108th Security forces sends third
group to Iraq
The third and final group of
the 108th Security Forces Squadron will leave on Saturday,
Sept. 15 from McGuire Air Force Base for support of
Operation Iraqi Freedom.
While deployed, the Airmen will
perform duties such as perimeter security and entry
control point and rapid response team.
The 108th Air Refueling Wing
deploys stateside and overseas in support of various
military operations and conducts in-flight refueling
for U.S. and allied aircraft on a worldwide basis.
177th's Mitchell returns from
Iraq
Master Sgt. Daniel Mitchell,
177th Fighter Wing Security Forces Squadron First
Sergeant, returns from Afghanistan this weekend.
He has just finished performing First Sergeant duties
for more than 400 active duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen.
Airmen under his watch were stationed at over
twenty locations scattered around the Afghan countryside.
A police officer in his civilian career, Mitchell
was most recently an Antiterrorism specialist at the
177th.
Constitution, Citizenship Day
September is a month laced with
reminders of the importance of defending democracy from
the events of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks
to remembering 60 years of the Air Force's continuing
defense of America.
The nation's leaders have designated
Sept. 17 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day to
commemorate the signing of the Constitution in Philadelphia
on that day in 1787.
Guardsmen wanted
to join the PTAE
The New Jersey Army National
Guard is in the process of developing its Pre-Mobilization
Assistance Element (PTAE). The PTAE is currently
looking for Traditional Drilling Guardsmen of various
MOSs for a Title 32 ADSW (Additional Duty Special
Work) tour at Fort Dix.
The purpose of the PTAE is to
provide training feedback to the supported unit and
TAG through the G-3. The PTAE will monitor and assist
unit training and tracking of individual soldier/unit
progress and completion of pre-mobilization training
tasks.
All applicants must be eligible
and submit the following:
v
Complete DA Form 1058-R with commander's
signature
v
A current Retirement Point Assessment
Statement
v
Meet height/weight standards along a
valid APFT within one year of ADSW start date
v
Physical Profile, DA Form 3349. Temporary
profiles are not eligible.
v
Pregnancy statement (females only) within
15 days of ADSW start date.
v
Current resume
v
Eligible to obtain a Secret security
clearance.
v
Eligible to attend 15 day Observer Controller
Training (OC-T) course in Camp Shelby, Miss.
For more information call Lt.
Col. Walter Nall at 609-562-0321 or walter.r.nall@us.army.mil or Master Sgt.
Jonny Hannigan at 609-562-0337 or jonny.hannigan@us.army.mil.
Anti-terrorism awareness and
Force Protection information
From the desk of Col. Stephen
J. Hines - Anti-Terrorist Program Manager
Our greatest countermeasure to
Terrorist surveillance and other associated attack
planning efforts starts with YOU!
Below are some things to consider
when out and about to help limit your vulnerability
to terrorist attack.
v
General security issues
v
To/From work - in-transit security
v
Official/Unofficial travel security
v
Telephone security
v
Home security
v
Mail bomb incidents
Go to the web site below, which
is a link to the Anti-Terrorism Level 1 Awareness
Training Program. This training program is designed
to provide you "Situational Awareness" of your own
situation and how vulnerable you project yourself
to terrorist surveillance. This training is easily
accessible, customized, user-friendly, and generally
takes about 30-60 minutes to complete. However, if
you can't finish the training in one sitting, you
can pick up where you left off by using the "resume
training" option.
To complete the training:
v
Go to: www.at-awareness.org
v
Click: Create a training program
v
Enter: the required data (The name
you type will appear on the training completion Certificate);
For "service" click the
arrow and select N/A
For "region" click the arrow
and select NORTHCOM Command (US)
For "grade" click the arrow
and select N/A
v
Click: The "Submit" button'
v
Click: "AT level 1 training"
v
Click: "Begin training (complete
the training)
v
Click: The "print" certificate button
Congratulations! You now have
a working assessment as to how much of a "target"
you are when traveling, during hotel stays, commuting
to/from work and what vulnerabilities you project
to terrorist surveillance. Now - implement corrective
actions!
Thank you for doing your part
in our Global War on Terrorism.
Hispanic Heritage Month - Sept.
15-Oct.15
From the desk of Dorinda Sapp,
Affirmative Action Officer
In September 1968, Congress authorized
President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic
Heritage Week. The observance was expanded in 1988
to a month-long celebration (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15).
America celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions
of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain,
Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations within Central
America, South America and the Caribbean.
Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting
point for the celebration because it is the anniversary
of the independence of five Latin American countries:
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence
days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.
Throughout the history of our
nation, Hispanic-American service members have embodied
the military core values for generations. From the
birth of our nation to the current Global War on Terrorism,
Hispanic American service members have effectively
provided strength and leadership in defending freedoms
of the United States.
For the next four weeks in celebration
of Hispanic Heritage Month, DMAVA will highlight major
accomplishments and Hispanic contributions to military
service.
