New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
DMAVA Highlights »16 April 2009

Volume 9, Number 13

NJ Dept of Military and Veterans Affairs

Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth
The Adjutant General

Col. James J. Grant
Joint Staff Director

Col. (Ret) Stephen G. Abel
Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs

Contacting us is easy!


Public Affairs Office

Staff Sgt. Barbara Harbison barbara.harbison@njdmava.state.nj.us Or

Phone: (609) 530-7088
Fax: (609) 530-6963

Please submit any articles and all information for DMAVA Highlights to:

PAO Office DMAVA Highlights
ATTN: Staff Sgt. Barb Harbison

Deadline is noon Wednesday

Staff Sgt. Barbara Harbison barbara.harbison@njdmava.state.nj.us Or Call 609-530-7088

DMAVA Highlights Archive

DMAVA Highlights Archive Page



Veterans' Organizations Contact Information

State Veterans Service Council
Mr. Richard Clark
RJClark21@msn.com


BG Willam C. Doyle Cemetery Advisory Council
Mr. William Rakestraw
warjrnj@msn.com



Veterans Hotlines


Benefits & Entitlements
1-888-8NJ-VETS
(1-888-865-8387)

Mental Health
1-866-VETS-NJ4
(1-866-838-7654)

Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline

1-800-984-8523



NJ World War II Memorial


For information or to make a donation, call 609-530-7049

WWII Memorial on the web

 

ESGR Office

JFHQ 3650 Saylors Pond Road Fort Dix, NJ 08641

Hank Pierre, 609-562-0156, hank.pierre@njdmava.state.nj.us Tammy Cartagena, 609-562-0157, tammy.l.cartagena@us.army.mil
Fax 609-562-0158


Phone numbers and Web sites to remember

Directory Assistance:

1-602-293-4907

Verizon Super Pages: http://www.superpages.com

AT&T:
http://www.anywho.com/

SBC Yellow Pages: http://www.yellowpages.com/

Telephone and contact information on state employees can be found at http://njdirect.state.nj.us/

 

DMAVA Emergency Hotline:

1-866-232-5798

 

State Family Programs
101 Eggert Crossing  Road
Lawrenceville 

Toll-free number
  888-859-0352

Family Assistance
609-530-6884

Teen Youth Group 
609-530-6836
Fax: 609-530-6871

Call a Chaplain
24/7
609-694-0635
609-802-8125

Get your VA benefits as a Direct Deposit into your checking or savings account

call 800-333-1795
or visit www.GoDirect.org

 

2009
U. S. Army
Year of the NCO

http://www4.army.mil/yearofthenco/
home.php

 

Quotes for the Week   

I like the noise of democracy.

-James Buchanan

To lengthen thy life, lessen thy meals.

- Benjamin Franklin

Courage is the greatest of all the virtues. Because if you haven’t cour-age, you may not have an opportunity to use any of the others.

- Samuel Johnson

Genius does what it must, talent does what it can.

-  Edward Bulwer-Lytton

If it wasn’t for the last min-ute, nothing would get done.

-  Anonymous

 

 

 

 

 


Download PDF Version of this week's highlights

 

News For Your Views


Jersey Guard member participates in Bataan Memorial Death March

Master Sgt. Myles Cappiello, 47, staff member at the Joint Training and Training Development Center, Fort Dix, participated in the Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., on March 29. The march is a 26.2 mile rucksack march in the desert; “grueling,” according to Cappiello.

Why did Cappiello travel to White Sands Missile Range just to march the length of a marathon in the desert? “Because I always wanted to do it,” he stated.

The resident of Hamilton said that there were three things he got out of the march.  “First, it was a gut check,” he said. “When your legs say you can't go any further, your mind kicks in and tells you that you can.”

“Second, there were many Wounded Warriors who did the march; men and women who lost their limbs in either Iraq or Afghanistan who completed it,” Cappiello stated. “Finally, at the starting line, I met and shook hands with survivors of the original Death March from World War II.  Knowing their stories and meeting them was very sentimental.”

When asked if he would do it again, he replied, “I'm gettin’ to old for this!” 


How will the temporary layoff affect my pension?

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

Along with the temporary layoff plan, come many questions. One in particular on everyone's mind is "How will the temporary layoff affect my pension?"

