New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
DMAVA Highlights » 12 May 2006

Volume 5, Number 20


Contacting us is easy!

Public Affairs Office

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



Veterans' Organizations Contact Information

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

NJ Advisory Committee for Women Veterans
Mrs. Anna Hoffman
hoffmanannem@aol.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)



NJ World War II Memorial

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

WWII Memorial on the web



New Jersey Freedom Loans

What is a Freedom Loan?
* Up to $10,000
* Annual APR 6%
* Term: 5 years (no pre-payment penalty)
* Unsecured Loan (no collateral required)

Who is eligible to apply?
NJ residents who are:
* Members of the National Guard or Reserve
* Mobilized for one year or longer to fight in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) - excluding routine training.

Or

* Served 90 or more consecutive days in the GWOT on federal or state active duty (excluding routing training) and have received orders extending cumulative active duty a year or longer.

How do I apply?
* Contact participating banks. Call or visit your local branch office to obtain an application.
* Guardmembers, Reservists, or family members with Power of Attorney must submit copies of current mobilization orders with the bank's Freedom Loan application.

Current participants:
Commerce Bank
1-888-751-9000

Credit Union of NJ
609-538-4061, ext. 401

First Morris Bank & Trust
1-888-530-2265

Manasquan Savings Bank
732-223-4450

North Jersey Federal Credit Union
1-888-78NJFCU

Peapack-Gladstone Bank (908)
719-BANK

Pennsville National Bank
856-678-6006

PNC
1-866-PNC-4USA

Sovereign Bank
1-877-391-6365

Sun National Bank
1-800-691-7701



Quote of the Week

I wish you health, I wish you well, and happiness galore.

I wish you luck for you and friends; what could I wish you more?

May your joys be as deep as the oceans, your troubles as light as its foam.

And may you find, sweet peace of mind, wherever you may roam.

Irish Blessing

DMAVA Highlights Archive Page

Deadline for next issue

The deadline for submissions next week is 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 17.  The issue will be distributed by the end of the duty day on Wednesday. 

line

Military Spouse Appreciation Day, May 12

Military Spouse Appreciation Day is celebrated each year on the Friday before Mother’s Day. It is part of National Military Appreciation Month.  May 12 is the day to honor the personal sacrifices military spouses make everyday.  With frequent moves to unknown towns, deployments and wartime fears, military husbands and wives are the military's unsung heroes.  Thanks to our husbands and wives!

line

50th MSB Conducts Welcome Home/Freedom Salute ceremonies

On Saturday, May 6, Welcome Home/Freedom Salute Ceremonies were held for the 50th Main Support Battalion at the Teaneck, Jersey City and West Orange Armories.  Family, Friends and Community Leaders attended the ceremonies to pay tribute to NJ National Guard Soldiers who recently returned to Drill after an 18-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  The Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth escorted the Honorable Jon S. Corzine, Governor, to all three events.  Various legislators and senior leadership from numerous Veterans Service Organizations also attended, which solidifies their support of our Soldiers, Airman and their families.

line

ChalleNGe sponsors blood drive, June 26

The Youth ChalleNGe Academy is sponsoring a blood drive with the American Red Cross on Monday, June 26 at 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at building 5910, W. 16th Street (Doughboy Loop & Newport St.), Fort Dix. Make your appointment today!

 For your convenience appointments can be made by signing up online at: http://www.pleasegiveblood.org/sponsor.html?sponsorcode=2T34, or call Sean Van Lew, Deputy Director at 609-562-0572.

Not sure if you can donate?  Check out Donor Eligibility Guidelines at: www.pleasegive blood.org/documents/Eligibility_Guidelines3-21-05.pdf.

Thank you. Together, we can save a life.

line

DMAVA employee in the Courier Post!

Paul Serduik, Training Coordinator in Human Resources, has his passion for hiking highlighted in an article in the May 11 edition of the Courier Post.  Click on the link to read the article and get to know more about a DMAVA employee.

Courier Post - Take a Hike (11 May 2006)

line

May is Military Appreciation Month!

