New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
DMAVA Highlights » 08 June 2007

Volume 6, Number 23


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

Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons.
- Ruth Ann Schabacker

I may not amount to much, but at least I am unique.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Of all the idiots I have met in my life, and the Lord knows that they have not been few or little, I think that  I have been the biggest.
- Isak Dinesen

If there is no wind, row.
- Latin Proverb

Download PDF Version of this week's highlights

News For Your Views
D/250th BSB FRG will hold poster making meeting on June 9

The next meeting of the D/250th BSB FRG will be held on Saturday, June 9, at 10 a.m. at the National Guard Armory, 1048 Route 206 South, Bordentown.  Our agenda is WELCOME HOME POSTERS!  We have finally made it to a point where we can prepare for the homecoming.  Please join us for some sign making, sharing deployment stories and getting ready for the homecoming.  We will have some supplies on hand (such as poster board and markers), but if you have some you can bring to share, we would appreciate it! We will have light refreshments available.


Family Appreciation Day for Guard, State and Federal employees

For all you amusement park lovers, Family Appreciation Day at Great Adventure for the National Guard will be on August 27, starting at 10 a.m.  Cost for these one day tickets will be $20, children under 3 years of age are free.   Tickets are also available to all DMAVA State and Federal employees.
Tickets will be available for purchase June 15 in the State Family Programs Office, 3650 Saylors Pond Road, Fort Dix.  See Marie Durling or Amanda Balas for tickets (cash only).  Tickets will be sold until noon, August 24.  If you have any questions, call Marie at 609-562-0739.


AFRC adds location in Virginia Beach area for vacationers

The Armed Forces Recreation Center in Virginia Beach joins locations in Orlando, Fla., Germany, Hawaii, and Korea.  The Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command assumed responsibility of the 93-room set of cabins and bungalows at Fort Story, Va., in April, but plans to expand the property over the next two years with additional rooms and conference facilities.  The resort is open to active duty, reservists, retired military, DoD civilians, delayed-entry recruits and family members.  Prices range from $59 to $273 per night based on the resort, rank, paygrade, duty status, room size and location.  For more information go to www.capehenryinn.com .


FRG looking for “web savvy” volunteer

The New Jersey National Guard Family Readiness Council is looking for an IT or “web savvy” individual to donate their services. Your talents are needed to set up and maintain a Web site for the Family Readiness Council. Anyone who is interested should call Terry Dearden at 609-530-6893 to set up a meeting with the members of the Council.
The National Guard State Family Readiness Council is a nonprofit organization developed to assess and implement solutions to challenges that our Guard families experience during their Soldier’s or Airman’s deployment. One of the functions of the council is to add support to the Family Assistance Centers scattered throughout the state.  The council is accessible to individual families and other military organizations. Financial support is provided by the council to military activities through generous donations and fundraising activities.  Resource services and emotional support are also available.


ESGR volunteer, Nick Grand, receives Ellis Island Medal of Honor

By Hank Pierre, Executive Assistant, N.J. ESGR office
Nick Grand, New Jersey ESGR Mobilization Director, was among 100 people honored for their outstanding contributions by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) during a special awards ceremony on Ellis Island in New York Harbor on May 12.
Nick received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor to pay tribute to the ancestry groups that comprise America's cultural mosaic.  The Ellis Island Medal of Honor is awarded to individuals who exemplify a life dedicated to community service, contribute distinguished service to humanity and share their personal and professional gifts with the local, national or international community. 
Past medalists include six US presidents as well as Nobel Prize winners and leaders of industry, education, arts, sports and government.
Nick has been a member of the N.J. ESGR Committee since 1972 and has continually been an integral part of the committee.  He has briefed more than 100,000 troops at the Fort Dix Joint Readiness Center since Sept. 11.  Some of the previous awards he has received are the Roche Award, from the National ESGR Committee; the MG Howard Louderback Award, named for the first N.J. State Chair; as well as being recognized by the N.H. ESGR Committee at the Fort Dix Employer Appreciation Day last year.  
We are all proud to know Nick and to have worked with Nick over the years.  He is a great role model for us all and works tirelessly for the troops.


NJSP offer waivers for active military service when applying for jobs

The New Jersey State Police is seeking qualified individuals interested in joining a highly professional and dynamic law enforcement organization. Your military experience can help you get some of the requirements waived!  Here are some of the prerequisites for the job:
Candidates may apply if they have a minimum of 30 college credits from an accredited college or university plus two years of active duty military service with an honorable discharge.  Candidates without prior military experience require a bachelor’s degree or alternatively, 60 college credits and two years of satisfactory employment. 
Applications can be downloaded from the recruiting page of the NJSP public website, WWW.NJSP.ORG . Applications are also available at any State Police station or county clerk’s office. Please direct any recruitment questions and referrals to the NJSP Recruiting Unit at 609-882-2000, ext. 6400 or 1-877-NJSP-877. Deadline for application submittal is July 14, 2007.


