A farewell ceremony will be held on Saturday, Feb. 16 at the Naval Air Engineering Center, Lakehurst in Hangar 307 to honor the 37 Soldiers of the New Jersey Army National Guard who are deploying to Kuwait. These Soldiers are members of Company A, 2-104th General Support Aviation Battalion (GASB)

The unit has spent a year aggressively training in preparation for the deployment.  This training has taken them to Virginia, Colorado, Alabama, Utah and Georgia along with their training in various places in New Jersey.  While in Kuwait, the 2-104th GSAB will be part of Task Force 2-211 which will be comprised primarily by the 2-211th GSAB, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ten of the Soldiers will be deploying for their second time.

By 1st Lt. Jason Feldman, Curator, National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey

The National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey has created a special exhibit, displaying art, artifacts and photographs, detailing the history of the First Separate Battalion, New Jersey National Guard (1930-1940) for Black History Month.  The First Separate Battalion exemplifies the long and honored history of the state’s African American Soldiers.

African Americans have long been part of New Jersey’s military tradition, serving in integrated units in the Revolutionary War and in units of the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War. Nearly 3,000 black men from New Jersey enlisted in the Union army during the Civil War and took a prominent part in such battles as Petersburg and the siege of Charleston.  In 1872 New Jersey authorized the raising of segregated African American National Guard companies in Camden, Elizabeth, Jersey City, Newark and New Brunswick. These companies were formed into a regiment that was subsequently disbanded in 1877.  During World War I, black home guard companies were raised in Atlantic City and Jersey City, but were disbanded on the reorganization of the National Guard in 1920. 

In 1930 after being petitioned by leaders of the state’s African American community, the New Jersey legislature authorized the creation of the First Separate Battalion, New Jersey State Militia. Companies A and B were raised in Newark and Atlantic City in 1932 and first reported for training at Sea Girt in 1932.  Both companies were in training at Sea Girt during the Morro Castle ship fire and wreck disaster in September 1934 and were immediately assigned to rescue operations.  Although beset by wind and rain, the men never stopped for rest until the survivors were rescued and the dead recovered, after which they established a temporary morgue at Sea Girt. Both companies were awarded commendations by the New Jersey legislature and Governor A. Harry Moore for their courage, courtesy and sympathetic handling of a very gruesome duty.

Company C, from Camden and Company D, of Trenton, were mustered into service in 1935. Company C’s commander, Captain Richard A. Williams, was a former “Buffalo Soldier” who had served as a sergeant major in the U.S. 10th Cavalry.  Williams, a Silver Star recipient, was a veteran of the Spanish American War, Philippine Insurrection and World War I.  The battalion’s band was based in Atlantic City and its medical detachment in Newark.

The Battalion was called into Federal service in 1940 for service as the First Battalion, 372nd Infantry Regiment in World War II.  Following the war, with the integration of the armed forces and National Guard, it was disbanded.

The exhibit will be available for viewing during normal museum hours until March 4; Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the first weekend of the month.

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

Now the US 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.

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

This year's youth camp will be held from July 13-19 at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, N.J. This year will mark our 14th year for the camp!! Some activities are archery, sports, beach and arts-n-crafts. For more information or to download an application, please visit http://www.state.nj.us/military/ familysupport/programs.html. Read carefully as some of the applications have changed.

ARMS has arranged for another weekend at the Great Wolf Lodge in Pocono, Penn.
Date:  May 9-11

Cost:  $250 tax included Sat-Sun

          $500 tax included-Fri-Sun

Includes lodging for up to six people, 2/3 days admission to the indoor water park (open 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m.), free parking.  Rooms sleep six and have a mini refrigerator and microwave (Family Suite).  Meals are not included.  For more info call 732-890-4914 or email usslibertyhouse@comcast.com.

From the desk of Janis M. Shaw, Family Assistance Specialist

The Teaneck Family Readiness Group has the following events for you to add to your calendar:

Teaneck Youth Group Activities – all events are held at the Teaneck Family Assistant Center, from 6:30-8 p.m.

ý Monday, March 3: Vet Center Teen Round Table Discussion "So How Do You Really Feel? Speaker:  Teresa Bennett, MSW (for children 9 and younger)

ý Monday, March10: Vet Center Teen Round Table Discussion "So How Do You Really Feel? Speaker:  Teresa Bennett, MSW (for children 10 and older)

For more information, call Sonja McDaniel, event coordinator at 201-906-7687.