Military Appreciation Month events that “America Supports You” will be highlighting include:

- Joint Open House, Andrews Air Force Base, Md., May 19-20
- New York City Fleet Week, New York City, May 23-29
- Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis, Ind., May 29

“America Supports You” is a program with more than 200 grassroots organizations and 20 corporate sponsors who support the troops through letter writing, helping the wounded when they return home, assisting military families and many other ways.  To learn more about the program, visit – www.americasupportsyou.mil.

line

Doyle cemetery seeks volunteers

The Cemetery is working toward designation as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. We are enlisting the support of community volunteers for Outreach & Education. Scouting Groups, Veteran Service Organizations, Youth Groups, and other interested individuals are encouraged to contact Iven C. Dumas 1st Sgt, USMC (Ret) Assistant Superintendent, at 609- 758-7250 ext. 17 or by e-mail at Iven.Dumas@njdmava.state.nj.us.

line

Asian Pacific American Heritage Luau dinner May 20

Come to the Asian Pacific American Heritage Luau dinner and show on May 20, 4:30-9 p.m. at the Enlisted Club, McGuire Air Force Base.  There will be performances from Korea, Vietnam, Philippines, Hawaiian Islands, along with a karate demonstration from Japan.  Tickets are $23 for adults, ages 5-10 cost $11.50 and children under 4 are free.  The POC is Fely Shuler, 609-754-8276.

line

8th Annual Unity Day

Please join us on Thursday, June 15 for the 8th Annual Unity Day, “Passport to Diversity”, being held at the Joint Force Headquarters Building Drill Floor.  Unity Day is held to enhance cross-cultural awareness and promote harmony among all members of the New Jersey National Guard and recognize the contributions of women and minorities.  This combined effort of Army and Air, State and Federal, community members and members of both Team McGuire and the Fort Dix Post contribute to the different ethnic and Special Emphasis groups being represented in the New Jersey National Guard.  This year’s event will start off with a 3K Fun Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m.  Opening ceremonies will take place at 10 a.m. with a performance from the New Jersey Youth Challenge Program Drill Team followed by the Presentation of Awards and additional entertainment throughout the event.  Multi-cultural displays and food samplings will take place from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.  We encourage ALL members associated with the New Jersey National Guard to attend.  For questions, please contact Capt. Lola Washington, State Equal Employment Manager at 609-562-0856.

line

“Marriage Enrichment” announces last seminar for 2006

PREP is NOT therapy, and is unlike anything to which you have been exposed.  No encounter group or sharing of personal concerns, simply thrilling insights into a more loving, grown filled relationship!  PREP begins with teaching effective communication skills, addresses problem resolution strategies that work, and teaches 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 (soldiers that were deployed are given priority) or need additional information, please call Marie Durling at 609-562-0739.  (We have five openings for our June weekend)

PREP is scheduled to be held at the Ramada Inn, East Windsor, New Jersey on June 9-11, 2006.

line

Enlisted Association of the National Guard of New Jersey

Membership
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.

Conference
The Enlisted Association invites you to the Annual Conference at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Atlantic City West, October 6-8, 2006, to Honor and Salute our Airmen and Soldiers who supported the War on Terrorism. Saturday during the Military Ball will be our way to say thank you for their dedication and sacrifices that they and their families shared. Friday night will feature a Hawaiian luau with a show and an Army and Air challenge. Our mission is to have fun. Visit our web site EANG-NJ.org, click on EANG-NJ Conference to find out more. Thank you for your support. You can reach the membership chairman Jerome Zebrowski at 609-214-6959 or jcptfalc@aol.com or co-chairman Edward Goetschius at 609-965-1972 or esgtmaj@comcast.net.

line

NG Militia Museum provides display for State Library

The New Jersey State Library in Trenton is hosting a display provided by the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey.  The display depicts information on New Jersey Civil War veterans and WWII New Jersey National Guardsman, SGT. Curtis Culin. 

The Civil War veterans are represented by a brief history and photographs of New Jersey soldiers.  Included is a photograph of Captain William Bilbee, one of the last Civil War veterans surviving during the 1940s and a member of the New Jersey National Guard.  Also represented are SGT Edward Richardson, a member of the 22nd US Colored Infantry and the GAR Veterans Zouaves drill team led by Captain James Madison Drake, Medal of Honor recipient during the Civil War.

