To our newly returned veterans and their

families:  Are you having problems adapting?

Call the Counseling Hotline - 1-866-838-

7654.

Program addresses readjustment problems for

combat veterans and their families.

 

---

News For Your Views

---

By Wayne Woolley, DMAVA/PA

For the nearly 3,000 Soldiers of the New Jersey Army National Guard’s 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the thanks for successfully completing their mission in Iraq started with a parade through downtown Trenton on Friday. It turned into one of largest public celebrations in the state capital’s history.

Although severe thunderstorms dropped buckets of rain early Friday morning, the ominous clouds began to break up in the minutes before the parade was to begin. By the time the brigade commander, Col. Steven Ferrari, stepped in front of Gov. Jon Corzine to begin the official pass in review, the sun was shining.

Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, the adjutant general, said it was appropriate that the parade to honor the brigade that had completed the state’s largest combat deployment since World War II stepped off in front of the state’s new memorial to that conflict.

“The members of the 50th IBCT are part of America’s next Greatest Generation,” Rieth said.

The parade was only the first portion of the public outpouring of gratitude to the brigade. The second phase of the celebration was held at the end of the parade route in the Sovereign Bank Arena. This portion focused on the thousands of family members who were without a husband, or wife, or father or mother during the long deployment.

Entertainment acts including Joe Piscopo, Holiday Express, the USO Liberty Bells and Sarah Dash, a former vocalist with Patti Labelle and The Blue Bells performed in the arena.

---

Through a special offer, the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey and the Star Ledger are extending the pre-publication sale “A Tribute to New Jersey Veterans” until the end of June for all recently returned National Guard members.  This 128 page, historical hard-cover book will be available on July 4, and includes numerous unpublished photos from the museum’s collections, the NJ National Guard, Star Ledger’s archives, and personal collections.  These photographs chronicle the men and women who have protected democracy since the inception of our country right up to today’s conflicts, including a chapter entitled “In Harm’s Way” featuring many photos from the NJ Guard’s recent deployments. With photos from over the past 150 years as well as illustrations of the country’s early history, this book captures New Jersey’s men and women’s contributions since the beginning.

Part of the proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit the Museum.  At the present time, pre-sale orders are being accepted through the Star Ledger at a $5 discount.  Pre-sale price: $34.95+ S&H and can be ordered online at www.starledger.com/njmilitary before June 30; thereafter, the price is $39.95 +S&H.  Books ordered after June 30 can still receive the $5 military discount by contacting Doug Hutton at the Star-Ledger, 973-392-1825 and ordering with a credit card over the phone.

Copies will be made available for sale at the Museums after July 3rd.  If you have any questions, contact Col. Donald Kale, museum curator at 609-530-6802.  Welcome Home to all and thank you for your continued support of the NGMMNJ.

---

From the desk of Master Sgt. Alexandro Estrada

An additional 500 Army Ten Miler race entries will be offered to U.S. Armed Forces service members through a special, online lottery that will be posted on the ATM Web site June 15-18. The ATM lottery is open to all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and winners will be randomly selected on June 19. Check the Web site - http://www.armytenmiler.com/ - for more information.

---

Story courtesy of the Army News Service

WASHINGTON (6/1/09) -- The Army has published a 56-page retirement guide for National Guard Soldiers and their families which covers subjects ranging from retirement point credits to how to apply for retirement pay.

The guide is currently being distributed throughout the Guard. It is also available online at: http://www.armyg1.army.mil/retire.

---

In honor of Independence Day, the Hopewell Valley Veterans Association is hosting a 63rd Army Band concert at Alliger Park on June 28 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. The concert will include patriotic songs and traditional concert band pieces. A fireworks display will conclude the concert. The celebration is free and open to the public. BYOLC – Bring Your Own Lawn Chair. In case of inclement weather, the Army Band concert will be held at the Hopewell Valley Central High School Performing Arts Center June 28 at 7:30 p.m. A rain date for the fireworks display is July 1 at 8:30 p.m. at the park. Alliger Park is located at 203 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd. (Rt. 546), adjoining the Hopewell Twp. Municipal Building. For additional information and directions visit, www.HopewellValleyVeterans.org.

