New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
DMAVA Highlights » 20 July 2007

Volume 6, Number 29


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)



DMAVA Highlights Archive

DMAVA Highlights Archive Page



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 for the Week

Visits always give pleasure-if not the arrival, the departure.
- Portuguese proverb

Some people are so fond of ill luck that they run halfway to meet it..
- Douglas William Jerrold

You can never do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

A yawn is a silent shout.
- Gilbert Keith Chesterton

Download PDF Version of this week's highlights

News For Your Views

177th Fighter Wing supports Barnegat Township Community Day

The 177th Fighter Wing supported the Barnegat Township Community Day on June 16 with several exhibits.

This year's exhibits included an Explosive Ordnance Disposal display with a robot hosted by Tech. Sgt. Ed Nickel, an Aviation and Life Support Display monitored by Lt. Col. Neal Snetsky, a Munitions Display run by Tech. Sgt. Robert Gavin and Senior Master Sgt. Michael Monteith, a cut-away engine with Staff Sgt. Christian Skierski and Airman 1st Class Robert Taylor Jr. providing information to future Airmen, Tech. Sgt. Andrew Moseley ran videos highlighting the wing's mission, Security Forces had their gear and an ATV on show ran by Tech. Sgt. John Banta and Staff Sgt. Doug Herner, while Tech. Sgt. Dean Burlew provided unit member support.

In addition, the 1-150th General Support Aviation Battalion, New Jersey Army National Guard flew in a UH-60 Blackhawk for static display.

According to Col. Randall S. King, Col. Roger F. Pharo Jr. and Command Chief Master Sgt. Michael R. Francis who also attended this event, feedback from the community was very positive.

108th ARW holding Family Day, July 22

The 108th Air Refueling Wing will hold its annual Family Day for the wing members and their families on Sunday, July 22 at Doughboy Field, Fort Dix.  Everyone will congregate on the field after Commander's Call which will be held in building 3333 at 10:30 a.m. on McGuire Air Force Base.  Family Day will have food, games, prizes, music and smiles for all who attend.

Suicide prevention focus during September drill

From the desk of Lt. Gen. Clyde a. Vaughn, Director, Army National Guard

I am concerned for our Army National Guard Soldiers in crisis.  Statistics show that almost 50 percent more ARNG Soldiers have committed suicide this year tan at the same time last year.  Every suicide is a preventable tragedy for Soldiers, family members and communities. We owe it to our Soldiers to ensure they receive the help they need with the compassion and respect they deserve.

I would like all ARNG units to focus on suicide training and awareness during September drill. National Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 9-15 and World Suicide Prevention Day is Sept. 10.  The Department of Defense theme for 2007 is "Suicide Prevention: Moving Forward with Education and Training."

The Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine has developed suicide prevention training based on actual Army Suicide Event reports.  The training includes vignettes and other interactive lessons. This training must be provided to Soldiers and leaders each September. All Soldiers should know how to get help for themselves, identify others in crises and refer others to the appropriate sources of help.

The term "suicide prevention" encompasses three areas: suicide prevention awareness, suicide intervention actions and "postvention" or grief and bereavement support after an attempted suicide or suicide.

Commanders must emphasize that seeking help is a sign of maturity and strength, not weakness.

Training documents and other suicide prevention resources can be found at http://virtualarmory.com/wellbeing/suicide.aspx.

Pay news for state employees

Salary increases (effective July 7, 2007) for Executive Branch employees in CWA, AFSCME, IFPTE, and non- aligned employees in units V,W, and Y are reflected in this paycheck.  Clothing Allowances for eligible employees in the Executive Branch in CWA, AFSCME, and IFPTE are also included in this paycheck. 

Salary increases for eligible employees in the Judicial Branch are reflected in this paycheck.

Effective July 7, Executive Branch employees covered under labor agreements with the CWA, AFSCME, and IFPTE, and employees not covered by a labor agreement, are required to contribute 1.5 percent of their annual base salary for health and/or prescription drug coverage under the State Health Benefits Program.  Employees affected by this agreement will see the new deduction beginning  with this paycheck.