Sergeant Culin (pronounced Coolin) was the designer of the Rhino Plow that was developed right after the invasion of Normandy.  US soldiers found they could not get through the hedgerows in the fields of France and SGT Culin came up with a solution of welding a device to the front a tank that would cut through the hedgerow. The device was referred to as the Rhino Plow.  Photographs and a diorama of a Rhino Plow are on display. Eisenhower noted that SGT Culin’s “…contributions to success in the Normandy breakout reflected Yankee ingenuity at its best.”  Culin was a member of the 102nd Cavalry, the Essex Troop. 

line

DMAVA Picnic

The DMAVA/JFHQ Picnic will be held on June 9.  It will be preceded by a Town Hall meeting at 11:30 a.m. The Town Hall Meeting is not mandatory, if personnel opt to not attend, it will be normal and full workday at their normal duty station.  Cost is $5 Contact your local representative. DMAVA: Darleen Laarz, 530-6992, Karen Wallace, 530-6766, Dawn Esposito, 530-7170; Fort Dix Marie Durling, 562-5739; or HSCOE, Kevin Hearns, 530-7069.

line

Memorial Day Events

Doyle Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony
The Brigadier General William C. Doyle Cemetery will hold its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Saturday, May 27.  The parade of veterans organizations will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the memorial service will start at 11 a.m.  the cemetery is located at 350 Provinceline Road, North Hanover Township, N.J.

Trenton Veterans Center Memorial Day service
The Department of Veterans Affairs Readjustment Counseling Service is having a Memorial Day service and grand opening of the new Trenton Veteran Center located at 934 Parkway Ave., Ewing, N.J., on May 24 at 10 a.m.  A reception will follow the ceremony. If you would like to attend, please call Darryll Johnson with your RSVP at (609) 882-5744 or e-mail at Darryll.Johnson@med.va.gov.

line

For the Families

Guard Action Plan

The Guard Family Action Plan (GFAP) identifies issues of concern to Guard members, spouses, parents, children, retirees and civilian employees.  The GFAP determines actions necessary to resolve issues and assigns responsibility for actions to the proper staff agency. 

The proper staff agency begins at unit level within the chain of command and can include the Departments of the Army and Air Force and the Congress of the United States.  You can submit an issue along with your recommendation for a solution through the GFAP website at www.gfap.org. If you have any questions, you can call Marie Durling in the State Family Programs Office at 609-562-0739. 

line

Spouses invited to go on orientation flights

The 108th Air Refueling Wing would like to extend an invitation to the spouses of New Jersey Army and Air National Guardsmen and women who would like to see an aerial refueling up close.

The wing will be having a spouse-only orientation flight on August 18.  This is a great opportunity for spouses to see the skills needed to fuel an aircraft more than 20,000 feet in the air.  Seats will be on a first-come, first-served basis.  If you are unable to get a seat, don’t worry.  The 108th will have more flights to follow to give everyone a chance to fly.

If you are interested, please call Staff Sgt. Beth Pritchard at (609) 754-4173 or e-mail at elizabeth.Pritchard@njmcgu.ang.af.mil for the form needed to request a seat.

Guard members who would like an orientation flight or would like to nominate their bosses for a flight can also contact Staff Sgt. Pritchard for information and forms.

line

Youth Camp 2006
This year’s Youth Camp will begin Sunday July 16, 2006 and will end with closing ceremonies on Saturday July 22, 2006.   There are many activities scheduled for the week at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ.  The campers will be able to enjoy the beach, arts and crafts, archery, sports and presentations by other organizations.  Campers ages 9-12, Helpers ages 13-15, Junior Volunteers ages 16-17 and Volunteers ages 18 and up are all encouraged to attend.  The fee for campers is $100 and volunteers are free.  For an application, please go to http://www.state.nj.us/military/familysupport/youth_camp.html.

line

Family Programs on the Calendar
May 20, noon-2 p.m.    Youth Hero Packs ceremony – West Orange Armory

line

Family Readiness Group meeting schedule
Toms River Armory – C Btry, 3-22th FA – May 15, 7 p.m.
West Orange Armory – B Co 5/117th Cav – May 20, 1 p.m.
Bordentown Armory – B Co 250th SBF & Co D 250th BSB – May 20, 10 a.m.
Hammonton Armory – 119th SB Corps – May 18, 7 p.m.
Jersey City Armory – D Co 2-113th – May 17, 7 p.m.
Lawrenceville Armory – PSB/OSACOM/JFHQ Det 19 – May 25, 7 p.m.
Morristown Armory – 3-112th & 5/117th – May 18, 7 p.m.
Newark Armory – A, B, E Co’s 2-113thy Inf – May 17, 7 p.m.
Teaneck Armory – 50th SBM – May 18, 7 p.m.

