Sgt. Everett Maldonado's (JFHQ/G8) Christmas Eve morning began with the anticipation of the day to come.  He had just pulled out of his driveway and was on his way to his sister's house, when he noticed a commotion next door.  He quickly stopped and went to see if he could be of any help.  He came upon a firefighter from the nearby firehouse performing CPR on a man who had collapsed in front of the barber shop. Unable to find a pulse or breathing, the firefighter asked Maldonado to take over doing the chest compressions to resuscitate the man while he focused on finding a pulse. Maldonado did five sets of chest compressions before the firefighter was able to get a pulse and hear gurgling.  Sgt. Maldonado has had some emergency medical training as a law-enforcement office and a member of the Army National Guard.  The patient was still hospitalized on Christmas day, but was expected to make a full recovery. 

From the desk of Kryn P. Westhoven, Public Affairs Staff Officer

The first of three Employer Days visiting Soldiers of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) was held on Wednesday, January 9 at Fort Dix. The fifteen employers started the day at 50th IBCT headquarters in Lawrenceville before flying in Blackhawks to the Soldiers Readiness Processing (SRP) being conducted at the Joint Readiness Center and the Joint Training and Training Development Center. The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve New Jersey field committee organized the day for the employers to see the medical, dental and administrative processes that deploying Soldiers go through in preparation for the 50th IBCT's deployment later this year.

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

The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) began distributing 2007 tax statements in December and will continue through the end of January.  Anyone interested in getting a head start on their taxes can find their statements on the DFAS Web site, as long as they have myPay access. The link is https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx. Online access to IRS W-2, 1099R and 1099-INT forms, as well as retiree and annuitant statements are available.

The next Marriage Enrichment Seminar will be Feb. 15-17.  This seminar will be in a centrally located New Jersey hotel.  If you are interested in attending, contact Marie Durling at 609-562-0739 for a registration form.  All N.J. Army Guardsman who have not attended a previous weekend seminar are eligible.  The class is limited to the first 25 couples.

The company Top Line Appliances, along with the General Electric and Whirlpool Corporation would like to offer returning vets appliances at little or no cost. They will also offer to those in financial need, at a greatly reduced price. They not only offer ADA appliances, but also ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers and washers and dryers.

Details:

They would deliver the appliances at no charge within a 30 mile radius of their business; the rest of New Jersey would be $25 to cover fuel cost and driver's time. The appliances can be picked up at the warehouse in Roselle. Cost will be dependent upon what is needed and the ability of the veteran to pay. Top Line wants to do their part for those who need help.

For more information, contact: Top Line Appliances, 576 North Ave East, Westfield, NJ 07090, 1-800-829-1862.

The Regional Training Site-Maintenance provides maintenance and logistics education under The Total Army School System. The RTSM is a subordinate unit to the 254th Regiment RTI. It utilizes automated and current force modernization equipment systems to support Active, Reserve and National Guard soldiers. As a fully accredited schoolhouse it offers military occupational skill classification, additional skill identifiers, sustainment and transition training.  Its charge is to provide instruction to non-commissioned officers under the non-commissioned officer education system.  The mission supports the enabling of Armed Forces Components to mobilize for wartime mission requirements. The overall unit mission helps to support the "Warrior" during the current operational environment and undertake critical missions to win the fight.

Schoolhouse:  Regional Training Site-Maintenance

Location of training: Building 3601, Technology Drive, Fort Dix, N.J.

School Code: 967

Unit Phone: 609 562-0566 / 0567/0568

RTSM (NJ) Team Home Site:   https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/468201   (Army Knowledge Online (AKO) password required)

 

v     ULLS-G - 1 week - 40 hour course:

The Unit Level Logistics System-Ground (ULLS-G) course helps units track scheduled and completed services. The ULLS-G program can give you a service schedule by vehicle, list equipment capabilities, create work orders and forecast maintenance services.  ULLS-G is the commander's tool for maintenance management.

POC:  SFC Edwards    Phone:  609 562-0114      michael.edwards@us.army.mil

 

v    091-ASIH8 (63B)  Wheeled - 2 weeks - 80 hour course:

The course helps students to safely and correctly use/operate wheeled vehicle recovery systems and equipment.  Instruction on specialized rigging and recovery wheeled vehicle techniques is given throughout the course.  Students conduct towing and winching of wheel vehicles to include self-recovery. A mini-field training exercise is part of the course.  Note: SGTs and below receive an Additional Skill Identifier (ASI) of H8.  SSG and above receive a Certificate of Training and cannot be awarded the H8 ASI.  The student must possess a current Civilian and Military Driver's License.

POC:  SFC Blackford   Phone: 609-562-0546   shawn.m.blackford@us.army.mil

 

v    091-ASIH8 (63H) Track - 2 weeks - 80 hour course:

The course helps students to safely and correctly use/operate tracked vehicle recovery systems and equipment.  Instruction on specialized rigging and recovery tracked vehicle techniques is given throughout the course.  Students conduct towing and winching of tracked vehicles to include self-recovery. A mini-field training exercise is part of the course.  Note: SGTs and below receive an Additional Skill Identifier (ASI) of H8.  SSG and above receive a Certificate of Training and cannot be awarded the H8 ASI.  The student must possess a current Civilian and Military Driver's License.

POC:  SFC Kapule      Phone: 609-562-0566     wilfred.kapule@us.army.mil

 

v    131-F13 Small Group Instructor Course - 1 week - 40 hour course:

This course is for personnel assigned as instructors or to improve instructional techniques. The one week intense course focuses on learning the basic techniques of monitoring, questioning and facilitating small group discussions in a military setting.  Emphasis is placed on presenting issues and finding solutions using the small class setting.  The students will learn effective use of written, verbal and management techniques to improve public speaking and presentation skills.

POC:  SFC Brandinelli   Phone: 609-562- 0528 Donald.brandinelli@us.army.mil

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

Sgt. Anthony D. LaSelva from New Jersey's Co D/250th BSB was among the 4,000 troops from the Minnesota National Guard's 1-34th Infantry Division who left Camp Shelby, Miss., on March 16, 2006 to deploy to Iraq.  His unit was scheduled to stay a year.  Sgt. LaSelva was one of the New Jersey soldiers ordered in January 2007 to remain in the war-torn nation for an additional 125 days. The 21-year-old New Jersey Army National Guard sergeant survived 15 months in Iraq only to perish less than three months after returning home.  Sgt. LaSelva, who would have turned 22 in September, was killed in a motorcycle accident on Sept. 13, 2007. 

As a tribute to Sgt. LaSelva for not only serving our country, but also for touching the lives of so many with his passion and kindness, his friends and family have decided  to organize a fundraiser in his honor.  All of the proceeds will be donated to Washington Township High School to form a scholarship in his name: The Sgt. Anthony D. LaSelva Memorial Fund.  Anything that anyone can do to help with the fundraiser would be greatly appreciated.  There will be a Chinese Auction at the event so they are in need of things to fill the baskets, whether it is a gift certificate or merchandise.  All donations are tax deductible.  Any questions or concerns, contact Malorie Mullen at 856-364-5646.  The event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 23, 6-10 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Center, 315 Greentree Road, Turnersville NJ 08012. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

Master Sgt. Evella L. Dawson will retire on Jan. 31, 2008 after 30 years of service to the New Jersey Army National Guard.  Her entire military service career was served in the Data Processing Center of the United States Property and Fiscal Office (USP&FO).   She began her career as a Private 1st Class and computer machine operator and retired as the Information Systems Chief.  Congratulations, Penny!

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

The Blue Star Flag first appeared in 1917, when Captain 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: http://www.grantham.edu/promo/freebluestar.php.

From the desk of Paul Serdiuk, coordinator

This year through the generosity of our State, Army and Air National Guard men and women - DMAVA collected a total of 119 coats. These were coats for men, woman and children. The majority of the coats were sent to DMAVA's Veteran Haven where they will be distributed to homeless veterans. We collected more than 199 toys for needy and deprived children living in New Jersey. These toys will be distributed by the Department of Human Services to known families with children in need.

Thank you all very much for making this year's Coat and Toy drive a success for all the less fortunate citizens of New Jersey.

Retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Judith McCabe, who served as the Curator of the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey in Sea Girt, was recently recognized and honored by the Museum's Board of Trustees for her many accomplishments and outstanding leadership as the past Curator of the Museum.  Chief McCabe was presented with the Museum's most prestigious and highest award by retired Col. Leonard Luzky, President of the Museum's Board of Trustees, at the Museum's Fourth Annual Volunteer Luncheon held in December.

Additionally, Chief McCabe was inducted into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara by the United States Field Artillery Association.  This is the highest honor bestowed by the US Army's Field Artillery Association, and the award and medal were presented to Chief McCabe by retired Col. Donald Kale.  Chief McCabe retired from the NJ Army National Guard in 2007 after completing 25 years of service, the last 11 years serving full time.  Chief McCabe became Curator of the Museum in 1996.  In 2004, Chief McCabe was mobilized for active duty as part of the NJ National Guard's deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terror, serving stateside as the Rear Detachment Commander for the 42 Infantry Division Support Command.

From the Military Officers Association of America

Military pay received while deployed in a combat zone or other qualifying hazardous duty area is tax-free. But what specific rules apply? Here's a quick refresher course, which summarizes how you can take advantage of these savings opportunities.

All pay received (including base pay, special pays, and bonuses) is income tax-free up to the maximum enlisted pay rate of $6,381.90 per month, plus imminent danger pay.
Reenlistment bonuses received during a qualifying deployment month also are tax-free. Be aware, however, if a reenlistment bonus is taken in installment payments instead of a lump-sum, installment payments received after leaving the combat zone are not tax-free.

Thrift Saving Plan (TSP) contributions made while in a combat zone are not taxed on withdrawal or distribution.

Due to the Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunities (HERO) Act of 2006, servicemembers who were deployed in a combat zone or other qualifying hazardous duty area have up until May 28, 2009, to make IRA contributions for tax years 2004 and 2005. If the servicemember qualifies for a deductible traditional IRA, this can result in a tax refund for contributions made. For those under 50, the IRA contribution limits are $3,000 for 2004 and $4,000 for 2005. For those over 50, the limits are $3,500 and $4,500, respectively. You will need to file Form 1040X, Amended Tax Return, to claim any benefit. For more information, visit www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=161175,00.html.  

We want your stuff!!  Is your unit doing some unique training?  Did someone in the New Jersey Guard receive accolades for accomplishing something extra special? Is your unit running a special event for the community? Does your section of DMAVA have something they need to tell the rest of the department? We want to know about it. 

Send us a short piece on what is happening so we can publish it in DMAVA Highlights.  Let us know who wrote it so we can give them credit.  If there are photos, you can send those too.  While we do not publish photos in Highlights, we can give them to the editor of Guardlife and they may be used in that publication.

When you send in your article:

ý    Identify all people in the article with rank, first and last names and job title or position.

ý    Spell out all acronyms. 

ý    When it comes to equipment, do not just give the nomenclature, also include the "name" of the equipment.  Do not use M998 alone, HMMWV is also needed.

ý    Give us as much as possible of the meat of the story - who, what, when, where, why and how concerning the event.

ý    Photos need identification of people in the photo and what is happening in the photo.

Deadline for each week is noon Wednesday and should be e-mailed to Barbara.harbison@njdmava.state.nj.us. We do not publish flyers or Adobe files.  If a Web site is out there to give people more information or to get a registration form, put that in your article.

Don't be intimidated by writing, we edit it for understanding and grammar. Your article may look a different when it is published as we also edit to fit the standards of the AP Style Guide.

Show us your stuff!!

Eligible Veterans are entitled to an annual property tax deduction of $ 250.

Veterans' eligibility

v    a citizen of the United States

v    resident of New Jersey

v    honorably discharged or released under honorable conditions from active service in a war-time period, in any branch of the U.S. Armed Services.

Surviving spouse's eligibility

The surviving wife or husband of a veteran who was a citizen of the United States and
resident of New Jersey and one of the following:

v    Was receiving the deduction prior to the veteran's death.

v    Would have been eligible for the deduction had the veteran filed an application prior to death.

v    Has died on active duty in a wartime period.

The application process - Filing an application with all required documentation with your local Tax assessor prior to December 31 of the pre-tax year in order to be effective in the next year. Documentation includes the property deed and discharge (DD-214) for the veteran. The widow may need to submit the property deed, marriage certificate, death certificate and discharge (DD-214).

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

Inactive Duty Training (IDT) Courses:

The Army Instructor Training Course, (TAITC) 

April 5-June 7, 2008 - 12 openings

Basic NCO Course, (BNCOC)

April 5-Sept. 7, 2008 - 48 openings

Officer Candidate School (OCS)

begins March 1, 2008

Active Duty Training (ADT) Courses:

68W Combat Medic Training Course Sustainmen

Feb. 4-13, 2008 - 32 openings

***NEW ON ATRRS, Combat Lifesaver Course (CLC-06)

Jan. 15-17, 2008

Jan. 22-24, 2008

Jan. 29-31, 2008

Feb. 5-7, 2008

Feb. 11-13, 2008

Feb. 19-21, 2008

13D10 MOS-T FA Tactical Data System Specialist

March 15-29, 2008 - 12 openings

13F10 MOS-T Fire Support Specialist

March 15-22, 2008 - 18 openings

31B10 MOS-T Military Police

March 8-22, 2008 - 20 openings

88M10 MOS-T Motor Transport Operator

March 15-29, 2008 - 16 openings

Company Level Command Team Course (for new Commanders & their 1SGs)

April 12-13, 2008 - 60 openings

11B10 MOS-T Infantryman

May 3-17, 2008 - 34 openings

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 Air Force began an official partnership with the Council of Better Business Bureaus (BBB) recently. The partnership encourages Airmen and their families to use the bureau's free programs, services and materials.

The BBB Air Force Line website aimed specifically at its Air Force audience. The site includes BBB products and services such as reliability reports on businesses and charities, consumer tips and alerts, and a link to file complaints. The site also includes news items of particular interest to military consumers. Through the website, Airmen may sign up for a monthly newsletter that contains a regular "scam alert" feature. Visit http://www.bbb.org/airforce for more information.

The John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (P.L. 109-364), enhanced the TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) health plan.  Under this new TRS health plan, effective October 1, 2007, certain members of the Selected Reserve may qualify for health care coverage under TRS at $81 for single coverage and $253 for family coverage.  Selected Reserve members who are enrolled or eligible to enroll in a health benefit plan under chapter 89 of title 5 U.S.C. Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP), IRR and ING Soldiers are excluded from purchasing TRS.

Soldiers currently enrolled in the three tier TRS program must have transitioned to the new program by Sept. 30, 2007.  For more information or to enroll contact your state representative listed on  http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit, select the "benefits update" link for the Tricare Reserve Select information page.

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.

The DMAVA Suggestion Program is still in effect and the Suggestion Box is located in the cafeteria on the center column wall.

You can find the suggestion form at www.nj.gov/military; click on Blank Forms. Unsigned suggestions may/or may not be answered, depending on their importance.  Unsigned suggestions, if they warrant a response, will be answered at Town Hall Meetings.  All signed suggestions will receive a response from Col. Alan Bunting, TAG-SEA.

If you have any questions regarding this program, call Renee McGuire, 609-530-6983.

The Department of Defense nomination season for the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award will close Jan. 21.

The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the U.S. government's highest recognition given to outstanding employers.

National Guard and Reserve members and their families are eligible and encouraged to nominate employers who have gone above and beyond in their support of military employees.  Nominations will be accepted at www.esgr.mil until Jan. 21. 

For questions regarding the nomination process, please contact New Jersey ESGR at 609-562-0156.

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.

Co B/250th BSB (Bordentown) is now serviced by the Lawrenceville FAC at (609) 671-6681
Co D/250th BSB is now serviced by the Jersey City FAC at (201) 915-3589
Co E/250th BSB (Vineland) is now serviced by the Woodbury FAC  (856) 251-6893
Troop C/5-117 RSTA is now serviced by the Woodbury FAC at (856) 251-6893

The Pomona Family Assistance Center will continue to have responsibility for the families from units assigned to the following armories: Atlantic City, Cape May Court House, Hammonton and Tuckerton.

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

Reserve Aid is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing financial support to the families of Reserve Service Members called to active duty in all five branches of the Armed Forces. Reserve Aid makes unrestricted, need based grants to military families who have a Reserve service member on full-time deployment to a combat zone or homeland security position. Their goal is to alleviate the emotional and financial burdens placed on the men and women called to serve our country by supporting their families at home.  For additional information and application procedures go to: http://www.reserveaid.org

Global Internet Mail is a personal e-mail program available to all servicemembers that can be used from any computer with Internet access, including government systems. GI mail is also available to spouses who are registered in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System.  While official government e-mail accounts are the most secure form of e-mail communication, messages sent between GI Mail accounts are more secure than those sent between public e-mail accounts.  For more information about GI Mail and how to get an account, visit www.gimail.af.mil/, or read the Air Force Print News story at www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123075003

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

Need help?  Dial 2-1-1:   You can find everything from basic needs like food, housing and healthcare to legal services, drug treatment, job assistance, childcare, mental health services, transportation, financial assistance, municipal programs and much more.  The 2-1-1service is a new statewide number for New Jersey residents. It connects people with the resources they need to solve problems.  It is free and confidential.

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

Here is a friendly reminder to all Family Readiness Group volunteers. First of all we would like to thank each and every one of you personally for your time and dedication to our troops and their families.  If you have not already done so we would appreciate it if you would take a few minutes each day, week or month to go into the Volunteer Tracking System on guardfamily.org and insert the precious time that you have committed to making our Family Program the best!  This is a way for the Family Program and the senior leadership to see who is helping out in their Guard communities and to award those who go the extra mile.

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

The 253rd Transportation Company's Family Readiness Group has their next meeting scheduled for Jan. 30, 2008, at 7 p.m.  The meeting will be held at the Cape May Court House Armory.

MyArmyBenefits at http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil is the official Army benefits resource for active-duty, Guard and reserve Soldiers, family members and retirees. Active-duty Soldiers with AKO accounts can access personalized reports on the survivor, disability, and retirement benefits through MyArmyBenefits.

From the desk of Amanda Balas, State Youth Coordinator

Operation Military Kids project in New Jersey is sponsoring a photo contest.  The theme is "Families in the Military." Any youth of a military family in any branch of the service, including active duty, National Guard and Reserves is eligible to enter. 

The age categories for entries are grades 2-5, grades 6-8 and grades 9-12.  Photos can be black and white or color and can be in digital or 35mm format.

Photos must be taken by the youth and should capture a unique moment or setting their family life or in their community that means something special to them.  They will be judged on originality and creativity.  First and second places will be awarded in each age category.

Contact Amanda Balas, N.J. National Guard State Youth Coordinator, for entry forms and more information at 609-562-0742 or Amanda.balas@us.army.mil. Deadline for submissions is Jan. 14, 2008.

The Army Information Line (1-800-833-6622) is designed to help all Soldiers and their Family members whether they are deployed; stationed stateside or overseas; are brand new to the Army; or are 30 year veterans.

In addition to The Army Information Line, Army Well-Being's Army Families Online Web site www.ArmyFamiliesOnline.org recently welcomed its 2-millionth visitor this year.

The Army Information Line also celebrates its 25-year existence of providing information and referral services to those Soldiers and Family members.

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