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The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will award N.J. Vietnam Service Medals and Distinguished Service Medals in a ceremony on May 7, at 11 a.m., at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial as part of the N.J. Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day ceremony.  Retired Col. Stephen Abel, Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs, will present the medals to the veterans.

Come have fun at the DMAVA/JFHQS Summer-Fiesta 07!  The summer picnic will be held on June 22 at the Lawrenceville armory at noon.  The cost is $10 with a menu of chicken, sausage, hot dogs, hamburgers, various salads, baked means, and beverages.  The committee is asking employees to contribute desserts.  Dress is appropriate summer attire.

Attendance is not mandatory but if employees chose not to attend it will be a normal and full workday at their duty station.

The picnic follows the TAG’s Town Hall meeting and the DMAVA awards ceremony, both at the armory.

See your department representative to pay no later than June 15.

DMAVA: Darlene Laarz – 609-530-6992, Karen Wallace – 609-530-6766, Dawn Esposito – 609-530-6717 or Tina Taylor – 609-530-7170
Fort Dix: Marie Durling – 609-562-0739
HSCOE: Kevin Hearn – 609-530-7069

The New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes will be celebrating Memorial Day with ceremonies at the time and places listed below.  Everyone is invited to attend and honor our veterans.
Paramus – May 22 – 2 p.m.
Vineland – May 24 – 11 a.m.
Menlo Park – May 28 – 1 p.m

Like to ride motorcycle?  Here is an opportunity to ride and support servicemembers and their families at the same time.  Join the 3rd Annual “Support Our Troops” Motorcycle Run on October 13 (rain date of October 14).

Registration is from 10-11 a.m. at the Tri-Towne Plaza, Route 70, Marlton and the ride departs at 11:15 a.m. The route is to travel the Pine Barrens to Sweetwater Casino Restaurant, Sweetwater (Hammonton mailing address). The run will be approximately 48 miles (one way). Please come with a full tank of gas.  Cost of the ride is a donation of $15 per rider and $5 per passenger.

Proceeds benefit the Freedom Alliance Foundation which provide:
Educational scholarships to the children of America’s military heroes that have given the ultimate sacrifice.

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

Funding for family members to travel to see and encourage their loved one.
For more information contact John Atkinson at 856-596-9100, or go to
www.citikids.org/freedom.htm, for local run information or to the national site -  www.freedomalliance.org.

The employees, Soldiers, and Airmen of DMAVA are planning a bike ride. The date for this event is June 16. Participating motorcyclists plan to visit the three veterans’ homes and interact with the residents during the layovers. Lt. Col. Walter R. Nall is coordinating this event for DMAVA. Registration forms will be available via DMAVANET and the DMAVA Website within the next week.  Interested riders may contact him at 609-530-6841 or e-mail at walter.nall@njdmava.state.nj.us   If you have any questions or need any additional information feel free to contact him directly.

On May 6, the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Division of Veterans Healthcare Services (DVHS), is joining the American Nurses Association in celebrating National RN Recognition Day, as part of National Nurses Week, which is held May 6-12, every year. The purpose of National RN Recognition Day is to raise awareness of the value of nursing and help educate the public about the role nurses play in meeting the health care needs of the American people.

In honor of the dedication, commitment, and tireless effort of the nearly 2.9 million registered nurses nationwide to promote and maintain the health of this nation, the ANA and DVHS are proud to recognize registered nurses everywhere on this particular day for the quality work they provide seven days a week, 365 days a year.

National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6 and ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale's birthday. These permanent dates enhance planning and position National Nurses Week as an established recognition event. As of 1998, May 8 was designated as National Student Nurses Day, to be celebrated annually. And as of 2003, National School Nurse Day is celebrated on the Wednesday within National Nurses Week each year.

Each of the Veterans Memorial Homes (VMH) will have planned special activities in appreciation of their nursing staff, which include recognition ceremonies, refreshments, and mementos. Those being recognized include registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs).

DMAVA Awards Ceremony for the 3rd Tripartite will be June 22 at 11 a.m. at the Lawrenceville armory (drill floor). All recipients will report at 9:30 am in the cafeteria. The TAG’s Town Hall meeting begins at 10 a.m.

