By Kryn P. Westhoven, Public Affairs Staff Officer

The New Jersey Army National Guard officially welcomed a new commander of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) during a change of command ceremony on Saturday at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt. Col. Steven Ferrari received the 50th IBCT colors from 42nd Infantry Division commander Brig. Gen. Paul C. Genereux, Jr. as outgoing commander Col. Jorge Martinez and division Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Fearnside witnessed the handoff in front of the assembled brigade units on the armory drill floor.

Ferrari will lead the more than 3,000 Soldiers of the 50th IBCT for the one-year deployment to Iraq that begins in June. The next major event for the brigade is a three-week annual training period at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. in April.

By Staff Sgt. Barb Harbison, 108th Air Refueling Wing PAO

Maj. Brian Griefer of the 108th Air Refueling Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard had a great surprise during his deployment to Iraq when he was promoted to sergeant.

His civilian job in the Bergen County (N.J.) Prosecutor’s office arranged a surprise promotion party at a distance via video web-cam to promote him to Detective Sergeant with the prosecutor’s office. 

Commander of the 108th Security Forces Squadron and 447th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron in Iraq, Lt. Col. Ronald Turk called Griefer into the “wired” room and Griefer was totally unprepared for what was about to happen.

When he showed up on the screen at the New Jersey conference room, his co-workers, who also did not know about the upcoming promotion, yelled their hellos.

After Griefer returned the greetings, Prosecutor John Molinelli announced, “Brian, it’s my intention this morning – and for you this evening – to promote you to the rank of sergeant.”

With a round of applause from the New Jersey crowd, the new major-sergeant thanked the prosecutor. Turk assisted with the swearing-in of the Detective Sergeant.

Griefer’s fiancée, Susan Grimstead, was in the audience enjoying her first sights of him since his deployment in September. 

According to reports, once the new Detective Sergeant returns to his civilian job, he will have a supervisory position in one of the office’s more active squads, the Sex Crimes Unit.

From Patricia Keffer, A Troop FRG member

102 CAV A Troop now has a Virtual FRG (vFRG).  This is a Web site that will have useful A Troop information as well as general information.  We will be able to share photos, ask questions, share stories and much more.  While this will not replace the face-to-face contact that we get from FRG meetings and events this will provide a connection to those members that are not able to attend in person.  One of the best features of our new vFRG is the ability for the soldiers to access the site while they are away.  The soldiers will also be able to share and view pictures, stories, and much more.  For security reasons the site is restricted to members of AKO.  Gaining access is simple; an AKO account is required.  For more information on the site or for questions on how to set up an AKO account please email Patricia Keffer at Patricia.Keffer@us.army.mil. 

Come visit us at  https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/511879.

FRG training for leaders will be conducted April 5 at the Lawrenceville Armory in the Garden Room.  Lunch will be served from 12:30-1 p.m. with training beginning promptly at 1 p.m. and lasting until 4 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. 

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.  Tickets are good for the Theme Park and the Safari.  The price of each ticket is $20.

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. 

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

Here is information for families who may be interested in signing their children up for a National Military Family Association (NMFA) Purple Camp this summer.  While actual enrollment for the camps will be March 24 - May 5, families can sign up now to receive e-alerts from NMFA regarding the camps and enrollment.  To sign up for the alerts, go to the NMFA Web site - http://www.nmfa.org – click on blue "Youth Initiatives" link on the left, next click on the red "Operation Purple link, " then sign up for alert (at bottom of page).

RecruitMilitary Career Fairs will be held at three locations convenient to New Jersey residents in March. These are free hiring events for veterans with civilian work experience, men and women who are transitioning from active duty to civilian life, members of the National Guard and reserves, and military spouses.

The fairs are produced by RecruitMilitary in cooperation with HireVetsFirst, a unit of the United States Department of Labor and The American Legion.

The three fairs are listed below.  If you go to the links, you can register as a job seeker, find a flyer, directions to the park and tips on a successful career fair. 

1.  Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, March 12,11 a.m.-3 p.m. Citizens Bank Park is the home of the Philadelphia Phillies and is located at 1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia PA 19148. The fair will take place in the Hall of Fame Club.

http://www.recruitmilitary.com/careerfairs/careerfairs3.asp?CFID=76.

2.  New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center Street, Newark, March 19, 11a.m.-3p.m. www.recruitmilitary.com/careerfairs/careerfairs3.asp?CFID=77

3.  USTA Billie Jean National Tennis Center, Arthur Ashe Stadium, Flushing Meadows, Flushing, N.Y.,March 20, 11a.m.-3p.m. www.recruitmilitary.com/careerfairs/careerfairs3.asp?CFID=78

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.