Also effective July 7 - for all members of the PERS and TPAF retirement systems employed by the Executive and Legislative Branch of State Government, the pension deduction will increase from 5.0 to 5.5 percent of compensation.  Employees affected by this change will see the increased deduction beginning with this paycheck.

Scholarships for OIF/OEF veterans

The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is offering scholarships to combat veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. It offers a scholarship of up to $1,250 per year for person pursuing a BA/BS degree. You must have an honorable service record and a 2.0 GPA.

The deadline for applying is September 28, 2007. Contact: www.horatioalger.org.

Celebrate Labor Day at Jenkinson's on the Boardwalk

Jenkinson's on the Boardwalk in Point Pleasant, N.J., is hosting a New Jersey National Guard Appreciation Day on Sept. 3, at Jenkinson's Pier, open only to N.J. National Guard personnel (with IDs) and their immediate family.  Details will follow in a future issue.

Safety: Poison Ivy facts and fiction

Eastern poison ivy is commonly found growing along roadside thickets, stone walls, fences, railroads, clearcuts and orchards and thrives in both rural and urban areas throughout the eastern United States. Plants are poisonous at all times of the year and at all stages of growth.  All parts of the plant, except the pollen, contain urushiol, a toxin that causes irritation and blistering of the skin. To cause injury, usushiol must contact the skin, either directly by touching the plant, or indirectly by touching things that have touched the skin such as clothing, tools, animals or firewood. Although some skin-applied products are marketed that claim to protect against or reduce the severity of dermatitis, the best prevention is to learn to recognize eastern poison ivy and always avoid it.

It is a woody, perennial plant that often grows as a vine, although it can grow as a self-supporting woody shrub, as a thin, trailing vine running along the ground, or as an aerial-rooted vine, growing on shrubs, trees, power poles and fences.

The leaves are arranged in groups of three and arranged alternately along the stem. The leaf edges can be lobed, smooth or toothed.  The upper side of the leaf is usually fairly smooth and may be with a dull or glossy green in color. The lower surface is light green and slightly hairy.

Common myths associated with eastern poison ivy include:

Fiction: You can become immune to the effects of eastern poison ivy by eating the leaves.

Fact: Immunity is not conferred by eating any plant part; ingestion can cause serious gastric disturbance.

Fiction: The rash for eastern poison ivy is contagious; breaking the blisters will spread the rash.

Fact: Blisters only contain body fluids; they cannot spread the rash on the skin or to other people.

Fiction: You can develop a rash from eastern poison ivy simply by being near the plants.

Fact: Rash results only if urushiol touches the skin; airborne contact possible if burning/mowing plants.

Fiction: It is safe to handle dead plants or dormant plants during the wintertime.

Fact: Plants are poisonous year-round; urushiol stays active on surfaces and in dead plants for two years.

Fiction: If you don't develop a rash after touching eastern poison ivy once, then you must be immune.

Fact: first exposure seldom produces rash; sensitivity can change with age and repeated exposure.

Veterans Appreciation Day with the Trenton Thunder, August 25

Go to Waterfront Park in Trenton on August 25 for the Veterans Appreciation Day.  The game starts at 7 p.m. and will be between the Trenton Thunder and the Binghamton Mets.  Stay for the postgame fireworks. 

Tickets will cost $10 each and a portion of the ticket sales will support troops serving in the Middle East and their families.

The evening is sponsored by the Mercer County Veterans Council and the New Jersey State Elks Association.

For more information and to purchase tickets, call:

Col. Norman Matthews at 609-838-0354, John Tymash at 609-499-3339, James Hall at 609-610-2240, Cus Dalik at 732-295-8370 or retired Brig. Gen. Robert Dutko at 609-273-1004.