DMAVA celebrates the contributions
of Hispanic-American service members and their importance
to the nation in the past, present and future.
Petrangeli earns CDFM designation
From the desk of Lt. Col.
Christopher J. Eads, 50th Finance Battalion commander
Congratulations to Meg Petrangeli
for being the first financial professional in the
NJARNG to earn the Certified Defense Financial Manager
(CDFM) designation. This is a monumental achievement.
For Petrangeli, this is the result of many hours of
preparatory study, hard work and many years of professional
experience. She currently serves as the Accounting
Officer in the Comptroller Division of the USPFO-NJ.
Professional certification is
the preeminent indicator of the knowledge and competencies
of individuals in the profession they represent. The
CDFM is a credible and widely respected examination-based
certification in the Resource Management profession.
The CDFM was established by The American Society of
Military Comptrollers (ASMC) in partnership with the
Department of Defense.
The CDFM covers the full spectrum
of complex subject areas contained in resource management
environment, budgeting and cost analysis, accounting
and finance, and acquisition. The Program is managed
by a certification commission which governs the standards
of performance for each competency and oversees the
process for maintaining certification.
Homecoming event
for OIF/OEF veterans
The New Jersey Health Care System
and the Department of Veterans Affairs will be holding
their first annual Homecoming Event on Oct. 6, from
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Auditorium at the East Orange
Campus, 385 Tremont Ave., East Orange.
The event will have a meet and
greet with representatives of the Vet Center, Social
Security, Dept. of Labor, DMAVA, OUTREACH, mental
health, War-related Illness and Injury OIF/OEF team
and many more community service agencies.
Tours will be available at 11
a.m., noon and 1 p.m. of the museum, OIF/OEF Transitional
Unit and the War-Related Illness and Injury Study
Center.
Prizes and food will be available
for the whole family.
For more information, contact
Michelle Stefanelli at 973-395-1727 or Carolyn Snyder,
908-647-0180, ext. 4398.
New Jersey Bar
Association offers pro bono military legal assistance
The New Jersey Bar Association
established and administers the Military Legal
Assistance Program. This pro bono program
provides assistance to New Jersey residents who have
served overseas as active duty members of reserve
components of the armed forces after Sept. 11, 2001.
Individuals who have been adversely
affected upon their return from deployment and cannot
be represented by military lawyers can use this program.
The program currently offers assistance to the following
areas: family law, employment law, veterans' benefits
and debtor-creditor law.
The Military Legal Assistance
program will refer members of the military who contact
the state bar association to volunteers qualified
to assist them with their specific legal issues.
Volunteers who accept a case through the program must
agree to handle such case from inception to resolution
without compensation or reimbursement for expenses.
If interested in the program,
call toll free 1-888-541-1900 for referral or visit
the New Jersey State Bar Association web site at www.njsba.com
and click on the button for the Military Legal Assistance
program.
Military spouses
eligible for scholarships
The Council of College and Military
Educators announce the offering of scholarships to
10 spouses of uniformed service members.
This program is a need-based
education assistance program to provide military spouses
with financial assistance in their pursuit of an education.
Applicants must be a spouse of
a military member - active duty, reserve or guard;
be currently enrolled in an associates, bachelors
or graduate degree program; attending a regionally
or nationally accredited academic institution; and
have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Applications should be submitted
through the CCME web site: www.ccmeonline.org.
Questions can be addressed to Doug Barr at dbarr@nu.edu or call 619-563-7481. Deadline
to apply is Sept. 17, 2007.
Free tickets to
Radio City's Christmas show
Join "the 75th Celebration of
the Radio City Christmas Spectacular," when they perform
"A Salute to Our Troops" on Nov. 12 at 5 p.m.
Microsoft in partnership with
the USO brings this celebration on stage for fee to
families of the Armed Services. To reserve your complimentary
tickets, go to www.usonyc.org/salutetoourtroops.
Tickets are only available at this web site.
Vets Haven residents
receive another car
From the desk of Robert Sauselein,
Superintendent of Veterans Haven
For the third consecutive year,
the Township of Maple Shade has donated a vehicle
to Veterans Haven. This year they donated a
1998 Ford Crown Victoria. The staff and residents
of Vets Haven would like to take this opportunity
to thank Mayor Claire Volpe, Deputy Mayor Lou Manchello,
Councilman Jack Galloway, Councilman James Fletcher
and Councilman Anthony Saporito. Thank
you for your continued support of our Veterans.
HBCU holding career
fair for students
A number of organizations, including
the New Jersey Dept. of Education and the New Jersey
Commission on Higher Education, are coming together
on Nov. 11 at the Trenton War Memorial Building to
commemorate the Malcolm Bernard Historically Black
Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week.
High school and community college
students and parents are invited to attend. An Ecumenical
service with the featured speaker, Rev. Stephen Samuels
will be held from 10-11:30 p.m. A college fair with
workshops will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More that 40 HCBUs will be represented at the fair
with information about scholarships and financial
aid, making the college decision and present and future
job market. For more information, visit the web site
www.HBCU-CFNJ.com.
