Come on down to the Last Call for Col. Shawn Keyes on June 27. Join everyone as they celebrate his more than 37 years of wearing Army green. The party will be held at Joint Force Headquarters, building 3650, Fort Dix at 2:30 p.m., and the cost is $12 per person. Attire is duty uniform/civilian clothes. RSVP no later than June 23 to the Chief of Staff office, 609-562-0959.
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.
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.
In cooperation with the Department of Defense, eKnowledge Corporation, a leading supplier of interactive test preparation products for college entrance exams, along with a group of NFL players, have donated more than $16 million worth of multimedia SAT/ACT Test Preparation products to service members and their families worldwide.
Now in its fourth year, the eKnowledge/NFL player sponsorship effort has shipped more than 90,000 free SAT/ACT test preparation programs, valued at $200, to military servicemembers and their families.
Some of the NFL players who have pledged to support the eKnowledge donation program for 2009 include: Mark Anderson (Chicago Bears), Jon Bradley (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Scott Young (Philadelphia Eagles), Garrick Jones (Atlanta Falcons), Corey Williams (Green Bay Packers), Jason Radar (Miami Dolphins), and Ahmaad Galloway (San Diego Chargers).
The eKnowledge SAT and ACT test prep programs come in either a single DVD or two CD-ROM set that include more than 11 hours of high quality video training/instruction with up to 40 hours of student interactive learning participation. The SAT and ACT test prep programs can be used as a stand-alone instruction tool to prepare thoroughly for the SAT and ACT, or as a supplement to other SAT and ACT preparation materials. Each student can select the areas where they need additional or special training/instruction, and can then study at their own pace using the 120 video lessons which comprise the SAT and Act test prep programs. The program also provides the student with excellent feedback on their learning progress, test readiness and much more.
Those military families interested in receiving free eKnowledge products under this sponsorship can complete an online request form at http://eknowledge.com/military or visit the Department of Defense http://militaryhomefront.dod.mil Web site for more details. Copies can also be requested by calling 951-256-4076 or via e-mail at support@eknowledge.com.
While the camper applications for New Jersey National Guard Youth Camp are closed, applications are being accepted for volunteers to help at the camp. Go to www.nj.gov/military/familysupport to find applications for volunteer bus drivers, archery and arts and crafts instructors and beach personnel. Applicants must be over the age of 18. Call 609-562-0742 for more information.
The Uniformed And Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) allows the following U.S. citizens to vote absentee:
• Members of the U.S. Uniformed Services (on active duty) and merchant marine,
• U.S. citizens residing outside the U.S.
Members of the U.S. Uniformed Services or merchant marine and their family members may vote absentee while away from their place of voting residence, wherever stationed, inside or outside the United States.
U.S. citizens residing outside the United States and its territories may vote in the state or territory where they last resided immediately prior to departing the United States, even if many years have elapsed and the citizen maintains no residence in the state or territory and the intent to return to that state or territory may not be certain.
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
Inquiries about NEW handbooks and directories for NJDIRECT has prompted this reply from Pensions and Benefits:
You may also look up benefit information and visit the Unified Provider Directory on the Pensions and Benefits website under State Health Benefits Program.
Tickets are now on sale for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes. Discounted tickets are on sale through the U.S. Coast Guard Sector NY MWR office. Dates of the discounted performances are Nov. 14, 8 p.m., $53 for orchestra seats, $39 for second mezzanine seats; and Nov. 15, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., $59 for orchestra seats and $44 for second mezzanine seats.
GreenCare for Troops is a nationwide outreach program coordinated by Project EverGreen that connects local lawn and landscape firms with men and women serving our country in the armed forces away from home.
GreenCare has helped more than 1,200 volunteers provide free lawn and landscape services for more than 4,800 military families nationwide. The cost to manage the GreenCare for Troops Program is underwritten by Cub Cadet Commercial.
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 .
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.
For the Families
Child care $$$$$ available for spouses of deployed military
From the desk of Amanda Balas, State Youth Coordinator
Child care money is available for spouses of Title 10 Army National Guard activated Soldiers only. If the spouses are employed, seeking employment (for 60 days) or going to school, they can qualify for a $100 per month per child stipend for fulltime care (licensed child care provider required). Call the National Guard Child Care Program today to apply 1-888-642-2799 or ngccp@guardfamily.org.
Family Programs sponsoring youth trip to Liberty Science Center
From the desk of Amanda Balas, State Youth Coordinator
On Friday, June 27, Family Programs will be renting a bus for 30 youths ages 7-16 and seven adults for a day trip to Liberty Science Center, Jersey City. We will leave Fort Dix at 7:15 a.m. and return at 5 p.m. The bus will stop at the Jersey City Armory at 8:45 a.m. to pick up more youths (as well as drop them off at 3:30 p.m. before heading back to Fort Dix).
The trip will include lunch – sandwich, pretzels, fruit and juice – but everyone is welcome to bring snacks and spending money. Each young person will have to pay $5 for the uniformed T-shirt of the day. If interested, call Amanda at 609-562-0742.
Families urged to be award of Casualty Phishing Scam
HRC Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations Center (CMAOC) has asked that the field be advised that a phishing scam concerning families of fallen Soldiers has been identified. The scam purports to be from DFAS and Army Human Resources Command and informs the families of deceased Soldiers that they are entitled to monetary compensation in excess of $12 million that will be available to them in one week. Those families receiving the correspondence are instructed to provide sensitive personal information, such as SSN, DOB, addresses, etc., and are instructed to come to either visit the Army Human Resources Command Offices in Alexandria, Va., or email the information to an overseas Yahoo account. A copy of the bogus solicitation is attached at the below link on S1NET. Recommend that any staff, CAOs, CNOs, chaplains, and any other members that may be in contact with families review and be aware of this phishing scam.
https://forums.bcks.army.mil/secure/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=570572&lang=en-US
No-cost prescription savings plan available
From the desk of Marie Durling, Family Programs Specialist
Here is a no cost to you prescription savings program. This program offers discounts on all generic prescription medications at your local pharmacy. You do not have to do anything special to qualify. There is no income, residence, employment, age, citizenship or any other qualifications to meet. Not even an application to fill out. The Family State Programs Office at Joint Force Headquarters, Fort Dix has the group ID cards. Call Marie Durling at 609-562-0739 and one will be mailed to you. For more information check out www.mediservrx.com.
Lawrenceville FAC schedules events for members
From the desk of Jane Hackbarth, Family Assistance Specialist
The Lawrenceville Family Assistance Center and the Family Readiness Support Assistant have scheduled the activities open to all Family Readiness Group members:
July 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Parenting During Deployment, presented by Army Community Services, Fort Dix
Sept. 20, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Bullying presentation, presented by ACS, Fort Dix
People attending who will be bringing children are asked to RSVP to their own FAC or to Jane Hackbarth at 609-671-6681 no later than one week prior to the event.
Camp Noble Cause serving children, spouses of deployed Guard members
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.
Go to http://main.ppbsa.org and click on the Camp Noble Cause icon to register for families to go on weekend retreats.
Morris County offers program for military families
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 the 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!
Order a complimentary Blue Star Flag to show your family’s service
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.
Program offers grant funds to spouses of deployed military
The Deployed Military Spouses Assistance Program provides direct assistance and referrals to existing programs for spouses of deployed military personnel (active duty, reserve and National Guard) who face unusual financial and emotional stress as a result of the deployments.
Applicants should contact Fawn Mutschler at 609-543-6200 ext. 325 or wocmilitarygrant@ymca-bc.org to obtain an application. In addition to the completed application form, applicants will also need to submit the following documentation: LES/paystub for applicant and spouse; statement of Financial Need (i.e. reason for applying and how the grant will help); bill or pricing of expenditure as well as any other supporting information the applicant feels may be helpful. Additional information can be found at: www.state.nj.us/dca/dow/depmilspouseasst.shtml
Post Office offers boxes, discount rate to FPO/APO addresses
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. The new boxes can be used beginning March 3. 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: http://www.usps.com/supportingourtroops/welcome.htm?from=household &page=troopsupport.
Federal grant for spouses of deployed military
Grants from a funding of $200,000 from the Department of Community Affairs are available for spouses of deployed or recently deployed military (all branches across the state). Typical awards are $2,500 each and are available for financial difficulties (such as past due rent and childcare) as well as for recreational and stress relieving activities for kids. For more information contact Fawn I. Mutschler, Military Grant Liaison, Women's Opportunity Center, YMCA of Burlington County by calling 609-543-6200 Ext. 325 or by email at wocmilitarygrant@ymca-bc.org.
N.J. State Family Readiness Council offers Family Grants Program
The New Jersey National Guard State Family Readiness Council has expanded its Family Grants Program to include an additional grant. There are now two levels of Family Grants; TIER I is the $2,500 grant that has been in place for the past couple of years. The TIER II opens family grants to New Jersey Army and Air National Guard non-deployed service members who were on State Active Duty or State Missions (e.g., hurricanes, floods, border missions) for more than 20 consecutive days. Service members meeting these criteria are eligible to apply for a financial hardship grant up to $1,500. Applications are available at all New Jersey Army and Air National Guard Family Assistance Centers.
Sports
Fourth annual SGT Nutter Run scheduled for June 14
The fourth annual SGT Nutter Run will be held on June 14. Sergeant Sam Nutter (Jan. 28, 1966 – Jan. 2, 2005) was a member of the New Jersey Army National Guard and served in the U. S. Navy from 1989-1997. Each year the NJARNG Officer Candidate School holds a benefit 5k run in his memory and the proceeds raised are donated to a NJARNG family in need. This year’s beneficiary is Dina; daughter of New Jersey Army National Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy D. Marvian, of the 102nd Cavalry (RSTA) who will be deploying to Iraq later this year. Dina has endured a life-long battle with Neurofibromatosis Type I. Come join us as we band together to give a helping hand to a member of our National Guard family.
Fun family events and a BBQ to celebrate the Army’s birthday will follow the race.
Visit http://www.NutterRun.com for registration forms, donation forms, and more information.
114th Infantry Reg. holding golf outing June 23
The 114th Infantry Regimental Association would like to invite everyone to join them for a golf outing and lunch to benefit the Woodbury Family Readiness Group.
The golf outing will be held June 23, at the Pitman Golf Course, 501 Pitman Road, Sewell, NJ. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., shotgun start at 9 a.m. with a 18-hole scramble format. The entry fee is $95, cocktails and lunch is only $45. There are also sponsorship opportunities available. For more information on the golf outing and sponsorship opportunities, contact: Horace MacAdams, 856-779-0610, exarmy@earthlink.com; Robert Nordaby, 856-981-8338, RNordaby@verizon.net; or Karen Russell, 856-430-0852, KGabby@hotmail.com. Registration is due no later than June 12.
Brochures and flyers are also available through the Woodbury FAC, 856-251-6893.
For more info on the course visit: www.co.gloucester.nj.us/golf.
NGANJ holding 20th Annual Golf Tourney to benefit scholarships
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 or go to www.nganj.org.
DISCOM alumni golf outing, July 10 in Princeton
Come join the 15th Annual New Jersey Army National Guard DISCOM Alumni golf outing on Thursday, July 10 at the Bunker Hill Golf Course, Princeton. Cost is $100 and the shotgun start is 8 a.m. The cost includes you fees, cart, refreshment cart on the course, awards, door prizes, burgers and dogs at the turn and luncheon after the game.
Checks, made payable to DISCOM Alumni Assoc. are due no later than July 4, to Alumni Golf, PO Box 262, Belleville, NJ 07109-0262.
The association is also looking for cart ($25) and hole ($50) sponsors. For more information, contact retired Master Sgt. Roger M. Colarusso Sr., at 973-667-8067.
NJ IAWP’s golf outing benefits New Jersey’s homeless veterans
The New Jersey Chapter of International Association of Workforce Professionals (IAWP) is holding its second annual charity golf outing on July 26 and this year the proceeds will go to support New Jersey’s Homeless Veterans. The IAWP is looking for participants to come to the Falcon Creek Golf Club, McGuire Air Force Base at noon for the shot gun start.
Cost of the golf outing is $150 per person; the cost includes continental breakfast, greens fees with cart, one-hour open bar, dinner and awards. There will be door prizes, a 50-50 and a raffle drawing. Persons only wishing to attend the dinner will pay $50. IAWP is looking for hole sponsors - $100 and boosters - $25.
Register now by visiting www.nj.gov/labor/njiapes/index.html or call 973-748-0123.
Hunterdon County Vets Alliance celebrates special day with ball game
Come watch the Somerset (N.J.) Patriots play the Bridgeport (Conn.) Bluefish during the Hunterdon County Veterans Alliance sixth annual Veterans of America Day on Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. The Veterans of America celebration will begin the evening with guest of honor, Marine Maj. Jason E. Smith, present commander of the recruiting Station New Jersey and veteran of two tours of Iraq.
After the celebration, enjoy the Atlantic League game with free tickets for veterans and discounted tickets - $5 each – for friends and family. Discounted tickets must be ordered in advance. Contact 908-252-0700 for more information. Cal Joe Yuzuik at 732-563-4012 for information on the Veterans events scheduled prior to the game.
Trenton Thunder offers reduced tickets to military personnel, vets
The Trenton Thunder baseball team and its community partner, the Trenton Vet Center, have collaborated to sponsor reduced ticket prices for veterans and their families during the 2008 Trenton Thunder baseball season.
A regular $10 ticket has been reduced to $7 for veterans and their family members.
Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard, separated, and retired veterans are eligible for this program. Interested veterans must have a picture I.D. and provide proof of their veteran status by showing one of the following documents:
- Military I.D. card.
- Federal Department of Veteran Affairs medical I.D. card
- DD Form 214
Free tickets to Busch Adventure Parks for military, families
Any active duty, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman is entitled to free admission to a Anheuser-Busch Adventure Park under the Here's to the Heroes program. He or she need only register, either by going to this Web site http://www.herosalute.com/ and submitting his or her information or in the entrance plaza of participating parks, and show a Department of Defense photo ID. As many as three direct dependents of military personnel also are entitled to free admission. Dependents may take advantage of the offer without their service member, though an adult must accompany minor dependents, and dependent ages 10 and over must present valid dependent I.D. Busch Gardens Williamsburg and SeaWorld San Antonio are seasonal operations that will remain closed until spring 2008. Military personnel interested in visiting those parks should check operating schedules. The remaining parks, SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld San Diego are open year round.
Valid for one complimentary single-day admission per person, per year, to one of the following Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks: SeaWorld Orlando, San Diego, or San Antonio, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or Williamsburg, Sesame Place, Water Country USA, Adventure Island. Not valid at Discovery Cove and Aquatica.
Armed Forces Vacation Club offers affordable lodging
The Armed Forces Vacation Club is a "space available" program offering Department of Defense affiliated personnel affordable condominium vacations at over 3,500 resorts around the world. Visit www.afvclub.com/ for more information.
Shades of Green offers Disney for military
Now that the summer is just around the corner, thoughts of how to spend next summer or your next vacation week, can start to pop into your mind. “Can we go someplace better or different, nearer or farther from home, all without breaking the bank?”
One place to consider if Florida is one of your next vacation places is Shades of Green in Orlando. Minutes from the Disney attractions, this resort is also close to golf, dining and other Florida attractions.
Their web site, www.shadesofgreen.org can give you tours of their rooms and family suites, the local attractions and other amenities that are offered by the resort. The rates are reasonable and will be an opportunity to visit Orlando with your family.
Scholarship, Education News
Scholarships available for OIF/OEF veterans
Here is an opportunity for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan to get scholarship money for college. The Fund for Veterans’ Education will award up to $3.5 million in scholarship money this year.
You can read more about the scholarship program and how to apply at www.veteransfund.org. The application postmark deadline is June 15, 2008, so send in your application as soon as possible.
Education news for NJARNG
Education Services Brochure Booklet (ESB2)
Access the New Jersey Army National Guard's ESB2 at www.nj.gov/military/education. The ESB2 is a comprehensive guide with links and shortcuts to civilian education benefits available to New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers.
G.I. Bill Notice of Basic Eligibility
New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers can print their Eligibility of Mobilized Soldier notification letter for CH 1607 as well as Notice Of Basic Eligibility for CH 1606 at https://www.nationalguardbenefits.com; click on G.I. Bill Home Page.
American Legion offers scholarships, booklet on their Web site
The American Legion has scholarship information on their Web site – www.legion.org – including the 152-page booklet, Need a Lift, which is a complete financial aid reference guide for veterans, family members and the American Legion family. When you get on the site, click on “Scholarship Information” in the “Useful Links” block.
Association News
117th Cav Association announces meeting schedule
The 117th Cavalry Association, whose mission is to promote and enhance the friendships and camaraderie of our members, who are mutually bound by service and devotion to our country, announces its upcoming meetings. They will be held at 7:30 p.m., at the Westfield Armory's Heritage Room. Meetings will be on Oct. 17, Nov. 7 and the reunion on Oct. 18 at Fort Monmouth, N.J.
Enlisted Association wants YOU!
By retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hughes, EANG-NJ
The Enlisted Association National Guard-New Jersey is off to a good start for 2008 as we have realigned all the committees and filled both the Executive Council and Committees with a cross section of Army and Air, uniformed and retirees, and several junior NCOs. Everyone appears to be enthused and pledges to support the Association in all its efforts. All we need now is for you to get on board as a member and bring your fellow soldiers and airmen with you.
We have many challenges facing us over the next few years whether it is another round of base closures via the Base Realignment Commission (BRAC), reduction in TRICARE benefits, reduction in troop strength, attempts to maintain the retirement age at 60, etc. We need a powerful voice to put our message across to the State and Federal Legislators and this can only be accomplished through a strong membership in our State Association (EANG-NJ) and the National Association (EANGUS).
The new membership year starts on 1 January 2008 and we need your help in making our Association grow. We encourage all enlisted soldiers and airmen to join the Association as Active Members and also welcome all officers, warrant officers, federal, and state employees to join as Associate Members. Applications for membership can be obtained from our website www.eang-nj.org.
NGANJ group life insurance available to members
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. Dependent 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.
Web site provides support to separating military members
TurboTAP (Transition Assistance Program) is an easy to use, interactive Web portal that provides life-long support to separating military service members (Active Duty, Guard and Reserve) and their families. It is a single source starting point for accessing key resources available for servicemembers transitioning out of the military at any point in their military career. Resources include Department of Defense, Department of Labor, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Education, Small Business Administration, the National Veterans Corporation and the National Guard Bureau. For more information go to www.TurboTAP.org or email TAPHelp@military-inc.com.
DMAVA Veterans Outreach Campaign continues
The DMVA Veterans Outreach Campaign continues with kiosk displays at selected malls throughout New Jersey. The schedule is as follows:
July 8, 9, 10 |
Cherry Hill Mall |
July 18* |
Traveling Wall, Wildwood |
August 5*, 6, 7 |
Willowbrook Mall |
September 2*, 3, 4 |
Bridgewater Commons Mall |
October 14*, 15, 16 |
Menlo Park Mall |
November 5*, 6, 7 |
Deptford Mall |
*Medal ceremonies begin at 10:30 a.m. on these dates. The kiosk will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The kiosk will also be in place at the Wildwood Convention Center for three state conventions.
June 18-20, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. – VFW State Convention, medal ceremony on June 19
Pennsylvania looking for Desert Shield/Storm vets for benefit program
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs is trying to locate veterans who may be eligible for the Commonwealth’s Persian Gulf Veterans’ Benefit Program. We believe that many Desert Shield/Storm participants who were residents of Pennsylvania during this conflict may be entitled to this benefit have since moved to other states. In an effort to inform them of the benefit, we request that you share the following information with your veterans.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania signed into law (House Bill 1820, Act 29 of 2006) a benefit program for veterans of the Persian Gulf Theater of Operations during the time period Aug. 2, 1990 through Aug. 31, 1991. Veterans are likely to be eligible for the benefit if they:
- - Served with the U.S. Armed Forces, a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces or the Pennsylvania National Guard during the period Aug. 2, 1990-Aug. 31, 1991;
- - Received the Southwest Asia Service Medal; and
- - Were a resident of Pennsylvania during the period Aug. 2, 1990-Aug. 31, 1991.
A surviving family member(s) of a veteran who was killed as a result of the conflict, or died following the conflict may be eligible for the benefit.
Veterans or a surviving family member(s) may either request an application by calling the toll-free telephone number below, or by down-loading the application from the webpage.
Toll-free number: 1-866-458-9182 or
Hearing Impaired: 1-866-835-8983 (TTY)
To be eligible for the benefit, a veteran or surviving family member(s) must submit an application and required supporting documentation to:
Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans’ Benefit Program
Post Office Box 1109
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1109
The deadline for submitting an application is August 15, 2015.
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.
N.J. Vietnam Veterans Memorial
N.J. Vietnam Veterans' Memorial and Vietnam Era Educational Center's upcoming events:
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Free guided tours of the Memorial are offered on the first Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
June 14, 1 p.m. – Bullets and Bandages, a novel about an Army Combat Medic in the Vietnam War – an author lecture and book signing by Robert Saniscalchi accompanied by his brother Patrick Saniscalchi, N.J. Vietnam Veteran and the inspiration for Robert's novel.
July 19, 1 p.m. – "Re-Inventing the Wheel: U.S. Air Force Close Air Support in Vietnam" – a lecture by Tom Wisker, host of the radio program "Weaponry" on WBAI-FM, New York City.
Aug. 9, 1 p.m. – "Centaurs in Vietnam: Army Air Cavalry at War" – a video and oral-history presentation by N.J. Vietnam Veteran Carl Burns, former chopper pilot with the "Centaurs" of the 25th Infantry Division.
Sept. 19, 11 a.m. – National POW/MIA Recognition Day and National Gold Star Mothers Day Ceremony at the N.J. Vietnam Veterans' Memorial.
Sept. 21, 12:30 p.m. – Arrival at the N.J. Vietnam Veterans' Memorial by Rolling Thunder-N.J., annual motorcycle run for POW/MIA awareness.
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For further information call 1-800-648-VETS or visit www.njvvmf.org.