Employees of the year 2006
DMAVA Central Office Employee of the Year 2006
Charles A. Skeenes, 108th Civil Engineer Squadron, McGuire AFB
Menlo Park Veterans Memorial Home Employee of the Year 2006
Roxanne Tobias, Assistant Director of Nursing Services
Paramus Veterans Memorial Home Employee of the Year 2006
Vergelia Woods, Supervisor of Nursing
Vineland Veterans Memorial Home Employee of the Year 2006
Lois Ballurid, Volunteer Services Assistant, Activities department

DMAVA award winners for the 3rd Tripartite (Sept. – Dec. 2001)
DMAVA Central Office
Charles Beam, environmental specialist, 108th Civil Engineer Squadron, McGuire AFB
DMAVA Federal Employee
MSG Eric Wilson
HQ 50th Brigade Logistics, Lawrenceville armory
Menlo Park Veterans Memorial Home
Ellen Karpeh, Human Service assistant, Freedom unit
Paramus Veterans Memorial Home
Vergelia Woods, Supervisor of Nursing Services

Vineland Veterans Memorial Home
Lois Ballurid, Volunteer Services assistant, Activities department

DMAVA Team award winners for the 3rd tripartite

DMAVA Central Office team award
BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery
Chuck Adamson, Anthony Bokeko, Leeann D’errico, Genia Dibella, Patricia Dugan, Cyndi Dzurisin, Dave Keffer, Barbara Kelley, Grace Lim, Warren Little, Patrick Looney, Dennis Macomber, Robin Maimone, Leonard Mayersohn, Kenneth Mcafee, Twila Pritchett, Darlene Starks-Rudolph, Michael Russel And Jeannie Wynne
Vineland Veterans Memorial Home team award
Dietary department
Georgianna Gazzara, Cheryl Macellaro, And Christina Santamala

Any questions on the information above please contact, Kathy Hymes, 609-530-6987.

Attention: nominations for the 1st tripartite (January, February, March and April 2007) are due in DMAVA-OMA no later than May 10. The award ceremony will be in the fall.

The Donald W. Jones Veterans’ Flag Memorial is looking for volunteers to come out and help the Delaware Valley Vietnam Veterans plant flags to honor veterans on June 8 starting at 9 a.m. at Falls Community Park, 9125 Millcreek Road, Levittown, Penn.  There will be a free concert all day June 9 starting at 11 a.m. with performances by groups such as Ambush, Doghouse, Jekyll’s Hyde, Las Call Blues Band, Tuesday’s Gone and many more.  On June 10 there will be a motorcycle rally and memorial ceremony starting at noon.  For more information, call David at 215-669-8430 or Ed at 215-945-3475.

Summer is coming and now is the time that many kids will be signing up for camps, recreational activities and lessons, etc.  Unfortunately, because of increased deployments and the financial and emotional stress associated with them, many military families might find these activities difficult to arrange.  This is why The Women’s Opportunity Center at the YMCA of Burlington County in Mt. Laurel, N.J., is pleased to remind military members that grant funds are available not only for financial emergencies and crisis situations, but also to provide recreational and stress relieving activities such as camps and classes for their children. 

This grant, provided by the Department of Community Affairs is available to spouses and families of deployed military personnel in all branches of service in the State who are income eligible. 

Director of the Center, Cathi Rendfrey, said “the YMCA and the Women’s Opportunity Center are proud and honored to be able to come to the aide of the military at such a critical time.” 

For more information and an application, contact Fawn Mutschler at 609-543-6200, ext. 325 or e-mail wocmilitarygrant@ymca-bc.org.

The Trenton Vet Center with support from our community partner, Trenton Thunder Baseball, will sponsor baseball tickets at a special rate for Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard, separated, and retired veterans.  A regular $10 season ticket will be offered at $7for veterans and family members.  The primary purpose of the program is to allow veterans and their families an opportunity to experience Trenton Thunder baseball due to their service and sacrifice for our country.