Suicide seen as
major threat to National Guard Soldiers
By Sgt. 1st
Class Erick Studenicka, National Guard Bureau
ARLINGTON,
Va. - In terms of a threat to
Army National Guard Soldiers, it easily rivals rounds
from a concealed sniper, the devastation of an improvised
explosive device or a blast from rocket propelled
grenade.
The threat doesn't
stem from any foreign armed forces or military power,
and casualties resulting from this threat are often
the saddest and most heartbreaking of deaths for the
family and friends of these Soldiers.
The threat is suicide,
which ranked as the No. 3 cause of death for Army
National Guard Soldiers through Aug. 13, according
to the Army National Guard's Suicide Prevention Program.
There have been 42 cases of suicide in the Army National
Guard this fiscal year, and it narrowly trails only
combat (47) and accidents (45) in terms of Soldier
deaths.
Statistics reveal
the National Guard suicide trend mirrors the active-duty
Army and the numbers are increasing. The Army Suicide
Event Report released Aug. 16 reported there were
99 confirmed suicides among active duty Soldiers in
calendar year 2006, its highest number since 1991.
The Army National Guard's total of 42 is already 17
more than the 2006 total and marks the highest total
since the Army National Guard began keeping suicide
statistics in 2004.
The comparison
to the active duty has one major difference though,
said Master Sgt. Marshall Bradshaw, the National Guard
Bureau suicide prevention manager.
"The active duty
Army has resources and facilities available to the
Soldiers 24 hours a day, seven days a week," Bradshaw
said. "They have a greater ability to track information
and provide suicide prevention resources to their
Soldiers.
"Providing suicide
prevention resources (for the National Guard) is a
greater challenge," he said.
It's yet to be
proven, however, that there is a direct correlation
between deployments and suicide. Col. Elspeth Ritchie,
the behavioral health psychiatry consultant to the
U.S. Army surgeon general and roundtable participant,
said there is currently little statistical evidence
linking suicide with the number and length of Soldiers'
deployments.
She did say that
said failed relationships are believed to be the cause
of 70-80 percent of suicides and that deployment-linked
stress definitely could be a factor behind strained
relationships.
Finances and employment
issues are two other major causes of suicide, Bradshaw
said.
National Guard
statistics reveal 60 percent of Soldiers, who committed
suicide this year, have been on a previous deployment.
Other National
Guard suicide statistics from this fiscal year show
that gunshot wounds are the most common method of
suicide (67 percent) and lower enlisted ranks make
up the majority of suicides (32 of the 42 suicides
were committed by the ranks of sergeant and below).
Thirty-nine of the 42 suicides this year were committed
by male Soldiers.
The National Guard's
suicide rate (12 per 100,000) remains about the same
as that of the general U.S. population, which is 11.05
per 100,000, according to the Center for Disease Control.
Every Soldier is
an important, valuable resource to the military, and
the National Guard will continue to prioritize suicide
prevention, Bradshaw added.
NGB has adopted
the Ask your buddy, Care for your buddy, Escort your
buddy (ACE) Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training
and disseminated it to all ranks. All Army National
Guard chaplains have been or will be trained in this
program at the annual Chaplain Area Sustainment Training
this year.
Lt. Gen. Clyde
A. Vaughn, director of the Army National Guard, has
declared September to be Suicide Prevention Month,
and all units will incorporate suicide prevention
awareness into their September unit training.
Bradshaw said anyone
considering suicide but fearing the stigma associated
with seeking help should know that studies have shown
careers are not affected by requests for mental-health
guidance or counseling. Anyone considering suicide
or who knows someone pondering suicide is encouraged
to contact their local chaplain or call the National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK, the
civilian suicide prevention number at 1-800-SUICIDE
or military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647.
For
Your Calendar
Army Soldier Show coming to New
Jersey
The 2007 U.S. Army Soldier Show
is a high-energy 90-minute live musical review showcasing
the talents of active duty Soldiers who are selected
by audition from throughout the Army. They are amateur
artists who have a passion for music, dance and performing.
They come from infantry, transportation, military
police, medical, intelligence, aviation, signal and
other tactical units. The show is assembled in six
weeks, and then tours for 6 1/2 months. The most
recent tour began in May 2007. It will be in our
area on three occasions.
Sept. 19-20 - Fort Hamilton,
N.Y.
Sept. 20 - Fort Dix, N.J.
Oct. 13 - Picatinny Arsenal,
N.J.
Oct. 23 - Fort Monmouth, N.J.
Admission
to all performances is free. Check with local Morale,
Recreation and Welfare or public affairs officials
for exact location, post access procedures, and curtain
times. Dates and locations are subject to change.
