News For Your Views
Governor
invites all to Annual King Holiday Celebration
Governor
Jon S. Corzine, Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells,
Esq., and The New Jersey Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative
Commission cordially invite you to the Annual King Holiday
Celebration on Sunday, January 20, from 4-7 p.m., at the
War Memorial, Trenton, N.J.
The featured Speaker is Rev. Dr. Calvin
McKinney, Pastor, Calvary Baptist Church of North Jersey,
Garfield. Also
on the program are Bob Pickett, Esq. and Bob Slade, Co-Hosts
for KISS-FM's Open Line Show. To reserve seats,
please call: 609-777-4134.
Martin Luther
King Jr. Day of Service
Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. sought to forge the common ground on which
people from all walks of life could join together to address
important community issues. On Jan. 21, millions of Americans
across the country will once again honor his legacy by
taking part in a wide range of service projects http://www.mlkday.gov/ about/how/index.asp - conducting food drives, painting schools and
community centers, recruiting mentors for needy youth,
and bringing meals to homebound neighbors, to name but
a few.
In recognition
of the 40th anniversary of Dr. King's assassination, the
Corporation for National and Community Service in 2008
is also pleased to join with other organizations in supporting
a new initiative, "40 Days of Nonviolence: Building
the Beloved Community." Under this initiative, the
King Day of Service will kick off 40 days during which
families, schools, faith communities, and other organizations
will plan service projects and educational activities
promoting Dr. King's message of nonviolence and social
justice. Click here http://www.mlkday.gov/ about/beloved_community/index.asp for more
information.
Family deployment
briefs scheduled
From
the desk of Amanda Balas, New
Jersey National Guard Youth Coordinator
The following
is the 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 START TIME
Feb. 4 Toms River 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 9 Westfield 9:30 a.m.
Feb. 23 Port Murray
9:30 a.m.
Feb. 24 West Orange 1:30 p.m.
March 1 Lawrenceville 1:30 p.m.
March 2 Morristown 1:30 p.m.
March 8 Riverdale 9:30 a.m.
March 9 Woodbridge 1:30 p.m.
March 15 Jersey City 9:30 a.m.
March 20 Teaneck 6:30 p.m.
April 3 Cherry Hill
6:30 p.m.
May 4 Woodbury 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
State Health
Benefits Program has new plans
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: http://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.
Give blood
at ChalleNGe blood drive, Jan 24-25
Save a life
- give blood. The
New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe
Academy
is holding a blood drive on Jan. 24 and Jan. 25, from
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5910 West 16th Street
(Doughboy Loop & Newport St.).
Call 609-562-0572 for more information. Make your appointment now. Go to: http://www.membersforlife.org/pennj/schedule/login.php?
sponsorcode=4849.
Questions
about eligibility to donate blood can be read here:http://www.redcross.org/ services/biomed/0,1082,0_557_,00.html
Employees
of DMAVA-JFHQS will get priority in appointments so they
can get back to work.
National
Hotlines for help
Here are
some national relief hotlines to provide financial assistance
to families.
Child Support
Enforcement Hotline - 877-696-6775
For single
parents due support, the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human
Services will send them a free handbook complete with
excellent advice and all their local contact numbers for
help.
Child-Care
Subsidy Hotline - 800-424-2246
When daycare
costs are too high, there is help. The National Association
of Child Care Resources is a federally funded agency.
They provide helpful information about assistance in your
client's local area. They will help your calla find all
options for child care payment assistance programs.
Mortgage
Payment Assistance - 800-750-8956
For families
falling behind on mortgage payments, this national agency
will work with your client's mortgage company to arrange
a workout plan to catch up missed payments. Housing counselors
will discuss all options available to avoid foreclosure.
Agency does not make loans or buy property.
Debt Relief
Hotline - 800-291-1042
For families
struggling with credit card debt, (typically over $10,000);
relief is available. This national agency will contact
your client's creditors, reduce payments, interest, and
even principal amounts owed. Harassing collection calls
will stop.