Warm weather advice to keep you healthy

From the desk of Katheryn E. Wierzbicki, RN, BSN, QA Coordinator
Division of Veterans Healthcare Services
The warm weather is here.  Don’t let a heat-related illness spoil your day.
People suffer heat-related illness when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. The body normally cools itself by sweating, but when the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly.
Who is at greatest risk for heat-related illness?
Infants, children up to 4 years of age, people 65 years and older, overweight people, and people who are ill or taking certain medications. Also at risk are people who must work or exercise in a hot environment.
“Stages” of Heat-Related Illnesses
HEAT CRAMPS
Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms – usually in the abdomen, arms or legs – that may occur in association with strenuous activity. People who sweat a lot during strenuous activity are prone to heat cramps.
Heat Cramps Treatment –

  1. Stop all activity and sit quietly in a cool place.
  2. Drink water, clear juice, or a sports beverage.
  3. Do NOT return to strenuous activity for a few hours after the cramps subside because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
  4. Seek medical attention for heat cramps if they do not subside in 1 hour.

HEAT EXHAUSTION
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. The elderly, people with high blood pressure, and those working or exercising in a hot environment are most prone to heat exhaustion.

  1. Warning signs of heat exhaustion include:
  2. Heavy sweating
  3. Skin is pale, cool and moist
  4. Pulse rate is fast and weak
  5. Breathing is fast and shallow
  6. Muscle cramps
  7. Tiredness
  8. Weakness
  9. Dizziness
  10. Headache
  11. Nausea or vomiting
  12. Fainting

Heat Exhaustion Treatment –

  1. Move the person to a cool or air-conditioned environment
  2. Rest in a comfortable position
  3. Drink cool water or non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages (small drinks of water every 15 minutes)
  4. Remove or loosen tight clothing
  5. Apply cool, wet cloths such as towels or wet sheets, or
  6. Take a cool shower, cool bath, or cool sponge bath
  7. Call 911 if person refuses fluids, vomits, or loses consciousness

HEAT STROKE
Heat stroke, also know as sunstroke, is the most serious heat-related illness.
Heat stroke is life threatening. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down

  1. Warning signs of heat stroke include:
  2. Extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
  3. Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating)
  4. Rapid, strong pulse
  5. Throbbing headache
  6. Dizziness
  7. Nausea
  8. Confusion/Delirium/Seizures
  9. Unconsciousness – brain damage can occur if the body is not cooled quickly.

Heat Stroke Treatment –

  1. Call 911 or EMS/ambulance immediately. This may be a life-threatening crisis.
  2. Move the person to a cooler place out of the heat.
  3. TAKE STEPS TO REDUCE BODY TEMPERATURE - Cool the victim rapidly (e.g. immerse victim in a tub of cool water or place in cool shower; spray victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge victim with cool water; apply ice packs, etc.)
  4. Keep victim lying down until ambulance arrives.
  5. Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses – General Guidelines
  6. Dress for the heat – Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  7. Drink water - Carry water or juice with you and drink even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, both of which can dehydrate the body.
  8. Slow down – Avoid strenuous activities. If you must do strenuous activities, try to do them during the coolest part of the day which is usually early morning (before 7 AM).
  9. Stay indoors whenever possible.
  10. Take regular breaks – Take time out to find a cool place to rest.

Remember:
COOL THE BODY  –  GIVE FLUIDS  –  MINIMIZE SHOCK


For Your Calendar   

Blood Drive coming to Fort Dix, DMAVA on June 11, 12

New Jersey is once again facing a severe blood shortage.  We are requesting DMAVA State and Federal employees help offset the more than 74,000 pint shortage.
The second annual DMAVA Governor’s “Save 3 Lives” Blood Drive will be conducted during a two-day period, beginning on June 11 between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Fort Dix Joint Training and Training Development Center (JTTDC), Stow Bay 3, and continuing on June 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lawrenceville Armory Cafeteria.
The following Blood Drive Coordinators should be contacted to schedule your blood donation time. 
Fort Dix JFHQ: Connie Cisek (ANG Personnel), 609-562-0901 or Master Sgt. Tony DeLuccio (ARNG Personnel), 609-562-0858.
ChalleNGe: Mr. Sean Van Lew, 609-562-0571.
JT2DC: Sgt. Yashica Carver, 609-562-0520.
DMAVA Central Office: Kathy Wierzbicki, 609-530-6979.
Mercer Army Aviation Support Facility #1: 1st Sgt. Charlie Bethea, 609-575-6726 or 1st Sgt. Harold Klingler, 609-530-4751.
Donor eligibility guideline information is available at 1-866-2GIVENJ or www.communitybloodcouncil.org.