Elks 3rd annual Army of Hope
picnic in Forked River Sept. 16
On Sept. 16, the
New Jersey State Elks Association's Army of Hope Committee
will be holding their 3rd annual Army of Hope Picnic
at Lacey Lodge in Forked River from noon until 4:30
p.m. This picnic is the only major fund-raiser for
the Army of Hope Committee. The cost is $20 per adult
and $5 for children under 10 years of age. The donation
includes food, drink, and entertainment. In the first
two years, the Army of Hope Committee raised more
than $350,000 to help assist the families of Fallen
Heroes and Wounded Warriors. For more information,
contact Bruce Totten at (908) 246-0526 or Richard
Tabachuk at (201) 939-1507.
Vehicles on show at Teaneck armory
Sept. 30
Join the Rotary Clubs of Bergenfield-Dumont
and Teaneck in a Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show at
the Teaneck Armory, Teaneck and Liberty Roads, Teaneck
N.J., on Sept. 30, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Proceeds
from the event benefit the New Jersey National Guard
Family Assistance Center.
Cost to register your vehicle
for the show is $15 on the day of the show, $10 prior
to the show. Deadline for registration is Sept. 15.
Spectator admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children
10 and under.
For more information, call Tom
Pinnel at 201-384-8932.
Civil War statue dedication,
Sept. 29
On September 29, the General
Phil Kearny Memorial Committee will be dedicating
a restored 1888 statue of a Civil War Infantryman
which originally stood (1888-1933) in front of the
New Jersey Home for Civil War Veterans.
This statue was located for many
years at CSMS-B West Orange before the TAG and Chief
of staff authorized its removal and restoration. It
is now completed and ready for its unveiling.
In the decades that followed
the Civil War, thousands of New Jersey veterans lived
their final years at the "Old Soldiers' Home"
located in Kearny. For nearly fifty years, a six-foot
tall statue of a Union Infantryman stood guard at
the entrance of the home until the home was closed
in 1933. The barracks were torn down, cannon rolled
away and the silent sentinel statue was removed from
his post, and somehow severely damaged, eventually
placed in storage and forgotten.
Recently discovered by the members
of the General Phil Kearny Memorial Committee, the
group has raised nearly $35,000 to have this statue
restored to its former glory. The bronze soldier
will be placed near where he originally stood; a 7-ton
boulder from the Gettysburg Battlefield will serve
as a pedestal.
The ceremony will take place
at 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, N.J. at 1 p.m. The
site of the New Jersey Home for Disabled Civil War
Soldiers and Sailors, and the present location of
the American Legion Hall.
The committee would especially
like to invite all Civil War reenactors and history
buffs to this event. They ask that reenactors please
register (no fee), as the committee plans to issue
a dedication ribbon to all registered participants.
Re-enactors should contact: Bill
Styple at w.styple@att.net or the Gen. Phil Kearny
Memorial Committee PO Box 483 Kearny, NJ 07032, 201-991-8749.
Oktoberfest and town hall meeting
on Oct. 12
Come to the DMAVA/JFHQ Town Hall
meeting and afterwards join in the fun at the Oktoberfest
at the Lawrenceville Armory on Oct. 12. The fest
starts at noon; the mandatory town hall meeting begins
at 11:30 a.m.
For a mere $10 admittance fee,
you can enjoy a roasted pig, bratwurst and sauerkraut,
German and regular potato salads, baked beans, strudel
and assorted desserts. To wet your whistle, beverages
include O'Doul's beer, birch beer, assorted soda and
water. Those attending are asked to contribute desserts.
The entry fee includes a raffle
ticket for two nights at the Borgota in Atlantic City,
breakfast, dinner and comedy show tickets for two.
If personnel chose not to attend
the Oktoberfest, it will be a normal and full workday
at their regular duty station after attending the
Town hall meeting. Casual attire is acceptable if
you are attending the Oktoberfest; normal work uniform
if you are attending the Town Hall only.
If you are interested in attending,
see your department representatives. At DMAVA, see
Darlene Laarz, 609-530-6992, Karen Wallace, 609-530-6766,
Dawn Espisito, 609-530-6717 or Tina Taylor, 609-530-7170;
at Fort Dix, see Marie Durling, 609-562-0739 or Barbara
Alcott, 609-562-0870; and at HSCOE, see Kevin Hearn,
609-530-7069.
This event is open to employees
only.
Join local motorcycle riders
on a ride, Oct. 13
Like to ride motorcycle? Here
is an opportunity to ride and support servicemembers
and their families at the same time. Join the 3rd
Annual "Support Our Troops" Motorcycle Run on Oct.
13 (rain date of Oct. 14).
Registration is from 10-11 a.m.
at the Tri-Towne Plaza, Route 70, Marlton and the
ride departs at 11:15 a.m. The route is to travel
the Pine Barrens to Sweetwater Casino Restaurant,
Sweetwater (Hammonton mailing address). The run will
be approximately 48 miles (one way). Please come with
a full tank of gas. Cost of the ride is a donation
of $15 per rider and $5 per passenger.