Free Bankruptcy
Advice - 800-379-0985
Families
who cannot use other debt solutions may need to speak
with an attorney. The nation's largest consumer law firm
has made this hotline available. Your client may call
for a free conversation to discuss whether debt relief
under bankruptcy makes sense for them.
Discount
Prescriptions - 800-291-1206
Families
can save between 20-40 percent on their prescription medications.
No exam needed. National program. No need to make trips
to the pharmacy, medication shipped to the home. Call
for free information.
Picatinny
Arsenal Egg Hunt, March 8
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.
Company
Offers Appliances to Returning Veterans or Deployed
Service Members at Low Cost
The company
Top Line Appliances, along with the General Electric and
Whirlpool Corporation would like to offer returning disabled
vets or deployed soldier's/airmen with families (spouses
only) who are suffering a hardship due to the deployment
with GE or Whirlpool appliances at little, reduced or
no cost.
They would
deliver the appliances at no charge within a 30 mile radius
of their business; the rest of New
Jersey would be $25 to cover fuel
cost and driver's time. The appliances can be picked up
at the warehouse in Roselle.
Cost will be dependent upon what is needed and the ability
of the veteran to pay. Top Line wants to do their part
for those who need help.
For more
information, contact: Your local FAC Coordinator or Marie
Durling in the State Family Program's Office at 609-562-0739.
Applicants must be able to validate their requests.
Veterans
Haven gets another car donation
From
the desk of Robert Sauselein, Superintendant of Veterans
Haven
Last Dec.
3, Veterans Haven received the donation of a 1997 GMC
Yukon from James C. Ahern, Hoboken, N.J. Ahern was
at the council meeting in Sea Girt during their donation
of the another vehicle where he learned about the program.
He is the son of the former mayor of Sea Girt, Ed. Ahern.
On behalf
of the residents and staff of Veterans Haven I would like
to extend our gratitude to James Ahern.
For Your Calendar
Fundraiser
being held for scholarship to honor late NJ Guardsman
From
the desk of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike
Hughes, Family Assistance Specialist
Sgt. Anthony
D. LaSelva from New Jersey's
Co D/250th BSB was among the 4,000 troops from the Minnesota
National Guard's 1-34th Infantry Division who left Camp
Shelby, Miss., on March 16, 2006 to deploy to Iraq. His unit was scheduled
to stay a year. Sgt. LaSelva was one of the New Jersey soldiers ordered in January 2007
to remain in the war-torn nation for an additional 125
days. The 21-year-old New Jersey Army National Guard sergeant
survived 15 months in Iraq
only to perish less than three months after returning
home. Sgt. LaSelva, who would have turned 22 in
September, was killed in a motorcycle accident on Sept.
13, 2007.
As a tribute
to Sgt. LaSelva for not only serving our country, but
also for touching the lives of so many with his passion
and kindness, his friends and family have decided
to organize a fundraiser in his honor. All of the
proceeds will be donated to Washington
Township High
School to form a scholarship
in his name: The Sgt. Anthony D. LaSelva Memorial Fund.
Anything that anyone can do to help with the fundraiser
would be greatly appreciated. There will be a Chinese
Auction at the event so they are in need of things to
fill the baskets, whether it is a gift certificate or
merchandise. All donations are tax deductible.
Any questions or concerns, contact Malorie Mullen at 856-364-5646.
The event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 23, 6-10 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Center, 315 Greentree Road, Turnersville NJ 08012. Tickets are $25 in advance,
$30 at the door.
Military Training,
Schools, Opportunities
RTS-Maintenance
offers training to Army Guard members
The Regional
Training Site-Maintenance provides maintenance and logistics
education under The Total Army School System. The RTSM
is a subordinate unit to the 254th Regiment RTI. It utilizes
automated and current force modernization equipment systems
to support Active, Reserve and National Guard soldiers.
As a fully accredited schoolhouse it offers military occupational
skill classification, additional skill identifiers, sustainment
and transition training.
Its charge is to provide instruction to non-commissioned
officers under the non-commissioned officer education
system. The mission
supports the enabling of Armed Forces Components to mobilize
for wartime mission requirements. The overall unit mission
helps to support the "Warrior" during the current
operational environment and undertake critical missions
to win the fight.