Camden County Veterans Night at the Riversharks, July 30

On Monday, July 30, the Camden Riversharks, together with the Camden County Office of Veterans Affairs, will present Camden County Veterans Night, as the Riversharks play the Atlantic League's Road Warriors at Campbell's Field.

The game begins at 7:05 p.m. and the Veterans Night pre-game ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m.

The two different discounted offers for the Veterans Night game are:

Advanced sale order: Two tickets plus two hot dogs and two sodas for $10.  To receive this rate, you must purchase your tickets by noon, July 26 and mention the promotional code: CCVETS.  Tickets can be purchased at the box office, call 1-866-SHARKS9 or order online at www.riversharks.com.

Day of game: $10 per ticket with $5 of each ticket going to the Military Support Group of NJ and PA.

NGANJ group life insurance available to members

Are you covered by the NGANJ Group Life Insurance Program?  As a member of either the Officers or the Enlisted Association, you are entitled to enroll in your Association Life Insurance Program.  This special program provides from $5,000 to $50,000 of Life Insurance for you, "round the clock".  Premiums range from as little as $2 per month and may be payroll-deducted from your drill check.  Family coverage is also available at low rates designed for you as a member of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard.  Think of it!!  No aviation exclusions...No hazardous duty restrictions...No war clauses.No checks to write.  Dependent coverage includes spouses and all children.  Information can be obtained by contacting retired CWO Jack Petrosilli at 609-530-6843, or retired Brig. Gen. Robert S. Dutko Sr. at 609-273-1004.  Enrollment forms can be obtained by calling retired Col. Frank L. Carlone, Program Coordinator at 732-249-8335.

For Your Calendar   

NJARNG Education Office hosting open house for Roger Williams U

From the Education Office, New Jersey Army National Guard

The New Jersey Army National Guard Education Office is hosting an open house for Roger Williams University on July 25 at 6 p.m., in the main conference room at Joint force Headquarters, 3650 Saylors Pond Road, Fort Dix, N.J.

The School of Continuing Studies at RWU offers six distance learning bachelor degrees. College credit is awarded for military training and experience, civilian or military certifications and licenses and prior college attendance.  RWU may accept up to 90 credits for military , transfer and other experiences toward your degree.

All National Guard members, spouses, veterans and NJNG civilian employees are welcome and offered the reduced military tuition rate.

On July 26, Dean John Stout from RWU will be available to meet with potential students from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Contact him at 800-458-7144, ext. 3530.  For more information, call the N.J. Army National Guard education office at 609-562-0654.

Traveling Vietnam Wall in Long Branch July 26-29

The city of Long Branch will host the traveling Vietnam Wall, "The Wall that Heals," July 26-29.  During the opening ceremony, retired Col. Stephen G. Abel, Deputy Commissioner for NJDMAVA will be one of the speakers.

The Wall that Heals has been traveling around America, Canada and Ireland for more than 10 years.  Along with the ˝ scale replica of the monument in Washington, D.C., a traveling museum and information center completes the exhibit.  The museum reports the history of the Vietnam War Era and the interesting healing powers of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  The information center gives visitors the opportunity to learn about friends and loved ones lost in the war.

The "Wall" is open 24 hours a day during its stay.

N.J. Korean War Commemoration Ceremony, July 27

The 2007 Korean War Commemoration Ceremony will take place on July 27 at 11 a.m. at the New Jersey Korean War Memorial, at Park Place/Boardwalk, near Brighton Park, Atlantic City.  Hosted by the New Jersey Korean War Veterans Association in cooperation with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, it will be the 54th Anniversary Commemoration Signing of the Korean War Armistice.  There will also be a presentation of the New Jersey Korean War Commemorative Medal to local Korean combat veterans.

Consultations on State Differed Compensation Plan for state workers

From the desk of Paul Serdiuk, Training Coordinator

Due to the overwhelming demand for information regarding employee's New Jersey State Deferred Compensation plan, an additional date for the representative to meet with state employees regarding the administration of the Prudential Financial administered State Deferred Compensation Plan has been scheduled.

