News For Your Views
NJANG enlisted
award winners announced
From
the desk of Command Chief Master Sgt. Ed Karol, New Jersey Air National Guard
I am very
proud to announce the 2007 NJANG enlisted award winners. The selection criteria were based on leadership
and job performance in primary duties, significant
self-improvement, and base or community involvement.
The following individuals were selected after a stringent
board process:
v
General Richard
Cosgrave Chiefs' Award: Chief Master Sgt. Don Martenz,
177th Fighter Wing
New Jersey's nomination
for the U.S. Air Force 12 Outstanding Airmen Awards:
v
First Sergeant of the Year: Master Sgt. Dan Mitchell
Jr., 177th Fighter Wing
v
Senior NCO category: Master Sgt. Thomas Capito, 177th
Fighter Wing
v
NCO category: Tech. Sgt. Frank Spence, 177th Fighter
Wing
v
Airman category: Senior Airman Walter Kienzle IV,
177th Fighter Wing
Congratulations
to these truly outstanding Airmen!
Army Guard
members train Albanians
Three members
of the New Jersey Army National Guard went to Tirana,
Albania
to train Albania
officials on emergency management operations and to
evaluate the needs of the Albanian Regional Protection
Brigade.
Col. Dennis
Devery, Sgt. Maj. Lisa Homan and Staff Sgt. Pamela
Smejkal provided briefings and guidance to the commander
and staff of the Albania Regional Protection Brigade.
The briefings focused on the structure, procedures
and coordination of effective emergency management
operations using the U.S. National Response Plan and
the New Jersey Emergency Management Plan as the model.
The New
Jersey National Guard is partnered with the country
of Albania through
the National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program.
The program was established in 1993 to assist emerging
democracies of eastern Europe to develop governmental
systems which support democratic principles, market
economies and humanitarian assistance.
Rep from
N.J. Deferred Compensation Program available for
consults
A representative
from the New Jersey Deferred Compensation Program,
Mike McConnell of Prudential Financial, will be at
DMAVA Central Office on Feb. 14, from 9:30 a.m.-3
p.m. in Conference Room A, to discuss individual employee's
State Differed Compensation Program.
We are scheduling
30 minute one-on-one consultations with Mike starting
at 9:30 a.m. until noon and then from 12:30-3 p.m.
at 30 minute intervals. Please contact Paul Serdiuk
at 609-530-6878, to reserve a time slot.
FRG meeting
at Dover armory, Feb. 9
A Family
Readiness Group meeting will take place on Saturday,
Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. at the Dover armory. Local residents interested in supporting
members of their community who are mobilizing are
welcome to attend. A representative from the State Family Readiness
Council will make a presentation; information will
be available for those interested in supporting National
Guard Soldiers and their families.
For more information please contact 1st Lt.
Jarrett L. Feldman at 732-974-4873.
Recently, a Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of
NJ employee's laptop was stolen that contained personal
information, including the name, address and social
security number of some of their members. Horizon
Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ does not believe any
medical data was on the computer.
Several security measures are naturally set in
place to safeguard data and prevent its access should
this rare situation occur. However, since the privacy
and security of some members' personal information
may be at risk, Horizon BCBSNJ is notifying each impacted
member or dependent directly by letter of this incident.
Again, this breach has not affected everyone
who is a member.
If you do not wish to wait, you may call them
at 1-800-447-3798 to confirm if you are affected. When
calling, please have your insurance card available
and be prepared to provide your ID number. If you have any
further questions, please contact your Benefits Administrator
or Horizon BCBSNJ directly.
There will
be a SHBP Health Fair for state employees on Friday,
Feb. 8, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Thomas Edison State College
- Prudence Hall, 101 West State Street, Trenton.
NOTE: DMAVA
will be offering on-site sessions in the future.
Please be watch for future dates.