To address this concern, the Department of Pensions and Benefits has placed detailed information on their home Web page that outlines the procedures and answers many questions we all have. They also include a fact sheet that offers additional information for other services and programs that could be affected by the layoff such as: The Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP); Deferred Compensation; The Alternate Benefits Program (ABP); Group Life Insurance; Loans; Service Purchase payments and The Supplemental Annuity Collective Trust (SACT).

To review this information, you may visit the Pensions Web site at www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/. Look under 'Temporary Layoffs and Pension" for the information for State Employees and Employers and Additional Information from the Fact Sheets.


Getting your records from the Archives just got faster, easier

By Tech. Sgt. Barb Harbison, NJDMAVA Public Affairs Specialist

How often do you get to say that you are impressed with the service from a department in the federal government?  I have to give a high five to eVetRecs, the new program launched by the National Archives to get records to veterans and next-of-kin of deceased veterans.

The press release for the program crossed my desk on March 25.  Veterans and next-of-kin of deceased veterans can request military records online through eVetRecs. When I read the release, I thought it was a great idea but wondered about how it would make anything easier. Government and easier are rarely synonymous. So I figured I would give it a test drive.

That morning I clicked the button to “Request Military Records.”  I filled out the blocks asking about name, date of birth, address, branch, and all the pertinent data the researchers would need. I wondered about my request as the name on my DD 214 was different than the name I currently sport on my uniform – would that confuse them or cause them to kick it back?

But my e-mail request went through and I was asked to print out a form, sign it and either fax it or mail it to them within 20 days of this request.  I signed, walked down the hallway to the fax machine and zipped it off to St. Louis. Later in the day I received an e-mail telling me that they had received my fax.  The e-mail stated, “We are pleased to inform you that the majority of these types of requests are serviced in ten business days or less.  We service approximately 20,000 requests each week and continuously strive to successfully meet or surpass our response time goal on these types of requests.”

Skeptical? YES!  I have heard horror stories over the years about requests for DD214s that have taken more than six months.  How were they going to take care of my request in 10 business days?

I am no longer a skeptic. On Friday, April 3, NINE days – SEVEN business days– after my request, I opened my mail box to find an envelope from the National Archives with copies of my DD Form 214 plus a copy of my NGB Form 22 from when I was discharged from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard prior to joining the New Jersey Air National Guard.

Other records are available for request other than discharge documents.

So kudos go out to the National Archives and their new program. While it is not for everyone – people requesting records of veterans who are not related to them or who are related but not next of kin must still file a Standard Form 180 – it is a great way to request records with quick results.

Visit http://vetrecs.archives.gov/ to request your records.


Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day agenda

From the desk of Dorinda Sapp, DMAVA Affirmative Action Officer

Building Partnerships to Educate and Empower is the 2009 theme for “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.”  On Thursday, April 23, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will be participating in this annual observance.  This year’s theme is open to numerous interpretations which encourages discussions among participants concerning the many partnerships they have and will have in their lives.

This year’s theme is also in concert with the very intent of the original program.  The parents and guardians of participating children will share a day of their work lives with their children, as well as, participate in various activities around the New Jersey State House.   Additionally, we will have lunch at McDonald’s.  Parents/Guardians of participating children will be required to attend the activities around the New Jersey State House and incur the cost of lunch.   

If you are interested in having your daughter/son/niece/nephew/neighbor’s child participate in these events, you must complete the permission slip and return them electronically to Lalita.Vishwanath@njdmava.state.nj.us , or to the AAO office no later than Tuesday, April 21.  Because of the nature of our activities this year, participants should be between the ages of 8 - 12.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at (609) 530-6828. 