Schoolhouse: Regional Training Site-Maintenance
Location
of training: Building 3601, Technology
Drive, Fort Dix,
N.J.
School Code:
967
Unit Phone:
609 562-0566 / 0567/0568
RTSM (NJ)
Team Home Site: https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/468201 (Army
Knowledge Online (AKO) password required)
v
ULLS-G - 1 week
- 40 hour course:
The Unit
Level Logistics System-Ground (ULLS-G) course helps units
track scheduled and completed services. The ULLS-G program
can give you a service schedule by vehicle, list equipment
capabilities, create work orders and forecast maintenance
services. ULLS-G
is the commander's tool for maintenance management.
POC: Sgt.
1st Class Edwards Phone: 609 562-0114 michael.edwards@us.army.mil
v
091-ASIH8 (63B) Wheeled - 2 weeks - 80 hour course:
The course
helps students to safely and correctly use/operate wheeled
vehicle recovery systems and equipment.
Instruction on specialized rigging and recovery
wheeled vehicle techniques is given throughout the course.
Students conduct towing and winching of wheel vehicles
to include self-recovery. A mini-field training exercise
is part of the course. Note: 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.
POC: Sgt.
1st Class Blackford Phone: 609-562-0546
shawn.m.blackford@us.army.mil
v
091-ASIH8 (63H) Track - 2 weeks - 80 hour course:
The course
helps students to safely and correctly use/operate tracked
vehicle recovery systems and equipment.
Instruction on specialized rigging and recovery
tracked vehicle techniques is given throughout the course.
Students conduct towing and winching of tracked
vehicles to include self-recovery. A mini-field training
exercise is part of the course. Note: 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.
POC: Sgt. 1st Class Kapule Phone: 609-562-0566 wilfred.kapule@us.army.mil
v
131-F13 Small Group Instructor Course - 1 week - 40 hour
course:
This course
is for personnel assigned as instructors or to improve
instructional techniques. The one week intense course
focuses on learning the basic techniques of monitoring,
questioning and facilitating small group discussions in
a military setting. Emphasis
is placed on presenting issues and finding solutions using
the small class setting.
The students will learn effective use of written,
verbal and management techniques to improve public speaking
and presentation skills.
POC: Sgt. 1st Class Brandinelli Phone: 609-562-
0528 Donald.brandinelli@us.army.mil
254th Regiment
announces upcoming courses
Here are
the 254th Regiment courses that are on the calendar. When using ATRRS, the school code is 1004.
Inactive Duty Training
(IDT) Courses:
The Army Instructor Training Course, (TAITC)
April 5-June 7, 2008 - 12 openings
Basic NCO Course, (BNCOC)
April 5-Sept. 7, 2008 - 48 openings
Officer Candidate School (OCS)
begins March 1, 2008
Active Duty Training (ADT) Courses:
68W Combat Medic Training Course Sustainmen
Feb. 4-13, 2008 - 32 openings
***NEW ON ATRRS, Combat Lifesaver Course (CLC-06)
Jan. 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.
Honorable Mention
Better Business
Bureau partners with Air Force
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.
Affordable
TRICARE benefit for drilling National Guard members
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
http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit, select the "benefits update" link
for the Tricare Reserve Select information page.
N.J. licenses,
registration extended for deployed troops
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.
Send Highlights your happenings
We want
your stuff!! Is
your unit doing some unique training?
Did someone in the New Jersey Guard receive accolades
for accomplishing something extra special? Is your unit
running a special event for the community? Does your section
of DMAVA have something they need to tell the rest of
the department? We want to know about it.
Send us
a short piece on what is happening so we can publish it
in DMAVA Highlights. Let us
know who wrote it so we can give them credit.
If there are photos, you can send those too. While we do not publish photos in Highlights, we can give them to the editor
of Guardlife and
they may be used in that publication.
When you
send in your article:
ý
Identify all people in the article with rank, first and
last names and job title or position.
ý
Spell out all acronyms.
