Program Supports Families
National Guard Bureau Family Programs recently launched the National Guard Outreach and Partnership Program.

Formed in December 2004, the program is designed to strengthen and enhance support for National Guard families and service members by building and reinforcing the capacity of resources from federal, state and local government
agencies along with veteran, volunteer and private organizations.

The Program is meant to augment assistance to families and service members. The program’s mission is to strengthen support services, especially for geographically-
dispersed families who may not have easy access to a military installation. Logon to www.guardfamily.org for more information on the National Guard Outreach and
Partnership Program.

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Great Adventure Family Day
Family Day will be held at Great Adventure on Saturday Sept. 24. Tickets will be $17 each are available at Family Assistance Centers.

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Increased GI Bill Benefits For Guardmembers
All Reserve Component Soldiers supporting operations after Sept. 11, 2001, are eligible for the newly created Montgomery GI Bill Chapter 1607.

The monthly education assistance allotment of $288 has been increased to anywhere from $401 to $803. Soldiers who deployed are eligible as long as they remain in good standing with their units. To apply, go to www.gibill.va.gov and enter the Chapter 1607 webpage. Complete electronic application and print out signature page. Attach a copy of your DD-214 to the signed signature page and send both to the address listed on webpage. Payments are expected to be sent as early as October 2005 and will be retroactive to your date of enrollment. Specific
questions about GI Bill payments may be addressed to the VA Regional Office at 1 (888) 442-4551 or through email at the VA website.

The Joint Force Headquarters education team can be reached at 609-562-0975 Monday-Friday between 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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FRC Offers Grants
The Family Readiness Council has established a Grant Program that will provide both Family and Business Grants to deserving New Jersey National Guard families impacted by deployment.

Business grants are up to $5,000 and family grants $2,500. Those interested should contact Family Assistance through the hotline at 1-888-859-0352. The
Council’s website help@njguardfamilies.com can provide additional information.

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ChalleNGe Cadets Perform Community Service
The cadets of the New Jersey National Guard ChalleNGe Youth Program collectively logged more than 1,000 hours during community service week in June. The cadets
worked at Cape May Point State Park assisting with the ongoing Woodland Restoration Project. In addition, they cleaned up miles of trash as a part of the N.J. Adopt-AHighway Program. The ChalleNGe cadets conducted a massive clean up at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt. Prior to Memorial Day, the cadets cleaned and prepped approximately 30,000 headstones at the Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle cemetery in Arneytown. Besides contributing to beautification efforts across New Jersey, ChalleNGe cadets develop an understanding and appreciation for the true spirit of service and volunteerism. Photo courtesy New Jersey ChalleNGe Program.