line

Operation Purple Summer Camp open to military children
Applications are now being accepted for Operation Purple Summer Camps.  The camps provide unique experiences to more than 2,500 military children coping with the deployment or pending deployment of one or both parents.  The Operation Purple camp program is the only summer camp program that focuses on helping kids deal with deployment-related issues.  Each camp is open to children of any service member of the uniformed services including the National Guard and Reserve. Applications for the camps are available March 15 through May 15, 2006 at http://www.operationpurple.org/

Each camp is offered free of charge to all participants.  Interested children from military families are encouraged to apply for the camp located nearest their home since travel expenses are not reimbursed.  More than 26 weeks of Operation Purple camps are currently offered in 22 states including Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. A list of camp dates, sites and other information is now available at the web site.. Applications are only available online and will be accepted through May 15.

line

Recreation and Sports

Trenton Thunder offers reduced tickets to military personnel, vets

The Trenton Thunder baseball team and its community partner, the Trenton Vet Center, has collaborated to sponsor reduced ticket prices for veterans and their families during the 2006 Trenton Thunder baseball season.

A regular $9 season 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

line

Joint Military Appreciation Street Fair, McGuire AFB, June 3

Saturday, June 3 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuskegee Airmen Ave, McGuire Air Force Base

Open to all with authorized military installation passes, regardless of branch.

Purpose is to celebrate the military - active/retired/reserve, their families, and support personnel to include APF, NAF and DoD Contractors.

Come join in the celebration featuring street vendors, live entertainment, kids zone and more! Four major branch-against-branch events to compete for cash!

HUMMER PULL - 5-person teams pull H1 Hummers for time - $500 top prize
VOLLEYBALL TOURNEY - 5-person teams compete for a $250 top prize
BATTLE OF THE BANDS - Play in a band or solo the event for a $500 top prize
AUTO & BIKE SHOW - Shine ‘em up and bring ‘em out for a $100 for each top prize

There is a great YOUTH SOFTBALL PICK-UP GAME for ages 10-12 with trophies going to the top teams.

There are no fees to enter any of the challenges and of course admission is free to all! The only restriction is that at least one participant is military affiliated and can sponsor the rest of their posse!

Complete information is available at www.305services.com or call 609-754-1973 or 609-754-3585.

line

5k Run and 3k Family Fun Walk on June 10

Join fellow runners and walkers at Fort Monmouth, N.J. on Saturday, June 10 at 8:30 a.m. for a 5k run and 3k Family Fun Walk.  Pre-registration fee for the 5k is $15, register after June 6 and the cost is $20.  The family walk is free.  Visit the following web site for entry form and more information - 2006 Fort Monmouth Sports Events

line

5K run on Flag Day for homeless veterans program

Community Hope, Inc., which has a program for homeless veterans to rebuild their lives is holding their 5th Annual Flag Day (June 14) 5K run in Basking Ridge, N.J.  Runners can register at the Somerset Hills YMCA, 140 Mt. Airy Road, Basking Ridge or on-line at www.communityhope-nj.org.  All proceeds from the run will be donated to the Hope for Veterans program, the largest transitional housing and rehabilitation program for homeless vets in New Jersey.  Non-runners can also support the program if they wish through sponsorships or tributes.  If interested in pledging support, contact Julia Bey Ahmet at the Community Hope Development Office, 973-463-9600, ext 303 or at jbahmet@communityhope-nj.org.

line

Golf Tournament, June 9

Suneagles Golf Course, Fort Monmouth, N.J., on June 9. Shot gun start at 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.  Four player scramble game format.  Cart is included in the cost of the registration, which ranges from $26-47 per person, depending on status.

Registration must be received by June 7. Please check the web site for entry form and more information - 2006 Fort Monmouth Sports Events

line

New Jersey State Park passes for 2006

All Active New Jersey National Guard Members are entitled to Division of Parks and Forestry State Park Passes. When parking fees are in effect this pass entitles the NJNG member (and passengers) free parking at all New Jersey State Parks, Forests, Recreation Areas and Historic Sites (Does not pertain to Campground fees) ID Card must be shown with this Pass. See your Orderly Room for your pass. 

line

Poker Run on June 4, profits to veterans

Rolling Thunder® Chapters 2 and 4 are sponsoring a Poker Run on Sunday, June 4. Cost is $5 per rider, with 100 percent of the profits given to veterans issues. 

Registration is at the following four locations, 9-11 a.m.