ý
When it comes to equipment, do not just give the nomenclature,
also include the "name" of the equipment. Do not use M998 alone, HMMWV is also needed.
ý
Give us as much as possible of the meat of the story -
who, what, when, where, why and how concerning the event.
ý
Photos need identification of people in the photo and
what is happening in the photo.
Deadline
for each week is noon Wednesday and should be e-mailed
to Barbara.harbison@njdmava.state.nj.us. We do not publish flyers or Adobe files.
If a Web site is out there to give people more
information or to get a registration form, put that in
your article.
Don't be
intimidated by writing, we edit it for understanding and
grammar. Your article may look a different when it is
published as we also edit to fit the standards of the
AP Style Guide.
Show us
your stuff!!
DMAVA Suggestion
program alive and well
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.
Discounts
offered for State employees
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.
For the Families
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: http://www.grantham.edu/promo/freebluestar.php.
Marriage Enrichment Seminar scheduled for Feb.
15-17
The next Marriage Enrichment Seminar will be Feb. 15-17. This seminar will
be in a centrally located New
Jersey hotel. If you are
interested in attending, contact Marie Durling at 609-562-0739
for a registration form. All N.J. Army Guardsman
who have not attended a previous weekend seminar are eligible.
The class is limited to the first 25 couples.
Family Assistance
Center Realignment
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.
Tax information for military members who have
deployed
From the Military Officers Association of America
Military
pay received while deployed in a combat zone or other
qualifying hazardous duty area is tax-free. But what specific
rules apply? Here's a quick refresher course, which summarizes
how you can take advantage of these savings opportunities.
All
pay received (including base pay, special pays, and bonuses)
is income tax-free up to the maximum enlisted pay rate
of $6,381.90 per month, plus imminent danger pay.
Reenlistment bonuses received during a qualifying deployment
month also are tax-free. Be aware, however, if a reenlistment
bonus is taken in installment payments instead of a lump-sum,
installment payments received after leaving the combat
zone are not tax-free.
Thrift
Saving Plan (TSP) contributions made while in a combat
zone are not taxed on withdrawal or distribution.
Due
to the Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunities (HERO) Act
of 2006, servicemembers who were deployed in a combat
zone or other qualifying hazardous duty area have up until
May 28, 2009, to make IRA contributions for tax years
2004 and 2005. If the servicemember qualifies for a deductible
traditional IRA, this can result in a tax refund for contributions
made. For those under 50, the IRA contribution limits
are $3,000 for 2004 and $4,000 for 2005. For those over
50, the limits are $3,500 and $4,500, respectively. You
will need to file Form 1040X, Amended Tax Return, to claim
any benefit. For more information, visit www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=161175,00.html.
ReserveAid gives support to families of deployed
service members
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
GI Mail Offers Safer Way to Stay in Touch
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
2-1-1 - new statewide number for assistance
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.
FRG volunteers: track your time
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.
253rd FRG meeting is scheduled for Jan. 30
From the
desk of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike
Hughes, Family Assistance Specialist
The 253rd Transportation Company's Family Readiness
Group has their next meeting scheduled for Jan. 30, 2008,
at 7 p.m. The meeting
will be held at the Cape May Court House Armory.
MyArmyBenefits Website - the single source for
all Army Benefits
MyArmyBenefits at http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil
is the official Army benefits resource for active-duty,
Guard and reserve Soldiers, family members and retirees.
Active-duty Soldiers with AKO accounts can access personalized
reports on the survivor, disability, and retirement benefits
through MyArmyBenefits.
Army Information Line: 1-800-833-6622
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.
Support for military children of deployed and
injured Guard 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
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.
Program offers assistance 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
Harlem Globetrotters:
Magic as Ever 2008 World Tour
Saturday, Feb. 16 at 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. (Presidents' Day) Izod Center
(at Meadowlands)
Tickets Prices: $37, $24; Special Military Price:
$15
The world famous Harlem Globetrotters return
to the Izod
Center with an exciting new show of basketball
tricks, hilarious comedy and fun for the entire family.
Groups receive a special invitation to Globetrotter University - a youth-oriented, character
education/physical fitness program presented by Harlem
Globetrotter players.