WASHINGTON (February 26, 2008) - Military veterans who served in combat since Nov. 11, 1998, including veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, are now eligible for five years of free medical care for most conditions from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  This measure increases a two-year limit that has been in effect nearly a decade.

"By their service and their sacrifice, America's newest combat veterans have earned this special eligibility period for VA's world-class health care," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

The five-year deadline has no effect upon veterans with medical conditions related to their military service.  Veterans may apply at any time after their discharge from the military -- even decades later -- for medical care for service-connected health problems. 

The new provision, part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 signed by President Bush on Jan. 28, 2008, applies to care in a VA hospital, outpatient clinic or nursing home.  It also extends VA dental benefits -- previously limited to 90 days after discharge for most veterans -- to 180 days.

Combat veterans who were discharged between Nov. 11, 1998 and Jan. 16, 2003, and who never took advantage of VA's health care system, have until Jan. 27, 2011 to qualify for free VA health care.

The five-year window is also open to activated Reservists and members of the National Guard, if they served in a theater of combat operations after Nov. 11, 1998 and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.

Veterans who take advantage of this five-year window to receive VA health care can continue to receive care after five years, although they may have to pay copayments for medical problems unrelated to their military service.  Copayments range from $8 for a 30-day supply of prescription medicine to $1,024 for the first 90 days of inpatient care each year.

 

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.

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. 

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.

March 13: Gangs – Introduction, identification, and overview. A nationally known expert from the Department of Corrections will give a 2 ½ hour overview of the gang infiltration into suburban New Jersey. Included will be a historical overview how gangs got started, gang identification, what you can do as a citizen and parent to prevent the spread of gangs.

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 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 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:

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.  

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.

From the desk of Sabrina Toomey, Troop A FRG Leader

The A Troop FRG is sponsoring, “Maintaining Family Connections,” a presentation by a representative of the Family Advocacy Program.   This is one of a series of classes on “Deployment: Coping with Separation and Staying Connected.” It will be held at the Dover Armory, 479 West Clinton Street, on March 9, from noon to 2 p.m.

Light refreshments will be served.

To RSVP, contact either Cindy Rounsaville, 908-996-3108, nehihomeo@ embarqmail.com or Sabrina Toomey, 610-381-7071, sabrina.toomey@us.army.mil.

From the desk of Marie Durling, Family Programs Specialist

Soldiers or Airmen (Army and Air Guard) and their significant others are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming Strong Bonds.  Soldiers will attend in a paid SUTA status and all expenses are paid.  These seminars have been extremely successful and are designed to strengthen relationships. The cost of the hotel and meals and literature are paid for by the State.

The seminars are not therapy sessions or encounter groups nor are they for sharing your personal concerns. The seminars are conducted by the state chaplains' office and begin with teaching effective communication skills, address problem resolution strategies that work and teach how to discover the hidden issues in every relationship.  The program then moves into friendship, forgiveness, fun and sensuality. 

If you are interested in attending or need additional information, please call Marie Durling at 609-562-0739 or e-mail marie.durling@nj.ngb.army.mil.

These seminars usually fill up fast, so if interested, please call as soon as possible. The next seminar will be May 2-4 at the Flanders Hotel in Ocean City, N.J.  This is for Soldiers and Airmen who have not attended a Marriage Enrichment Seminar in the past.

The 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, is sponsoring a children's Spring Party on Saturday, March 15 from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Base Dining Hall, building 400.  The event will begin with an Easter Egg Hunt led by the Easter Bunny, followed by food, and then a magic show with Captain Visual.  If you are planning on attending, please contact Mr. Gunning, at 609-645-6248 or family.support@njatla.ang.af.mil.

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, March 10: 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:

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

Saturday, March 1                       Dover                             9 a.m.

Saturday, March 1                       Lawrenceville                 2 p.m.

Saturday, March 8                       Morristown                    2 p.m. (date and time change)

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.

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.

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.

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

Now the U.S. Postal Service is making it easier for families to send care packages with a larger flat rate box and a special discount to FPO/ APO addresses. The new boxes can be used beginning March 3. They are 50 percent larger than the current flat rate box and can be sent to any domestic address for $12.95. A special military version of the box will carry the "America Supports You" logo and can be shipped to any FPO/ APO address for $10.95. The new Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate Box is "12 x 12" x 5½". For complete guidelines on mail services to military members overseas visit the USPS website at: http://www.usps.com/supportingourtroops/welcome.htm?from=household &page=troopsupport.

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