The schedule for the day is:

8 a.m.                          Children arrive to work with parents/guardians

8:30 a.m.                     Greetings from DMAVA in lobby

8:45-10:45 a.m.          Workplace experience with parents/guardians

11 a.m.                        Board transportation/depart for lunch

11:15 a.m.-noon          Lunch

noon                            Depart for N.J. State House

12:30-1:15 p.m.          Guided tour of N.J. State House

1:30-2 p.m.                 Tour of World War II Memorial

2:30 p.m.                    Depart for DMAVA

3:15 p.m.                   Closing remarks/participation appreciation /goodie bags


Great Adventure tickets are here – order yours now

From the State Family Programs Office

Great Adventure tickets are finally here. These are NOT season passes! These tickets are good for any single day throughout the 2009 season (couple of days closed for use and listed on the ticket). We have tickets available for the following:

  •   Great Adventure theme park and Wild Safari - $21
  •   Hurricane Harbor - $15
  •   Parking Voucher - $10
  •   Meal Voucher - $10 (One meal at one of several on-site eateries)

Contact your local Family Assistance Center (FAC) to order your tickets. You can order your tickets and pay the FAC and the FAC will pick up your tickets on April 30 for distribution. We are only doing this until the tickets are gone. First come first served. Find your FAC at www.nj.gov/military/familysupport.

All tickets must be picked up in person; tickets will NOT be mailed out. Cash only; exact change. 


Run for the Soldiers April 26

Put on those running shoes and sprint for the finish line on April 26 in Riverdale, N.J.  The Family Readiness Group for the 2nd Battalion 113th Infantry and Company F, 250th Brigade Support Battalion, along with the Borough of Riverdale are hosting a 5K Run/Walk to raise funds to maintain a viable support system for the families and to celebrate the Soldier’s homecoming in a few months.

Registration will be held at the Riverdale Armory, 107 Newark-Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale, 8-9:30 a.m. on the day of the race.  The 500 meter Kid’s Race will start at 9:30 a.m. with the 5K Run/Walk starting at 10 a.m. Cost to register is $25; all runners will receive a runner’s bag and free t-shirt.

Race day will be open to the entire community with music, food and games for children.

For more information, contact Roque Rodriguez or Ziad Andrew Shehady at 973-388-8187 or visit www.homefront5k.com.


FRG asks for donations for auction

From the State Family Programs Office

The Family Readiness Group for the HHC 1-114th, Woodbury, is having a Ticket Auction/Basket Auction on May 17 at 1 p.m. at the Woodbury Armory.

We are seeking items for donations. Please go through your garage/basement/attic/kids rooms (as long as they have moved away) and see if you can find items in good condition that we can use for our auction.

Call Natalie Warner at 609-903-1061 for more information and to donate items.


Army Warrant Officer Association wants you

Join the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Association, Fort Dix Doughboy Chapter.  The USAWOA is the Warrant Officer’s voice in The Military Coalition.

Make your voice heard.  AAAA member aviators receive a USAWOA membership discount.  WO1’s receive their first year membership free.

Contact nancy.rowbotham@us.army.mil to obtain a membership application.

Chapter officers are: President – retired Chief Warrant Officer Albert G. Curving; Vice President – Chief Warrant Officer Nancy E. Rowbotham; Secretary – retired Chief Warrant Officer William K. Olson; and, Treasurer – retired Chief Warrant Officer Joseph T. Sobczak.


DMAVA/JFHQ picnic is looking for volunteers

From the desk of Darlene Laarz, Construction Facilities Management Office

The DMAVA/JFHQ’s picnic is right around the corner. If you are interested in assisting in either cleaning, cooking, food preparation or set up for this year’s picnic, contact one of the people listed below and let them know.  We have an excellent group of individuals working on this committee and are always looking for volunteers to assist us.  Give it a try, the work is fun!   At DMAVA Central e-mail Darlene Laarz Darlene.laarz@njdmava.state.nj.us or John Hastings john.hastings@njdmava.state. nj.us  or at Fort Dix  contact Barbara Alcott Barbara.alcott@njmcgu.ang.af.mil or Bonnie Gaskell bonnie.gaskell@njmgu.ang.af.mil


Job fair, workshop for OIF/OEF vets, spouses at Fort Dix

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.


Military vehicles on display this weekend

The Eighth Annual Military Transport Association (MTA) Show and Swap Meet is being held April 18, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and April 19, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road (off US 206), Augusta, N.J. [GPS: 41º 8.161’ – 74º 43.033’]

Come see our vehicles, equipment, and displays - and maybe buy yourself a jeep! There will be a vehicle show with military vehicles from World War I to the present. More than 100 vendors will be present selling items for military vehicles and other military items. While you are there, stop by the food stands and grab some good eats. Visit www.mtaswapmeet.us for more information. Admission is $5; those in uniform and children 12 and under get in free.

