12 September 2003

Volume 2, Number 22

NJ Dept of Military and Veterans Affairs

BG Glenn K. Rieth

The Adjutant General

COL Maria Falca-Dodson

Deputy Adjutant General

COL (Ret) Emil H. Philibosian

Deputy Commissioner for Veterans   Affairs

Contacting us is easy!

Office of the

Joint Chief of Staff

Col (Ret) Michael B. Smith

Mrs. Laura A. Branham

Phone:

(609) 530-6987

Fax: 

(609) 530-7109

Email:

branham@njdmava.state.nj.us

We're on the Web!

www.state.nj.us/military

"The only real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes."

.Marcel Proust

Important Calendar Dates...

ESGR Annual Golf Outing

25 Sep 2003

Falcon Creek Course

McGuire AFB

For more info,

Contact     

LTC Richard Fox at (609) 530-7019/7020.

Stand Down 2003

26 September 2003

Cherry Hill Armory

8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Classic Car Show

NGTC, Sea Girt

13 Sep 03

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

All members of the National Guard attending in uniform will receive 50% off the $10 admission price

The 22^nd Annual Military Review held on Sunday, 7 September 2003, was a huge success.  The weather was perfect, attendance was high, and morale was at is peak.  The day began with a reception in honor of the Air National Guard Security Forces who have been on extended deployments since September 11, 2001.  The airmen and their families were recognized for the sacrifices they have made over the past two years.  The review was highlighted by touching speeches by the Governor, James E. McGreevey, and The Adjutant General, BG Glenn K. Rieth.  Several soldiers and airmen were honored for their contributions and outstanding service over the last year.  The day held special meaning for three members of the 253^rd Transportation Company, MSG William J. Feeny, Jr., SSG Gracie Y. Henderson, and SGT Carmelo Raldiris, who have returned home from Iraq and were awarded the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal.  The focus was on Family Appreciation after the Review.  Several static displays were available to highlight the equipment and mission of the Army and Air National Guard.  A picnic lunch was served while the children played on several carnival type rides.  The USO Show Troupe, comprised of three talented ladies (to include Miss USO), performed for our soldiers, airmen, employees and families.  Thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the program, and to the families who make so many sacrifices.

BG Rieth and Maj Gen Martin are pleased to announce the selection of Chief Master Sergeant Paul M. Gunning as the new State Command Chief Master Sergeant for the New Jersey Air National Guard, replacing Command Chief Master Sergeant John Mastrogiovanni.  Chief Gunning has 34 years of military service with the United States Air Force, the 108^th Tactical Fighter Wing, the 177^th Fighter Wing, and Headquarters, New Jersey Air National Guard.  His 29 years of service to the New Jersey Air National Guard include assignments as Health Technician, Personnel Superintendent, Military Personnel Management Officer, and Director of Strength.  His well-rounded military career and in-depth knowledge of enlisted personnel issues makes him the ideal choice for the highest level of enlisted leadership in the New Jersey National Guard.  We congratulate the Chief and his wife, LuAnn, on his selection. 

Three of our Veteran Service Officers performed various types of outreach to different groups of veterans during the month of August.  In Sussex County, Bruce Stanley manned a booth at the Sussex County Fair where he passed out information to more than 1500 visitors to his booth.  Meanwhile, in Hackensack, Bob Maulano visited the Faith Foundation and the Comprehensive Behavioral Healthcare Office to assist the homeless and mentally ill.  John Valenta presented a briefing on applying for combat-related special compensation at the Fort Dix Retiree Council Meeting.  Edna Jones took brochures, veterans guides, and business cards to the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in Jersey City.  We will continue to seek out our veterans, and inform and assist them in applying for their benefits.

MG Francis Vavala, The Adjutant General, BG Ronald Stewart, Assistant Adjutant General, Brig Gen Frank Pontelandolfo, Chief of Staff ANG, and senior Delaware Army and Air National Guard staff met with BG Glenn K. Rieth and NJDMVA senior staff on Friday, 5 September 2003.  The visit was the first in a series that will include TAGs and staff from our other surrounding states, Pennsylvania and New York.  BG Rieth initiated this program to encourage greater cooperation, and idea/information exchanges in areas of mutual concern and benefit.  DMVA staff presentations focused on homeland security, NJ Army and Air National Guard mobilizations, Army National Guard recruiting, and Joint Forces Headquarters model.  Extensive interaction between these leaders occurred and ensured that this initiative will continue and expand.                                  

BG Thomas J. Sullivan presented Distinguished Service and Meritorious Service Medals to 226 veterans from Burlington and Camden Counties at a ceremony held on September 9^th at the Echelon Mall in Voorhees, New Jersey.  Honored guests in attendance were Assemblyman Louis Greenwald, 6^th District, Mr. James Beach, Camden County Clerk, and Mr. Michael W. McLaughlin, Camden County Sheriff.  Lt Col (Ret) Alan Bancroft, Camden County Veterans Service Officer; Mr. Charlie Piscopo, Burlington County Veterans Service Officer, Ms. Karen Hansen and Ms. Michele Johnson, Division of Veterans Programs, and COL Michael Moore, NJ Air National Guard, represented the Department.  CW5 (Ret) Bob Wimberly performed the Master of Ceremonies duties.

