What is a few years younger than the Mayflower Compact (1620); a lot older than the Declaration of Independence (1776) and U.S. Constitution (1787); predates the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps by 139 years; and is 311 years older than the Air Force?

Answer: The National Guard, which turned 371 years young yesterday on Dec. 13.

It all started in 1636 when the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, which functioned as the colony's legislature, ordered existing militia companies from the towns surrounding Boston to form into three regiments: North, South and East.

While other English colonies had individual towns with militia companies before 1636, Massachusetts was the first place in the New World where the population was large enough to justify organizing companies into regiments for command and control.

From its very beginnings, the United States has been a militia (Guard) nation. The existence of and need for the colonial militia was ratified by the Founding Fathers in the Constitution. Congress specifically defined those missions the militia would be used for: "to Execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections, and repel Invasions."

Yet, even as the National Guard has transformed many times, it remains true to the Founder's intent of a citizens' Army; and, for the last three generations, a citizens' Air Force.

Future National Guard generations will continue to employ all of the modern technology at its disposal at home and abroad. At the core, however, today's National Guard members and yesterday's Minutemen remain the same person: citizens with the conviction that their military service is required to make their nation and communities a safer and better place.

Commentary by Staff Sgt. Harold Beard, 447th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Sather Air Base, Iraq

I recently received a piece of history in a care package from my father-in-law, Walter Omiecinski.

Inside the package, contained a 48 Star American Flag that was first purchased by Mr. Omiecinski's parents in 1940. The flag was first raised over Walter's boyhood home in Ohio on Dec. 7, 1941 in honor of the fallen at Pearl Harbor.

The flag was then given to an uncle, Bernard Omiecinski, who served as an U.S. Army sergeant during World War II. Bernard Omiecinski took it with him to every post he was assigned.

On Aug. 14, 1944, Sergeant Omiecinski was killed near St. Lo, France shortly after the D-Day invasion. The flag, along with his personal effect, were returned to the United States and back in the care of the Omiecinski family in Ohio.

In 1957, the flag was given to Walter Omiecinski, my father-in-law. Mr Omiecinski, a Green Beret during Vietnam, and Purple Heart recipient, flew the flag at each post he was assigned during the conflict.

In turn, I flew the flag on Sather Air Base in Baghdad, Iraq on Dec. 7, 2007 - commemorating its 67th birthday. It will be encased and displayed in a special place in my New Jersey home.

I hope to pass it on to one of my children one day and they can fly it at one of their military posts which may not be long from now. My daughter, Courtney, recently graduated from U.S. Air Force Basic Training, and is currently attending technical school to become an intelligence specialist.

Editor's note: Staff Sgt. Beard is a member of the 108th Air Refueling Wing, Security Forces Squadron and currently deployed to Iraq.

Well, maybe not Eagles in this case, but New Jersey Air National Guard Fighting Falcon aircraft flew a four-ship flyover of last Sunday's NFL game at Philadelphia between the Eagles and the New York Giants.  Appearing above the field at exactly the moment that the last notes of the National Anthem were fading, the 177th Fighter Wing F-16s provided the biggest thrill of the game (at least for Eagles fans).  With fireworks erupting simultaneously at the edges of the stadium, the crowd was treated to a precision formation of Atlantic City Air Guard fighter jets screaming overhead.

The 108th Air Refueling Wing gave the holiday season a great sendoff during Sunday of their drill weekend.  On Dec. 9, the day started off with a deployment line for the youth.  Check-in, fitting for flak jackets, briefings, weapons displays, and dog tags started off their "deployment."  Then they loaded into buses and were driven to the flightline where they got the opportunity to tour a KC-135R Stratotanker and a fire engine.  Both pieces of equipment had operators on hand to give briefings, answer questions and assist the youngster to climb around in their explorations.

Meanwhile, members of the 108th attended a Commander's Call where they honored unit members who recently returned from deployments to Iraq.  Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth addressed the assembled Airmen and a number of awards were given out.

Finally, everyone gathered together for a meal, Santa Claus and presents, visiting with each other and a large screen view of the Eagles vs. the Giants football game.

From the desk of Robert Sauselein, Superintendent of Veterans Haven

Boggs Auto Rebuilders has a contest every year in which they have people submit a letter stating how owning a vehicle would change their life.  This is the third year that residents from Veterans Haven have submitted letters.  We were fortunate this year, because Alfred Wilson Sr. a resident at Veterans Haven was selected by their committee.  Wilson was given a 1997 Cadillac Seville on Wednesday, Dec. 13.  Boggs also paid for a year of car insurance, gave Wilson a $100 gas gift card, and three $25 gift cards - one for Outback Steak House, one for Red Lobster and one for Kohl's Department store. 

