Winter 2006 Edition NJDMAVA Veterans

About NJ Veteran Journal:
The New Jersey Veteran Journal is an official publication of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and is intended to serve New Jersey's veterans, their families, friends and concerned individuals and groups. All correspondence should be sent to the editor at:

NJDMAVA, PAO-V, PO Box 340,
Trenton, NJ 08625-0340

Veterans News & Views

Volunteer drivers needed
The New Jersey Disabled American Veterans (NJ DAV) Transportation Network is looking for a few good drivers.

For many veterans on fixed incomes, transportation costs to VA hospitals are too high. That forces some into deciding between treatment, food or other necessities.
The NJ DAV is looking for drivers so our veterans will never be forced to make that choice. Drivers are coordinated through NJ DAV Hospital Service Coordinators (HSCs) at VA medical centers. The NJ DAV is committed to this program and has purchased four vans specifically for transporting veterans.

Volunteers interested in becoming drivers must pass a physical examination and health screening administered at a VA Medical Center. Once determined physically fit to safely transport passengers, volunteers must show proof of a safe driving record, a valid driver’s license, and current motor vehicle bodily-injury liability and property damage and be willing to attend training.

Those interested should contact the NJ DAV Transportation Network at (609) 396-2885.

Ocean County Donation
 
Ocean County Donation

Bluebirds find home at cemetery

Cadets from the New Jersey ChalleNGe Youth Academy hang bluebird nesting boxes and various types of feeders at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Nov. 9. This is part of an effort by the cemetery toward getting designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Currently there are only four cemeteries in the United States with this designation.

 

Scholarship awarded

Casey Duffy wipes away tears as she thanks the New Jersey League of Community Bankers during the presentation of the first scholarship from the League’s Education Foundation. Duffy is the wife of New Jersey Army National Guard Soldier, Spc. Christopher Duffy, who was killed in action fighting in Iraq in June 2004. The League is still awarding scholarships to family members of New Jersey residents killed serving in the Global War on Terrorism. For more information go to the New Jersey League of Community Bankers Web site www.njleague.com/scholarship.htm. Photo by Kryn P. Westhoven, NJDMAVA/PA.

     
Ocean County Donation
 
Ocean County Donation

Governor checks out Guide

Governor Jon S. Corzine (left) and Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth (right) review the N.J. Veterans Guide prior to attending the annual Military Review at the National Guard Training Center at Sea Girt Oct. 14. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA.

 

Iraqi Freedom vet receives medal

Retired Col. Stephen G. Abel presents Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran Sgt. 1st Class Joel Allen with a Meritorious Service Medal after the DSM/MSM ceremony that was held at the Edison Elks Lodge, Edison, on Oct. 19.  Allen, a member of the 411th Chemical Company, U. S. Army Reserves, received the MSM after 23 years of service with the USAR.  Allen is also the recipient of a Purple Heart and the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal with cluster. Photo by Staff Sgt. Barbara Harbison, NJDMAVA/PA.

     
Ocean County Donation
 

Veterans Outreach Kiosk
Schedule

January 11 – 13:
Brunswick Square Mall
February 8, 9*, 10:
Moorestown Mall
February 28, March 1 and 2:
Hamilton Mall
March 14*, 15, 16:
Paramus Park Shopping Center
April 4 – 6:
Cherry Hill Mall
May 16, 17*, 18:
Ocean County Mall

Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

* Indicates medal ceremonies, which begin at 10:30 a.m.

 

Outreach visits Paramus Park Mall

A member of the media interviews a veteran during the Veterans Outreach Program at the Paramus Park Mall on Dec. 6 to 8. This all part of the ‘One Mall a Month’ traveling kiosk program whereby the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs brings benefit information to ‘those who served’ as part of the Veterans Outreach Program. The outreach is designed to inform as veterans and their families of all the benefits that they may be eligible to receive from the state and federal governments. Veterans who miss the opportunity to visit the mall kiosk can call the department’s toll free benefits information line any time at 1-888-8NJ VETS.

 
     
Ocean County Donation
 
Ocean County Donation

Monmouth County donates $25,000 toward Memorial

Monmouth County Freeholder Theodore J. Narozanick (center) presents a check for $25,000 to E. Larry St. Laurent (second from right), a member of the WWII Memorial Commission, to help build the planned WWII Memorial in Trenton.  Also pictured are (from left) Manuel Almeida, past state commander of the Veterans of Foreign wars;  retired Col. Stephen G. Abel , Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs, and James Manning (far right), of VFW Post 2639, Neptune. Photo courtesy Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

 

VFW Aide-de-Camp

Retired Col. Stephen Abel (second from right) was presented with a National Aide-de-Camp cap at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) convention in Atlantic City on Dec. 9. Also pictured are (left to right) Bob Wallace, Executive Director of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; Frank Moore, N.J. VFW State Commander; Abel and George Lisicki, Senior Vice Commander in Chief of the VFW. Photo courtesy VFW.

     
Ocean County Donation
 
Ocean County Donation

POW/MIA Medal design approved

The design for the New Jersey Prisoner Of War and Missing In Action Medal has been approved. The design was executed by Hannah Ueno-Olsen, an Associate Professor in Graphic Design at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and the spouse of an Airman from the 177th Fighter Wing.

 

Memorial Receives $25,000 boost

The New Jersey WW II Memorial received a check for $25,000 during the Veterans Dinner Dance held at Cherry Hill Armory on Nov. 4; (l-r) retired Col. Stephen Abel, Philadelphia Eagles player Jon Runyan, Eric Spevak, Vets Gala organizer, comedian Joe Piscapo. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class David Moore, 444MPAD.