Nassau Broadcasting is sponsoring a Job Fair for members of the National Guard, who are seeking employment.  Close to 40 area employers are scheduled to participate in the Job Fair, which will be held in the Lawrenceville Armory on Wednesday, September 24^th, from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. 

The NJ Army National Guard MOSQ percentage of assigned strength is now 79.07% as of 23 August 2003.  New Jersey currently ranks 23^rd out of the 54 States and territories.  New Jersey has met the National Guard Bureau (NGB) goal for all states to reach an MOSQ rate of 79% by 30 September 2003.  New Jersey can now begin working toward the 82% goal for 30 September 2004.  Keep up the good work!

Beginning October 1, 2003, all personnel requesting military support should be directed to the Domestic Actions (DOMACS) website.  Form DD-2536 should be completed and forwarded to the Domestic Actions Coordinator when requesting military support.  This for can also be faxed to 609-530-7003.  If you have any questions, the Domestic Actions Coordinator can be reached at 609-530-7043 or at http://www.state.nj.us/military/domac/index.html.  The website can also be accessed through the DMVA homepage by clicking on the site map.

All employees are reminded to carry their identification cards with them at all times.  ID cards should be with the employee when entering this facility every morning.  A memo regarding security will be forthcoming.

Army Knowledge Online offers Window training - the Army Smart Force released a list of new courses that have been added to the Courseware available from Smart Force/Sill Soft on AKO.  A sample from the hundreds of new courses are listed below:

Microsoft Windows XP Getting Started (e)      Introducing Windows XP 1.3

Microsoft Windows XP - New Features (e)      Windows XP:  Fundamentals  3.7

                                                                         Windows XP:  Advanced 4.7

Microsoft Windows XP for Beginners (e)         Getting Started with Windows XP

                                                                          Up and Running With Windows XP

These courses will be of use to all Army National Guard network users as the transition to Windows XP occurs over the next several months.  Go to the "My Training" link on the AKO home page for information on these and other free courses that are available.

Today is the 255^th day of 2003.  There are 110 days left in the year.  On this date:

◊         In 1609, English explorer, Henry Hudson, sailed on what is now known as the Hudson River.

◊         In 1873, the first practical typewriter was sold to customers.

◊         In 1944, U.S. Army troops entered Germany, near Trier, for the first time during World War II.

◊         In 1953, U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy married Jacqueline Lee Bouvier.

◊         In 1983, Arnold Schwarzenegger became a U.S. citizen.  He emigrated from Austria 14 years earlier.

◊         In 1992, Dr. Mae Carol Jemison became the first African-American woman in space.  She was the payload specialist aboard the space shuttle Endeavor.

◊         In 2002, President Bush told skeptical world leaders at the United Nations to confront the "grave and gathering danger of Saddam Hussein's Iraq or to stand aside as the United States acted.

The National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records (NPRC-MPR) is the repository of millions of military personnel, health, and medical records of discharged and deceased veterans of all services during the 20th century. NPRC (MPR) also stores medical treatment records of retirees from all services, as well as records for dependent and other persons treated at naval medical facilities. Information from the records is made available upon written request (with signature and date) to the extent allowed by law.  This site is provided for those seeking information regarding military personnel, health and medical records stored at NPRC (MPR). If you are a veteran or next-of-kin of a deceased veteran, you may now use vetrecs.archives.gov to order a copy of your military records. For all others, your request is best made using a Standard Form 180. It includes complete instructions for preparing and submitting requests.

Diets Don't Work - Diets may take weight off fast, but they only work in the short term.  When you go off the diet, you usually gain the weight back again and then some.  How to take it off:

Change what you eat.

◊         Eat fewer calories.

◊         Eat as little fat (especially saturated fat) at possible.

Change your eating habits.

◊         Eat because you're hungry, not because you're tired, stressed, lonely or bored.

◊         Don't skip meals.  If you're not hungry, eat less, but eat something.

◊         Make breakfast or lunch your main meal and eat a lighter dinner.

Get Regular Exercise.

◊         Aerobic exercise can help you lose weight and can bring your blood pressure down too.

◊         Be sure to check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

For more information about any of these events, please call the NJ Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation office at (732) 335-0033.

J   Skunks can shoot their stinky spray only 6-10 feet, but it can be smelled up to 2.5 miles away.

J   The average raindrop falls at seven miles an hour.

J   Holland is the only country with a national dog.

J   Before mercury, brandy was used to fill thermometers.

J   Giraffes can lick their own eyes.

J   The Lungfish can live out of water for as long as four years.