9th Annual Unity Day, June 14

Please join us on June 14 for the 9th Annual Unity Day, "Many Cultures, One Flag," being held at the JT2DC Training Facility, Ft. Dix.
Unity Day is held to enhance cross-cultural awareness and promote harmony among all members of the New Jersey National Guard.  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 11:30 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 by Voices of Africa, United We Sing, O'Leary Irish Dancers, Red Hawk Indian Dancers, Bag Pipers, and the Rancocas Valley Regional High School Hollywood Steppers.
Multi-cultural displays and food samplings from 18 different ethnic groups from around the world will take place from noon to 3:30 p.m.  We encourage ALL members associated with the New Jersey National Guard to attend.  For more information, contact Capt. Lola Washington, State Equal Employment Manager, 609-562-0856.


DMAVA-Vets Home Motorcycle ride

The employees, Soldiers, and Airmen of DMAVA are planning a bike ride. The date for this event is June 16. Participating motorcyclists plan to visit the three veterans’ homes and interact with the residents during the layovers. Lt. Col. Walter R. Nall is coordinating this event for DMAVA. The headcount form is available via DMAVANET in the HRD section under statewide activities.  The DMAVA Website link is http://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/Veterans_Ride.pdf.  If participating, please return the completed headcount form to Lt. Col. Nall later than May 7.  Interested riders may contact him at 609-530-6841 or e-mail walter.nall@njdmava.state.nj.us.


DMAVA/JFHQS Summer picnic is set for June 22

Come have fun at the DMAVA/JFHQS Summer-Fiesta 07!  The summer picnic will be held on June 22 at the Lawrenceville armory at noon.  The cost is $10 with a menu of chicken, sausage, hot dogs, hamburgers, various salads, baked means, and beverages.  The committee is asking employees to contribute desserts.  Dress is appropriate summer attire.
Attendance is not mandatory but if employees chose not to attend it will be a normal and full workday at their duty station. The picnic follows the TAG’s Town Hall meeting and the DMAVA awards ceremony, both at the armory.
See your department representative to pay no later than June 15.
DMAVA: Darlene Laarz – 609-530-6992, Karen Wallace – 609-530-6766, Dawn Esposito – 609-530-6717 or Tina Taylor – 609-530-7170
Fort Dix: Marie Durling – 609-562-0739
HSCOE: Kevin Hearn – 609-530-7069


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.


Retirement Dinners

Wave goodbye to Tom Flynn on June 21

There will be a retirement dinner for Tom Flynn of the DMAVA Fiscal Division on June 21 at 4 p.m. at Mastoris Restaurant, Bordentown.  Cost is $30 per person with a large choice of entrees to include Chicken Parmigiana, roast turkey broiled flounder, roast beef, baked ham and others. For more information or reservations, call Tom DeShields at 609-530-6718. Reservations are due no later than June 14. 


Honorable Mention
Honor Guard program searching for people

Looking for a way to serve and get some satisfaction at the same time?  The Honor Guard program is looking for members of the Army and Air Guard to join the team to perform honor guard duties at the funerals of veterans.  There is an initial eight hours of training for all new enrollees, with on-going sustainment training.  As an honor guard member, you will receive a day of pay for each day’s mission, minimum of $50, and traditional drilling Guard members receive a retirement point for each day’s duties.
Teams are split geographically throughout the state and volunteers can stay busy.  In April 2007, the teams conducted 205 services for deceased veterans.  By May15, there were 120 funerals where the team performed their duties.  Retired Sgt. Maj. Ed Goetschius, who oversees the program, believes that there will be at least 2,000 services where the honor guard has served by the end of the year.
If you are interested in applying for the Honor Guard program, call Goetschius at 609-530-7090.


Hire A Hero – new program to help find jobs

HQ Group, who currently runs the Helmets to Hardhats program, is expanding!  Hire A Hero is our newest initiative that helps transitioning military personnel, Guard members and Reservists find jobs with all industries.
Hire A Hero is a non-profit initiative that is powered by the Armed Forces Support Foundation.  To find out more about these programs, visit the following Web sites: www.hireahero.com/ or http://armedforcessupportfoundation.org/


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.

