DMVA
Weekly Highlights
21 March
2003
Joint
Chief of Staff, COL (Ret) Michael B. Smith
1.
SEND MESSAGES OF SUPPORT TO OUR SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN THROUGH
OPERATION DEAR ABBY.
2.
FLAG RETIREMENT SERVICE PLANNED FOR BRIGADIER GENERAL WILLIAM
C. DOYLE VETERANS MEMORIAL CEMETERY.
3.
PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH ANNOUNCED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF GLOBAL
WAR ON TERRORISM MEDALS.
4.
NEW JERSEY AIR NATIONAL GUARD ANNOUNCES LIEUTENANT COLONEL
RONALD ALFORS HAS BEEN SELECTED AS THE NEW NJANG’S CHIEF
OF STAFF.
5.
TRAINING AND TRAINING TECHNOLOGY BATTLE LAB (T3BL) EXPERIENCES
TRAINING SURGE.
6.
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL VISITED THE 1/150TH GENERAL SUPPORT BATTALION
(GSAB) IN PANAMA.
7.
THE CHALLENGE PROGRAM IS LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MEN AND WOMEN
TO JOIN THEIR STAFF.
8.
TRICARE POLICY CHANGE ANNOUNCED FOR NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVISTS
ON ACTIVE DUTY FOR MORE THAN 30 DAYS.
9.
NOMINATIONS ARE SOUGHT FOR THE ENLISTED ASSOCIATION OF THE
NATIONAL GUARD OF NEW JERSEY’S 2003 AWARD PROGRAM.
10.
NJ VIETNAM VETERANS’ MEMORIAL AND VIETNAM ERA EDUCATIONAL
CENTER ANNOUNCES UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS.
11.
EVER WONDER ABOUT THAT LITTLE YELLOW SHIELD ON YOUR COMPUTER
SCREEN?
12.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE, VIETNAM SERVICE, AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE
MEDAL PRESENTATION CEREMONIES ARE SCHEDULED.
13.
NEW JERSEY ARMY NATIONAL GUARD MODERNIZES FOOD SERVICE OPERATIONS.
14.
ARMORY HAPPENINGS – CHECK TO SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING
AT AN ARMORY NEAR YOU.
15.
TIPS TO KEEP YOUR ANXIETY LEVEL IN CHECK, AS OPERATION IRAQI
FREEDOM BEGINS.
16.
THE SNOW COVER IS MELTING AND TEMPERATURES ARE SLOWLY RISING
AS SPRING ARRIVES THIS WEEKEND.
17.
WORDS OF WISDOM…
* * * * * * * *
1. SEND MESSAGES OF SUPPORT TO OUR SERVICEMEN
AND WOMEN THROUGH OPERATION DEAR ABBY. Americans
are able to send a special message to our men and women in
the military defending freedom worldwide through Operation
Dear Abby. Since 1967, when Sgt. Billy Thompson wrote Abigail
Van Buren asking for a Christmas present for our service members
– “just a letter from home,” “Operation
Dear Abby” has brought joy to hundreds of thousands
of US military personnel deployed away from home and around
the world. Concerns about regular mail delivery have prompted
the military to suspend the letter writing campaign. Today,
however, you can participate in this program and send an e-mail
message of support at the website, www.OperationDearAbby.net,
sponsored by Dear Abby and the US Department of Defense
2.
FLAG RETIREMENT SERVICE PLANNED FOR BRIGADIER GENERAL WILLIAM
C. DOYLE VETERANS MEMORIAL CEMETERY. American Flags
that are no longer serviceable to be displayed will be accepted
at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial
Cemetery. Flags received by 31 May will be burned at a local
crematory and the ashes will be buried at the cemetery on
Flag Day, June 14. This will be an on-going program and flags
received after 31 May will be retired at the next Flag Day
ceremony.
3.
PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH ANNOUNCED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF GLOBAL
WAR ON TERRORISM MEDALS. On 12 March 2003, President
Bush established the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary
Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. The Global
War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal shall be awarded to members
of the Armed Forces of the United States who serve or have
served in military expeditions to combat terrorism, as defined
by such regulations, on or after September 11, 2001, and before
a terminal date to be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.
The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal shall be awarded
to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who serve
or have served in military operations to combat terrorism,
as defined by such regulations, on or after September 11,
2001, and before a terminal date to be prescribed by the Secretary
of Defense. Both of these medals may be awarded posthumously
to any person covered by and under regulations prescribed
in accordance with the first of second sections of this order.
Qualified members may be awarded either the Global War on
Terrorism Expeditionary Medal or the Global War on Terrorism
Service Medal in lieu of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
or the Armed Forces Service Medal, but no one may be awarded
more than one of these four medals.
4.
NEW JERSEY AIR NATIONAL GUARD ANNOUNCES LIEUTENANT COLONEL
RONALD ALFORS HAS BEEN SELECTED AS THE NEW NJANG’S CHIEF
OF STAFF and will begin to transition into the position
on or about 1 June 2003. Lt Col Alfors transferred from the
Air Force to the Air National Guard in 1972. During that time
he has served the New Jersey Air National Guard with the 170th
Communications Flight, Mission Support Squadron, and Services
Flight. He has served as Commander of the 108th Services Flight
Commander of the 108th Military Personnel Flight, Support
Group Executive Officer/Management Analyst, and, most recently
as Comptroller of the 108th Air Refueling Wing. Lt Col Alfors
brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the job. We
wish him well in his new endeavor!
5.
TRAINING AND TRAINING TECHNOLOGY BATTLE LAB (T3BL) EXPERIENCES
TRAINING SURGE. Since the new 62,000 sq. ft. addition
at T3BL opened up on January 1, 2003, volumes of soldiers
have been training there. The demand is coming from unit commanders
who see that the new facilities provide them with the opportunity
to conduct individual and collective training in a unique
environment. The main attraction has been four Night Fighting
Lanes, which were primarily designed to train soldiers to
use their Night Vision Goggles, but unit commanders are also
using the lanes for common task training during hours of darkness.
This week, the four computer classrooms are fully occupied
with approximately 65 students. The classes being conducted
include Property Book User Enhancement (PBUSE), Integrated
Material Automation Program (IMAP), and Distributive Training
Technology Program (DTTP) Instructor Operator Training. Mobilized
units have also created huge demands on the new facilities
at T3BL. Units have been conducting Military Decision Making
Process (MDMP) training in the STOW Bays, and the Engagement
Skills Training (EST 2000) is being utilized for individual
Shoot-Don’t Shoot and unit collective marksmanship training
scenarios. GUARDFIST II trainers are teaching soldiers proper
call for fire techniques, and the 3-112 FA and Delta Battery
are utilizing the Howitzer Crew Trainers for crew drills.
Triple the number of soldiers are training at the T3BL and
volume increases are expected in the next few months. If you’re
going to use the T3BL for training, plan early, openings are
filling up fast!
6.
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL VISITED THE 1/150TH GENERAL SUPPORT BATTALION
(GSAB) IN PANAMA accompanied by COL Carlini, COL
Harvey, CSM Adkins, and CSM Barna, 12-15 March 2003. The 1/150th
GSAB is providing aviation support for Task Force Chiriqui
during Operation New Horizons ’03 in Panama. This five-month
mission began on 13 January 2003 and will end in early May
2003. Operation New Horizons ’03 is a humanitarian mission.
Fifty-nine soldiers from the 1/150th will rotate through Panama
during this five-month period, providing medical evacuation
and air transport for the Task Force.
7.
