cologne on June 20. Tee time is 10 a.m. and the cost is $80 per person and includes cart and golf fees.
RSVP no later than June 13 to Maj. Yvonne Mays, 609-645-6206, Yvonne.mays@njatla.ang.af.mil
or Connie Cisek, 609-562-0901, connie.cisek@njmcgu.ang.af.mil.
Military Training, Schools, Opportunities
254th Regiment announces upcoming courses
Here are the 254th Regiment courses that are on the calendar. When using ATRRS, the school code is 1004.
Active Duty Training (ADT) Courses:
11B40 Infantryman ANCOC
June 7-21, 2008 - 31 openings
If you have any questions, contact Master Sgt. Gary Davidson, 732-974-5912 or gary.davidson@nj.ngb.army.mil.
Battlemind is a term used to describe combat readiness. The first Battlemind product was a mental health post-deployment briefing. It quickly became a training system supporting Soldiers and families across the seven phases of the deployment cycle. The Battlemind system includes separate pre-deployment training modules for Soldiers, unit leaders, health-care providers and spouses. Psychological debriefings are given in theater and upon redeployment. There is also a post-deployment module for spouses and several post-deployment modules for Soldiers. Pre-deployment Battlemind tells Soldiers what they are likely to see, to hear, to think and to feel while deployed - by describing the worst-case scenario. Post-deployment Battlemind addresses safety concerns, relationship issues, normalized combat-related mental health reactions and symptoms -- along with teaching Soldiers when they should seek mental health support for themselves or for their buddies. All of the Battlemind products (training modules, brochures, debriefings and videos are available on the Web site, www.battlemind.org.
Reduced rates on NJ Transit for military, dependents
Here is another benefit offered to military members, retirees and their dependents by the state of New Jersey.
Eligible passengers may ride at reduced fare rates on any NJ Transit bus, rail or light rail service at all times, without restriction, upon presentation of authorized identification.
All military personnel and their dependents will be permitted to purchase transportation at the senior citizen/passengers with disabilities reduced fare rate upon showing their military or military dependent ID card. The following military personnel are entitled to this fare: Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard or Retired for Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard.
N.J. Militia Museum conducting Retiree Oral History Program
The National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey has put together a National Guard Veteran Retiree Oral History Program. In the past, the NJNG has not conducted oral exit interviews of commanders, full-time personnel, and retirees to preserve history. The museum is going to institute a volunteer program to try to catch up. If you wish to participate, contact the museum at 732-974-5966.
Honor Guard program wants YOU!
Looking for a way to serve and get some satisfaction at the same time? The Honor Guard program is looking for members of the Army and Air Guard to join the team to perform honor guard duties at the funerals of veterans. There is an initial eight hours of training for all new enrollees, with on-going sustainment training. As an honor guard member, you will receive a day of pay for each day’s mission, minimum of $50, and traditional drilling Guard members receive a retirement point for each day’s duties.
If you are interested in applying for the Honor Guard program, call Retired Sgt. Maj. Ed Goetschius at 609-530-7090.
Use your mouse to find all sorts of things on DMAVA Web site
Have you taken the time to visit www.nj.gov./military lately?
You can find job announcements, publications, forms, information for families, information for veterans and information on both the New Jersey Army and Air Guard.
With a simple click of a mouse button, you can check out the most recent issues of DMAVA Highlights, Guardlife and Veterans Journal. Past issues are also archived on the Web site.
With another click, you can find blank DMAVA forms, TAG memorandums and policy letters and a variety of publications.
Another click gets you to the area where you can discover information on our three Veterans homes, the Doyle cemetery, the three war memorials we oversee, Veterans Haven, the medals we present to New Jersey combat veterans and more.
Two more clicks let you see all the benefits of joining the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard.
Click! Click! Click! You can find the pages on Family Support; Youth ChalleNGe; job announcements for state, federal, active Guard and Reserve; apply for a N.J. National Guard fishing license; look up the location of your local Veterans Service Office and so much more.
Take the time to visit the Web site that takes you around the New Jersey National Guard and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; you will discover an abundance of information and assistance.
N.J. licenses, registration extended for deployed troops
New Jerseyans who are active duty military, including the National Guard and military reserves, serving in the war on terrorism, are eligible for automatic extensions of a valid driver license, registration or inspection expiration dates. Go to www.nj.gov/mvc/ for more information.
Discounts offered for State employees
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.
For the Families
Lawrenceville FAC schedules events for members
From the desk of Jane Hackbarth, Family Assistance Specialist
The Lawrenceville Family Assistance Center and the Family Readiness Support Assistant have scheduled the activities open to all Family Readiness Group members:
July 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Parenting During Deployment, presented by Army Community Services, Fort Dix
Sept. 20, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Bullying presentation, presented by ACS, Fort Dix
People attending who will be bringing children are asked to RSVP to their own FAC or to Jane Hackbarth at 609-671-6681 no later than one week prior to the event.
