From the desk of Brig. Gen. Mike Cunniff, commander 108th Air Refueling Wing

The 108th Air Refueling Wing Charlie Alert was tasked to support Monday, March 10 space shuttle launch. Although the 2:28 a.m. launch necessitated a night-long mission, taking off before midnight and landing at 6:00 a.m., the crew was rewarded with front row seats to the first night time shuttle launch in five years.

Next week, advance elements of the New Jersey Army Guard will be arriving at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., to prepare the groundwork for three weeks of intense training.  Elements of the 42nd Regional Support Group (RSG) and the Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) will be performing support functions for nearly 3,000 Soldiers of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT).  The 50th IBCT will be conducting pre-mobilization training at Fort Indiantown Gap…having just completed the last of the Soldier Readiness Process at Fort Dix.  Among other things, they will be receiving individual and crew-served weapons training, combat life saver skills, and driver training. The RSG and JFHQ personnel will be conducting the training as well as running the ranges and other support functions.

The 108th Air Refueling Wing is looking for the last group of the Security Forces Squadron personnel deployed to Iraq last year to return this coming week.  There will be a ceremony welcoming the entire group of Airmen home on March 31 at the wing.  Details will be in next week’s Highlights.

From the desk of Marie Durling, Family Programs Specialist

The Jewish War Veterans of New Jersey would like to sponsor Soldiers/Airmen and their family members (total of 50 – first come, first served) for a baseball game at Newark's Riverfront Stadium on Sunday, May 25 at 1:35 p.m.

Included in the “price” is a hot dog, drink and chips.  If you would like to attend, please send the following information:  Soldier/Airmen's name, your address, phone number and number of tickets you need (please limit this to your significant other and children only).  The Jewish War Veterans have been extremely generous to N.J. National Guardsmen and their families by sponsoring these events so if you request tickets, please make every effort to attend.

Send requested information to:

JWV

NJ Dept Commander Sidney Lichter

96 Franklin St

Verona NJ 07044-1923.

From the desk of Dorinda K. Sapp, Affirmative Action Officer

From the days of the American Revolution to the conflict in the Persian Gulf and today as we fight the global war on terrorism, throughout the World, American women have and are honorably serving in defense of our Nation.  In times of war and peace, women have willingly responded to their country’s call.  Their contributions are characterized by individual and collective acts of self-sacrifice, patriotism, dedication and personal heroism.  

DMAVA celebrates the contributions of women service members and their importance to the nation in the past, present and future. 

This week we continue with more military women “firsts.”

The First on a U.S. Postage Stamp

Spanish American War Nurse Clara Maass, died as a result of yellow fever.  Army Contract Nurse Maass volunteered to participate in an experimental treatment program, after having survived the war.

The First to Have a Building Named for Her

The First Sergeant Major of the WAC Training Battalion (1959-64) Sgt. Maj. Florence G. Munson was honored by having the headquarters and classroom building for the WAC Training Battalion dedicated in her honor in October 1965. She was the only WAC to have a building named for her at the Fort McClellan WAC Center.

The First to Parachute Jump

Pfc. Maureen Daugherty, the first U.S. military woman to make a parachute jump in Bolivia, strapped on her gear during Fuerzas Unidas Bolivia, a joint U.S. and Bolivian training exercise.

Firsts in a variety of areas:

Olive Hoskins was the very first woman promoted to Warrant Officer in the Army in 1926.

The first WAAC Training Center was established at Fort Des Moines, Iowa in 1942. The first WAAC OCS class was at Fort Des Moines from July 20 to Aug. 29, 1942.

One of the first WAAC/WAC First Sergeants at Des Moines in '42 was Master Sgt. Margaret A. Hardy of South Amboy, N.J.

The first military all-woman band was the Women's Army Band organized at Fort Des Moines in 1942. It was led by then sergeant - MaryBelle Nissly - the job called for a warrant officer but there was no legal precedent to appoint her to that rank. As a result of special legislation, early in 1944 WAC Sgt. Nissly became the first woman in military history to win a warrant officer band leader appointment.  WO Nissly left the Army in 1946 but returned to the service as a Captain in the Air Force in 1951 to organize the USAF WAF Band.  The 50 member concert unit performed all over the world playing everything from classics to rock and roll.

In 1967 Master Sgt. Barbara J. Dulinsky, who volunteered for duty in Vietnam, reported to the Military Assistance Command in Saigon--the first woman Marine ordered to a combat zone.