McGuire Air Force Base will be holding air show on May 12-13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The two-day air show will feature the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Army Golden Knights and static displays of an array of modern and vintage military aircraft.  No tickets are required as the show has free admission and free parking.  The Web Site for the event is: http://www.305services.com/main/airshow07

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

Saturday, May 19 from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the Wintersteen Student Center.
Come celebrate United States Armed Forces Day at the Philadelphia Museum of Art with an in-depth look into the arms, armor and martial arts of the Renaissance period.  Workshops; an exclusive tour of the Museum’s extraordinary Kienbusch Collection of Arms and Armor and demonstrations of various fighting concepts from the teachings of Italian and German masters of defense.

Tickets are $75 ($60 Members) and enrollment limited to 40 participants.
More information is available in the 'calendar and events' section of the Museum's website:  www.philamuseum.org. Tickets may be purchased through the Museum's Ticketing Center at 215-235-SHOW (7469).

Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Reith invites everyone to the Solar Energy Dedication ceremony on Wednesday, May 23, at 1 p.m. at the Homeland Security Center of Excellence building, Lawrenceville.  If you plan on attending, please RSVP to Angela Como, 609-530-6780.  Dress for the dedication is ACUs for military and business attire for civilians.

McGuire Air Force Base will be holding air show on May 12-13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The two-day air show will feature the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Army Golden Knights and static displays of an array of modern and vintage military aircraft. No tickets are required as the show has free admission and free parking. The Web Site for the event is: http://www.305services.com/main/airshow07.

The Millville Wheels and Wings Airshow 2007 will be held on Memorial Day Weekend – May 26-27 at the Millville Airport, Millville, N.J., featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

Among the other flyers scheduled are a warbird flight with a P-51 Mustang, P-47 Thunderbolt, F4U Corsair and P-40 Warhawk; a flyover of a KC-135 and C5; a U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue demonstration and a F-15C Eagle tactical demonstration.
The Garden State 50’s Auto Club is sponsoring the largest classic car show in the Delaware Valley during the weekend.

New Jersey is once again facing a severe blood shortage.  We are requesting DMAVA State and Federal employees help offset the more than 74,000 pint shortage.

The second annual DMAVA Governor’s “Save 3 Lives” Blood Drive will be conducted during a two-day period, beginning on June 11 between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Fort Dix Joint Training and Training Development Center (JTTDC), Stow Bay 3, and continuing on June 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lawrenceville Armory Cafeteria.

The following Blood Drive Coordinators should be contacted to schedule your blood donation time. 

Fort Dix JFHQ: Connie Cisek (ANG Personnel), 609-562-0901 or Master Sgt. Tony DeLuccio (ARNG Personnel), 609-562-0858.
ChalleNGe: Mr. Sean Van Lew, 609-562-0571.
JT2DC: Sgt. Yashica Carver, 609-562-0520.
DMAVA Central Office: Kathy Wierzbicki, 609-530-6979.
Mercer Army Aviation Support Facility #1: 1st Sgt. Charlie Bethea, 609-575-6726 or 1st Sgt. Harold Klingler, 609-530-4751.

Donor eligibility guideline information is available at 1-866-2GIVENJ or www.communitybloodcouncil.org.

Retirement dinner for Col. Brian Webster on June 9
You are invited to say goodbye to Col. Brian “Spyder” Webster at his retirement dinner which will be held on June 9 at the Sheraton Hotel, Boulevard’s Café, 2nd floor, Atlantic City.  Cocktail hour is from 5-6 p.m. and dinner is from 6-10 p.m.   Cost is $40 per person and the dinner selection is chicken or beef.  Send your RSVP to Capt. Yvonne Mays, 609-645-6206 or Connie Cisek, 609-562-0901, no later than June 1.  Dress is business casual.

Come say farewell to Patty Smith on May 23
The invitation is out for Patty Smith’s (DMAVA Human Resources Division) retirement dinner on May 23, 4-6 p.m. at the Lawrenceville Armory.  Patty is retiring after 33 years of state service. Cost of the buffet dinner is $25 per person and reservations must be made no later than May 9.  Call Anna Marie Boutchia at 609-530-6889 for more information or to make your reservations.

Wave goodbye to Tom Flynn’s on June 21
There will be a retirement dinner for Tom Flynn of the DMAVA Fiscal Division on June 21 at 4 p.m. at Mastoris Restaurant, Bordentown.  Cost is $30 per person with a large choice of entrees to include Chicken Parmigiana, roast turkey broiled flounder, roast beef, baked ham and others. For more information or reservations, call Tom DeShields at 609-530-6718. Reservations are due no later than June 14

Honorable Mention

The New Jersey Bar Association has created the Military Legal Assistance Program. This pro bono program provides assistance to New Jersey residents who have served overseas as active duty members of reserve components of the armed forces after Sept. 11, 2001.

Individuals who have been adversely affected upon their return from deployment and the program currently offers assistance to the following areas: family law, employment law and debtor-creditor law.

The Military Legal Assistance program will refer members of the military who contact the state bar association to volunteers qualified to assist them with their specific legal issues. Volunteers who accept a case through the program must agree to handle such case from inception to resolution without compensation or reimbursement for expenses.

If interested in the program, contact D. Todd Sidor, Esq., by e-mail: tsidor@njsba.com or phone: 732-937-7544.

The Microsoft Home Use Program (HUP) is eligible to all Army personnel including, active duty, reserve, Guard, and civilians currently employed by the Army.
The program allows individuals to get a licensed copy of Microsoft Office desktop applications to install and use on a home computer.

The Army awarded a six – year Enterprise License Agreement (ELA) for Microsoft products on May 30, 2003. The MS ELA established by the Army is a “Volume License” agreement with Software Assurance, and as a “Volume License” owner, the Army is entitled to exercise the Home Use Program.

Army Guard members taking advantage of this offering are responsible for paying the administrative costs for obtaining the software and may use the software as desired. Guard members can only obtain one version of the software at any given time.

Go to this website for more details: https://ascp.monmouth.army.mil/scp/software/ hup.jsp

Troops to Teachers (www.ProudtoServeAgain.com) is administered by the Department of Defense and Department of Education and managed by the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). The program helps eligible military personnel begin second careers as public school teachers by providing referral assistance, placement services, and - for those electing to teach at high-need schools - financial stipends and bonuses.

Members of the National Guard and Reserves with 10 or more years of service are eligible for the program, provided they commit for an additional three years.

We Need You!

Volunteer Today!

One Day of Pay (Minimum $50)

One Retirement Point (TDG’s only)
Selfless Service and Personal Satisfaction.
Call 609-530-7090 Today To See If You Qualify.

HQ Group, who currently runs the Helmets to Hardhats program, is expanding!  Hire A Hero is our newest initiative that helps transitioning military personnel, Guard members and Reservists find jobs with all industries.

Hire A Hero is a non-profit initiative that is powered by the Armed Forces Support Foundation.  To find out more about these programs, visit the following Web sites: www.hireahero.com/ or http://armedforcessupportfoundation.org/

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 Patty Smith at patty.smith@njdmava.state.nj.us or call 609-530-6847.

For the Families

The thirteenth Annual New Jersey National Guard Youth Camp will be held July 29 to Aug. 4 at the New Jersey National Guard Training Center, Sea Girt.

Applications are available at: www.state.nj.us/military/familysupport/youth_camp.html

Children, ages 9-13 are invited to apply. The camp fee is still $100. Campers must be children, grandchildren or legal dependents of an active or retired member of the New Jersey National Guard. A variety of volunteer positions are available.

For more information, call the Family Programs Office at (609) 562-0668.

The Deployed Military Spouses Assistance Program provides direct assistance and referrals to existing programs for spouses of deployed military personnel (active duty, reserve and National Guard) who face unusual financial and emotional stress as a result of the deployments. 

Applicants should contact Fawn Mutschler at 609-543-6200 ext. 325 or wocmilitarygrant@ymca-bc.org to obtain an application.  In addition to the completed application form, applicants will also need to submit the following documentation: LES/paystub for applicant and spouse; statement of Financial Need (i.e. reason for applying and how the grant will help); bill or pricing of expenditure as well as any other supporting information the applicant feels may be helpful. Additional information can be found at: www.state.nj.us/dca/dow/depmilspouseasst.shtml

The Army Community Service (ACS) office at Fort Dix has several programs to support the Soldier and his/her family during mobilization and deployment.  Their number is (609) 562-2767 or (800) 877-2380 and they are located in Building 5201 at Maryland Ave and 8th Street.  Some of the programs available are:

Army Emergency Relief: Provides emergency financial assistance to active duty military personnel, retirees, National Guard and Reserve Component on active duty for over 30 consecutive days and their family members (with ID card and power of attorney).