 For the Families
Grants offered to help military children attend summer activities

Summer is coming and now is the time that many kids will be signing up for camps, recreational activities and lessons, etc.  Unfortunately, because of increased deployments and the financial and emotional stress associated with them, many military families might find these activities difficult to arrange.  This is why The Women’s Opportunity Center at the YMCA of Burlington County in Mt. Laurel, N.J., is pleased to remind military members that grant funds are available not only for financial emergencies and crisis situations, but also to provide recreational and stress relieving activities such as camps and classes for their children. 
This grant, provided by the Department of Community Affairs is available to spouses and families of deployed military personnel in all branches of service in the State who are income eligible. 
For more information and an application, contact Fawn Mutschler at 609-543-6200, ext. 325 or e-mail wocmilitarygrant@ymca-bc.org.


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

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 $7for 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.


“Support Our Troops” Motorcycle Ride, October 13

Like to ride motorcycle?  Here is an opportunity to ride and support servicemembers and their families at the same time.  Join the 3rd Annual “Support Our Troops” Motorcycle Run on October 13 (rain date of October 14).
Registration is from 10-11 a.m. at the Tri-Towne Plaza, Route 70, Marlton and the ride departs at 11:15 a.m. The route is to travel the Pine Barrens to Sweetwater Casino Restaurant, Sweetwater (Hammonton mailing address). The run will be approximately 48 miles (one way). Please come with a full tank of gas.  Cost of the ride is a donation of $15 per rider and $5 per passenger.
Proceeds benefit the Freedom Alliance Foundation which provide:

  1. Educational scholarships to the children of America’s military heroes that have given the ultimate sacrifice.
  2. For the injured in our hospitals pre-paid long-distance phone cards, gift cards for clothing, food, toiletries, books, and magazines.
  3. Funding for family members to travel to see and encourage their loved one.

For more information contact John Atkinson at 856-596-9100, or go to www.citikids.org/freedom.htm, for local run information or to the national site -  www.freedomalliance.org.


Savino Memorial Golf tourney scheduled for Sept. 17

The 11th Annual Lt. Col. Dave Savino Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on Sept. 17 at the Fountain Green Golf Course, Ft. Dix.   Shotgun start is at 8 a.m., with a two-person scramble (best ball).  Cost to play is $85 per person, with checks made payable to “Lt. Col. Dave Savino Memorial Fund.”  Call Senior Master Sgt. Mike Balas at 609-330-4069 or Connie Cisek at 609-562-0901 for more information.  Proceeds from the tournament go to help fellow Guardsmen in need.


Enlisted Association holding golf outing Oct. 22

The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of New Jersey is holding a golf outing on Oct. 22 at Gambler’s Ridge Golf Club, 121 Burlington Path Road, Cream Ridge, NJ.  All proceeds from the event go to the association’s scholarships.
Registration and a continental breakfast begins the day at 7:30 a.m. The play is two-person best ball with a modified shotgun start at 8:45.  A donation of $90 includes greens fees, cart and luncheon.  There will be prizes for first and second place teams for the low gross, closest to the pin on all par 3’s and the longest drive.
For more information call Mike Amoroso at 609-562-0754. Make checks payable to EANG-NJ (Golf) and mail to Leon Cisek, PO Box 365, Wrightstown NJ 08562 no later than Oct. 15.


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

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.


AMVETS, U of Phoenix team up for military members, family’s education

From the AMVETS Web site - www.amvets.org
AMVETS and the University of Phoenix are proud to announce a joint venture to help veterans, active duty service members, reservists, Guardsmen and family members obtain a high-quality online education.
Together, the organizations will award 25 scholarships nationwide this year. Each scholarship will consist of a $4,000 credit with the university, which is the nation’s premier educational institution for adult learning.
All veterans, service members and family members are eligible to apply.


Scholarship information on BBB Military Line

There are many scholarships available to military family members. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Military Line suggests that you not pay someone to find scholarships for you. Why? Because these researchers will use the same sources on the internet that you will use, so why pay them to do so? For suggestions on where to find scholarships for which you might be eligible, visit: www.enewsbuilder.net/cbbb military/e_article-000694547.cfm?x=b8r7v3.
For information to help military families avoid financial pitfalls, visit: http://military.bbb.org


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.


NGANJ has busy calendar for members in 2007

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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:


July 11,12, 13

Bridgewater Commons Mall

August 8, 9, 10

Newport Centre Mall

September 12, 13*, 14

Livingston 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. on the identified dates.
During the month of June the kiosk will travel to the American Legion Convention (June 6-9) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Convention (June 13-16).


N.J. Vietnam Veterans Memorial

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

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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