Mike McConnell, from Prudential Financial, will be at DMAVA Central Office on July 27, 2007, in Conference Room A, to discuss individual employee's State Differed Compensation Program.

We are scheduling 30 minute one-on-one consultations with Mike starting at 9:30 a.m.-noon and 12:30-3 p.m. Contact Paul Serdiuk at 609-530-6878 to reserve a time slot.

Pre-retirement seminars slated for AGR, technicians

From the desk of Lorraine Jamison, Human Resource Development Specialist

HRO is sponsoring two retirement seminars on Fort Dix at the JT2DC in August.  The technician pre-retirement planning seminar is Aug. 21-22. The AGR pre-retirement planning seminar is scheduled for Aug. 23.

These seminars are important step in planning for your future.  For more information, call Lorraine Jamison at 609-562-0874 or e-mail lorraine.jamison@us.army.mil.

Honorable Mention

New TSP account numbers being issued to make accounts more secure

From the office of J1-HRO

Be on the lookout in late fall for a mailing from the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with your new TSP account number.  This account number will replace your Social Security number as your primary ID for your TSP account.  You will need to use your account number when filling in TSP forms.  You will use it with your TSP password when entering the Account Access section of the TSP Web site.  You will use it with your TSP Personal Identification Number (PIN) to gain access to your account through the ThriftLine.  If you send the TSP loan payments from your own funds, you will need to include your account number on the loan coupon that accompanies your check or provide it to your on-line bill-paying service if you have one.  Substituting this randomly selected account number for your Social Security number will make your TSP transactions more secure.  We at the TSP are doing all we can to protect the security of your personal information.  The rest is up to you.  Be careful about giving out your account number, and don't write it down where it can be seen by others who should not have access to it.

Pilot bonus program for Army to aid recruiting effort; reward helpers

From the desk of Cyndi McCoy, NJARNG Recruiting, Marketing Representative

Every Soldier a Recruiter (ESAR) is a pilot referral bonus program of the Active, Reserve and National Guard components of the Army that provides select Soldiers and retired members of the U.S. Army the opportunity to assist with recruiting efforts and rewards those efforts with referral bonuses up to $2,000.  For more information, contact NJARNG Marketing Representative Cyndi McCoy at 609-672-6308.

Chance to earn extra money for Guard members through G-RAP

From the desk of Cyndi McCoy, NJARNG Recruiting, Marketing Representative

Sign up today and earn up to $2,000 for each new recruit who enlists into the National Guard and reports to basic training.

The Guard Recruiting Assistance Program (G-RAP) is a contracted program designed for individuals who voluntarily apply to become eligible to serve as a part-time Recruiting Assistant (RA).

G-RAP is available to Traditional Guard members and National Guard retirees.  This opportunity is open to both Army and Air Guard members.  For more information, contact Cyndi McCoy at 609-672-6308, NJARNG Marketing Representative.

Discounts offered for State employees

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 Cindy Leese at cindy.leese@njdmava.state.nj.us or call 609-530-7056.

Retirement Dinners

Farewell dinner for Command Chief Ortu of 108th ARW

Come say your goodbyes to Command Chief Master Sgt. Joe Ortu of the 108th Air Refueling Wing on Aug. 4, at the Community Center, McGuire Air Force Base. Cocktail hour with a cash bar begins at 5 p.m. and the spaghetti buffet will begin serving at 6 p.m.

Cost for the dinner is $15 per person for E-5 and below and civilians; $20 for E-6 and above.  "Uniform" for the evening is civilian casual.

Members of the 108th ARW can sign up with their duty section Chief Master Sgt., others can RSVP by calling 609-754-3683 or e-mail 108ARWCCE@njmcgu.ang.af.mil.

For the Families

Job assistance for military spouses, retirees, injured military

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

Re/Max in conjunction with the US Department of Defense Military Spouse Employment Initiative launched Operation Re/Max in 2006 to help mentor interested military members and their family members in a career in real estate.  Interested military spouses, retirees and injured soldiers can obtain detailed Operation Re/Max information at http://www.remax.com/inside_remax/become_an_agent/new_to_ real_estate/index.aspx or contact operation remax@remax.net or 1-800-826-7720.