Palm Sunday Sunrise Service and Easter Basket Distribution Sunday, March 16, 6 a.m. on the drill floor. For more information call Sonja McDaniel

Saturday, April 12, noon-2 p.m., Bully Program, Part 2. For more information contact Master Sgt. Minnie E. Hiller-Cousins, 201-833-0632

Teaneck Family Readiness Group meeting dates are:

Feb. 21                            7 p.m.

March 20                7 p.m.

April 17                            7 p.m.

May 15                 7 p.m.

From the desk of Amanda Balas, New Jersey National Guard Youth Coordinator

The following is the updated Family Deployment Briefing Schedule presented by the Family Programs Office at various armories throughout New Jersey.  Any family member that is interested in learning more about important information, who to contact and ways to cope through this upcoming deployment are welcomed to attend ANY of the briefs, no matter where the Soldier's home station is located, as all the information will be the same at every brief.  Children, ages three and up, are welcome to attend too!  For more information, please contact your local Family Assistance Center by calling 1-888-859-0352.

Date                                                 Armory                            Time

Monday, Feb. 4                             Toms River                       6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 9                           Westfield                          9:30 a.m.

Saturday, Feb. 23                         Port Murray                      9:30 a.m.

Sunday, Feb. 24                           West Orange                    1:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 1                        Dover                                 9 a.m.

Saturday, March 1                        Lawrenceville                   2 p.m.

Sunday, March 2                          Morristown                       1:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 8                        Riverdale                          9:30 a.m.

Sunday, March 9                          Woodbridge                     1:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 15                      Jersey City                       9:30 a.m.

Thursday, March 20                      Teaneck                           6:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 3                          Cherry Hill                        6:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 4                                Woodbury                        9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

two briefs in one day to cover all 1/114th families

**Any family that will be experiencing a deployment may attend ANY of the above briefs as all the information will be the same no matter where the Soldier’s home station is located in the state.  All youth are welcomed to attend.  We will have established youth programs, in a separate area, for youth ages three and older. 

ARMS will be packing items to be shipped to deployed Soldiers on Saturday, Feb. 23 from noon-4 p.m. at the Toms River Armory.  Any one or any group interested in donating some time to the project just show up at the armory.  All help is appreciated.  The armory is located at 1200 Whitesville Road, Toms River, NJ.

Military children can take advantage of the Military Child Education Coalition Contest – Bernard Brown II Space Camp Scholarship. 

Space Camp is a place where kids come together for a journey they will never forget. The camp is an eight day program in Huntsville, Ala., that shows young men and women what it takes to be an astronaut.

The scholarship includes round trip transportation (from student's home base to Space Camp), meals, lodging and program materials.

To be eligible for the scholarship, each applicant must:

ý Be a child of active duty military parent or activated Guard or Reservist

ý Be enrolled in grades 6-9

ý Submit HAND WRITTEN essay which includes why he or she should be selected, evidence of patriotism, future goals, community service, and "after camp" intentions

ý Submit two letters of recommendation with contact information

ý Complete and submit the application by the deadline.

All submissions are due no later than March 10, 2008. (NOTE: Write "Attn. Call for the Arts" on envelope when mailing in entry.)

For more detailed information about the Space Camp Scholarship, visit the MCEC at www.MilitaryChild.org or call at 254-953-1923.

Did you know that you can create and send a video message to your loved ones just by clicking the Send VIDEO Email image on the AKO/DKO Homepage?  This is a quick way for deployed service members and their family members to keep in touch with one another. Mother's Day is just around the corner - what a way to recognize and express your love and appreciation to that special Mom in your life.

You already have your AKO account.  All you need is a video camera to attach to your computer, a small investment (tens of dollars) for staying in touch with friends and family members.  Take a few minutes to tell us what you think of the Video Messaging Service by participating in our Video Messaging Poll https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/137323.

To ensure veterans with emotional crises have round-the-clock access to trained professionals, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun operation of a national suicide prevention hot line for veterans. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson said: "Veterans need to know these VA professionals are literally a phone call away. All service members who experience the stresses of combat can have wounds on their minds as well as their bodies. Veterans should see mental health services as another benefit they have earned, which the men and women of VA are honored to provide." VA's hot line will be staffed by mental health professionals in Canandaigua, N.Y. They will take toll-free calls from across the country and work closely with local VA mental health providers to help callers. The toll-free hot line number is 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255).