THE CHALLENGE PROGRAM IS LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MEN AND WOMEN
TO JOIN THEIR STAFF. If you are a current or retired
member of the New Jersey National Guard, there are employment
opportunities available with the State of New Jersey’s
ChalleNGe Program. National Guard experience in drill and
ceremony, military leadership, and physical training can be
key attributes for a career as a ChalleNGe Youth Worker. The
New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs employs
full-time ChalleNGe Youth Workers at a starting salary of
$26,000 to $29,000 with full state benefits, which include
vacation time, sick leave, administrative leave, medical,
dental, and vision care. Hourly Youth Worker positions are
also available for all shifts. The hourly rate for these positions
is $11.40 (with no benefits). All three shifts are available.
If working with teens in a disciplined environment as part
of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
appeals to you, please contact the ChalleNGe Youth Program
for an employment application at (609) 562-0570.
8.
TRICARE POLICY CHANGE ANNOUNCED FOR NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVISTS
ON ACTIVE DUTY FOR MORE THAN 30 DAYS. Defense Department
officials announced March 12 policy changes to Tricare Prime
and Tricare Prime Remote programs for members of the National
Guard and Reserve and their families. Beginning March 10,
family members of Guardsmen and Reservists on federal active-duty
orders for more than 30 days are eligible to enroll in Tricare
Prime and use the access standards and cost shares associated
with the program. Previously, sponsors had to be eligible
in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System and
activated for 179 days or more before family members were
eligible to enroll in Tricare Prime.
9.
NOMINATIONS ARE SOUGHT FOR THE ENLISTED ASSOCIATION OF THE
NATIONAL GUARD OF NEW JERSEY’S 2003 AWARD PROGRAM.
Nominations are now being accepted for the CSM Wilfred Z.
Lea Outstanding First Sergeant Award (Army and Air), the SGM
Harry Arbeitman Outstanding NCO Award, the SFC Robert G. Vuinovich
Outstanding Soldier Award, and the MSG John E. Bodine Outstanding
Airman Award. All nominations must be in writing and include
nominee’s home address, home telephone number, and spouse’s
full name. Nominations are due to the Awards Chairman NLT
17 July 2003, at 101 Eggert Crossing Road, Lawrenceville,
NJ 08648, Phone: 609-530-6977.
10.
NJ VIETNAM VETERANS’ MEMORIAL AND VIETNAM ERA EDUCATIONAL
CENTER ANNOUNCES UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS.
29
March 1:00 pm |
Devil
Doc: A Navy Corpsman in Vietnam
A slide show and discussion presented by Albert Naar (USN/USMC,
1965-1969, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Medical Battalion,
Phu Bai and Quang Tri) |
26
April 1:00 pm |
Thirteen
Months, Thirteen Stories, One Tour |
7
May 11:00 am |
Remembrance
Day Ceremony |
10
May 1:00 pm |
Not
at Ease: Photographs of America’s Continuing Engagement
with the Vietnam War |
26
May 11:00 am |
Memorial
Day Ceremony |
14
June 1:00 pm |
Unknown
Soldier |
11.
EVER WONDER ABOUT THAT LITTLE YELLOW SHIELD ON YOUR COMPUTER
SCREEN? The shield on the bottom of your computer
screen is a program called Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition.
The consumer retail version is under the more common name
of Norton Antivirus. That little yellow shield is your computer’s
defense against the numerous viruses that hackers have unleashed
on the computer world. Your computer’s Antivirus is
updated automatically when a new virus protection definition
is available. At least once a week, slide your mouse over
the shield and double-click. A window will pop up and display
the functions and status of your Antivirus protection. On
the bottom right side of the expanded window is a date under
the title “Virus Definition File.” This date is
rarely more than seven days old. This will let you know if
you have a current virus definition to protect your computer.
If it is past the seven days or the text in that box is gray
(not black), you should call the Help Desk.
12.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE, VIETNAM SERVICE, AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE
MEDAL PRESENTATION CEREMONIES ARE SCHEDULED.
- 27
Mar -- 1100 hrs Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious
Service Medal
Strawbridge's Court-Echelon Mall
Burnt Mill Road
Voorhees, NJ
-
10 April --1100 hrs Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious
Service Medal
National Guard Training Center, Building 35
Sea Girt, NJ
13.