Gov. Corzine hosting picnic for returning Soldiers, families

Governor Jon S. Corzine is hosting a picnic for the returning Soldiers and family members of Troop C/5-117th RSTA , Company D/250th BSB, 50th PSB, 250th PSD and the ANA-ETT.  The picnic will take place on July 28, noon-4 p.m. at the governor's mansion, Drumthwacket.  Parking will be available at Bristol Meyer Squibb, Route 206, Princeton.  The shuttle bus will start taking on passengers at 11:30 a.m.  Attire is appropriate picnic casual. 

To make a reservation, call the State Family Program Office at 609-562-0739.

Youth trip to Camp May zoo, lighthouse on Aug. 23

Family Programs is conducting a youth trip to Cape May zoo and lighthouse on Aug. 23 for youths, ages 8-15.  Cost is $5 per child for the T-shirts

The Family Programs staff is renting a charter bus for the day and taking 35 children and 10 staff members as chaperones.  There will be two pick-up and drop-off points - Fort Dix Reserve Center on Route 68 at 7:15 a.m./5:15 p.m. and the Hammonton Armory at 8:30 a.m./4:30 p.m.

Reservations can be made by calling Amanda Balas, State Youth Coordinator, at 609-562-0742 or by e-mail at Amanda.balas@us.army.mil. They will be taken on a first come, first serve basis and children of deployed service members have priority.

Youth Camp Forms Available

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.

Deployed Military Spouses Assistance Program Award

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

Family Readiness Council offers Tier I and II grants

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

Military Family Day at Six Flags on Aug. 21

Bring the family to Family Appreciation Day at Six Flags, Great Adventure, Jackson, on Aug. 27.  The park opens at 10:30 a.m. and the discounted tickets cost $20 per person, children under 3 have free admittance.  Parking will cost $15 per car.

Tickets include all the rides and the safari.  Tickets can be purchased at JFHQ', Family Program's Office (see Marie or Amanda) or at any Family Assistance Center. For further information, please contact the Family Program Office at  marie.durling@nj.ngb.army.mil or amanda.balas@us.army.mil. This is a one-day ticket only, not a season pass.  This offer is available to all New Jersey National Guard soldiers, airmen and DMAVA State and Federal civilian employees.

Baseball, food and supporting the Fisher House Foundation

Come watch the Lakewood Blue Claws play baseball, eat lots of hot dogs and hamburgers and support the Fisher House Foundation all at the same time.

On Aug. 6, The Fort Monmouth chapter of the Association of the United States Army is sponsoring a "Night at the Baseball Par k" to salute disabled service members and their families. For the cost of $20 for adults or $15 for children, you can get all you can get all you can eat hot dogs and hamburgers.  Sponsors at various levels are also needed. To make payment, reservations or for sponsorship, contact Kit Roache at 732-380-9500 or kit.roace@gdc4s.com.

Proceeds from the night are being donated to the Fisher House Foundation. The Fisher House Foundation supports America's military in their time of need; the Foundation provides "a home away from home" that enables family members to be close to a loved one (military member) at the most stressful time -- during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury.

Military golfers have chance to win $10,000

Hey all you military golfers - here is a contest for you! On August 11, at Greely Field, Fort Monmouth, at 1 p.m., the 2007 Military Long Drive Championship is being held.  Take your best shot and you could win $10,000.  You can win an all-expense paid trip, luxury hotel, premier golf outings and play in a pro-am event in Mesquite, Nevada.

For rules and information, or to register, call 732-532-8404 or visit www.armymwrgolf.com.

Trenton Vets Center, Trenton Thunder offer "cheap" seats

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 $7 for 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.  If you have questions, call Matt Petima, director of ticket operations for the Trenton Thunder at 609-394-3300, ext 1200 or the ticket box office at 609-394-3300.