Education
news for NJARNG
Education
Services Brochure Booklet (ESB2)
Access the
New Jersey Army National Guard's ESB2 at www.nj.gov/military/education. The
ESB2 is a comprehensive guide with links and shortcuts
to civilian education benefits available to New Jersey
Army National Guard Soldiers.
G.I.
Bill Notice of Basic Eligibility
New Jersey
Army National Guard Soldiers can print their Eligibility
of Mobilized Soldier notification letter for CH 1607
as well as Notice Of Basic Eligibility for CH 1606
at https://www.nationalguardbenefits.com; click on G.I. Bill Home Page.
Battlemind
supports Soldiers, families through deployment cycle
Battlemind
is a term used to describe combat readiness. The first
Battlemind product was a mental health post-deployment
briefing. It quickly became a training system supporting
Soldiers and families across the seven phases of the
deployment cycle. The Battlemind system includes
separate pre-deployment training modules for Soldiers,
unit leaders, health-care providers and spouses. Psychological
debriefings are given in theater and upon redeployment.
There is also a post-deployment module for spouses
and several post-deployment modules for Soldiers.
Pre-deployment Battlemind tells Soldiers what they
are likely to see, to hear, to think and to feel while
deployed - by describing the worst-case scenario.
Post-deployment Battlemind addresses safety concerns,
relationship issues, normalized combat-related mental
health reactions and symptoms -- along with teaching
Soldiers when they should seek mental health support
for themselves or for their buddies. All of the Battlemind
products (training modules, brochures, debriefings
and videos are available on the Web site, www.battlemind.org.
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. LaSelva was one of the New
Jersey soldiers ordered in January 2007
to remain in the Iraq for an
additional 125 days. The 21-year-old New Jersey Army
National Guard sergeant survived 15 months in Iraq
only to perish less than three months after returning
home. LaSelva was killed in a motorcycle accident
on Sept. 13, 2007.
As a tribute
to Sgt. LaSelva for not only serving our country,
but also for touching the lives of so many with his
passion and kindness, his friends and family have
decided to organize a fundraiser in his honor.
All of the proceeds will be donated to Washington
Township
High School
to form a scholarship in his name: The Sgt. Anthony
D. LaSelva Memorial Fund. Anything that anyone
can do to help with the fundraiser would be greatly
appreciated. There will be a Chinese Auction
at the event so they are in need of things to fill
the baskets, whether it is a gift certificate or merchandise.
All donations are tax deductible. Any questions
or concerns, contact Malorie Mullen at 856-364-5646.
The event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 23, 6-10 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Center, 315 Greentree Road, Turnersville NJ 08012. Tickets are $25 in advance,
$30 at the door.
Pancake
breakfast slated for April 13
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
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:
609-562-0566/0568
RTSM (NJ)
Team Home Site: https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/468201 (Army
Knowledge Online (AKO) password required)
v
ULLS-G - 1
week - 40 hour course:
The Unit
Level Logistics System-Ground (ULLS-G) course helps
units track scheduled and completed services. The
ULLS-G program can give you a service schedule by
vehicle, list equipment capabilities, create work
orders and forecast maintenance services.
ULLS-G is the commander's tool for maintenance
management.
v
091-ASIH8 (63B) Wheeled - 2 weeks - 80 hour course:
The course
helps students to safely and correctly use/operate
wheeled vehicle recovery systems and equipment.
Instruction on specialized rigging and recovery
wheeled vehicle techniques is given throughout the
course. Students
conduct towing and winching of wheel vehicles to include
self-recovery. A mini-field training exercise is part
of the course. Note: E5s and below receive an Additional
Skill Identifier (ASI) of H8.
E6 and above receive a Certificate of Training
and cannot be awarded the H8 ASI.
The student must possess a current Civilian
and Military Driver's License.
v
131-F13 Small Group Instructor Course - 1 week - 40
hour course:
This course
is for personnel assigned as instructors or to improve
instructional techniques. The one week intense course
focuses on learning the basic techniques of monitoring,
questioning and facilitating small group discussions
in a military setting.