From the desk of Joseph K. Dunleavy, Environmental Specialist

The state has hired a new contractor to implement the Governors Executive Order pertaining to recycling at all State owned and operated facilities. This guidance is targeted for the workforce within the DMAVA Lawrenceville complex and West Trenton NJARNG locations only. The contractor and the Treasury Department have provided new collection containers for recyclable items.  These containers are to be placed on the loading dock prior to the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month so that the collection truck can pick them up. Please inform all personnel of the requirements. 

All aluminum & steel cans, plastic and glass bottles (coded 1 & 2) need to be placed in the “Decorative Containers” or the blue containers with round openings, in the Headquarters Building for disposal.  Please no caps or lids!  These items will be collected on Fridays at the loading dock. 

The new company will be conducting participatory audits and notify the Governors Office of participation rates.  Encourage everyone in your office to recycle office paper, white paper, colored paper, Post It ™ notes, newspaper, magazines, envelopes, folders, junk mail, and paper wrappers.

The New Jersey Bar Association established and administers the Military Legal Assistance Program.  This pro bono program provides assistance to New Jersey residents who have served overseas as active duty members of reserve components of the armed forces after Sept. 11, 2001.

Individuals who have been adversely affected upon their return from deployment and cannot be represented by military lawyers can use this program. The program currently offers assistance to the following areas: family law, employment law, veterans’ benefits and debtor-creditor law.

The Military Legal Assistance program will refer members of the military who contact the state bar association to volunteers qualified to assist them with their specific legal issues.  Volunteers who accept a case through the program must agree to handle such case from inception to resolution without compensation or reimbursement for expenses.

If interested in the program, call toll free 1-888-541-1900 for referral or visit the New Jersey State Bar Association web site at www.njsba.com and click on the button for the Military Legal Assistance program.

 A $200,000 grant from the Department of Community Affairs is 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.

We are now in the midst of tax season and preparing for the check that Uncle Sam will send our way or digging down to find the $$$ to pay those taxes owed.  Here are some tips from various sources to help when it comes to filing.

Review your return before sending it off to the tax man – common problems, especially for paper returns are missing signatures and incorrect Social Security numbers.

The Internal Revenue Service Publication 3, titled, “Armed Forces’ Tax Guide” is available at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3.pdf. 

By visiting the IRS Web site – www.irs.gov – and clicking on the “Individuals” button in the upper left of the screen, you can then find information on military issues in two ways. First, there will be a “Military” button that will show on the line right under the “Individuals” button.  Second, scroll down the page to the “Tax Information for Members of the U.S. Armed Forces” button. 

On May 2, Efren Cazales, a Marine combat veteran, and William D. Brown Jr., a Navy SEAL combat veteran, will run from Rutgers Camden campus to Rutgers new Brunswick campus, a distance of 65 miles.

Both Cazales and Brown are members of Veterans for Education, a Rutgers University group that promotes veterans in a positive light and also promotes the value of education.  Veterans for Education, along with Rutgers alumni, have started a scholarship fund for veterans.

The run by Cazales and Brown is to promote funding for the scholarship program.  Tax-deductible donations can be sent to Rutgers-Camden, Office of Development, 411 Cooper Street, 2nd floor, Camden NJ 08102; checks should be made out to Rutgers University Foundation: Rutgers Alumni Scholarship for Combat Veterans Fund.

Join the McGuire Enlisted Spouses Club when they present their Valentine’s weekend show, “A Night of Comedy with Pete Michaels with Papa.” There will be two performances on Feb. 15 at 7 and 9:30 p.m. at The Club at McGuire Air Force Base.

Pete Michaels is celebrating 30 years as a ventriloquist and has been on Comedy Central, Good Morning America and Late Night with Conan O’Brien and performed as an opening act for Martin Lawrence, Jamie Foxx and others.

Advance tickets for the shows cost $10 per person; $15 per person at the door.  Tickets will be on sale in front of the Fort Dix/McGuire Air Force Base Exchange Feb. 8 and 9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. for more information on tickets, call 609-922-6458, 609-784-3488, 609-354-2707 or 609-723-3948.

As part of the Black History Month events, Celebration Wednesday will be held in classrooms 1 and 2 in Joint Force headquarters, Fort Dix, every Wednesday in February from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Speakers and programs are all geared toward life enhancement and wellness for all ethnic groups and provide information and knowledge in celebration of Black History Month.

The schedule is:

Feb. 20                   Omega Hartman, financial planning and Mr. George, VFW, VFW benefits

Feb. 27                   Health and Well-being

Any questions about Celebration Wednesday can be directed to Sgt. 1st Class Mercedes Rowe, 609-562-0756.