- Harley Dawn Diner, Route 322, Folsom
- Atkinson Tavern, Route 9, Cape May Courthouse
- Community Center, Route 9, Forked River
- Masters Leathers, Route 47 and Salina Road, Sewell

The run ends at Hedger House, Route 563, Chatsworth.   The poker Run will feature live music with the Paul Tozz Band, featuring Miss Margie, vendors, door prizes, bike show and 50/50’s.  There also will be a run pin to the first 100 to sign in and a free bottle of water at sign-in.  Cash food and refreshments will be available.

For more information contact Paul (Atlantic County) 609-214-5864, Tom (Cape May County) 609-226-3050, Ted (Cumberland County) 609-374-4949, Lou (Ocean County) 609-971-3544 or Bob (Gloucester County) 856-589-1717.

line

Anheuser Busch extends complimentary ticket program

Anheuser Busch has announced its program offering free amusement park tickets to the service members and their families has become so popular it will be extended another year. The "Here's to the Heroes," is open to active duty service members, active members of the National Guard or Reserve, and up to three direct dependents for one complimentary admission per year. Participants can go online to fill out a form for free admission at http://www.herosalute.com/.

The amusement parks participating in the program are: Sea World  parks in Orlando, Florida; San Diego and San Antonio;  Busch Gardens parks in Tampa, Florida, and Williamsburg, Virginia; Sesame Place, a children's play and water park, near Philadelphia; Adventure Island water park in Tampa; and Water Country USA water park in Williamsburg.

line

The 2nd Annual SGT Nutter 5K Run – May 20, 2006

The second annual Sergeant Nutter 5K Run in memory of SGT Sam Nutter (Jan. 28, 1966 – Jan. 2, 2005) will be held May 20.  Funds raised during this even are donated to a N.J. Army National Guard family in need.

All ages are welcome and 45 prizes will be presented to winners in various categories.  Registration will be held from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; the Race will start at 10 a.m. Cost is $12 (postmarked by April 20), $15 (postmarked by May 5), and $20 (day of the event).  Call (877) 850-0240 to sign up or get additional details.  You can also visit the website at www.nutterrun.com.

line

Operation Oasis vacations for military personnel

Operation Oasis Outreach at Sandy Cove, North East, Md., offers a free, 3-day, 2-night time for rest and relaxation for military personnel who were deployed to the Middle East area during OIF/OEF with their spouse and children.  Sandy Cover is located at the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay.  If you are interested, contact Carol Lee Lynch: toll free 1-800-287-4843 or e-mail c.lynch@sandycove.org.

line

Picatinny Waterpark and Golf Course open to Vets, Guard, families

Picatinny Arsenal Morale, Welfare and Recreation Office is proud to announce new opportunities for Veterans.  As part of the Army's "Always a Soldier" program, Picatinny's Frog Falls Waterpark and Golf Course are now open to veterans as well as Active Duty and Retired Military and Reservists.  Frog Falls Waterpark offers annual memberships to veterans through our partnership with Rockaway Township Recreation.   Active Duty and Retired Military and Reservists can purchase an annual membership or visit the Waterpark for a $3 daily fee. Guest passes (for non-dependents) can be purchased at the gate for $7 (limit of 4 per visit).  Please call (973) 724-7275 for more information.  Picatinny Golf Course is also open to Veterans.  Please call (973) 724-GOLF for more information.

line

Support our Troops Motorcycle Run

The Freedom Riders “Support Our Troops” Motorcycle Run is scheduled for October 14, 2006 (October 15 – Rain date).  Proceeds benefit the Freedom Alliance Foundation providing:  Educational scholarships to the children of American’s Military Heroes that have given the Ultimate Sacrifice; pre-paid long-distance phone cards, gift cards for clothing, food, toiletries, books and magazines for the injured in our hospital; and funding for family members to travel to see and encourage their loved one.

For registration and information on the run go to:  www.citikids.org/freedom.htm

line

Retirement Dinners

BG Sullivan Retirement Reception

A retirement reception for Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Sullivan will be held on Sunday, June 11 at The Club at McGuire (former Enlisted Club), McGuire Air Force Base, 3-7 p.m.  Cost is $25.  Uniform is Dress Blues with four-in-hand for Army personnel, Service Dress for Air Force members and business attire for civilians.  RSVP by May 31 to Maj. David Majury, (732) 418-3312, ext 120, or Zandra Ramcharitar, (609) 562-0959.

line

Retirement Dinner planned for State Command Sergeant Major Richard S. Adkins, Jr.