Proceeds benefit the Freedom Alliance
Foundation which provide:
§
Educational scholarships to the children
of America's military heroes that have given the ultimate
sacrifice.
§
For the injured in our hospitals pre-paid
long-distance phone cards, gift cards for clothing,
food, toiletries, books, and magazines.
§
Funding for family members to travel
to see and encourage their loved one.
For more information contact John
Atkinson at 856-596-9100, or go to www.citikids.org/freedom.htm,
for local run information or to the national site
- www.freedomalliance.org.
Honorable
Mention
NJDMAVA committed to work areas
free from violence
The New Jersey Department of
Military and Veterans Affairs is committed to maintaining
the work environment free from all forms of violence,
in accordance with State of New Jersey Executive Order
No. 49 and the State of New Jersey Workplace Violence
Prevention Policy Statement dated Sept. 1, 1997.
The Department is committed to maintaining a strict
policy that prohibits act of violence, harassment,
or intimidation in any form, including verbal, written,
physical, or any conduct that may be construed detrimental
to the workplace environment. This policy addresses
violent acts by employees as describes procedures
and training to be followed for the prevention of,
and response to, these acts. See Departmental Directive
number 230.80 for more information.
Army G-RAP program gives you
money in your pocket
From the desk of Cyndi McCoy,
NJARNG Recruiting, Marketing Representative
Sign up today and earn up to
$2,000 for each new recruit who enlists into the National
Guard and reports to basic training.
The Guard Recruiting Assistance
Program (G-RAP) is a contracted program designed for
individuals who voluntarily apply to become eligible
to serve as a part-time Recruiting Assistant (RA).
G-RAP is available to Traditional
Guard members and National Guard retirees. This opportunity
is open to both Army and Air Guard members. For more
information, contact Cyndi McCoy at 609-672-6308,
NJARNG Marketing Representative.
Federal Benefits Open Season
is Nov. 12-Dec 10
From the office of J1-HRO
The 2007 dates for Federal Benefits
Open Season are Nov. 12-Dec. 10, 2007. What used
to be known as the Federal Employees Health Benefits
(FEHB) Open Season has changed its name. Because
of the recent addition of two benefit programs, Federal
Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)
and Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS),
Open Season isn't just for FEHB anymore.
During the open season, anyone
eligible to participate may change health plans or
options, cancel or suspend their FEHB enrollment,
enroll in the new programs and request plan brochures
and information. You can find information at http://www.opm.gov/retire/asd/htm/2007/07-401.asp
or www.opm.gov/insure.
Air Guard federal technicians can all Carmen Fattore
at 609-562-0887 and Army Guard technicians can call
Jacquelyn Bertrand at 609-562-0866.
Join DMAVA, state in fitness
challenge
From the desk of Ernie Razzano,
Health Professions recruiter
Here is the link containing details
of the 3rd Annual Fitness Challenge Walk and Rally: http://www.nj.gov/personnel/wellness/events/statewidewalk.htm.
The web page also has a link
for the challenge registration form and exercise
log book. Please take a moment to complete
the registration form and get it to me as soon as
possible. Anything you do that is above and
beyond normal activity can be annotated in the log
book. For those of you who are already on an
exercise routine it takes just seconds to fill in
the blanks. Our department definitely made an
impression last year - we only had 15 participants!
We have more than that participating in the DMAVA
Physical Fitness Program. Be good to your body
and get moving!! Thanks for your support and
participation!!!
Honor Guard program wants YOU!
Looking for a way to serve and
get some satisfaction at the same time? The Honor
Guard program is looking for members of the Army and
Air Guard to join the team to perform honor guard
duties at the funerals of veterans. There is an initial
eight hours of training for all new enrollees, with
on-going sustainment training. As an honor guard
member, you will receive a day of pay for each day's
mission, minimum of $50, and traditional drilling
Guard members receive a retirement point for each
day's duties.
If you are interested in applying
for the Honor Guard program, call Retired Sgt. Maj.
Ed Goetschius at 609-530-7090.
VA Launches Suicide Hotline
To ensure veterans with emotional
crises have round-the-clock access to trained professionals,
the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun
operation of a national suicide prevention hot line
for veterans. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson
said: "Veterans need to know these VA professionals
are literally a phone call away. All service members
who experience the stresses of combat can have wounds
on their minds as well as their bodies. Veterans should
see mental health services as another benefit they
have earned, which the men and women of VA are honored
to provide." VA's hot line will be staffed by
mental health professionals in Canandaigua, N.Y. They
will take toll-free calls from across the country
and work closely with local VA mental health providers
to help callers. The toll-free hot line number is
1 (800) 273-TALK (8255).
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
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.
Military families can buy discounted
Disney World ticket by phone
Military families who are unable
to travel to a base to buy specially priced Walt Disney
World Theme Park tickets have a new option.