Proceeds from the show will help the MTA send packages to deployed soldiers - as they have been doing since May 2003.


FRG yard sale, flea market at Somerset April 25

The 50th Chemical Co Family Readiness Group is holding an Indoor-Outdoor Flea Market/Yard Sale at the Somerset Armory on April 25, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.  Rain date is May 2, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Table space cost is $25. Contact Linda at 732-432-7998 or JLPagan@comcast.net for a vendor application.


104th Engineers Association’s anniversary dinner on May 19

The 104th Engineer Association will hold its Anniversary Dinner on May 19 at 6:30 p.m. All former members of the 104th Engineer Battalion, New Jersey Army National Gaurd, are invited to attend. Contact retired 1st Sgt. Alfred Roberts at alfred.roberts@us.army.mil or 973-776-1364 during duty hours for further information.


Annual Essex Troop meeting slated for May 9

The annual Essex Troop meeting is scheduled for May 9 at the West Orange Armory at 4 p.m. On the slate for the meeting is: budget, election of officers and return of troops from Iraq. Refreshments will follow the meeting.

Send all nominations for Troop officers as soon as possible to Essex Troop, attention Nominating Committee, 1315 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange NJ 07052.


Aqua-Adventures Day Camp available for youth

Operation Military Kids is giving military youth in grades 4-8 an opportunity to answer some of the whys in life.  Aqua-Adventures Day Camp will be held three Saturdays in May and June for children and will focus on marine and fresh water ecosystems and their conservation.

The program will provide hands-on learning while exploring the outdoors, various environments and animal habitats.  Sessions will be held:

  •   May 9 – Jersey City, N.J. at Liberty Science Center – subject: Exploring the Hudson
  •   May 30 – Branchville, N.J. at LG Cook 4-H Outdoor Education Center – subject: Discovering fresh ecosystems
  •   June 13 – Tuckerton, N.J. at Rutgers Marine Research Station – subject: Investigating the sea

While the events are free, a $30 deposit is required to hold the child’s place.  Once registered, children are expected to attend all three sessions.  The deposit will be refunded on the third day of camp.

Chaperoned busing will be provided and regional pickup locations will be determined based on participant location.

Registration is needed by April 20. Registration and permission forms can be found at www.state.nj.us/military/familysupport/programs.html. For more information, contact Marie Waldron, 973-285-8300, extension 234.


SBA offering workshop for veterans, April 29

A number of organizations, including the U.S. Small Business Administration, Passaic County Department of Economic Development and NJDMAVA, are presenting a Veterans workshop, “Starting and Financing Your Small Business,” on April 29.

The workshop will be held at the Passaic County Department of Economic Development, 930 Riverside Drive, Suite 250, Totawa, N.J. 07512, 9-11:30 a.m.  To register for the workshop, call the Williams Paterson University Small Business Development Center at 973-754-8695.

The N.J. district office of the SBA has secured the support of several lenders to provide special loan rates for veterans who own their own businesses or who are looking to start their own business. The SBA has also made available a special loan guaranty program for veterans, active-duty service members nearing separation, members of the National Guard and Reserves, as well as their spouses. This program, known as the Patriot Express, features the SBA’s fastest turnaround time for loan approvals and gives the SBA’s maximum guaranty.

Those veterans who attend will have the opportunity to meet local veterans’ representatives, reps from lending institutions, and business management counselors.


Scholarships available for DeVry University

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.


Fort Monmouth holding season opening golf tournament

The Fort Monmouth Garrison Commander’s Challenge – season opening golf tournament – will be held on Suneagles Golf Course, on April 25 at 8:30 a.m., with a shotgun start.

The pro shop will generate the foursomes. Cost for the tourney is $45 per golfer, for prizes and food, plus regular weekend greens fees. Carts are optional; coat is $18 per person.

FWMR-eligible patrons will be given priority to register until April 18. Open registration begins on April 19. For more information, call 732-532-4307 or e-mail the golf manager at logan.dayton@us.army.mil.


OMK giving parents some time off

New Jersey Operation Military Kids is sponsoring a day for the kids on Sunday, April 26 at the Burlingotn YMCA, 302 Commerce Square, Burlington.

“Celebrating Military Children,” offers a free drop-off service for military children from 1-5 p.m., with OMK team members supervising the children, ages 5 and up.

Activities for the Kids will include – arts and crafts, climbing wall, swimming, photography, face painting, healthy food and drink, YMCA Values hoop shoot, free giveaways and more.

To reserve a slot for your child contact Amanda Balas, 609-530-6836 or amanda.balas@us.army.mil.


Naval Militia’s anniversary reunion on April 18

The New Jersey Naval Militia will be holding their 10th Anniversary Reunion celebration on April 18 at the Nassau Club, Princeton, 6-10 p.m. Cost is $35 per person. RSVP to egriffin@princetonfuel.com. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres 6-6:30 p.m.


FRG volunteers get awards for time given

From the desk of Marie Durling, Family Programs Specialist

Congratulations to the volunteers I submitted for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.  Information for these awards is taken from the activity tracking section of www.guardfamily.org.  For those volunteers who have not been recognized for their time – log your hours for future awards.

The following have received awards:

Bronze Awards – 100 hours or more

Beth Clink-Cahill           Patricia Davis                Casey Duffy                           

Juanita Hickman           Cathy Jefferson              Lisa Larranaga

Crystal Marone             Shari Madera                Thomas McKenzie                                 

Carol Schuren              Cheryl Wehrle 

Silver Awards – 250 hours or more

Lisa Lepre                    Lorraine Mercier-Robertson                

Linda Pagan                  Carol Sheridan             

Gold Award – 500 hours or more

Nancy LaCorte

Congratulations to everyone!!  Keep logging your hours so you can be awarded the next highest award.  If you have any questions or need assistance, contact me at marie.durling@us.army.mil.


NJNG museum announces sale of “A Tribute to New Jersey Veterans”

The National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey announces the publication of “A Tribute to New Jersey Veterans.”  This beautiful 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, 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.  If you have any questions, please contact the museum curator, retired Col. Donald Kale, at 609-530-6802. 


DoD launches new sexual assault awareness campaign

As part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Department of Defense launched a new social marketing campaign recently called Our Strength is for Defending.  This research-based prevention strategy is designed to empower service members to intervene in situations where possible sexual assaults may occur.

"We want to capitalize on the strength of our men and women in uniform to ensure they know how to safely intervene in situations to prevent this horrible crime," said Kaye Whitley, director, sexual assault prevention and response office.

The campaign's informational materials and public service announcements address topics such as active bystander intervention; crime reporting:  supportive behavior for victims of sexual assault; and services provided by sexual assault response coordinators and victim advocates within each of the armed forces. The campaign was developed with the assistance of Men Can Stop Rape, an organization that has successfully deployed sexual assault prevention programs throughout the United States and several countries.

"Although we are rolling out this campaign during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, our goal is to continue to push hard on these messages throughout the year.  Prevention requires everyone to be alert 24 hours a day.  We need service members to be constantly on guard to protect their friends and co-workers, both on and off the battlefield," said Whitley.

This will be the department's fifth year directly participating in this important national event.  Special events will be held throughout the month by all of the armed forces in an effort to promote awareness of the strategy and to highlight the department's efforts to ensure all service members understand their role in preventing sexual assault.

For more information on DoD events during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, visit http://www.MyDuty.mil.


Martin lectures on book at Vietnam Center, May 2

On May 2, at 1 p.m., the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation will host a lecture by New Jersey Vietnam Veteran Dave Martin about his book, Crazy Asian War.  This program will be held at the Vietnam Era Educational Center in Holmdel, N.J.

Dave Martin, of Hamilton, N.J., left Trenton Junior College, now Mercer County Community College, to volunteer for military duty in Vietnam.  From 1966 to 1967, he was a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, stationed near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the border between North and South Vietnam.  After his tour of duty, Martin returned to Trenton where he served as a veterans' counselor for 30 years for the State of New Jersey, assigned to Mercer County.  He is founder of the Vietnam Combat Veterans Coalition, an organization of disabled combat veterans that raises money to assist disabled and homeless veterans.

