Michael L. Cunniff, commander of the 108th Air Refueling Wing, was promoted to Brigadier General in a ceremony was held at The Club, McGuire Air Force Base on Thursday, Aug. 2.

The Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, read the oath of office to the new general. Gen. Rieth was assisted by Cunniff's wife, Diana, in pinning on the new rank.  Daughters, Alecia and Lauren, and son, Christopher, pinned the star on his cap and put the new epaulettes on his shirt.

Members of the Air and Army Guard, retired 108th and Air Guard personnel along with members of Gen. Cunniff's family were there to watch the ceremony.

By 1st Lt. Susan D. Cook

Outstanding performances on July 31 by Lt Col. Walter Alvarado, 2nd Lt. Matthew Zilinski and Sgt. 1st Class Steve Austin contributed to our 22-8 victory against Showtime.  Offensively we dominated the entire game.  Lt. Col. Alvarado went 3-4 with 2 singles and a double with 2 RBIs.  Lt. Zilinski went 3-4 with a single, a double and a homerun with 2 RBIs.  Austin went 4-4 batting the cycle with 2 RBIs.  Defensively we played swimmingly.  Alvarado had 2 put outs along with Zilinski and Sgt. Austin both contributing 1 put out each.

This win put us over 500 with 4 wins and 3 losses. Our next game is schedule for Aug. 2 at 6:30 p.m.  Other Major Subordinate Commands... Bring it on!

Deputy Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Maria Falca-Dodson, and retired Col. Stephen G. Abel, Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs, will conduct a Town Hall meeting on Sept. 6, 2007 at 8 a.m.

At 8:45 a.m. retired Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Pierson and retired Col. Jay Lovas will brief employees on the COOP/COG, which is how the department would function in the event of a disaster. 

The Town Hall meeting and briefing will take place on the Drill Floor at the Lawrenceville Armory. Attendance for DMVA state employees is mandatory.

By Tammy Cartagena, NJ ESGR

On June 7, fellow Campbell's Soup Company employees welcomed Petty Officer 2nd Class Joe Riley after he completed a deployment to Iraq with the U.S. Navy Reserve.  Representatives from New Jersey Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) came to Campbell's to welcome Joe home and present the company with an ESGR "Above and Beyond Award" for its exceptional support of national defense and employees who serve in the military.

"Campbell's has gone above and beyond the requirements for granting leave and providing support for employees who are called to active duty," said retired Brig. Gen. Robert Dutko, state chairman of the NJ ESGR Committee.  "It is clear that Campbell genuinely cares about its employees, and is truly committed to demonstrating its patriotism."

In addition to the award, Gen. Dutko presented CEO Doug Conant with a general's coin.

The award nomination was submitted by Riley's family.  In the application, they said, "the extended benefits Campbell provided us with were exceptional.  In addition to helping our children have access to their own doctors, representatives from the company maintained active contact with our family during his service, and co-workers organized gift collections for the holidays to help improve our children's morale. Because he knew his family was taken care of, Joe was better able to focus on the job he had while deployed."

The Small Business Administration recently launched Patriot Express Pilot Loan, the latest extension to the financial, procurement and technical assistance programs the organization provides to the nation's small business community. Designed specifically for service members and their qualifying spouses, the loan program goes directly to the needs of American patriots interested in starting and sustaining their own businesses.
Patriot Express loans are available to community members including veterans, service-disabled veterans, active-duty service members participating in the military's Transition Assistance Program, Reservists and National Guard members, current spouses of any of the above, and the widowed spouse of a service member or veteran who died during service, or of a service-connected disability. Loans feature interest rates from about 2.25 percent to 4.75 percent over prime, based on loan size and maturity, creating SBA's lowest interest offering for business loans.

To find out more about the program, go to http://www.sba.gov/ patriotexpress/.

From the desk of Sgt. Maj. Nick Kampf, Safety Office

Recreational boating casualties are the second leading cause of transportation-related fatalities after automobile accidents.  The following statistics were taken from the 2006 Safe Boating Campaign Accident Facts.

v    More than 3,750 reported recreational boating casualties in 2004.

v    More than 3,100 injuries.

v    629 deaths.

v    Seven out of 10 people who died in boating related accidents drowned.

v    Nine out of 10 reported drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket.

The vast majority of boating accidents are caused by human error and not by the boat, equipment or environmental factors.

The Dos and Don'ts of Boating Safety

DO wear a life jacket.  They float.  You don't.

DO know the water and environment where you will be boating.

DO keep a good lookout while underway.

DO shut your engines off when people are in the water near your boat.

DO observe the nautical "rules-of-the-road".

DO check the weather forecast before getting underway.

DO keep a balanced load and a trim boat.

DON'T overload your boat.

DON'T stand up in a small boat.

DON'T ride on the gunwale, bow, seat backs, or any place that is not designed for sitting.

DON'T drink and boat.

From the office of J1-HRO

Did you know..... Your patriotism ENTITLES you to dental coverage. The TRICARE dental program is affordable and comprehensive.

It's the ONLY dental insurance plan sponsored by the Department of Defense for:

v    National Guard and Reserve Members

v    National Guard and Reserve Family Members

v    Active Duty Family Members

Enroll today to claim the dental benefits you've earned and experience the service you and your family deserve.  Call 800-866-8499 or visit www.TRICAREdentalprogram.com for more information.

The Summer 2007 edition of Environmental Update is now available online at: http://aec.army.mil/usaec/publicaffairs/update/sum07/sum07.html

Or type http:/aec.army.mil and click "Spring 2007 Environmental Update" under Hot Topics.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Park" 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 Sept. 28, 2007. Contact: www.horatioalger.org.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 5-7.

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 with a business meeting and elections for the executive council.  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/conference_2007.pdf for additional information, updates and applications. 

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.

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 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.