From the desk of Master Sgt. Alexandro Estrada, marathon coordinator, New Jersey

Maj. Jesse Arnstein, 21st Civil Support Team (WMD), represented the New Jersey Army and Air Guard on May 4 in Lincoln, Neb marathon (NG trials).  Arnstein ran a 2:49:38 marathon (26.2 miles), coming in eighth overall in the race.  He also qualified for the All-Guard team.

Anyone – male or female – who would like to participate in next year’s race which will be on May 3, 2009 should call Master Sgt. Estrada at 609-562-0568 or e-mail alexandro.estrada@us.army.mil.  

At a recent awards ceremony for New Jersey State employees during Public Service Recognition Week, five employees of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs were recognized.

Longevity Award - Marva Tiller – 46 Years of Service

Marva Tiller has 46 years of service with the State of New Jersey, beginning in 1961 as an Attendant working at the “Vineland State Colony”. In 1963 she began working at the Vineland Veterans Memorial Home as an Institutional Attendant. In her current position as Supervisor of Nursing Services at the Vineland Veterans Memorial Home she shares her experience and insights to ensure the exceptional level of care she has provided to our veterans continues for generations.

Customer Service Excellence Award - Roachelis Ellis

Roachelis Ellis is the sole telecommunications service technician for the Department. He is responsible for the installation and maintenance of telephone systems in all of the Department’s buildings, including 25 National Guard armories, 15 Veterans Service offices, 3 veterans long-term care residential homes, the Brigadier General Doyle veterans cemetery, the ChalleNGe Youth Academy, and the Veterans Haven Homeless Veterans facility. Despite the countless hours he drives to the far reaches of the state, he is never late for a service appointment, arrives with a friendly positive attitude, and stays until the customer is completely satisfied. Unsolicited customer compliments to Roachelis’s supervisor are the norm and testify to his receipt of this award.

Exceptional Service Award - Angela Como

Angela Como serves as Administrative Assistant to the Special Executive Assistant for The Adjutant General of New Jersey. In this role she plays a role in coordinating the agency’s military events including deploying unit farewells and welcome homes, aircraft flyovers, and soldier community speaking engagements. She is involved in coordinating and supporting meetings, tasks, and correspondence at the highest levels of the agency. In addition to her professionalism she is a joy to work with, quick to offer help to others, and initiating coworker recognition for special events and birthdays. She always wears a smile while giving her all every day.

Teamwork/Partnership Achievement Award - Menlo Park Veterans Memorial Home Recreation Department - Marsha Lasko and Edward Weisenhorn

For six months in 2007 the Recreation Department’s Supervisor was away for maternity leave. Marsha Lasko and Edward Weisenhorn shouldered the vast amounts of work left by the vacancy, ensuring that rewarding recreational activities were organized and conducted for all residents of the Veterans Home. An example of their innovative approach was the development of “TV sports lounges” in the “dementia” wings to satisfy an unmet entertainment interest of these most fragile residents, while ensuring their safety within the controlled wings. Their joint efforts to ensure continuity of the Recreation program at times seemed superhuman. Their dedication to the residents, the home, and the Department is most deserving of this formal recognition.

From American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 5, 2008 - Military spouses embody the courage, nobility of duty, and love of country that inspire every American. On Military Spouse Day, we pay tribute to the husbands and wives who support their spouses in America's Armed Forces during times of war and peace.

The legacy of military spouses began when colonial Americans were fighting for independence. Martha Washington boosted the morale of her husband's troops by visiting battlefields and tending to the wounded. Since then, members of our Armed Forces have served our Nation accompanied by the steadfast love and support of their spouses and families.

While our men and women in uniform are protecting our country's founding ideals of liberty, democracy, and justice, their spouses live with uncommon challenges, endure sleepless nights, and spend long periods raising children alone. Many military spouses are also committed volunteers, serving other military families and local communities. Our Nation benefits from the sacrifices of our military families, and we are inspired by their courage, strength, and leadership.

On Military Spouse Day and throughout the year, we honor the commitment spouses have made to freedom's cause. To learn about ways to support our troops and their spouses and families, I encourage all Americans to visit www.americasupportsyou.mil.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 9, 2008, as Military Spouse Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities and by expressing their gratitude to the husbands and wives of those serving in the United States Armed Forces.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

Hop on your motorcycle and “Ride for the Red Shield” on Saturday, June 21.  The second annual ride will benefit The Salvation Army, New Jersey Division’s Emergency Disaster Services Program and Camp Tecumseh.  The ride will start and finish at Camp Tecumseh.