The First Women to attain E-9 – the highest enlisted rank:

ý WAVES – YNCM (Yeoman) Anne Dervartanian - 1959

ý WAC – Sgt Maj. Carolyn H. James - 1960

ý USMC – Master Gunnery Sgt. Geraldine M. Moran – 1960

ý WAF – Senior Master Sgt. Grace A. Peterson – 1960

ý SPARS – Master Chief Yeoman Pearl E. Faurie – 1964

The First Women to attain Star Rank:

ý Army – Brig. Gen. Elizabeth P. Hoisington – 1970

ý Navy – Rear Admiral Fran McKee – 1976

ý Marines – Brig. Gen. Margaret A. Brewer – 1978

ý Air Force – Brig. Gen. Jeanne M. Holm - 1971

ý The First Women in Nursing to attain Star Rank:

ý Army Nurse Corps – Brig. Gen. Anna May Hays – 1970

ý Navy Nurse Corps – Rear Admiral Alene B. Duerk – 1972

ý Air Force NurseCorps – Brig. Gen. E. Ann Hoefly - 1972

Col. Florence Blanchfield, Chief of the Army Nurse Corps was given the U.S. Army serial number N-1 and commissioned in the permanent grade of Lt. Col. in the Regular Army. She thus became the first woman to hold a permanent commission in the U.S. Army. As Chief of the ANC, she continued to serve in the temporary grade of Colonel.  Col. Blanchfield served as Chief of the Corps from 1943-1947 and was responsible for the largest group of nurses to ever be on active duty. In September 1947, she retired after more than 29 years of active service. She was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal in June 1945 for her leadership of the Corps during World War II. She also received many other awards and honors: The Florence Nightingale Medal was awarded by the International Red Cross in 1951, and the Distinguished Service Medal from her native state of West Virginia in 1963. In 1982, the new hospital at Fort Campbell, Ky. was dedicated and named after Col. Florence Blanchfield.

Born Stephen Grover Cleveland in Caldwell, N.J. on March 18, 1837, the man went on to become the 22nd and 24th president of the Untied States. As the only president from the Garden State, Cleveland moved to New York as a child and lived there until he became president. 

The fifth of nine children of a very poor Yale-educated Presbyterian minister, he was 16 when his father died. He went to work to help support the large family. Later Cleveland was a part time law student while living in Buffalo and although he never attended college he was admitted to the bar in 1858.

For the sum of $300, Cleveland avoided military service during the Civil War by hiring a substitute which was an allowed practice at the time. He served as sheriff, mayor of Buffalo and governor of New York before running for president.

At his first election in 1884, Cleveland won the popular vote with only 29,214 more votes, of the almost 10 million votes cast, than his opponent, James G. Blaine, but received 219 electoral votes to Blaine’s 182. Four years later he ran against Benjamin Harrison and lost in electoral votes, 168 to 233 but again won in popular votes, getting 48.6 percent compared to Harrison’s 47.9 percent.

In 1892 when Harrison and Cleveland again competed for the office, Cleveland swept the electoral vote with 277.  Harrison received 145 votes and James B. Weaver of the Populist Party received 22.

Cleveland was a bachelor when he arrived in the White House for his first term but one year later he married Frances Folsom who was 28 years his junior, making him the only president to be married in the White House.  They had five children – their second child, Esther, is the first child to be born in the White House.

After his second term, Cleveland retired to Princeton, N.J. and was buried there after his death on June 24, 1908.  His last words are said to be, “I have tried so hard to do right.”

The next 117th Cavalry Association meeting will take place on April 4, at 7:30 p.m., at the Heritage Room of the 117th Cavalry Association in the Westfield Armory. There will be a full agenda with many business items to discuss. Our guest speaker for the evening will be retired Col. Mike Shute. Col. Shute is a former squadron commander and will be talking about his recent tour of duty as an advisor in Afghanistan. Show ’em the Way!

From the desk of Rick Davis, USCG Sector NY MWR

There will be a Hip Hop dance workshop with SPEX BOOGIE at Dance Central New York, Inc., 126 Fingerboard Road, Staten Island, NY 10305, on Sunday, March 30, from 2-5 p.m. Please RSVP: 718-981-2121 or info@dancecentralnewyork.com.

Be sure to tell them you heard about it from the Coast Guard.

From the desk of Ernie Razzano, Health Professions Recruiter

American Diabetes Association "Sounds the Alert" on March 25 On American Diabetes Alert Day. Held annually on the fourth Tuesday in March, the ADA encourages people who are overweight, physically inactive, and over the age of 45 years to take the Diabetes Risk Test.