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.  LaSelva was one of the New Jersey soldiers ordered in January 2007 to remain in the Iraq 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.  LaSelva 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.

The National Guard State Family Readiness Council, American Legion post 414 and the Lawrence Township Lions Club are proudly sponsoring a "Support the Troops Pancake Breakfast" with all proceeds going to support the Soldiers and families of the New Jersey National Guard State Family Readiness Council. For tickets or additional information, please call 609-771-4143, 609-882-2675 or 609-989-9162.

 Date:  Sunday, April 13, 2008
Time:  7 a.m.-1 p.m.
Place:  National Guard Armory
           151 Eggert Crossing Road
           Lawrenceville, NJ
Price:  $7 for adults and $5 for children under 10 years old.
Note:  Tax-free donations can be sent to:
           National Guard State Family Readiness Council
           PO Box 5692
           Trenton, NJ 08638-0692

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: 609-562-0566/0568

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.

 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: E5s and below receive an Additional Skill Identifier (ASI) of H8.  E6 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.

 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.

Here are the

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 Sustainment

Feb. 4-13, 2008 - 32 openings

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

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.  

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

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.

Recently, a Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ employee's laptop was stolen that contained personal information, including the name, address and social security number of some of their members. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ does not believe any medical data was on the computer.

Several security measures are naturally set in place to safeguard data and prevent its access should this rare situation occur. However, since the privacy and security of some members' personal information may be at risk, Horizon BCBSNJ is notifying each impacted member or dependent directly by letter of this incident.  Again, this breach has not affected everyone who is a member.

If you do not wish to wait, you may call them at 1-800-447-3798 to confirm if you are affected. When calling, please have your insurance card available and be prepared to provide your ID number.  If you have any further questions, please contact your Benefits Administrator or Horizon BCBSNJ directly.

Dependents of service members who have been deployed for 120 days or longer will now find it easier to travel on Space Available military flights (Space-A). Due to a change in policy effective Dec. 6, 2007, military families no longer need to be accompanied by their service member when traveling Space-A regardless of where they are based. Prior to the change, military dependents could only travel unaccompanied from an overseas location to the family's home of record within the continental United States or within an overseas theater of operation. Additionally, they were limited to one round trip during the military sponsor's deployment period.  Under the new policy, family members may now travel unlimited times during the deployment when seats are available. However, family members planning to use Space-A transportation will need a verification letter from the military sponsor's commander confirming the service member's deployment. In addition, an eligible parent or legal guardian must accompany family members under age 18.  For more information regarding the Space-A travel program, please visit the Air Mobility Command website at www.amc.af.mil/.

The New Jersey State Health Benefits Program will provide active and retired members with new medical plans effective April 1, 2008.

The SHBP is offering two types of medical plans, a Preferred Provider Organization and Health Maintenance Organizations. Several options are available under each plan.  Information can be found at the following web site about the plans, co-pays, costs, and directories: www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/shbp.htm.  You can also contact your benefits counselor at DMAVA HRD - Lisa Dandrea, 609-530-6888 or e-mail lisa.dandrea@njdmava.state.nj.us.

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 Oct. 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 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.

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.

Health Net Federal Services released My Life, a Kid's Journal, designed for military children whose parent or loved one is deployed. The journal is meant to serve as a keepsake for the child or as a gift to their special person who is deployed once it's completed. To obtain copies for military children living in the TRICARE North Region, e-mail your request to mailto:HNFS_Communications@healthnet.com. Those living outside the North Region can download the journal from the Health Net Federal Services website.

The Picatinny Arsenal invites all National Guard families along with the Picatinny community to the Annual Egg Hunt held on March 8, 1:30-3 p.m. at the Teen Center. Come out for an afternoon of fun and laughter.  There will be games, prizes, egg hunt, arts and crafts and pictures with the Easter Bunny.

The day is for children 11 and under.  Attendees are asked to bring their own basket.  To reserve your spot, please call 973-724-5555/7183.

The Teen Center is located in building 3228, next to the community center. The egg hunt starts at 1:30 sharp; hunters are asked to arrive early.

Military spouses are eligible to receive a full scholarship for an H&R Block Income Tax course. The program does not require any previous training and it is open to active duty and reserve military spouses. For complete details and program information, contact your local H&R Block office at 1-888-412-7880 or www.hrblock.com/taxes/planning/tax_courses/index.html

Co B/250th Brigade Support Battalion (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 Reconnaissance Surveillance Target Acquisition (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: 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.

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 acc