Camp Noble Cause serving children, spouses of deployed Guard members
From the desk of Amanda Balas, State Youth Coordinator
Camp Noble Cause is a three day camping experience that will serve the children and spouses of the New Jersey National Guardsmen and women being deployed this summer. Our mission is to provide a no-cost summer camp experience, for a weekend of fun and camaraderie.
It will be held on August 22-24 at Camp Winnebago, 102 Timberbrook Road, Rockaway, N.J., approximately 12 miles from Wayne. It is being hosted by the Scouts of the Patriot’s Path Council, Boy Scouts of America and Operation Noble Cause.
All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Overnight camping capacity is limited to 300 and the day camp can accommodate an additional 200. Children must be old enough to tent camp comfortably to attend.
Planned activities include: mountain biking and nature walks, crafts, astronomy, shooting sports (archery, rifle, shot gun), rockwall climbing, waterfront activities (boating, swimming, fishing), Geocaching (GPS “hide and seek”), sports (softball, volleyball, basketball, soccer and more) and campfire activities.
A Web site is being created for registration and more information.
Morris County offers program for military families
From the desk of Amanda Balas, State Youth Coordinator
Family Service of Morris County in partnership with the Family Programs Office, New Jersey, would like to announce its Military Families Outreach Program. Based on a community effort, the Military Families Outreach Program strives to support Morris County military personnel and their families, including extended families, pre-deployment, during deployment and post-deployment.
We realize the pressures and problems that may occur when a family member is called to duty, and we want to assist with any services that you may need to ensure quality of life. Social services, support services and mental health services are some of the resources that will be available to Morris County residents. All services offered in this program are free of charge to you and your family and are bound by the highest consideration for complete confidentiality.
For more information about the Military Services Outreach Program, contact Wendy Parrinello, Military Families Outreach Case Manager at wparrinello@fsmc.org or call 973-538-5260, extension 326. You can also contact Tammy Rosenthal, Director of child and Adolescent Services at trosenthal@fsmc.org or 973-538-5260. We are privileged to work with you who have given so much for your country!
Order a complimentary Blue Star Flag to show your family’s service
From the desk of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hughes, Family Assistance Specialist
The Blue Star Flag first appeared in 1917, when Capt. Robert L. Queissner, who had two sons serving on the front line, designed it as a tribute to their dedication and service. He proudly displayed this flag in the front window of his home and the flag quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in the service. Also known as a Service Flag, the blue star stands for hope and pride. Order a complimentary Blue Star Flag to honor your loved ones in the service by visiting:
www.grantham.edu/promo/freebluestar.php.
Program offers grant funds to spouses of deployed military
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
Family Deployment Briefing schedule updated
The following is the updated Family Deployment Briefing Schedule presented by the Family Programs Office at various armories throughout New Jersey. Any family member that is interested in learning more about important information, who to contact and ways to cope through this upcoming deployment are welcomed to attend ANY of the briefs, no matter where the Soldier's home station is located, as all the information will be the same at every brief.
Children, ages three and up, are welcome to attend too! For more information, please contact your local Family Assistance Center by calling 1-888-859-0352.
Date Armory Time
Sunday, June 8 Bordentown 2:30 p.m.
**Any family that will be experiencing a deployment may attend ANY of the above briefs as all the information will be the same no matter where the Soldier's home station is located in the state. All youth are welcomed to attend. We will have established youth programs, in a separate area, for youth ages three and older.
For the kids – tour JT2DC and have lunch on June 7
From the desk of Amanda Balas, State Youth Coordinator
Kids – come tour the Battle Lab – learn about flags, military jobs, weapon marksmanship, walk through the urban, desert and woodland fighting lanes and drive the virtual combat convoy trainer. On June 7, from 9:15 a.m. to noon, 20 slots are open for youths 10 and older to tour the Joint Training and Training Development Center (JT2DC) on Fort Dix. Parents may drop children off or walk through with the group. Hot dogs, chips and drinks fill the lunch time menu after the tour. Contact Amanda Balas to register for the tour at Amanda.balas@us.army.mil or 609-562-0742.
Strong Bonds program helps strengthen relationships
From the desk of Marie Durling, Family Programs Specialist
Soldiers or Airmen (Army and Air Guard) and their significant others are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming Strong Bonds. Soldiers will attend in a paid SUTA status and all expenses are paid. These seminars have been extremely successful and are designed to strengthen relationships. The cost of the hotel and meals and literature are paid for by NGB.
The seminars are not therapy sessions or encounter groups nor are they for sharing your personal concerns. The seminars are conducted by the state chaplains' office and begin with teaching effective communication skills, address problem resolution strategies that work and teach 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 or need additional information, please call Marie Durling at 609-562-0739 or e-mail marie.durling@nj.ngb.army.mil.
These seminars usually fill up fast, so if interested, please call as soon as possible. I am also planning another Strong Bonds weekend May 30-June 1. This is for Soldiers and Airmen who have not attended a Marriage Enrichment Seminar in the past.
Time is here to apply for Youth Camp
From the desk of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hughes, Family Assistance Specialist
This year's youth camp will be held from July 13-19 at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, N.J. This year will mark our 14th year for the camp!! Some activities are archery, sports, beach and arts-n-crafts. For more information or to download an application, please visit http://www.state.nj.us/military/familysupport/programs.html. Read carefully as some of the applications have changed.
Post Office offers boxes, discount rate to FPO/APO addresses
From the desk of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hughes, Family Assistance Specialist
Now the U.S. Postal Service is making it easier for families to send care packages with a larger flat rate box and a special discount to FPO/ APO addresses. The new boxes can be used beginning March 3. They are 50 percent larger than the current flat rate box and can be sent to any domestic address for $12.95. A special military version of the box will carry the "America Supports You" logo and can be shipped to any FPO/ APO address for $10.95. The new Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate Box is "12 x 12" x 5½". For complete guidelines on mail services to military members overseas visit the USPS website at:
http://www.usps.com/supportingourtroops/welcome.htm?from=household &page=troopsupport.
Federal grant for spouses of deployed military
Grants from a funding of $200,000 from the Department of Community Affairs are available for spouses of deployed or recently deployed military (all branches across the state). Typical awards are $2,500 each and are available for financial difficulties (such as past due rent and childcare) as well as for recreational and stress relieving activities for kids. For more information contact Fawn I. Mutschler, Military Grant Liaison, Women's Opportunity Center, YMCA of Burlington County by calling 609-543-6200 Ext. 325 or by email at wocmilitarygrant@ymca-bc.org.
N.J. State Family Readiness Council offers Family Grants Program
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.
Sports
Fourth annual SGT Nutter Run scheduled for June 14
The fourth annual SGT Nutter Run will be held on June 14. Sergeant Sam Nutter (Jan. 28, 1966 – Jan. 2, 2005) was a member of the New Jersey Army National Guard and served in the U. S. Navy from 1989-1997. Each year the NJARNG Officer Candidate School holds a benefit 5k run in his memory and the proceeds raised are donated to a NJARNG family in need. This year’s beneficiary is Dina; daughter of New Jersey Army National Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy D. Marvian, of the 102nd Cavalry (RSTA) who will be deploying to Iraq later this year. Dina has endured a life-long battle with Neurofibromatosis Type I. Come join us as we band together to give a helping hand to a member of our National Guard family.
Fun family events and a BBQ to celebrate the Army’s birthday will follow the race.
Visit http://www.NutterRun.com for registration forms, donation forms, and more information.
NGANJ holding 20th Annual Golf Tourney to benefit scholarships
The National Guard Association of New Jersey is holding their 20th Annual President’s Golf Tournament at Falcon Creek Golf Course, McGuire Air Force Base on June 28.
For a donation of $115 per person, golfers will receive greens fees, cart, refreshments, dinner, shirt and door prizes. All proceeds from the event will benefit the NGANJ scholarship fund.
The tournament will begin at 10 a.m. with a shotgun start using a four-person scramble format. Prizes will be awarded to the first and second place teams for low gross and low net scores, closest to pin on hole 2 and the longest drive on hole 17, both men and women.
Coffee, juice and donuts will be served at 8:30 a.m. For those who would only like to attend the dinner after the tournament, the cost is $30.
The committee is also looking for corporate sponsors, refreshment sponsors, hole sponsors, boosters, cash donations, and gift prizes. If you would like to participate in any way, contact Jack Petrosilli at 609-530-6843.
Trenton Thunder offers reduced tickets to military personnel, vets
The Trenton Thunder baseball team and its community partner, the Trenton Vet Center, have collaborated to sponsor reduced ticket prices for veterans and their families during the 2008 Trenton Thunder baseball season.
A regular $10 ticket has been reduced to $7 for veterans and their family members.
Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard, separated, and retired veterans are eligible for this program. 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
Jewish War Vets taking Guard members, family to baseball game
From the desk of Marie Durling, Family Programs Specialist
The Jewish War Veterans of New Jersey would like to sponsor Soldiers/Airmen and their family members (total of 50 – first come, first served) for a baseball game at Newark's Riverfront Stadium on Sunday, May 25 at 1:35 p.m.