A Retirement Dinner in honor of State Command Sergeant Major Richard S. Adkins, Jr. will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2006 at the Lawrenceville Armory.  The buffet dinner will begin with a Social Hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m.  Cost of the dinner is $25.  Checks should be made payable to the DMAVA Employee Activity Fund and mailed to Family Programs, ATTN:  Marie Durling, Building 3650, Fort Dix, New Jersey 08640.  Please RSVP by May 19, 2006 to Marie Durling at 609-562-0739 or SSG David Clark at 609-562-0951.

line

Scholarship News

ThanksUSA offers at least 1,000 scholarships from $1,000 to $5,000 to dependent children and spouses of active duty U.S. military service personnel. Members of the military reserves who have been activated to full-time duty and members of the National Guard who have been federalized and who otherwise meet the requirements are both eligible.  Visit www.thanksusa.org/main/index.html for more information.  Deadline date is May 30, 2006 for applications.

Scholarships Available for Dependents of Members of U.S. Armed Forces Who Have Lost Their Lives in the Iraq and Afghanistan Conflicts

The New Jersey Community Bankers Education Foundation, Inc. announced the availability of scholarship funds for dependents of members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have lost their lives in the Afghanistan and Iraqi conflicts.

Scholarship funds will be considered for those applicants that have a high school or equivalency diploma and are in pursuit of higher education, including technical or vocational training, and demonstrate a financial need. The Foundation defines dependency as the service member’s spouse, children, stepchildren and grandchildren (or step-grandchildren) and any person for whom the soldier provided one-half of the support in the prior calendar year.

Either the dependent or the service member must have a New Jersey connection. To establish this connection, either the applicant’s permanent address must be in New Jersey, or the Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman’s last permanent residence, or military base, must have been in New Jersey.

The application deadline for the fall 2006 semester is May 31.  Additional information and applications can be downloaded from the League’s website – www.njleague.com.  Questions can be addressed to James Meredith at 411 North Avenue East, Cranford, New Jersey 07016 or by e-mail to jmeredith@njleague.com.

EANG-NJ Scholarships:  Eligibility – The legal children of New Jersey National Guard members who are also members of the Enlisted Association may submit applications for consideration.  Also, any drilling Guardsperson who is a member of this association may submit an application for the CSM Baldassari Scholarship. 

USAA Scholarship:  Open to any drilling Guardsperson (need not be a member of the EANGNJ).  This scholarship is administered by the EANGNJ and funded by USAA.  Previous recipients are not eligible for subsequent awards.  Applications are available at:  http://www.eang-nj.org/scholarships.html

DCA Scholarship for Military Children:  If your mother or father is active duty, reserve/guard, or retired military personnel, or if you are the survivor of a deceased member and you have a military dependent I.D. card, you can apply!  You must be planning to attend a college or university on a full-time basis.  For details and how to apply, go to:  http://www.militaryscholar.org/apply/apply.shtml

Freedom Alliance scholarships for children of military heroes: The Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund provides college scholarships to children of military personnel sho have been killed or permanently disabled (100 percent VA rating) in the line of duty during the War on Terror. For more information, go to www.freedomalliance.org/scholarship.htm.

Department of Education Grants: The Department of Education has announced two new grants for the 2006-2007 school year. The Academic Competitiveness and National SMART grants will provide high performing college students with up to $4,000 a year for maintaining a 3.0 or better GPA.  An Academic Competitiveness Grant will provide up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study to full-time students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and who had successfully completed a rigorous high school program, as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education. Second year students must also have maintained a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0. The program will be available for the first time for the 2006-07 school year for first year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2006 and for second year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2005. The Academic Competitiveness Grant award is in addition to the student's Pell Grant award.  More information

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.

line

Veterans Information

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:

May 18-20, 2006

Ocean County Mall

July 13-15

Cherry Hill Mall

August 10-12

Quakerbridge Mall

September 14-16

Livingston Mall

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

line

NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Vietnam Era Educational Center’s upcoming event schedule.

On Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, at 1:00 p.m., the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation will host a lecture entitled The Originals: The Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron of World War II – Breaking the Gender Barrier in Military Aviation.  Honey Fulton Parker will discuss the story of the first women pilots in the US Military.  The event will be held at the Vietnam Era Educational Center in Holmdel.