Through Crazy Asian War, Martin chronicles his time walking through fields of corpses, dodging torrents of high-caliber artillery rounds and sleeping in dank, rat infested bunkers.  During the war, Martin was a participant in the siege of Con Thien and in Operation Buffalo.  Much of his time was spent as a Forward Observer, calling artillery fire in on enemy positions he could barely see.  His visibility was handicapped because he could rarely raise his head from his crouched position without risking it to sniper fire or flack from 152mm howitzer rounds or 82mm mortars. 

To prevent his younger brother, also a Marine, from being sent to Vietnam, Martin extended his tour of duty for an additional four months.  Crazy Asian War is Martin's personal story of his seventeen months in Vietnam. 

Lecture attendees are asked to RSVP to (732) 335-0033.  A donation of $5 per person is suggested.  The Vietnam Era Educational Center is located adjacent to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial off the Garden State Parkway at exit 116.  The Educational Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free for veterans and active-duty military personnel.  Regular adult admission is $4; student and senior citizen admission is $2; and children under 10 are admitted free. 


DMAVA Green

If you are into watching the environment and innovation, buying clothing made from recycled or natural goods may be prime on your list.  You can find clothing made from bamboo, organic cotton, hemp fibers, and recycled plastic bottles with just a click of a key on your keyboard.

A recent announcement came from Sears – they are introducing a new line of men’s suits that blends wool with polyester spun from recycled plastic soda bottles. Each suit uses about 25 two-liter bottles. One side benefit of this blend?  The suit is machine washable, saving money over its lifetime with no dry cleaning bills.

Water bottles are made from a resin called polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which is derived from natural gas and petroleum. During the PET recycling process, the bottles are chopped into flakes and then melted into white pellets smaller than a peppercorn. Recycled PET can be made into fiber and later spun into yarn.

It is estimated that for every meter of fabric made of 50% recycled PET, five plastic bottles are kept out of landfills.

Of course it will help to follow the rule of thumb – when you buy a new item of clothing, you need to take an item out of your closet and recycle it: Goodwill, church rummage sale, your own yard sale. Save the environment and keep your closet from bursting at the seams.

Reduce-Reuse-Recycle!

If you have a green tip or a site to recommend, drop me a line at Barbara.harbison@njdmava.state.nj.us.


Great Adventure Military Appreciation Day is May 16

The State Family Programs Office will be selling tickets for Great Adventure Military Appreciation Day, May 16, during the month of April ONLY.  WE WILL NOT have any tickets for sale after April 30.  The following discounted prices will apply:

Great Adventure and Safari      $21
Hurricane Harbor                     $15    
Parking                                   $10

Meal Vouchers                         $10


Reunion briefing schedule announced for family members

From the desk of Marie Durling, Family Programs Specialist

We know it is early to mention reunion briefs but we wanted to get the dates and locations out now so you can make plans to attend the one most convenient for you.  All briefs are the same – they are not unit specific.  Attend the one that is most convenient for you.

Soldier & Family Reunion Brief Schedule

Date                             Armory                         Time

April 19, 2009              Toms River                   1 p.m.

April 27, 2009              Woodbridge                 6:30 p.m.

May 6, 2009                 Somerset                     6:30 p.m.

May 11, 2009               Mount Holly                  6:30 p.m.

May 16, 2009               Woodbury                    9:30 a.m.

May 21, 2009               Teaneck                       6:30 p.m.


Annual business meeting for NGANJ scheduled for April 25

By Capt. Paul Koester, Acting Secretary, NGANJ

Attention all National Guard Association of New Jersey Officers and Warrant Officers – The NGANJ annual meeting will be held on April 25 at Timmerman Theater on Fort Dix. Sign-in will start at 7:30 a.m. with the meeting starting at 8 a.m. Breakfast items will be provided. Dress is business casual, (elected officers – coat and tie). All members are highly encouraged to attend as this year is an election year. For more information or questions, contact Capt. Paul Koester at 609-754-2128.


NGANJ announces executive council meeting dates for 2009

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

Date                 Host Command                       Location

April 25            NGANJ Annual Business Mtg        Timmerman Theater, Fort Dix

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.


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:

April 21*, 22, 23

Quaker Bridge Mall

May 7**

New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial

May 19*, 20, 21

Hamilton Mall

June

Wildwood Convention Center-see below

July 28*, 29, 30

Ocean County Mall

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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