---

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

Now the U.S. Postal Service is making it easier for families to send care packages with a larger flat rate box and a special discount to FPO/ APO addresses. They are 50 percent larger than the current flat rate box and can be sent to any domestic address for $12.95. A special military version of the box will carry the "America Supports You" logo and can be shipped to any FPO/ APO address for $10.95. The new Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate Box is "12 x 12" x 5½". For complete guidelines on mail services to military members overseas visit the USPS website at: www.usps.com/supporting ourtroops/welcome.htm?from=household &page=troopsupport.

---

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.  Family 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.

---

Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General-New Jersey, invites everyone to concert with the 63rd Army Band on July 3 at 7 p.m. at the National Guard Training Center, Sea Girt.

Dress for the evening’s festivities is casual and the concert will take place rain or shine. 

For those planning on attending, RSVP no later than June 26 by calling Officer Candidate Ana Bolanos at 609-530-6780 or e-mail at ana.bolanos@njdmava.state.nj.us.

---

The 2009 edition of “Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors” can be found on the Web at http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.asp. You can either download a pdf version of the booklet or read it online.

---

Join The Ultimate Warrior technical workshop and career fair for OIF/OEF service members and spouses at the Timmerman Center on Fort Dix, N.J., on July 29-30. The event will be 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on July 29 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 30.

The technical workshop will give information on resume writing, Social Security disability benefits, Military One Source, Army Career Alumni Program (ACAP), Tip of the Arrow program, veterans benefits and more.

Tip of the Arrow is an organization that helps service members find jobs when they leave the military. Sponsors are provided to stay with the veteran until they find a job for them. ACAP help the OIF/OEF veterans with resume writing and how to conduct the interview process.

More than 60 employers will be at the career fair including defense contractors, private sector companies, homeland security, Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service, FBI and private sector companies.

All branches of the military are eligible to take part in the two-day event, along with their spouses. To register, call Sgt. 1st Class Loranda Taylor, 609-864-2565 or e-mail loranda.mitriece.taylor@us.army.mil.

Bring a copy of your resume on a CD or as a hard copy; thumb drives cannot be utilized. Children cannot be accommodated during the event due to the demanding activities of the workshop. Uniform for all events will be the ACUs/ABUs; no civilian attire for military personnel.

---

The Philadelphia VA Medical Center, 3900 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa., is inviting all veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and their spouses, families and significant others to attend a Welcome Home event on Saturday, June 20.

Activities include: free lunch, entertainment, children’s activities, veterans benefits representatives, veterans organizations representatives, health education and resources, door prizes and recreation, employment, safe driving information.

RSVP by June 10 to Lori Maas, OEF/OIF Program Manager at 215-823-5200.

---

Join the Sky Blue FC on July 4 at 7 p.m., for their 1st Annual Heroes’ Night at Yurcak Field, Piscataway. Sky Blue FC is the women’s professional soccer team located in Somerset. They are honoring the members of the Armed Forces, police and fire departments when they take on the Boston Breakers.

Heroes’ with identification will receive a free game ticket and access to discounted ticket prices for family and friends.  For more information, contact Rich Fetter, 732-271-7700, extension 309 or rfetter@skybluesoccer.com. Check out their Web site, www.skybluefc.com for more information about the team.

---

The next meeting of the National Guard Association of New Jersey Executive Council meetings will be held on July 7 in the 108th ARW Conference Room, McGuire Air Force Base and is hosted by the 50th IBCT. The council meeting begins at 7 p.m.; food will be provided at 6:30 p.m. If there are any questions, contact Capt. Paul Koester at 609-754-2128.

---

The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of New Jersey scholarship season is open.  The CSM Baldassari Memorial Scholarship is open to all members of the Association and their dependents.  Scholarship forms can be found at the association’s web site – www.eang-nj.org. 

The Enlisted Association offers five $1000 scholarships. All applications must be received no later than July 15.  Previous winners are not eligible to reapply.  The Enlisted Association would also like to announce the USAA Scholarship.  This is a $500 scholarship that is open to all members of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard.  Forms also may be found at the Enlisted Association web site. 