The Diabetes Risk Test asks seven simple questions about weight, age, lifestyle and family history - all potential risk factors for type 2 diabetes.  People scoring 10 points or more are at a high risk for diabetes and are encouraged to schedule an appointment to see their healthcare provider.  The Diabetes Risk Test is available in English and Spanish by calling the Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or by visiting www.diabetes.org/alert.

FRG training for leaders will be conducted April 5 at the Lawrenceville Armory in the Garden Room.  Training will begin at 10 a.m. and end at approximately 4 p.m. Lunch will be served from 12:30-1 p.m. Interested FRG Leaders can sign up by contacting Marie Durling by e-mail at marie.durling@nj.ngb.army.mil or call 609-562-0739.  Child care will be available for children older than 3 but you must call the office to register a slot for the children.

Tickets are available to the “Support the Troops Pancake Breakfast.”  John Hastings in Installations Division, 609-530-7124, has tickets to the breakfast which will be held at the Lawrenceville Armory on Sunday, April 13, 7 a.m.-1 p.m.  Cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children under 10. 

Proceeds of this event will benefit the State Family Readiness Council.  We hope everyone will support this worthwhile event. 

From the desk of Michele Daisey, Woodbury Family Assistance Center

The Woodstown Armory FRG (Delta Co., 1/114th IN) is hosting a Support Our Troops-Craft Sale/Yard Sale on Saturday, April 12, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The armory is located at 501 North Main St. Woodstown.  Large 10' x 20' spaces are available for $15 per space, bring your own table, or $25 for space and table. To reserve a space please call 856-718-0299 (ask for Peggy).

Get more info on the Yard/Craft Sale by calling the Woodbury Family Assistance Center at 856-251-6893. Thanks for your support!

The Foundation for the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey invites everyone to support the First Annual Gala which will benefit the museum and its mission.

The Lawrenceville Armory is the setting for the gala on May 17.  Tickets cost $75 per person.  Tables of 10 cost $750 and include special recognition at the event.

Other ways to support the gala include –

ý Become an advertiser or booster sponsor in the gala’s souvenir commemorative ad journal

ý Donate a gift or service that can be auctioned off during their Silent Auction or Live Auction during the event.

If you would like to purchase tickets, place an ad in the journal or have an item for the auctions, contact Bob Dennin at denninr@oponline.net or retired Col. Donald Kale at the Lawrenceville museum, 609-530-6802.

All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the museum. Your support of the event will help the museum to continue to tell the story of the military history in New Jersey, and the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard.

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

Great Adventure Military Appreciation Day will be on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 17.  There will be meal vouchers for $9.50 each which can be used at six of the food vendors in the park.  Tickets will be available for Great Adventure on April 15 in the State Family Programs Office.  Tickets are good for the Theme Park and the Safari.  The price of each ticket is $20.

From the desk of Paul Serdiuk, DMAVA Human Resources Division

The Human Resources Division is offering a number of free seminars presented by the Human Recourse Training Section.  Reservations are needed for each seminar; contact Paul Serdiuk at 609-530-6878 or at paul.serdiuk@njdmava.state.nj.us. All seminars will be held in Conference Room A at DMAVA Central Office. All are welcomed.

May 7: State Deferred Compensation – Mike McConnell from Prudential Financial will meet with State employees to discuss their participation and contributions to their deferred compensation account. A 30 minute consultation will be scheduled per each employee.

May 15: Preventing Identity Theft – A representative from the Department of Banking and Insurance will present a one hour overview on what you can do to prevent identity theft and what to do if you should become a victim of identity theft.

June 12: Automobile Insurance – We all have it, are required to have it, but do we really know what it is about? A representative from the Department of Banking and Insurance will present a one hour overview on what you need to know about automobile insurance in New Jersey, decipher many of the terms and jargon of your policies and give an overview of what a policy should include in it to protect you.

Sep. 17: State Deferred Compensation – Mike McConnell from Prudential Financial will meet with State employees to discuss their participation and contributions to their deferred compensation account. A 30 minute consultation will be scheduled per each employee.

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 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 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

Active Duty Training (ADT) Courses:

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.  

Do you know a senior or low income worker who had at least $3,000 in earned income in 2007 but do not otherwise earn enough to be required to file a federal tax return?  This year they need to file in order to receive the economic stimulus payment in the spring.  If they received $3,000 in Social Security or Railroad Retirement or Veteran's Benefits in 2007, they will report that amount on line 20a of Form 1040 or on line 14a of Form 1040A. Check out the IRS web site at http://www.irs.gov/irs/article /0,,id=177937,00.html for more information on the stimulus program.

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. 

The 2008 edition of Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents is now available for download from the Internet as a PDF.