Emphasis is placed on presenting issues and
finding solutions using the small class setting.
The students will learn effective use of written,
verbal and management techniques to improve public
speaking and presentation skills.
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 Sustainment
Feb. 4-13, 2008 - 32 openings
***NEW ON ATRRS, Combat Lifesaver Course (CLC-06)
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
Space A
rules have changed
Dependents
of service members who have been deployed for 120
days or longer will now find it easier to travel on
Space Available military flights (Space-A). Due to
a change in policy effective Dec. 6, 2007, military
families no longer need to be accompanied by their
service member when traveling Space-A regardless of
where they are based. Prior to the change, military
dependents could only travel unaccompanied from an
overseas location to the family's home of record within
the continental United States or within an overseas
theater of operation. Additionally, they were limited
to one round trip during the military sponsor's deployment
period. Under the new policy, family members
may now travel unlimited times during the deployment
when seats are available. However, family members
planning to use Space-A transportation will need a
verification letter from the military sponsor's commander
confirming the service member's deployment. In addition,
an eligible parent or legal guardian must accompany
family members under age 18. For more information
regarding the Space-A travel program, please visit
the Air Mobility Command website at www.amc.af.mil/.
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:
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.
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 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.
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
Journal available for military children
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.
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.
Spouses eligible for H&R Block course
Military spouses are eligible to receive a full
scholarship for an H&R Block Income Tax course.
The program does not require any previous training
and it is open to active duty and reserve military
spouses. For complete details and program information,
contact your local H&R Block office at 1-888-412-7880
or www.hrblock.com/taxes/planning/tax_courses/index.html
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.
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: www.grantham.edu/promo/freebluestar.php.
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.
Reserve Aid 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: 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.
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 grant funds 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
McGuire ITT office has discounted tickets to
Six Flags
The ITT Office at McGuire Air Force Base currently
has 2008 Season passes to Six Flags Great Adventure
for a discounted price. For additional information
contact the ITT Office at the BX/PX Mall at McGuire
at 609-754-6032/-3737 or e-mail ittoffice@verizon.net.
3-Park Pass - $115.00
(no tax) (Good at Six Flags Great Adventure, Hurricane
Harbor & Wild Safari)
2-Park Pass - $83.00
(no tax) (Good at Six Flags Great Adventure, &
Wild Safari)
*Ages 4 an older are the
same price*
Come purchase your season pass before prices
go up. The prices remain at the lowest price until
Feb. 29, 2008.
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 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 an opportunity to
visit Orlando with your family.
Scholarship, Education News
Scholarships for military spouses now available
The National Military Family Association's Joanne
Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarships are awarded
to spouses of uniformed services members (active duty,
National Guard and Reserve, retirees and survivors)
to obtain professional certification or to attend
post secondary or graduate school. Scholarships range
in amount from $500-1,000, and the number awarded
each year varies depending on funding. Scholarship
funds may be used for tuition, fees and school room
and board.
Scholarship selection is based on completion
of some survey questions that will help NMFA advocate
for education changes on your behalf, short-answer
questions and an essay question that will help us
get to know you better. To be considered, applications
must be completed by midnight
March 15. To apply, go to: Click here.
Scholarships available for military children
Two scholarships are available for military dependents:
Scholarship for Military Children Program and Army
Emergency Relief Scholarship Program.
To be eligible for either scholarship, the applicants
must be under 23 years old, unmarried, enrolled in
DEERS and must be enrolled or planning to enroll in
a full-time undergraduate program at an accredited
college or university in the fall of 2008.
Details for the Scholarship for Military Children
can be found at www.military
scholar.org. The deadline for this scholarship is Feb. 20.
The AER Scholarship deadline is March 1. Details about this scholarship can be found
at www.aerhq.org.
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 |
July 8, 9, 10 |
Cherry Hill 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.
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.
There will be a state medal ceremony.
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.