On Wednesday, Dec. 13, during their council meeting the Borough of Sea Girt presented me with the title and keys for a 1997 SUV Lexus they were donating to one of our residents.  This was a made possible because of retired Lt. Col. Mark Clemmensen, the former superintendent of the National Guard Training Center at Sea Girt, now the Council President of Sea Girt Borough.

On behalf of the residents and staff of Veterans Haven I would like to extend our gratitude to both Boggs Auto Rebuilders and the Borough of Sea Girt.

by Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Friends and family members can keep in touch with Airmen anywhere in the world through an instant messaging program available through the Air Force Portal.

Every Airman is permitted up to five guest users through the Friends and Family Instant Messaging service, which works "24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year," said Lt. Col. David Gindhart, the Global Combat Support Systems program director.

"It's an important morale tool for deployed Airmen, their friends and family, allowing them to stay connected, no matter where in the world they are," Colonel Gindhart said. "All Airmen need to do is create an account for their loved ones and they can chat whenever they have access to the Web without jeopardizing Air Force network security."

To register a guest, follow these steps:

-- Log into the Air Force Portal

-- In the upper right hand corner, click on the My Profile tab

-- Then click on the Manage FFIM tab

-- Click on Add an Account

-- Fill out the required information (name, e-mail address) and read the user policy

-- Click on Register

Two e-mails will then be sent automatically to the friend or family member's address. The first contains the individual's username; the second will be a temporary password. The guest then has 24 hours to log into the portal and create their own unique password, which they'll use from that point on.

More than 20,000 guests are registered in the FFIM program, and more than 1,000 guests per week use the service, Colonel Gindhart said.

"One Airman's mother wrote in, thanking us for providing this service,"

Colonel Gindhart said. "While her son was deployed, she was able to chat with him online, giving her peace of mind that her son was safe. I have a hundred other quotes just like this -- we are honored to provide this service, especially during holiday deployments."

In addition, Colonel Gindhart said the GCSS staff hopes to expand the Air Force's IM service and offer features comparable with commercial IM providers, like photo sharing and even video teleconferencing.

The New Jersey State Employees Toy Drive will run through Dec. 17. The toys and gifts will be distributed to children under the supervision of the Department of Children and Families, Division of Youth and Family Services. Gifts are needed for all age groups, the greatest need each year is for children ages 10-17 years old. Gifts should be new and unwrapped. A suggested list is provided for age appropriate gifts.

Toys can be dropped off at the drop off boxes that were used for the annual coat drive located in various locations. For Central Office the drop off box is located in the central lobby.

If you have any questions, contact Paul Serdiuk, coordinator at 609-530-6878. He can supply you with gift suggestion lists for the children.

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

Pre WARRIOR Leadership Course (3 weekends)

Jan. 5-6, 2008

Feb. 2-3, 2008

March 1-2, 2008

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)

11 classes

Dec. 4-6, 2007

Dec. 11-13, 2007

Dec. 18-20, 2007

Jan. 2-4, 2008

Jan. 8-10, 2008

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.  

"Let's Talk About MRSA" - Media reports in the fall of 2007 raised public awareness of skin infections that were resistant to anti-biotic caused by MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).  What exactly is MRSA?  Who is at risk?  How is it treated? What can you do to protect yourself? These questions and more will be answered in this timely seminar.

A representative from the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services will be in Conference Room A, Central Office, on Friday, Dec. 20, 10-11 a.m., to give a presentation on MRSA with a question and answer session after the presentation.

Seating is limited, so please contact Paul Serdiuk at 609-530-6878, or Serdiuk@njdmava.state.nj.us  to reserve a seat.

President George W. Bush signed an Executive Order on Thursday, Dec. 6 that closes all executive branch departments and agencies of the Federal Government and excuses their employees from duty on Monday, Dec. 24.  Certain offices and installations may remain open and employees must report to duty for reasons of national security or defense or other public need.

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.

By Samantha L. Quigley, American Forces Press Service

Just in time for the holidays, 13 major recording artists have created a musical "Thank You" for the troops.