The ride will be a Scrabble Scramble Ride with trophies for the best bike, best tattoo and a complimentary photo of each rider and their bike.  There will be donuts and coffee at the start of the ride and barbecue at the finish; no alcoholic beverages will be served or allowed.

Cost is $25 per bike, $10 per passenger. Cost for lunch only, for family and friends is $5, children under 7 are free.  If you sign up early, before May 31, cost is reduced to $20 and includes a complimentary T-shirt.

For more information or to register, contact Ron Yuhas, 908-851-8239, or ron.yuhas@use.salvationarmy.org.

Here is another benefit offered to military members, retirees and their dependents by the state of New Jersey.

Eligible passengers may ride at reduced fare rates on any NJ Transit bus, rail or light rail service at all times, without restriction, upon presentation of authorized identification.

All military personnel and their dependents will be permitted to purchase transportation at the senior citizen/passengers with disabilities reduced fare rate upon showing their military or military dependent ID card. The following military personnel are entitled to this fare: Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard or Retired for Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard.

The National Guard Association of New Jersey is holding their 20th Annual President’s Golf Tournament at Falcon Creek Golf Course, McGuire Air Force Base on June 28.

For a donation of $115 per person, golfers will receive greens fees, cart, refreshments, dinner, shirt and door prizes.  All proceeds from the event will benefit the NGANJ scholarship fund.

The tournament will begin at 10 a.m. with a shotgun start using a four-person scramble format. Prizes will be awarded to the first and second place teams for low gross and low net scores, closest to pin on hole 2 and the longest drive on hole 17, both men and women.

Coffee, juice and donuts will be served at 8:30 a.m. For those who would only like to attend the dinner after the tournament, the cost is $30.

The committee is also looking for corporate sponsors, refreshment sponsors, hole sponsors, boosters, cash donations, and gift prizes. If you would like to participate in any way, contact Jack Petrosilli at 609-530-6843.

Battlemind is a term used to describe combat readiness. The first Battlemind product was a mental health post-deployment briefing. It quickly became a training system supporting Soldiers and families across the seven phases of the deployment cycle.  The Battlemind system includes separate pre-deployment training modules for Soldiers, unit leaders, health-care providers and spouses. Psychological debriefings are given in theater and upon redeployment. There is also a post-deployment module for spouses and several post-deployment modules for Soldiers.  Pre-deployment Battlemind tells Soldiers what they are likely to see, to hear, to think and to feel while deployed - by describing the worst-case scenario.  Post-deployment Battlemind addresses safety concerns, relationship issues, normalized combat-related mental health reactions and symptoms -- along with teaching Soldiers when they should seek mental health support for themselves or for their buddies. All of the Battlemind products (training modules, brochures, debriefings and videos are available on the Web site, www.battlemind.org.

Submitted by Paul Serdiuk, training coordinator

Eight Competencies Team Players Possess.

Team members work together when people respect and like each other.  Although you don't have to be the best of friends, you do need to have others gain respect for you (and vice versa).  I've excerpted below 8 key competencies successful team members have, three of them are primary in nature and the other 5 are related to them.  They are:

Three Primary Competencies:

• 1.  Professionalism: Team players project an image of maturity and integrity that creates credibility.  They elevate the level of the team by how they carry and handle themselves.
• 2.  Accountability: They demonstrate personal responsibility and hold themselves and others accountable.  Team players can be counted on to do what they say they will do and encourage others to meet the same standard.
• 3. Teamwork: An effective team member organizes tasks, people, and resources to deliver most effectively.  By facilitating the team's efforts and getting them to work together, synergy is created where the sum is greater than the individual parts.

Five Related Competencies Categories:

• 1. Attitude: A successful team member maintains a friendly, positive, and enthusiastic outlook.  They recognize they can't control all of the circumstances that happen but they can control how they react to them.  They are a stabilizing force and provide an even keel for the team dynamic.
• 2. External Awareness: A successful team member sees things from multiple points of view. They recognize the impact they are having on others, as well.  They keep up to date with issues that affect responsibility.
• 3. Results Oriented: A successful team member is passionate about winning. They are dedicated to achieving a win-win solution to situations.  They are driven to achieve the outcome the team is tasked with accomplishing.
• 4. Interpersonal Skills: A successful team member displays a consistent ability to build solid relationships inside and outside the organization.   They possess an extensive skill set for dealing with different personalities and building consensus.
• 5. Communication: A successful team member practices active listening skills supported with meaningful oral and written information.  They know how to analyze the appropriate level and amount of communication and balance their participation accordingly.

By Sibley Smith, Director of Education, Vietnam Era Educational Center

Since 1991, as created by State legislation, May 7 is recognized each year in New Jersey as Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day.  This is a day to honor all those from New Jersey who served in the military during the Vietnam Era, from 1959 to 1975, when more than 200,000 residents served. 

At 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7, the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation, with assistance from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, held its annual Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day ceremony at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Holmdel.

Approximately 600 people attended the commemorative event, which was held on the upper tier overlooking the Memorial’s courtyard and surrounded by the circular, black granite wall bearing the names of 1,562 New Jerseyans whose lives were lost in the Vietnam War.

The ceremony began with a welcome address by Vietnam Veteran Jim Cusick, president of the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation.  The colors were posted by the Plainfield High School Air Force Junior ROTC Color Guard.  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by a group of students from Collier High School, Wickatunk.  The National Anthem was sung by VFW State Vocalist, William F. Mead.  The invocation was given by Joe Formola, Chaplain of the VVA New Jersey State Council.  Remarks in honor of New Jersey’s Vietnam Veterans were given by Assemblyman Jack Conners of the N.J. State Legislature.

Following Conners’ remarks, a ceremony to award New Jersey State medals was held with presentations by DMAVA representatives – Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs retired Col. Stephen G. Abel, Director of Veteran Services Gary Englert, retired Sgt. Joe Nyzio, with Ms. Kimberly Bruss serving as Mistress of Ceremonies.  Approximately 160 of New Jersey’s military veterans were presented with medals, which included the N.J. Distinguished Service Medal, N.J. Meritorious Service Medal, N.J. Vietnam Service Medal, N.J. Korean Service Medal, and the N.J. POW/MIA Service Medal. 

Various organizations, including DMAVA, then placed wreaths beneath the New Jersey state tree, the Red Oak in the central courtyard of the memorial.  Wreath placement was accompanied by a musical interlude, including a song sung by William F. Mead and one played on bagpipes by Vietnam Veteran Tim McCabe of Woodbridge.

Joe Formola gave the benediction and the Plainfield High School Air Force Junior ROTC Color Guard retired the colors to end the day’s special commemorative program.

Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed an open house at the adjacent Vietnam Era Educational Center, which includes a museum and research library.

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and the Vietnam Era Educational Center are located on the grounds of the PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, Monmouth County (Garden State Parkway exit 116).  The Memorial and the Educational Center are maintained through a partnership between the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation and the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.  The Memorial is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  The Educational Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  Regular admission to the Center is free for veterans and active-duty military personnel.  Regular adult admission is $4; student and senior citizen admission is $2 and children under 10 are admitted free.

The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery will hold the Annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Saturday, May 24, at the Doyle Cemetery, North Hanover Township.  The parade of New Jersey veterans’ organizations will pass in review at 10:30 a.m. and the memorial service will begin at 11 a.m.

You are invited to the Come Alive! New testament Church, 240 Old Marlton Pike, Medford, on Sunday, May 25 at 10:30 a.m. for a musical, “One Nation Under God,” presented by the church choir.  All active duty military, National Guard members and veterans are invited to attend.

A free picnic with special activities and games for all will begin immediately after the service.  Call 609-654-8466 for free tickers, directions and more information.

The Hopewell Valley Veterans Association is holding a Memorial Day ceremony on May 24, at 10 a.m. The event is located at the memorial site at the Alliger Tract, on Washington Crossing- Pennington Road, adjoining the Hopewell Township municipal complex. The public is welcome to attend this free event and view the memorial site. The celebration will recognize New Jersey veterans and will include military displays, a rifle salute, benediction, and an unveiling of engraved bricks donated in honor of veterans. The association is raising funds for constructing and maintaining a permanent Veteran's Memorial in Hopewell Township. For more information, visit www.hopewellvalleyveterans.org or call 609-737-6681.

 

America will be at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton on Friday, May 16 at 8 p.m.  Hear classic hit like “Horse With No Name,” Sister Golden Hair,” “Ventura Highway,” and more.  The special guest for the evening will be The Ernie White Band.

There will be a 20 percent military discount at the box office only, with ID; discount does not apply to prior sales.

For more information call the box office at 609-984-8400 or visit www.thewarmemorial.com

Sample some of the finest micro and craft brew beers available in the world while benefitting the Family Readiness Groups of the 112th Battalion, Morristown and B Company, 50th Support Battalion, Dover at the New Jersey Loves Beer Festival on May 10 at the Morristown Armory, 430 Western Avenue, Morristown.  Sponsored by WDHA, 105.5FM, WMTR 1250 AM and The Ale Street News, admission is $40 to one of the two sessions.  Session I is noon to 4 p.m. and Session II is 6-10 p.m.

 

May is designated APAH month—a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the US.  The celebration was first designated via congressional bill on June of 1977, and on 5 October 1979, President Jimmy Carter signed a Joint Resolution designating the first 10 days of May to commemorate the celebration. To honor this month the Asian Pacific American Heritage committee of McGuire Air Force Base will be holding their annual Luau at the McGuire All Ranks Club on May 10, 5-9 p.m.  The buffet dinner and show will be $22 for adults, children 6-10 will be $10.50. (5 and under are free) Please call Master Sgt. Ferdinand Bautista 108th Air Refueling Wing, 609-754-2044 for reservations/tickets or email felicitas.shuler@mcguire.af.mil.

 

The Foundation for the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey invites everyone to support the First Annual Gala which will benefit the museum and its mission.

The Lawrenceville Armory is the setting for the gala on May 17.  Tickets cost $75 per person.  Military personnel and spouse/date will pay $50 for their tickets. Tables of 10 cost $500 and include special recognition at the event.  RSVP for the event has been extended to May 7, 2008.

Other ways to support the gala include –

ý Become an advertiser or booster sponsor in the gala’s souvenir commemorative ad journal

ý Donate a gift or service that can be auctioned off during their Silent Auction or Live Auction during the event.

If you would like to purchase tickets, place an ad in the journal or have an item for the auctions, contact Bob Dennin at denninr@verizon.net or retired Col. Donald Kale at the Lawrenceville museum, 609-530-6802.

All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the museum. Your support of the event will help the museum to continue to tell the story of the military history in New Jersey, and the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard.

 

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

Great Adventure Military Appreciation Day will be on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 17.  There will be meal vouchers for $9.50 each which can be used at six of the food vendors in the park.  Tickets will be available for Great Adventure on April 15 in the State Family Programs Office.  Tickets are good for the Theme Park and the Safari.  The price of each ticket is $20.

Join fellow motorcycle riders for a 100 mile police-escorted ride on Sunday, May 18. The ride will start at 11 a.m. at Legends Harley, 1895 U.S. Highway 46, Ledgewood, NJ.  It will return to Legends and riders will find food and entertainment to enjoy. Proceeds of this event benefit the Family Readiness Group of Company B 50th Brigade Support Battalion.

Pre-registration must be postmarked by May 16; make checks payable and mail to B Co. Readiness Group, PO Box 511, Augusta NJ 07822, or drop it off at Legends Harley Davidson by May 16.

Cost is $20 for riders and $15 for passengers.

Visit www.legendsharley.com for more information.

 

Okay all you motorcycle riders out there – here’s a way to support of the men and women who defend our freedom everyday and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. The Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation, Burlington County Military Affairs Committee and Barb's Harley-Davidson (barbshd.com) have organized the second annual Armed Forces Freedom Ride - Sunday, May 18. 

Participants of the ride will meet at Barb's Harley-Davidson, West Collingswood Heights, at 8:30 a.m. Departing at 10 a.m., the procession lead by police escort and Army Hummers will ride through historic, downtown Mt. Holly, and proceed to McGuire Air Force Base where all riders will have the opportunity to ride down the flight line of one of the runways.  Don't miss this opportunity to virtually ride under the wings of Boeing C-17 transport planes.  Due to security restrictions pictures will not be permitted.  The ride will conclude at Fort Dix Military Base in Burlington County.  Arriving at the base, participants will receive a complimentary BBQ chicken lunch and enjoy a variety of activities including live music, motorcycle vendors, The Crescent Shrine Motorcycle Patrol Drill Team Show and much, more....

All participants MUST pre-register by May 16, in order to take part in the ride.  The first 200 riders will receive a free t-shirt and all riders will receive an event pin.  Registration is open to anyone wishing to show their support, $30.00/per person (passengers additional) and must be paid at the time of registration.  Proceeds benefit the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation and Burlington County Military Affairs Committee.  Active military personnel ride free and must present valid ID.  Participants can register in-person at Barb's Harley-Davidson or print a registration form and submit it by mail.  Go to www.barbshd.com for registration slip and more information.

 

From the desk of Paul Serdiuk, DMAVA Human Resources Division

The Human Resources Division is offering a number of free seminars presented by the Human Recourse Training Section.  Reservations are needed for each seminar; contact Paul Serdiuk at 609-530-6878 or at paul.serdiuk@njdmava.state.nj.us. All seminars will be held in Conference Room A at DMAVA Central Office. All are welcomed.

May 15: Preventing Identity Theft – A representative from the Department of Banking and Insurance will present a one hour overview on what you can do to prevent identity theft and what to do if you should become a victim of identity theft.

June 12: Automobile Insurance – We all have it, are required to have it, but do we really know what it is about? A representative from the Department of Banking and Insurance will present a one hour overview on what you need to know about automobile insurance in New Jersey, decipher many of the terms and jargon of your policies and give an overview of what a policy should include in it to protect you.

Sep. 17: State Deferred Compensation – Mike McConnell from Prudential Financial will meet with State employees to discuss their participation and contributions to their deferred compensation account. A 30 minute consultation will be scheduled per each employee.

 

Col. Barry Johnson, formerly of the 117th Fighter Wing, 108th Air Refueling Wing, Headquarters New Jersey Air National Guard and National Guard Bureau is having a retirement dinner following a round of golf at the Blue Heron Pines Golf Club, Cologne, on June 20.

Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m. and the buffet dinner starts at 6 p.m. There will be a cash bar.  Cost is $40 per person. Attire is sport casual.

RSVP no later than June 13 to Maj. Yvonne Mays, 609-645-6206, Yvonne.mays@ njatla.ang.af.mil or Connie Cisek, 609-562-0901, connie.cisek@njmcgu.ang.af.mil

 

Come play a round of golf with Col. Barry Johnson and check up on his plans for retirement.  Golfing will take place at the Blue Heron Pines Golf Club, 550 West Country Club Drive, Cologne on June 20.  Tee time is 10 a.m. and the cost is $80 per person and includes cart and golf fees.

RSVP no later than June 13 to Maj. Yvonne Mays, 609-645-6206, Yvonne.mays@ njatla.ang.af.mil or Connie Cisek, 609-562-0901, connie.cisek@njmcgu.ang.af.mil.

 

Here are the 254th Regiment courses that are on the calendar.  When using ATRRS, the school code is 1004.

Active Duty Training (ADT) Courses:

11B40 Infantryman ANCOC

June 7-21, 2008 - 31 openings

If you have any questions, contact Master Sgt. Gary Davidson, 732-974-5912 or gary.davidson@nj.ngb.army.mil.  

The National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey has put together a National Guard Veteran Retiree Oral History Program.  In the past, the NJNG has not conducted oral exit interviews of commanders, full-time personnel, and retirees to preserve history.  The museum is going to institute a volunteer program to try to catch up. If you wish to participate, contact the museum at 732-974-5966. 

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.

If you are interested in applying for the Honor Guard program, call Retired Sgt. Maj. Ed Goetschius at 609-530-7090.

 

Have you taken the time to visit www.nj.gov./military lately?

You can find job announcements, publications, forms, information for families, information for veterans and information on both the New Jersey Army and Air Guard.

With a simple click of a mouse button, you can check out the most recent issues of DMAVA Highlights, Guardlife and Veterans Journal.  Past issues are also archived on the Web site.

With another click, you can find blank DMAVA forms, TAG memorandums and policy letters and a variety of publications.

Another click gets you to the area where you can discover information on our three Veterans homes, the Doyle cemetery, the three war memorials we oversee, Veterans Haven, the medals we present to New Jersey combat veterans and more.

Two more clicks let you see all the benefits of joining the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard.

Click! Click! Click! You can find the pages on Family Support; Youth ChalleNGe; job announcements for state, federal, active Guard and Reserve; apply for a N.J. National Guard fishing license; look up the location of your local Veterans Service Office and so much more.

Take the time to visit the Web site that takes you around the New Jersey National Guard and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; you will discover an abundance of information and assistance.

New Jerseyans who are active duty military, including the National Guard and military reserves, serving in the war on terrorism, are eligible for automatic extensions of a valid driver license, registration or inspection expiration dates. Go to www.nj.gov/mvc/ for more information.

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.