Retired, Active, National Guard, Reservist and Department
of Defense personnel are now able to purchase these
specially priced tickets over the phone. Disney
Military Sales has offered discounted tickets to military
families for over 20 years. The proceeds directly
support the base community and the programs offered
to the military personnel stationed there. Discounted
tickets for qualifying military families may be purchased
via mail-order by calling the Commander, Navy Region
Southwest at 619-767-6000 or Air Force Central Ticket
Program at 210-652-2855.
Program offers assistance to
spouses of deployed military
The Deployed Military Spouses
Assistance Program provides direct assistance and
referrals to existing programs for spouses of deployed
military personnel (active duty, reserve and National
Guard) who face unusual financial and emotional stress
as a result of the deployments.
Applicants should contact Fawn
Mutschler at 609-543-6200 ext. 325 or wocmilitarygrant@ymca-bc.org to obtain an application.
In addition to the completed application form, applicants
will also need to submit the following documentation:
LES/paystub for applicant and spouse; statement of
Financial Need (i.e. reason for applying and how the
grant will help); bill or pricing of expenditure as
well as any other supporting information the applicant
feels may be helpful. Additional information can be
found at: www.state.nj.us/dca/dow/depmilspouseasst.shtml
Marriage seminars open to couples
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 Marriage Enrichment
Seminars. 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 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, addresses problem resolution
strategies that work and teaches 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
(soldiers that were deployed are given priority) or
need additional information, please call Marie Durling
at 609-562-0739. These seminars usually fill
up fast, so if interested, please call as soon as
possible. Upcoming seminars are:
Sept. 21-23 in north Jersey
Shades of Green offers Disney
for military
Now that the summer is almost
over, thoughts of how to spend next summer or your
next vacation week, can start to pop into your mind.
"Can we go someplace better or different, nearer or
farther from home, all without breaking the bank?"
One place to consider if Florida
is one of your next vacation places is Shades of Green
in Orlando. Minutes from the Disney attractions,
this resort is also close to golf, dining and other
Florida attractions.
Their web site, www.shadesofgreen.org
can give you tours of their rooms and family suites,
the local attractions and other amenities that are
offered by the resort. The rates are reasonable and
will be a opportunity to visit Orlando with your family.
Tax information for military
members who have deployed
From the Military
Officers Association of America
Military pay received
while deployed in a combat zone or other qualifying
hazardous duty area is tax-free. But what specific
rules apply? Here's a quick refresher course, which
summarizes how you can take advantage of these savings
opportunities.
All pay received
(including base pay, special pays, and bonuses) is
income tax-free up to the maximum enlisted pay rate
of $6,381.90 per month, plus imminent danger pay.
Reenlistment bonuses received during a qualifying
deployment month also are tax-free. Be aware, however,
if a reenlistment bonus is taken in installment payments
instead of a lump-sum, installment payments received
after leaving the combat zone are not tax-free.
Thrift Saving Plan
(TSP) contributions made while in a combat zone are
not taxed on withdrawal or distribution.
Due to the Heroes
Earned Retirement Opportunities (HERO) Act of 2006,
servicemembers who were deployed in a combat zone
or other qualifying hazardous duty area have up until
May 28, 2009, to make IRA contributions for tax years
2004 and 2005. If the servicemember qualifies for
a deductible traditional IRA, this can result in a
tax refund for contributions made. For those under
50, the IRA contribution limits are $3,000 for 2004
and $4,000 for 2005. For those over 50, the limits
are $3,500 and $4,500, respectively. You will need
to file Form 1040X, Amended Tax Return, to claim any
benefit. For more information, visit www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=161175,00.html.
Job assistance for military spouses,
retirees, injured military
From the desk of retired Command
Sgt. Maj. Mike Hughes, Family Assistance Specialist
Re/Max in conjunction with the
US Department of Defense Military Spouse Employment
Initiative launched Operation Re/Max in 2006 to help
mentor interested military members and their family
members in a career in real estate. Interested
military spouses, retirees and injured soldiers can
obtain detailed Operation Re/Max information at http://www.remax.com/inside_remax/become_an_agent/new_to_
real_estate/index.aspx or contact operation remax@remax.net
or 1-800-826-7720.
Sports
and Entertainment
ESGR Golf tourney on Sept. 18
From the desk of Hank Pierre,
NJ ESGR
The NJ Friends of the Guard and
Reserve is proud to present the 2007 State Chairman's
Annual Golf Outing. The golf outing will be held
on Sept.18, at the Miry Run Country Club in
Robbinsville, N.J. The rain date is Sept. 25. The
$95 per golfer registration fee includes greens fees,
cart, registration, continental breakfast, food and
beverages on the course, door prizes and a buffet
luncheon at the golf club. Corporate, hole and cart
sponsors are also being sought. All proceeds to benefit
the activities of the NJ Committee for Employer Support
of the Guard and Reserve. For additional information
please contact Hank Pierre at 609-562-0156 or Tammy
Cartagena at 609-562-0157.
Dave Savino Golf Tournament to
be held Sept, 17
The 11th Annual Lt. Col. Dave
Savino Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on Sept.