"CD for the Troops" will be available for anyone with a valid military identification card to download at no cost from the Army and Air Force Exchange service Web site, www.aafes.com, beginning Nov. 17.

Musicians such as Billy Joel, Brooks & Dunn, the Goo Goo Dolls, Jewel, Josh Groban, Los Lonely Boys, Melissa Ethridge, the Neville Brothers, Sarah McLachlan, the Lt. Dan Band, Montgomery Gentry, the Fray and Five for Fighting contributed to the project.

John Ondrasik, the singer-songwriter who performs under the stage name "five for fighting," spearheaded the project.

Ondrasik  is a staunch support of America's service members.  He hopes the downloadable version of the CD will be available on the AAFES Web site through April. Hard copies of the CD will be sent to troops in theater, military hospitals and Fisher Houses. Onderasik hopes the music "inspires, motivates, provides and avenue for reflection or simply distracts you from a mission few can imagine, much less undertake."

"If anything, let each tune be a small piece of home to carry you forward," he said. "Thank you for all you do, and feel free to shoot me an e-mail with requests for 'CD for the Troops II.'"

The Department of Defense will open the nomination season for the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award on Nov. 1, 2007.  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 from Nov. 1, 2007 to Jan. 21, 2008.  The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the U.S. government's highest recognition given to outstanding employers.

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.

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

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.

There are several contractor positions open in Family Programs. 

Family Assistant Center Coordinator - 2 openings

Locations:  Jersey City and Morristown 

General Duties:  Serve as liaison between NJNG members, family members, the local community and the State Family Programs Director.  Provide assistance to family members of deployed service members to include referral service, resource assistance/management, Family Readiness Group training and moral support .  Must also be able to develop working relationships with state and local agencies, military, government and social services agencies, business and civic organizations that are willing to offer assistance and provide services in support of National Guard members and their families.

Family Readiness Assistant - 1 opening

Location: Joint Force Headquarters, Ft. Dix

General Duties:  Assist the State Family Programs Director in developing and maintaining Family Readiness Groups (FRG) throughout NJ.  Train FRG committee members on overall conduct to include regulatory guidelines, limitations, duties and responsibilities.  Serve as a liaison between Rear Detachments, military points of contact and volunteers.

Resumes should be submitted no later than Dec. 28 to:

NJ Army National Guard

JFHQ-NJ,  Attn:  Family Programs, CPT Glatz

3650 Saylor's Pond Road

Fort Dix, NJ  08640

For more information call Capt. Amy Glatz, State Family Programs Director at 609-562-0668. 

With all the talk of identity theft, one group has been completely forgotten: your children.

In 2004, more than 400,000 children were identity theft victims; double the number from 2003.

So how is this possible?  Simple, children are registered for social security numbers almost immediately after being born.  Because they have no history, their records are the perfect opportunity for abuse by identity thieves.

Here are some simple steps to prevent this from happening:

v    Discuss with your child about the importance of keeping their information private and never share that information with strangers.

v    Watch the mail for offers from credit card companies or bills with their name on them; report any suspicious activity to credit bureaus.

For more information on identity theft; go to www.ftc.gov/credit.

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

Our Military Kids (OMK) provides tangible support to the children of deployed and severely injured National Guard and Military Reserve personnel through grants for enrichment activities and tutoring that nurture and sustain the children during the time a parent is away in service to our country. OMK grants are made to honor the sacrifices military parents make and to ensure that the children have access to activities and support that help the children better cope with challenges arising during a parent's deployment or injury recovery. For additional information go to www.ourmilitarykids.org

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.

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

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 http://www.afvclub.com/ for more information.

Now that the summer is almost over, 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 a opportunity to visit Orlando with your family.

Are you looking for a different place to visit to find history, food and performances of a good variety?  Think about visiting the United States Military Academy. 

While there you can tour the historic grounds, find lodging and meals, go to the visitor center where you can purchase something to remember your visit and then enjoy live entertainment at the second-largest theater in New York - the Eisenhower Hall theatre.

The list of upcoming entertainment includes stage productions of musicals and plays, ballet, and music - orchestra, jazz and individual performers.  Three performances in September included acrobats, opera and a comedian.

Individual ticket prices range from approximately $25-50 for most performances.

The post is open to civilians; everyone 16 and older must present photo ID.

Find out more information about Eisenhower Hall at http://www.ikehall.com/.  To find out more about the United States Military Academy, visit http://www.usma.edu/.

The Defense Commissary Agency's 2008 Scholarships for Military