NEW JERSEY ARMY NATIONAL GUARD (NJARNG) MODERNIZES FOOD SERVICE
OPERATIONS. To modernize food service operations
within the NJARNG, while at the same time providing quality
subsistence for all soldiers, individual Mobile Kitchen Trailers
are in the process of being modified to accept the Modern
Burner Unit (MBU). This fielding will be accomplished during
the week of 18-21 March 2003, with corresponding periods of
instruction for selected unit personnel. The MBUs replace
the old M2 Burners that have served the NJARNG for the past
40 years. Food service personnel will no longer be required
to awake at 0300 to light the burners for the breakfast meal.
The new burners ignite with the touch of a switch.
14.
ARMORY HAPPENINGS – CHECK TO SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING AT
AN ARMORY NEAR YOU.
19-24
Mar |
Home
& Landscape Show |
Westfield
Armory |
21
Mar |
Circus |
Cherry Hill Armory |
21-23
Mar |
Craft
Show & Sale
Home Design & Landscape Show |
Morristown
Armory
Westfield Armory |
22
Mar |
Fundraiser
& Cultural Event
Circus
|
Lawrenceville
Armory
Woodstown
Armory |
23
Mar |
Emcee
Sports Cards & Comics Show
Circus |
Bordentown
Armory
Bridgeton Armory |
24
Mar |
Circus |
Bordentown
Armory |
25 Mar |
Circus |
Flemington
Armory |
28
Mar |
Circus |
Washington
Armory |
30
Mar |
NASCAR
Collectibles Show |
Bordentown
Armory |
2
Apr |
Circus |
Woodbridge
Armory |
2-6
Apr |
Antique
Show & Sale |
Morristown
Armory |
12
Apr |
Medieval
Festival |
Washington
Armory |
19 Apr |
Wrestling |
Cherry
Hill Armory |
23-27
Apr |
Ball
& Dinner Dance |
Morristown
Armory |
28
Apr -7 May |
Carpet
& Furniture Show |
Morristown
Armory |
15.
TIPS TO KEEP YOUR ANXIETY LEVEL IN CHECK, AS OPERATION IRAQI
FREEDOM BEGINS. A second Gulf War has begun, our
retirement accounts are shrinking with the economy, people
we know have lost their job, and people we love risk losing
their lives in service to their country. Our stress levels
are rising. Two of the most common causes of high anxiety
are lack of security and lack of safety. Americans are facing
a struggling economy that threatens our economic security
and now we’ve been told to watch out for physical threats
every day. Increased anxiety levels are normal, and feeling
appropriately anxious motivates us to cope. However, we need
to remain focused on the things that are OK – family
and friends, and never lose hope that better days lie ahead.
Here are things we can do to lower our stress levels:
- Think
about the serious issues of the day, but don’t get
caught up in a loop of worrying about the same things over
and over. Keep things in perspective.
- Stay
on regular sleep cycles.
- Relaxation
techniques, yoga, and exercise are all helpful for daily
stress and worry. These things help get you out of your
head and into your body.
- Get
comfortable with the notion that it’s OK to go on
with your daily activities even if you sometimes feel insecure
and emotional.
16.
THE SNOW COVER IS MELTING AND TEMPERATURES ARE SLOWLY RISING
AS SPRING ARRIVES THIS WEEKEND. Not only is today
the first day of Spring, but it is also known as the vernal
equinox, which means “equal night”. Because the
sun is positioned above the equator, day and night are about
equal in length all over the world. This time of equality
between day and night has been, and continues to be, a timekeeper,
marking our passage from darkness and cold to warmth and light.
17.
WORDS OF WISDOM…
“ An optimist is the human personification of Spring.”
~ Susan J. Bissonette ~
“
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment
before starting to improve the world.”
~ Anne Frank ~
“ He who wishes to secure the good of others, has already
secured his own.”
~ Confusius ~
“ Nothing in this world is impossible to a willing heart.”
~ Abraham Lincoln ~
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