On the VA Home page (www.va.gov), click on "Benefits Booklet" in the Top Info Requests section on the right-hand side of page. 

The popular booklet describing benefits and services available to veterans and their dependents is also available on OPA's Feature Items page (http://www.va.gov/opa/feature/index.asp).

Anyone setting links on a Web page or in a newsletter or other document should link to http://www.va.gov/OPA/vadocs/current_benefits.asp, which is a page dedicated exclusively to the booklet. While the booklet will always be available from OPA's Feature Items page, it will not always be at the top of the page, as it is now.

The book is being printed and should be available in printed form in 3 to 4 weeks.

To learn more about identity theft and what your rights are you can visit the following websites:

FTC:  www.consumer.gov/idtheft

FBI:  www.ifccfbi.gov

ID Theft Resource Center:  http://www.idtheftcenter.org

Privacy Rights Clearing House:  http://www.privacyrights.org

NJ Division Consumer Affairs: http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov

NJ Division of Criminal Justice: http://www.njdcj.org/idtheft.htm

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.

On January 28, President George W. Bush signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2008 (NDAA), Public Law 110-181.  Section 585(a) of the NDAA amended the FMLA to provide eligible employees working for covered employers two important new leave rights related to military service:

ý New Qualifying Reason for Leave. Eligible employees are entitled to up to 12 weeks of leave because of “any qualifying exigency” arising out of the fact that the spouse, son, daughter or parent of the employee is on active duty or has been notified of an impending call to active duty status, in support of a contingency operation. By the terms of the statute, this provision requires the Secretary of Labor to issue regulations defining “any qualifying exigency.” In the interim, employers are encouraged to provide this type of leave to qualifying employees.

ý  New Leave Entitlement. An eligible employee who is the spouse, son, daughter, parent or next of kin of a covered servicemember who is recovering from a serious illness or injury sustained in the line of duty on active duty is entitled to up to 26 weeks of leave in a single 12 month period to care for the servicemember. This provision became effective immediately upon enactment. This military caregiver leave is available during “a single 12-month period” during which an eligible employee is entitled to a combined total of 26 weeks of all types of FMLA.

Additional information on the amendments and a version of Title 1 of the FMLA with the new statutory language incorporated is available on the FMLA amendments Web site at http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/fmla/NDAA_fmla.htm.

From the desk of Amanda Balas, State Youth Coordinator

The 2008 New Jersey 4-H Middle School Conference invites youths in grades 6-8 to a one-day leadership conference, “From Today to Tomorrow: Creating Great Leaders.”

Held on May 10, 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. at the Burlington County 4-H office, it gives participants a chance to make new friends and build leadership, goal setting, communication and public speaking skills. Portions of the program include possibilities to learn about community service, science and state and national opportunities.

For a registration form, call your county 4-H office or e-mail bovitz@njaes.rutgers.edu.

The Burlington County 4-H Office is located at 2 Academy Drive, Westhampton, N.J.

From the desk of Amanda Balas, State Youth Coordinator

Kids – come tour the Battle Lab – learn about flags, military jobs, weapon marksmanship, walk through the urban, desert and woodland fighting lanes and drive the virtual combat convoy trainer.  On June 7, from 9:15 a.m. to noon, 30 slots are open for youths 10 and older to tour the Joint Training and Training Development Center (JT2DC) on Fort Dix.  Parents may drop children off or walk through with the group.  Hot dogs, chips and drinks fill the lunch time menu after the tour.  Contact Amanda Balas to register for the tour at Amanda.balas@us.army.mil or 609-562-0742.

From the desk of Amanda Balas, State Youth Coordinator

Celebrate Month of the Military Child in April.  Children of New Jersey Guard members can receive a Certificate of Appreciation along with some giveaways as a way of thanking them for being a military child.  Parents or guardians must send the request to Amanda Balas at Amanda.balas@us.army.mil or call 609-562-0742.  Include the following information: Parent or guardian’s name, military member’s unit, family e-mail address, children’s names and dates of birth and the children’s home address.  Packages will be mailed directly to the child.

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

The Military Housing Assistance Fund (MHAF) helps military families to become homeowners by providing them with grants to assist them with purchasing a home. The Fund also provides financial counseling to members of the National Guard and Reserves, deployed and serving in combat zones overseas, who are having problems meeting their monthly obligations due to their deployment and activation. Learn more at http://www.militaryhousingassistancefund.org. The Fund is a project of the Financial Counselors of America (FCA), a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization founded in 1991 to help Americans manage their finances and get out of debt. Visit the FCA website at http://www.financialcounselors.org.