In addition, there will be a brief team history,
a skills demonstration, and question and answer session.
If you have any questions, please call 201-460-4370.
Travel Help, Ideas
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 http://www.afvclub.com/ for more
information.
Shades of Green offers Disney for military
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.
Scholarship, Education News
Commissary agency offers scholarships for 2008
The Defense Commissary Agency's 2008 Scholarships
for Military Children are now available in commissaries
worldwide. The $1,500 scholarships are for children of
active-duty and retired military, as well as children
of Guard and reserve servicemembers. Applicants must be
must plan to attend an accredited college or university
full time in the fall of 2008. The
deadline is Feb.
20. At least one scholarship will be awarded at every
commissary location with qualified candidates. Applications
and further eligibility requirements are available in
commissaries and online at www.commissaries.com or at www.military
scholar.org.
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
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.
N.J.
Militia Museum
conducting Retiree Oral History Program
The National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey
has put together a National Guard Veteran Retiree
Oral History Program. In the past, the NJNG has
not conducted oral exit interviews of commanders, full-time
personnel, and retirees to preserve history. The
museum is going to institute a volunteer program to try
to catch up. If
you wish to participate, contact the museum at 732-974-5966.
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.
Vet Career Connect helps military members find
jobs
Vet Career Connect is a program designed to connect
military service members with New
Jersey employers. Vet Career Connect
matches veteran's specific abilities, drives and interests
with jobs requiring those specific abilities.
Participants complete a Caliper Profile, which
is an on-line self assessment. They will receive an Individual
Developmental Guide outlining personal motivators and
areas of developmental opportunity. Participants will
then have the opportunity to place the results of the
Caliper Profile, their resume and military achievements
onto a database which will be viewed by New Jersey-based
companies who have indicated a strong interest in employing
veterans.
Vet Career Connect program is available at no
cost to service members. In order to participate in this
program, or if you have additional questions please email
or call Barbara Foos,
Project Administrator, at 609-524-1228 or bfoos@calipercorp.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:
February 5, 6, 7 |
Moorestown Mall |
March 3*, 4, 5 |
Paramus
Park Shopping
Center |
April 1, 2, 3 |
Voorhees
Town Center |
May 6*, 7, 8 |
Ocean County 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.
v
June 5-6, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. - Elks State
Convention
v
June 11-13, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. - American Legion
State
Convention
v
June 18-20, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. - VFW State
Convention
N.J. Vietnam
Veterans Memorial
N.J. Vietnam Veterans' Memorial and Vietnam Era Educational
Center's
upcoming events:
=================
Free guided tours of the Memorial are offered
on the first Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Jan. 19,
1 p.m. - The U.S. Air Force in the Battle of
Khe Sanh, an oral-history presentation by N.J. Vietnam
Veteran, ret. Maj. Gen. Clark W. Martin, U.S. Air Force.
Feb. 2,
1 p.m. -
In the Navy in Vietnam, an oral history presentation
by N.J. Vietnam Veteran and Monmouth University President,
ret. Vice Adm. Paul G. Gaffney II, U.S. Navy.
Mar. 1,
1 p.m. - American Vietnam Veterans Who Wouldn't Come Home, an
oral-history discussion about American ex-patriots recently
encountered on a trip to Thailand by Steve Lonegan, Mayor
of Bogota, N.J.
Apr. 12, 1 p.m. - We Were There:
Voices of African American Veterans, from World War II
to the War in Iraq, a book
discussion by the author, Yvonne Latty.
May 7, 11 a.m. - New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Remembrance Day
Ceremony at the Memorial.
May 17, 1 p.m. - On the Road to
Recovery, an oral-history discussion by NJ Vietnam-Era
veteran Bishop Fred Rubin about his service tending wounded
G.I.s in the Army hospital in Hawaii during the Vietnam
War.
May 26, 11 a.m. - Memorial Day
Ceremony at the N.J. Vietnam
Veterans' Memorial.
====================
For further information call 1-800-648-VETS or
visit www.njvvmf.org.