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): Entitles member to additional benefits through TRICARE's Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) Program.  Provides information, referrals, crisis intervention, community support and assistance to meet individual needs.

Family Advocacy Program: Provides for the identification, reporting, prevention, and treatment of child abuse and domestic violence.

Employment Readiness Program: Offers information and referral for employment, education (resume writing and interviewing), volunteer and training opportunities.

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 and Entertainment

Ride for the Red Shield – The Salvation Army is sponsoring a Motorcycle Run and Pig Roast at Camp Tecumseh, Pittstown, Saturday May 12. The proceeds will benefit New Jersey Division’s Emergency Disaster Services Program and Services for Military Veterans and their families.

Cost to ride is $25 per bike, $10 for passengers and walk-ins. A free T-shirt will be given to the first 200 riders registered. Sign in at Camp Tecumseh, 445 Mechlin Corner Road, Pittstown between 9-11 a.m., with donuts and coffee at the start. Finish will be at the same place, but a pig roast and barbecue will be at the finish point; no alcoholic beverages will be served or allowed.

Included in the day’s activities will be a Scrabble Scramble Ride, cash prize for the winner, tattoo judging, bike show, trophies and a complimentary photo of each rider and their bike.

If you are interested in riding, contact Ron Yuhas of the Salvation Army at 908-85109300, ext. 239 or e-mail at ron.yuhas@use.salvationarmy.org.

Please join the 2007 Nutter Run at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt on May 19. The run starts at 10 a.m. This year’s beneficiary is Caitlyn McGuire.
Caitlyn is the daughter of New Jersey Army National Guardsman, Spc. Robert McGuire and the granddaughter of another New Jersey National Guardsman; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mickey McGuire.

The run will also feature live music, food, giveaways, raffles, prizes, games for children and much more. To see the flyer for the event, visit www.nutterrun.com.

If you can't participate in the run/walk, please help us help Caitlyn by spreading the word and raising awareness about this event. Your support and generosity are greatly appreciated.

The International Association of Workforce Professionals is conducting its first charity golf outing to support Veterans Haven on May 19 at Falcon Creek golf Club, McGuire Air Force Base. A shot gun start will begin at noon. Cost of $120 per person includes: lunch, greens fee, golf cart, one-hour open bar, dinner and awards. Those non-golfers who would like to only attend the dinner can do so for the price of $50. There will be door prizes, 50-50, raffles and prizes for a putting and chipping contest. The association is looking for hole sponsors and boosters.
Play is limited to 120 players and is first come-first served. You can get the brochure/registration form at www.njcharitygolf.com or call 973-748-0123 and leave your name, phone number and complete address.

Lime Rock Park, the road racing center of the east, located in northwest Connecticut (497 Lime Rock Road, Lakeville) is hosting a military appreciation weekend on Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-28.
Show a valid military I.D. at the gate and get in free on any of the four days during the event.
Memorial Day Weekend kicks off their 50th anniversary and the start of the 2007 season of racing. Racing will be held on Friday, Saturday and Monday, with Sunday being a quiet day in the Park as they host the 2nd annual Hemmings Motor News Car Show.
Lime Rock Park does not have grandstands, so bring the lawn chairs, coolers and blankets and sunblock for a weekend at the track.
For more information visit www.limerock.com or call 1-800-RACE-LRP.

The 11th Annual Lt. Col. Dave Savino Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on Sept. 17 at the Fountain Green Golf Course, Ft. Dix. Shotgun start is at 8 a.m., with a two-person scramble (best ball). Cost to play is $85 per person, with checks made payable to “Lt. Col. Dave Savino Memorial Fund.” Call Senior Master Sgt. Mike Balas at 609-330-4069 or Connie Cisek at 609-562-0901 for more information. Proceeds from the tournament go to help fellow Guardsmen in need.