Proof of Veteran Status:  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.

Here's To The Heroes

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

NJARNG Education Office hosting open house for Roger Williams U

From the Education Office, New Jersey Army National Guard

The New Jersey Army National Guard Education Office is hosting an open house for Roger Williams University on July 25 at 6 p.m., in the main conference room at Joint force Headquarters, 3650 Saylors Pond Road, Fort Dix, N.J.

The School of Continuing Studies at RWU offers six distance learning bachelor degrees. College credit is awarded for military training and experience, civilian or military certifications and licenses and prior college attendance.  RWU may accept up to 90 credits for military , transfer and other experiences toward your degree.

All National Guard members, spouses, veterans and NJNG civilian employees are welcome and offered the reduced military tuition rate.

On July 26, Dean John Stout from RWU will be available to meet with potential students from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Contact him at 800-458-7144, ext. 3530.  For more information, call the N.J. Army National Guard education office at 609-562-0654.

Free SAT/ACT Offer Extended

A group of NFL, NFL Europe, AFL, and CFL football players have announced they are extending their sponsorship of the SAT/ACT training to all military families.

The sponsorship allows any military person (active, Guard, reserve, or retired) to request as many programs as they need for the students in their lives.  There is a secure website to confirm a person's military status before directing the user to the software order site.  Logon to::

www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/portal/page/itc/MHF/MHF_DETAIL_0?current_id=20.20.100.30.0.0.0.0.0

Programs are shipped to domestic U.S. addresses and APO addresses.  The sponsorship covers the purchase price of $199 and the family pays only the shipping and handling of $9.95.

American Legion offers scholarships, booklet on their Web site

The American Legion has scholarship information on their Web site - www.legion.org - including the 152-page booklet, Need a Lift, which is a complete financial aid reference guide for veterans, veterans' dependents and members of the American Legion family.  When you get on the site, click on "Scholarship Information" in the "Useful Links" block.

Association News

Enlisted Association of the National Guard of New Jersey

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.

Enlisted Association of NGNJ slated for Oct. 5-6

The 34th annual conference of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of New Jersey will be held at the Radisson Hotel, Valley Forge, Penn., Oct. 5-6.

Proceeds from this weekend event are spent directly on our membership.  It is a nice feeling to know that for every 50/50 ticket and Chinese Auction ticket you buy helps fund the scholarship program, allows junior enlisted to attend the National Conference and supports legislative actions for benefits and so much more. 

Friday night features "The American Game Show Challenge," which is a series of fun trivia contests and physical challenges.

Saturday is back to business for a bit, with a business meeting and elections for the executive counsel.  The new Junior Enlisted Team is sponsoring the Chinese Auction.  Local attractions are abundant; register for trips to Valley Forge and/or Longwood Gardens.  Saturday Night wraps up our conference with our customary formal Military Ball. 

There are several package plans to fit your particular needs.  If you have any questions, call retired Sgt. Maj. Jerome Zebrowski at 609-214-6959 or e-mail at jcptfalc@aol.com or Co-Chairman retired Sgt. Maj. Edward Goetschius at 609-965-1972 or e-mail at esgtmaj@comcast.net.  Visit the association's web site at www.eang-nj.org for additional information, updates and applications. 

 

NGANJ's calendar for members in 2007

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

§       National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) 129th Conference - this conference will be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico from August 25-27, 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

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:

August 8, 9, 10

Newport Centre Mall

September 12, 13*, 14

Livingston Mall

October 2, 3, 4

Deptford Mall

October 30*, 31, November 1

Brunswick Square Mall

November 27, 28, 29

Quaker Bridge Mall

*Medal ceremonies begin at 10:30 a.m. on these dates.

The kiosk will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., July-Sept.; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Oct. and Nov.

N.J. Vietnam Veterans Memorial

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

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Free guided tours of the Memorial are offered on the first Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

 

 

   
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