For more information on either scholarship, contact retired Sgt. Maj. Michael Amoroso at 609-562-0754.

---

For all of you are eligible for the Post 911 GI Bill and are finding yourselves with questions – here is where to find answers!  There will be a Post 911 GI Bill briefing for the McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst community on July 21 in the Timmerman Center, Fort Dix. Briefings will be held at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.  All the briefings are for active duty, National Guard, Reserve and family members. 

The McGuire Education Office is advising delaying application for the Post 911 GI Bill until after attending one of these briefings.

---

The New Jersey State Building and Construction Trades Council’s Helmets to Hardhats Program (NJ H2H) is designed to help transitioning military personnel, National Guardsmen and Reservists find the careers in the building and construction industry.  The program seeks to help military members find a career in one of 15 affiliated trades, such as electrical workers, carpenters and painters.

They work in cooperation with the national Helmets to Hardhats program, adding a personal component to the program’s on-line services.  NJ H2H offers veterans preparation for successful application to any of New Jersey’s registered apprenticeship programs in the building and construction trades. Services include career counseling, entrance test preparation and referral to supportive services.

For program registration and information, visit online at www.njbctc.org/h2h or contact at 732-499-7295 or at H2H@njbctc.org.

---

If you are ready to start your own business, grow or expand, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) can help.  The SBA offers many programs and services to help Veteran entrepreneurs succeed.  For more information on how SBA can help you start, grow and build your business, contact: Frank Burke at 973-645-6049 or e-mail frank.burke@sba.gov  Visit the SBA New Jersey website at www.sba.gov/nj

---

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

The Military Housing Assistance Fund (MHAF) helps military families to become homeowners by providing them with grants to assist them with purchasing a home. The Fund also provides financial counseling to members of the National Guard and Reserves, deployed and serving in combat zones overseas, which are having problems meeting their monthly obligations due to their deployment and activation. Learn more at http://www.militaryhousingassistancefund.org. The Fund is a project of the Financial Counselors of America (FCA), a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization founded in 1991 to help Americans manage their finances and get out of debt. Visit the FCA website at http://www.financialcounselors.org. 

---

The DMVA Veterans Outreach Campaign continues with kiosk displays at selected malls throughout New Jersey.  The schedule is as follows:

July 28*, 29, 30	Ocean County Mall
August 5	First Energy Park, home of the Lakewood Blue Claws, 6-10 p.m.

*Medal ceremonies begin at 10:30 a.m. on these dates.  The kiosk will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

**Medal Ceremony only; begins at 11 a.m.

---

From the desk of Lisa J. Dandrea, Human Resources, Personnel Assistant

MBOS is the Member Benefits Online System. Through MBOS, employees may review their pension contributions, loan status, health benefits information, update their beneficiary information, apply for retirement, as well as many other applications. It has been encouraged that all employees register for this helpful tool. However Pensions is now working on MBOS being a requirement in order for employees to make certain updates to their personal information.

Effective immediately, in all cases where an employee is eligible to become a member of the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS), the employer will be required to submit all enrollment information to Pensions via online.  Important to note is that the online PERS Enrollment Application does not include the Designation of Beneficiary page. Instead, once the member is enrolled and issued a pension number, they must register for a MBOS account at: www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/mbosregister.htm and complete the online Beneficiary Designation form. Until the member completes his or her Designation of Beneficiary, the member’s “Estate” will be the beneficiary of record.

Current employees –note, even if you are already enrolled into PERS, if you wish to make any changes to your beneficiary information, you too will need to be registered for MBOS. Members will not be able to submit the Change in Beneficiary Designation paper form since this will no longer be acceptable through the Division of Pensions and Benefits.

Visit the link above for complete instructions to register for MBOS. If you encounter any problems with registration, you may e-mail Pensions and Benefits with your questions/concerns and they can assist you through the process. You may also obtain a tri-fold brochure with MBOS instructions from your Human Resources Office.