17 at the Fountain Green Golf Course, Ft. Dix.
Shotgun start is at 8 a.m., with a two-person scramble
(best ball). Cost to play is $85 per person, with
checks made payable to "Lt. Col. Dave Savino Memorial
Fund." Call Senior Master Sgt. Mike Balas at 609-330-4069
or Connie Cisek at 609-562-0901 for more information.
Proceeds from the tournament go to help fellow Guardsmen
in need.
First Annual Jack Green Memorial
5K Run/Walk
The First Annual Jack Green Memorial
5K Run/Walk will be held Sunday Oct. 21 at
8:30 a.m. at the 177th Fighter Wing, 400 Langley Road,
Egg Harbor Twp, N.J.
Registration will be held from
6:30 to 8 a.m., in building. 229 - the Base Gym.
Pre- registration fee is $15 if postmarked by Oct.
10. Race day fee will be $20. Please make checks
payable to: 177 Fighter Wing Chief's Council and mail
to: Master Sgt. Frank G Heath, 400 Langley Road, Egg
Harbor Twp., NJ 08234.
For an application or information
contact Tech. Sgt. Erica Nelson at (609) 645-6224
or Master Sgt. Frank Heath at (609) 645-6109 or frank.heath@njatla.ang.af.mil.
This event will be open to unit
members, dependents, and individuals that would normally
have access to the base. This is not open to
the general public.
Enlisted Association holding
golf outing on Oct. 22
The Enlisted Association of the
National Guard of New Jersey is holding a golf outing
on Oct. 22 at Gambler's Ridge Golf Club, 121
Burlington Path Road, Cream Ridge, NJ. All proceeds
from the event go to the association's scholarships.
Registration and a continental
breakfast begins the day at 7:30 a.m. The play is
two-person best ball with a modified shotgun start
at 8:45. A donation of $90 includes greens fees,
cart and luncheon. There will be prizes for first
and second place teams for the low gross, closest
to the pin on all par 3's and the longest drive.
For more information call Mike
Amoroso at 609-562-0754. Make checks payable to EANG-NJ
(Golf) and mail to Leon Cisek, PO Box 365, Wrightstown
NJ 08562 no later than Oct. 15.
Inaugural Joint Base Race to
be held Sept. 29
MGUIRE AFB, N.J. -- McGuire Air
Force Base, Fort Dix and NAES Lakehurst will hold
the Inaugural Joint Base Race Sept. 29 at 8:30
a.m.
The race, featuring a half-marathon,
a 5-K Run/Walk and a Kid's Run, will be open to any
interested participants, and all DoD cardholders are
encouraged to participate. All are invited to compete
against the men's and women's military academy marathon
teams from the Air Force Academy, Naval Academy and
West Point in the first of what base leadership plans
to be an annual event.
"This will be a good event
for us," said Col. Tom Kastner, U.S. Army Academy
Marathon Team officer in charge. "The cadets
will enjoy the sister academy competition and the
whole experience."
The 13.1-mile route will be on
paved surfaces within McGuire AFB and Fort Dix's Cantonment
Area and will pass static displays such as McGuire's
"Pudgy's" aircraft, a replica of the P-38
flown by Maj. Thomas B. McGuire Jr, and a C-118 that
actually flew Elvis Presley to the U.S. from Germany
in March 1960. On Fort Dix, runners will see U.S.
and Soviet military tanks including a Huey Helicopter,
a Russian T-72 Main Battle Tank and more.
Participants will receive a T-shirt
(if registered before Sept. 1), a participation medal,
a pasta dinner the night before the race, post-run
snacks as well as entertainment. Runners will also
compete against each other in various categories.
For more information or to register,
call 1st Lt. Terry Demille, 305th Services Squadron,
at (609) 754-4750 or go online. Registration deadline
is noon Sept. 24.
Here's to the Heroes provides
a single day's free admission to any one SeaWorld
or Busch Gardens park, Sesame Place, Adventure Island
or Water Country USA for the service member and as
many as three direct dependents.
Any active duty, active reserve,
ready reserve service member or Guard member is entitled
to free admission under the program. He or she need
only register, either online at www.herosalute.com or in the entrance
plaza of a participating park, and show a Department
of Defense photo ID.
Scholarship,
Education News
Scholarships for OIF/OEF veterans
The Horatio Alger Association
of Distinguished Americans is offering scholarships
to combat veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. It offers
a scholarship of up to $1,250 per year for person
pursuing a BA/BS degree. You must have an honorable
service record and a 2.0 GPA.
The deadline for applying is
Sept. 28, 2007. Contact: www.horatioalger.org.
Free SAT/ACT Offer Extended
A group of NFL, NFL Europe,
AFL, and CFL football players have announced they
are extending their sponsorship of the SAT/ACT training
to all military families.