Here’s to the Heroes provides a single day’s free admission to any one SeaWorld or Busch Gardens park, Sesame Place, Adventure Island or Water Country USA for the service member and as many as three direct dependents.

Any active duty, active reserve, ready reserve service member or Guard member is entitled to free admission under the program. He or she need only register, either online at www.herosalute.com or in the entrance plaza of a participating park, and show a Department of Defense photo ID.

Scholarship, Education News

Colleges

Grantham University scholarships: Grantham University offers a scholarship program to severely injured service members and their spouses and adult children.  Go to www.grantham.edu for more information.  They also have scholarship programs for military veterans, service members, and family members.

Widener University CARES Scholarship: Widener University, Chester, Pa., has a full scholarship program for children of Global War on Terrorism service members who were killed in action.  Contact the Office of Admissions at 610-499-4126 for more information.

Scholarship information on BBB Military Line

There are many scholarships available to military family members. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Military Line suggests that you not pay someone to find scholarships for you. Why? Because these researchers will use the same sources on the internet that you will use, so why pay them to do so? For suggestions on where to find scholarships for which you might be eligible, visit: www.enewsbuilder.net/cbbbmilitary/e_article-000694547.cfm?x=b8r7v3.

For information to help military families avoid financial pitfalls, visit: http://military.bbb.org

Association News

Give our state a larger voice by becoming a member of the Enlisted Association. The increased numbers will help us speak on all legislative issues that will benefit you and your families. The association works hard for you at the Federal & State level on all important issues. Visit the web site EANG-NJ.org, click on Become a Member for the application and find out more about what the association does.

The National Guard Association of New Jersey will be conducting the following events. All members (active and retirees) are encouraged to participate:

?? Annual Business Meeting - the annual Business Meeting will be conducted on May 19, 2007 at the Timmermann Conference Center, Fort Dix. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. (sign-in begins at 7:30 a.m.) and will conclude at noon. The attire for this meeting is “business casual”. This will be an opportunity for all members to see the four classrooms that were dedicated to New Jersey’s fallen Soldiers.

?? NGANJ President’s Golf Tournament - this tournament will be held at Falcon Creek Golf Course at McGuire AFB, on June 4. This will be a “shotgun” start beginning at 11 a.m. The course limit is 144 players, so early reservations are suggested. A hot buffet dinner will follow at approximately 5 p.m. at the McGuire NCO Club, located across the street from the course. This tournament benefits the “Scholarship Fund”. Last year, with your help, we were able to award nine $1,000 scholarships to deserving students. This year, we hope to meet or exceed that goal.

?? National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) 129th Conference - this conference will be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico from August 15 - 18, 2007. The New Jersey delegation will be staying at the Caribe Hilton (15 minutes from airport). Our hotel is located on the beach, has a great pool for the family and is located close to the convention center (10 minutes). We have reserved 30 rooms on a first come, first gets basis. Additional information and registration forms will be coming out shortly. If you are interested, please contact Capt. Jose Maldonado.

?? NGANJ Website - The above information is posted on the NGANJ website. If you need copies of the forms, specific contacts or additional information, please go to the website at: www.nganj.org.

Veterans Information

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

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

During the month of June the kiosk will travel to the New Jersey Elks Convention (May 31-June 1), the American Legion Convention (June 6-9) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Convention (June 13-16).

N.J. Vietnam Veterans' Memorial and Vietnam Era Educational Center's upcoming events


May 28 / 11 a.m. / Memorial Day ceremony in the courtyard of the N.J. Vietnam Veterans' Memorial.
=================
On Saturdays, between February 17 and April 14, free guided tours of the N.J. Vietnam Veterans' Memorial will be available at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Beginning May 5, free guided tours of the Memorial will be offered on the first Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will award N.J. Vietnam Service Medals and Distinguished Service Medals in a ceremony on May 7, 2007, at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial as part of the N.J. Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day ceremony. In order to participate in this ceremony, you must complete the DMAVA award application and send it with the necessary supporting documentation. You can get a .pdf file of the application online at http://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/awards/forms/application.pdf (you will need Adobe Acrobat to open the .pdf file) or you can call the N.J. Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation at 732-335-0033 to have one mailed to you. For questions about eligibility and criteria for the medals, please call 609-530-7035.