Included in the “price” is a hot dog, drink and chips. If you would like to attend, please send the following information: Soldier/Airmen's name, your address, phone number and number of tickets you need (please limit this to your significant other and children only). The Jewish War Veterans have been extremely generous to N.J. National Guardsmen and their families by sponsoring these events so if you request tickets, please make every effort to attend.
Send requested information to:
JWV
NJ Dept Commander Sidney Lichter
96 Franklin St
Verona NJ 07044-1923.
Travel Help, Ideas
Armed Forces Vacation Club offers affordable lodging
The Armed Forces Vacation Club is a "space available" program offering Department of Defense affiliated personnel affordable condominium vacations at over 3,500 resorts around the world. Visit www.afvclub.com/ for more information.
Shades of Green offers Disney for military
Now that the summer is just around the corner, thoughts of how to spend next summer or your next vacation week, can start to pop into your mind. “Can we go someplace better or different, nearer or farther from home, all without breaking the bank?”
One place to consider if Florida is one of your next vacation places is Shades of Green in Orlando. Minutes from the Disney attractions, this resort is also close to golf, dining and other Florida attractions.
Their web site, www.shadesofgreen.org can give you tours of their rooms and family suites, the local attractions and other amenities that are offered by the resort. The rates are reasonable and will be an opportunity to visit Orlando with your family.
Scholarship, Education News
Scholarships available for OIF/OEF veterans
Here is an opportunity for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan to get scholarship money for college. The Fund for Veterans’ Education will award up to $3.5 million in scholarship money this year.
You can read more about the scholarship program and how to apply at www.veteransfund.org. The application postmark deadline is June 15, 2008, so send in your application as soon as possible.
Education news for NJARNG
Education Services Brochure Booklet (ESB2)
Access the New Jersey Army National Guard's ESB2 at www.nj.gov/military/education. The ESB2 is a comprehensive guide with links and shortcuts to civilian education benefits available to New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers.
G.I. Bill Notice of Basic Eligibility
New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers can print their Eligibility of Mobilized Soldier notification letter for CH 1607 as well as Notice Of Basic Eligibility for CH 1606 at
https://www.nationalguardbenefits.com; click on G.I. Bill Home Page.
American Legion offers scholarships, booklet on their Web site
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, family members and the American Legion family. When you get on the site, click on “Scholarship Information” in the “Useful Links” block.
Enlisted Association wants YOU!
By retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hughes, EANG-NJ
The Enlisted Association National Guard-New Jersey is off to a good start for 2008 as we have realigned all the committees and filled both the Executive Council and Committees with a cross section of Army and Air, uniformed and retirees, and several junior NCOs. Everyone appears to be enthused and pledges to support the Association in all its efforts. All we need now is for you to get on board as a member and bring your fellow soldiers and airmen with you.
We have many challenges facing us over the next few years whether it is another round of base closures via the Base Realignment Commission (BRAC), reduction in TRICARE benefits, reduction in troop strength, attempts to maintain the retirement age at 60, etc. We need a powerful voice to put our message across to the State and Federal Legislators and this can only be accomplished through a strong membership in our State Association (EANG-NJ) and the National Association (EANGUS).
The new membership year starts on 1 January 2008 and we need your help in making our Association grow. We encourage all enlisted soldiers and airmen to join the Association as Active Members and also welcome all officers, warrant officers, federal, and state employees to join as Associate Members. Applications for membership can be obtained from our website www.eang-nj.org.
NGANJ group life insurance available to members
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.
Web site provides support to separating military members
TurboTAP (Transition Assistance Program) is an easy to use, interactive Web portal that provides life-long support to separating military service members (Active Duty, Guard and Reserve) and their families. It is a single source starting point for accessing key resources available for servicemembers transitioning out of the military at any point in their military career. Resources include Department of Defense, Department of Labor, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Education, Small Business Administration, the National Veterans Corporation and the National Guard Bureau. For more information go to www.TurboTAP.org or email TAPHelp@military-inc.com.
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:
July 8, 9, 10 |
Cherry Hill Mall |
July 18* |
Traveling Wall, Wildwood |
August 5*, 6, 7 |
Willowbrook Mall |
*Medal ceremonies begin at 10:30 a.m. on these dates. The kiosk will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The kiosk will also be in place at the Wildwood Convention Center for three state conventions.
v June 5-6, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. – Elks State Convention
v June 11-13, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. – American Legion State Convention
v June 18-20, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. – VFW State Convention
N.J. Vietnam Veterans Memorial
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.
May 17, 1 p.m. – On the Road to Recovery, an oral-history discussion by NJ Vietnam-Era veteran Bishop Fred Rubin about his service tending wounded G.I.s in the Army hospital in Hawaii during the Vietnam War.
May 26, 11 a.m. – Memorial Day Ceremony at the N.J. Vietnam Veterans' Memorial.
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For further information call 1-800-648-VETS or visit www.njvvmf.org.