The sponsorship allows any
military person (active, Guard, reserve, or retired)
to request as many programs as they need for the students
in their lives. There is a secure website to
confirm a person's military status before directing
the user to the software order site. Logon to::
www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/portal/page/itc/MHF/MHF_DETAIL_0?current_id=20.20.100.30.0.0.0.0.0
Programs are shipped to domestic
U.S. addresses and APO addresses. The sponsorship
covers the purchase price of $199 and the family pays
only the shipping and handling of $9.95.
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 of NGNJ
conference slated for Oct. 5-7
From the desk of retired Sgt.
Maj. Jerome Zebrowski
The 34th annual conference of
the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of
New Jersey will be held at the Radisson Hotel, Valley
Forge , Penn., Oct. 5-7.
Proceeds from this weekend event
are spent directly on our membership. It is a nice
feeling to know that for every 50/50 ticket and Chinese
Auction ticket you buy helps fund the scholarship
program allows junior enlisted to attend the National
Conference and supports legislative actions for benefits
and so much more.
Friday night features "The
American Game Show Challenge," which is a series
of fun trivia contests and physical challenges.
Saturday is back to business
with a business meeting and elections for the executive
council. The new Junior Enlisted Team is sponsoring
the Chinese Auction. Local attractions are abundant;
register for trips to Valley Forge and/or Longwood
Gardens. Saturday Night wraps up our conference with
our customary formal Military Ball.
There are several package plans
to fit your particular needs. If you have any questions,
call retired Sgt. Maj. Jerome Zebrowski at 609-214-6959
or e-mail at jcptfalc@aol.com or Co-Chairman retired
Sgt. Maj. Edward Goetschius at 609-965-1972 or e-mail
at esgtmaj@comcast.net. Visit the association's web
site at www.eang-nj.org/conference_2007.pdf
for additional information, updates and applications.
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.
Enlisted Association of the National
Guard of New Jersey
The Enlisted Association is
seeking members to help give our state a larger voice.
The Association speaks on legislative issues that
benefit military members and families. The association
works at the Federal & State level on all important
issues. Visit the web site EANG-NJ.org, click on Become a Member for
the application and find out more about what the association
does.
Veterans
Information
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.
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.
Eligible veterans entitled to
property tax deduction
Eligible Veterans are entitled
to an annual property tax deduction of $ 250.
Veterans' eligibility
v
a citizen of the United States
v
resident of New Jersey
v
honorably discharged or released under
honorable conditions from active service in a war-time
period, in any branch of the U.S. Armed Services.
Surviving spouse's eligibility
The surviving wife or husband
of a veteran who was a citizen of the United States
and
resident of New Jersey and one of the following:
v
Was receiving the deduction prior to
the veteran's death.
v
Would have been eligible for the deduction
had the veteran filed an application prior to death.
v
Has died on active duty in a wartime
period.
The application process -
Filing an application with all required documentation
with your local Tax assessor prior to December 31
of the pre-tax year in order to be effective in the
next year. Documentation includes the property deed
and discharge (DD-214) for the veteran. The widow
may need to submit the property deed, marriage certificate,
death certificate and discharge (DD-214).
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:
September 12, 13*,
14 |
Livingston
Mall |
October
2, 3, 4 |
Deptford Mall |
October
30*, 31, November 1 |
Brunswick Square Mall |
November
27, 28, 29 |
Quaker Bridge Mall |
*Medal ceremonies begin at
10:30 a.m. on these dates. The kiosk will be open
from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., July-Sept.; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
in Oct. and Nov.
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.
Sep. 16, 12:30 p.m. - Rolling
Thunder-NJ Motorcycle Run for POW/MIA Awareness, departs
Warinaco Park, Roselle, N.J. at 11:30 a.m.; arrives
N.J. Vietnam Veterans' Memorial at 12:30 p.m.
Sep. 21, 11:00 a.m. - National
Gold Star Mothers Day and National POW/MIA Recognition
Day ceremony.
Sep. 22, 1 p.m. - Secret and Dangerous: Night of the So'n
Tay POW Raid, lecture and book signing
by the author, Vietnam Veteran air commando pilot
Bill Guenon.
Oct. 19, 8 a.m.-3:00 p.m. - "Weighing
In On War, and Why: Public Opinion and Its Influences,
Vietnam to Iraq," 9th annual Forum on the Vietnam
Era. Keynote Speaker: Bobby Muller, Founder
of Vietnam Veterans of America. Preregistration
required.
Oct. 20, 1 p.m. - "Choppers at
War: Vietnam to Iraq," a lecture by NJ Iraq War
Veteran, Lt. Col. Mark Preston, USA.
Nov. 3, 1 p.m. - The Last
Ghost of War, a film about Vietnam Veterans
and Agent Orange presented by film director Janet
Gardner.
Dec. 8, 1 p.m. - Ghosts in
the Landscape: Vietnam Revisited, a photo
gallery display and book discussion by the author/photographer,
N.J. Vietnam Veteran Craig J. Barber.
====================
For further information call
1-800-648-VETS or visit www.njvvmf.org.