Honey Fulton Parker, of Coram, Long Island, NY, is a field representative for the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, a memorial and museum located in Washington, DC.  The Memorial is dedicated to honoring the many women who have served valiantly in America’s armed forces.  In her presentation, Ms. Parker will highlight the exploits of one such heroine, her sister, Dorothy Fulton.

Dorothy Fulton began flying at the age of 15.  In 1942, at the age of 24, she was one of the first 28 women accepted into the Army Air Force’s World War II Air Transport Command as a pilot.  These pilots became known as the “Originals” and were assigned to the Command’s Ferrying Division and designated the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS).  During the course of the war, the women pilots flew military fighters, trainers, and bombers from factories to air bases around the nation, where they handed the planes over to combat crews.  Flying in all weather, the WAFS displayed heroism and sacrifice to get the job done.  The “Originals” inspired over 1000 women pilots to volunteer for flying service.

Lecture attendees are asked to RSVP to (732) 335-0033. 

May 20

1 p.m.

For Armed Forces Day – “The Originals” – The Women’s Auxiliary Ferry Squadron of WWII – Breaking the Gender Barrier in Military Aviation – a lecture by Honey Fulton Parker, youngest sister of one of the first WAFS, Dorothy Fulton.

May 29

11 a.m.

Memorial Day Ceremony.

For more information, please call the NJ Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation office at (732) 335-0033 or (800) 648-VETS.  The Vietnam Era Educational Center is located adjacent to the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial off the Garden State Parkway at Exit 116. 

line

Trenton Vets Center open for counseling services

Located at 934 Parkway Ave, 2nd Floor, Ewing, N.J., the Department of Veteran Affairs, Trenton Vet Center, provides free readjustment counseling services to combat zone veterans and their families.

The Vet Center services include:

· Individual readjustment counseling
· Group readjustment counseling
· Screening for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
· Counseling for PTSD
· Substance Abuse counseling
· Marital and family counseling
· Sexual Trauma counseling    
· Community education and liaison
· Referral for benefits assistance
· Employment Assistance

Heading the Trenton Vet Center Staff is James Gordon, team leader.  Other staff at the center to help veterans and their families are Jeanne Morrison, Master Social Worker, Rawle Gaskin, Readjustment Counseling Therapist, Darryll Johnson, Readjustment Counseling Technician and Burnice Rice, Trenton Vet Center Office Manager.

The center is open Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with Wednesday and Thursday extended hours by appointment only.

All services provided to veterans and their families are at no cost and clients’ rights are protected by HIPPA.  For more information call (609) 882-5744.

line

“The Moving Wall” is scheduled to visit New Jersey

"The Moving Wall" is the half-size replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has been touring the country for almost twenty years.  When John Devitt attended the 1982 dedication in Washington, he felt the positive power of "The Wall." He vowed to share that experience with those who did not have the opportunity to go to Washington.

On June 14-19, 2006, the Medford New Jersey Township Council will sponsor “The Moving Wall” exhibit at Freedom Park, 86 Union Street, Medford, New Jersey.  Opening ceremonies are planned for Wednesday evening, June 14.  For further information, please contact the Recreation Department at 609-654-2512, or visit www.medfordtownship.com or www.themovingwall.org.

line

Part-time opportunities in Military Funeral Honors Program.

The New Jersey Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors Program has several part-time employment opportunities immediately available across the state for TDGs and Technicians.  Earn one day’s base pay and one retirement point for a few hours work providing Military Funeral Honors for our Veterans.  If you are interested, please contact SGM Edward Goetschius, Military Funeral Honors Coordinator, at 609-530-7090 or by e-mail at Edward.goetschius@nj.ngb.army.mil.

line

Mark your calendar

May 29 – Memorial Day
June 9 – DMVA/JFHQs Picnic, Lawrenceville Armory
June 14– Trenton Thunder Military Appreciation Day
June 14 – Flag Day
June 15 – Unity Day
July 4 – Independence Day
July 16-22 – National Guard Youth Camp (Sea Girt, NJ)

line

Where to send your submissions to “Highlights”

If you have submissions for the newsletter, please e-mail them to Staff Sgt. Harbison at barbara.harbison@njdmava.state.nj.us - for those of you who have global accounts, the address you see on the global listing is NOT the DMAVA address, so you will have to type it.  You can also contact her at (609) – 530-7088, fax: (609) 530-6963.

Contact Us | Privacy Notice | Legal Statement | Accessibility Statement NJ.gov
NJ National Guard Family Programs Open Public Records Act
The Governor's Office The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs The Department of State The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs