Don’t forget the Pancake Breakfast

on Sunday, April 13 at the

Lawrenceville Armory, 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

Support the State Family Readiness

Council.

By Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, 177FW/PA

The 177th Fighter Wing received high numbers and accolades from the Air Combat Command Inspector General upon completion of the Unit Compliance Inspection on March 31.

With superlatives such as "Super, Outstanding, Best, Exemplary, Commendable, Model, Flawless, Enthusiastic, Superior, Phenomenal, Impressive, Superb and Noteworthy" being used to describe the programs, operations and Airmen of the 177th, there is little doubt that the Wing is well positioned for the upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI).

From their arrival on March 27 through the final briefing on March 31, 66 Inspection Team members probed and evaluated the 177th.  During that time, the Inspectors evaluated four areas of the wing's operations: Critical Compliance Objectives (CCOs), Core Compliance Items (CCIs), Special Interest Items (SIIs) and General Compliance Items (GCIs).

So what do all these acronyms mean and why are they important?

The first, and most critical, are Critical Compliance Objectives.  At the 177th there are 610, which is a fairly large number for a fighter wing.  These are items or areas where a unit failure to comply with established Air Force guidance could result in significant liabilities, loss of life or serious injury or significant mission impact.

The second group, Core Compliance Items, is items or areas that require special vigilance and are important to the overall performance of the unit, but are not deemed "Critical."  Non-compliance would result in some negative impact on mission performance or could result in injury or possible litigations.  Third are Special Interest Items.  These include Unit Air Expeditionary Force Management, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Records Management and Fuels Automated Data Collection.  The last group is the General Compliance Items.  These are items or areas deemed fundamental to successful overall performance of the unit, but non-compliance would result in minimal impact on mission accomplishment or would be unlikely to result in injury or possible litigation.

All these items and areas are graded as: Complies, Complies With Comments, or Does Not Comply.  The 177th Fighter Wing received a passing grade of 99 percent with 603 of the Critical Compliance Objectives receiving either Complies or Complies With Comments, while only seven or one percent, received Does Not Comply.  According to the inspectors, an average wing the size of the 177th usually has 10 to 20 Does Not Complies.

The Inspectors gave special notice to Life Support - "Flawless Life Support Task Evaluations...should have been filmed to give to other units."  Security Force Squadron: "Security Forces personnel and programs were superior across the board."  The Logistics Readiness Squadron personnel and management processes were seen as "commendable."  While "Civil Engineering functions were one of the best ANG units seen to date...real property management and Fire operations were phenomenal."  In addition, "Plans and Programs providing outstanding oversight and support to the Maintenance Group."  The "Intel Shop one of the best we've seen."  Communications Flight's "Computer hardware accountability and Information Assurance were superb."  And finally "Contracting operations were exemplary throughout.  Leadership was best seen to date."

So who were the individual winners - other than the Wing of course?

According to the Inspection Team, the 177th had high numbers in both Superior Performance Teams and Superior Performers.  The Team recognized the Anti-terrorism Office, Base Contracting, Base Network Control Center, Command Post, Emergency Management and Fire Department Confine Space as Superior Performance Teams.  Warren Grove Range was singled out as the "Best Range Team we've ever seen!" according to the Inspectors.

An unprecedented 42 Airmen were recognized as Superior Performers.  Five Airmen were each presented with Inspector General coins for their outstanding contributions during the UCI.

Great job people!

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.

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

The Blue Star Flag first appeared in 1917, when Capt. Robert L. Queissner, who had two sons serving on the front line, designed it as a tribute to their dedication and service.  He proudly displayed this flag in the front window of his home and the flag quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in the service.  Also known as a Service Flag, the blue star stands for hope and pride.  Order a complimentary Blue Star Flag to honor your loved ones in the service by visiting: www.grantham.edu/promo/freebluestar.php.

By Jamie Findlater, Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 7, 2008 – Deployments are tough on military families, especially on the children.

Children of deployed National Guardsmen and reservists often must deal not only with a parent’s absence, but also with the financial burden their family must bear when the deployed parents’ military pay is less than they earn in civilian life.

“Our Military Children” helps fund after-school activities for children of the National Guard and reserves when a parent is deployed, one of the organization’s founders said in an interview on the “ASY Live” program on BlogTalkRadio.com. “ASY” stands for America Supports You, a Defense Department program that connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.

“It is so important to keep these kids in a routine, to keep them involved in activities and on track,” said Gail Kruzel, executive director of Our Military Children. “Unfortunately, the challenges these families face are compounded by the fact that when a reservist is called up for active duty, many times his or her income can drop substantially. So, just when the children most need these extracurricular activities, the family can no longer afford them.”

Our Military Kids funds activities ranging from Tai Kwan Do to scholarships for tutoring for children in kindergarten through high school. "A lot of times, kids that are good students start falling behind in school," Kruzel said. "Tutoring grants help the kids get back on track. We fund a wide range of programs depending on the child’s interest…from modeling to drivers education."

Kruzel and her partner, Linda Davidson, founded the organization to do their part. Kruzel knows first-hand about the challenges of raising children in a single-parent home; her children were 12 and 14 when her husband, a diplomat, was killed on a peace mission to Bosnia.

For many military kids, Kruzel said, the ability to continue to pursue activities they love keeps them focused and helps them cope. One of the organization’s first grants went to a "daddy's girl" who was greatly distressed with her father's deployment and falling behind in school, she recalled.

"[Her father’s deployment] was really upsetting," Kruzel said, "but as soon as she got the extra help, …she got almost straight As the next year in second grade.”

Another child who had taken dance lessons for more than nine years was forced to drop out when the family’s finances suffered during her father’s deployment. "It was a part of who she was," Kruzel said, "and when we were able to get her dancing again, it helped her get through this difficult time."

Since its inception, Our Military Kids has given out nearly 3,000 grants, and it’s now a nationwide program. To date, the organization has honored all eligible requests, Kruzel said, and is celebrating the distribution of its millionth dollar.

Eligible families can apply online at www.ourmilitarykids.org, attaching a copy of the deployment orders, the child’s military ID, and information about the child’s desired activity. Upon submitting the application, families will hear back in a matter of days.

"We feel that kids need to know if they can be on the baseball team or participate in dance or gymnastics, so we have a very quick turnaround," Kruzel said.

"Military families make so many sacrifices, and we're helping to do our little part to minimize the sacrifices here at home," Kruzel said.

From the desk of Amanda Balas, State Youth Coordinator

Camp Noble Cause is a three day camping experience that will serve the children and spouses of the New Jersey National Guardsmen and women being deployed this summer. Our mission is to provide a no-cost summer camp experience, for a weekend of fun and camaraderie.

It will be held on August 22-24 at Camp Winnebago, 102 Timberbrook Road, Rockaway, N.J., approximately 12 miles from Wayne.  It is being hosted by the Scouts of the Patriot’s Path Council, Boy Scouts of America and Operation Noble Cause.

All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Overnight camping capacity is limited to 300 and the day camp can accommodate an additional 200.   Children must be old enough to tent camp comfortably to attend.

Planned activities include: mountain biking and nature walks, crafts, astronomy, shooting sports (archery, rifle, shot gun), rockwall climbing, waterfront activities (boating, swimming, fishing), Geocaching (GPS “hide and seek”), sports (softball, volleyball, basketball, soccer and more) and campfire activities.

A Web site is being created for registration and more information. 

WASHINGTON (April 7, 2008) - Veterans and military personnel with life insurance policies managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will see a reduction in their premiums, thanks to improved investment earnings and a reduction in non-combat claims.

The premium cuts affect military personnel covered by Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and veterans covered by the Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI).

"The reduction in SGLI premiums makes life insurance even more affordable for today's men and women in uniform," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.  "Lower VGLI premiums will allow more veterans to provide this low-cost financial security to their families."

On July 1, 2008, the premiums for basic SGLI will be 6.5 cents per month for $1,000 of coverage, down from 7 cents per month for $1,000.  This translates into a 7 percent savings. 

Servicemembers with the maximum $400,000 of coverage will see their monthly premium reduced from $28 to $26.  Servicemembers are also covered against severe traumatic injury for an additional dollar each month.

The reduction in SGLI premiums is made possible by lower, non-combat-related claims and increases in investment earnings.  VA officials believe this premium reduction will help maintain the nearly universal participation in the program.

VGLI provides renewable term policies for people after their discharges from the military.  Veterans pay premiums according to their age for this coverage.

On July 1, 2008, VGLI premium rates will be reduced for veterans aged 30 to 64, who make up 85 percent of those insured under the program. Premium rates for those under age 30 are already competitive.

Premium reductions, ranging from 4 percent to 12 percent, are a result of fewer claims being received.  The reductions will ensure that VGLI remains highly competitive with similar insurance offered by commercial insurers.

"With servicemembers putting their lives at risk against terrorism, life insurance coverage is more important than ever," added Peake.

Peake said the premium reductions should result in increased program participation and retention.  With increased enrollment, the department may be able to reduce rates in the future.

More than 2.4 million people currently participate in the VA-managed SGLI program, with another 433,000 in VGLI. 

To obtain more information about the SGLI and VGLI premium reductions or to view a table with the new VGLI rates, visit the VA insurance Web site at www.insurance.va.gov, or call the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance at 1-800-419-1473.

From the desk of Amanda Balas, State Youth Coordinator

Family Service of Morris County in partnership with the Family Programs Office, New Jersey, would like to announce its Military Families Outreach Program.  Based on a community effort, the Military Families Outreach Program strives to support Morris County military personnel and their families, including extended families, pre-deployment, during deployment and post-deployment.

We realize the pressures and problems that may occur when a family member is called to duty, and we want to assist with any services that you may need to ensure quality of life. Social services, support services and mental health services are some of the resources that will be available to Morris County residents. All services offered in this program are free of charge to you and your family and are bound by the highest consideration for complete confidentiality.

For more information about he Military Services Outreach Program, contact Wendy Parrinello, Military Families Outreach Case Manager at wparrinello@fsmc.org or call 973-538-5260, extension 326.  You can also contact Tammy Rosenthal, Director of child and Adolescent Services at trosenthal@fsmc.org or 973-538-5260.  We are privileged to work with you who have given so much for your country!

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 will pay $50 for their tickets. Tables of 10 cost $750 and include special recognition at the event.  RSVP for the event has been extended to April 15.

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@oponline.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.

Charles Rowe, Bureau Chief of the State Approving Agency in the Division of Veterans Services has been selected by Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs to serve as a member of the Under Secretary for Benefits Commission of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Under Secretary for Benefits ensures the timely and quality delivery of benefits to veterans and other eligible persons including members of the National Guard.  The Under Secretary is directly responsible for payments in the compensation and pension, education, loan guaranty, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and insurance programs.

Rowe will be serving with nine other members of the veterans’ community ranging from the executive directors of the American Legion, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, as well as the Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Sell your stuff at yard sale at Woodstown armory

Trees do more than you wood think!

Retirement reception for Brig. Gen. Frank Carlini, April 20

Hersheypark invites Guard to day at park April 20

Purple Heart Memorial of Union County to be dedicated

Great Adventure’s Military Appreciation Day is May 17

Raising funds for Fisher House

HRD presents seminars for training

Military Training, Schools, Opportunities

RTS-Maintenance offers training to Army Guard members

254th Regiment announces upcoming courses

Honorable Mention

N.J. licenses, registration extended for deployed troops

Discounts offered for State employees

For the Families

Support for military children of deployed and injured Guard members

 Program offers grant funds to spouses of deployed military

YMCA Burlington County offers drop off program April 27

Honoring Military Children

Family Deployment Briefing schedule updated

New Family Leave related to military service

4-H conference open to middle school students