By
Sgt. 1st Class Robert Stephenson,
New Jersey National Guard Public Affairs
Practicing
the age-old adage that "one good turn deserves another,"
the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) of the New
Jersey National Guard hosted members of the Albanian Army
during the brigade's Annual Training in August at Fort
Drum, N.Y.
This
July, Albania hosted
members of the 50th IBCT's, Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion,
113th Infantry for training during Phase I of a Unit Level
Exchange (ULE) program.
This is part of the ongoing bilateral relationship
that the New Jersey National Guard has with the republic
of Albania, which is part of the State Partnership Program,
sponsored by the National Guard Bureau, according to Capt.
Dennis Stiles, of Bravo Company, 2-113th Infantry, and
the Project Officer for the ULE.
Capt.
Kastriot Cera, commander of Cobra Company, 2nd Battalion,
Rapid Reaction Brigade, Albanian Army was on hand to share
the experience. "We are here to gain as much experience
from the U.S. Army. This
experience will be shared, not only inside my company,
but inside my battalion, and inside my Rapid Reaction
Brigade, so it will be expanded, not just inside the platoon
and company, but wider," Cera notes.
Phase
I consisted of squad tactics centered on Movement-to-Contact
training in a wooded environment in the hilly countryside
of Albania. In Phase II, members of Cobra Company trained
together with Soldiers from Alpha Company at the Military
Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) site at Fort
Drum.
"The
MOUT operation range is really great," said Cera, whose
company will deploy to Afghanistan
sometime next year. "I
myself will give this idea to the higher command.
We really will get a lot from this range during
this operation."
Sgt.
1st Class Andrew Ropel of Alpha Company, 2-113th, who
spent some of his active-duty time as a member of the
10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum,
is supervising the training at the MOUT site.
"They're
very well-trained Soldiers," according to Ropel.
"They have good knowledge about basics, about our
NATO techniques as well, and they are using them."
Training
at the MOUT site is initiated by members of the 2-113th
Infantry, but Soldiers from both countries can benefit
from the cross-pollination of tactics and techniques and
the preparation that comes with it.
"It's
multi-cultural," commented Ropel. "It
makes our Soldiers richer because they are able to learn
their culture, and we experienced this first hand when
we were in Albania."
In
addition to MOUT Village Training, Cobra and Alpha trained
at the MOUT Assault Course, and conduct Close Quarters
Combat training.
108th
ARW will be receiving two awards during NGAUS conference
Brig.
Gen. Michael Cunniff and Col. Robert Meyer will be accepting
a Distinguished Flying Unit Plaque that will be presented
to the 108th Air Refueling Wing during the Air Separate
Session at the NGAUS conference.
In
addition to the Distinguished Flying Unit Plaque, the
108th is also the recipient of the Maj Gen John J. Pesch
Flight Safety Trophy. This trophy is awarded by the National
Guard Bureau-Air.
Elks
3rd annual Army of Hope picnic in Forked
River
Sept. 16
On
September 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.
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!!!
Summer
is ending, but safety continues
From
the desk of Sgt. Maj. Nick Kampf, Safety and Occupational
Health, NJARNG
The 101 Days of
Summer are rapidly coming to an end; this will be the
final weekend of the summer. I hope that all of you enjoy
the weekend to the fullest, but also keep in mind the
topics that were presented to you over the summer!
v
Water Safety
v
Boating Safety
v
Fireworks Safety
v
Barbeque Safety
v
Responsible Driving
v
Limit Alcohol use
v
Cell Phones & Driving- NO
Have a "Great Weekend"
and return to work safely!!!
Helpline
for military members who want to become U.S. citizens
From
the desk of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike
Hughes, Family Assistance Specialist
The
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) launched
a toll-free helpline for military service members attempting
to become U.S. citizens.
The
helpline, 1-877-CIS-4MIL (1-877-247-4645), is accessible
both inside the United States
and overseas. It is available for service members and
their families, with expedited service for service members
set to deploy or for families applying posthumously.
The
helpline will assist callers Monday through Friday from
8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. with the following:
v
Tracking their application for naturalization (Form N-400)
v
Notifying USCIS of a new mailing address or duty station
v
Checking the status of an application or petition
v
Bringing a spouse, fiancée or adopted child to the United
States
v
Obtaining posthumous citizenship for a deceased member
of the Armed Services
v
Submitting an application for expedited processing
In
addition to the helpline, USCIS has developed a web page,
http://www.uscis.gov/military,
providing information and links to services specifically
for the military and their families. (Source: Press release,
office of Senator Barbara Mikulski's (D-MD) http://mikulski.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=280751
)
OIF/OEF
Soldiers sought for recognition at Formula Drift championship
Operation
Tribute Freedom is seeking OIF/OEF Soldiers to be recognized
during opening ceremonies prior to each Formula Drift
Championship. The Formula Drift Championship series is a
choreographed motor sport competition that incorporates
the techniques seen in the "Fast and the Furious:
Tokyo Drift" movie.
The
local championship event will be held on Sept. 8 at 5
p.m. at the Wall Township Speedway, Wall, N.J.
Uniform:
ACUs/DCUs with beret. No TDY is available.
If
you are interested in attending the event in New
Jersey, contact the DMAVA Public
Affairs Office at 609-530-6950 or 609-530-7088.
You need to supply the following information: Name
and rank, brief deployment history and awards.
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).
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.
All
Guard members now eligible for affordable health insurance
Starting
October 1, 2007, The Department of Defense healthcare
system known as TRICARE Select is now available to all
members of the Delaware National Guard at only 28% of
the actual cost. Monthly
costs for traditional members are as follows:
v
$ 81 per month
for a single Soldier or Airman
v
$ 253 per month
for a Soldier or Airman and their family
This
was made possible through the hard work of our professional
organizations such as the National Guard Association (NGAUS),
Enlisted Association of the National Guard (EANGUS) and
Adjutants General Association (AGAUS) working with our
congressional delegation.
HOW
TO ENROLL?
v
LOG
ON to the
following website: https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/trs/ index.jsp.
v
Complete the TRS request form (DD Form 2896-1) and sign
the document.
v
Mail the form with the premium payment
($81.00
for an Individual Plan and $253.00 for a Family Plan).
Mailing
address is:
TRICARE
North Enrollment
P.O. Box 870143
Surfside
Beach,
SC 29587
v
The Form can also be faxed to the following number 888-299-4145.
v
After enrolling Soldier or Airmen needs to contact their
verifying official.
v
Additional information about the program can also be obtained
by visiting the following website: www.tricare/mil/reserve/reserve
select or by contacting the following number 800-555-2605.
There is also a link to TRS on the Delaware National Guard
website homepage: http://www.delawarenationalguard.com/home/
new/content/dngnews/2007/aug/www.delawarenationalguard.com
To
learn more about the new program, go to www.tricare.mil
and click on My Benefit.
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.
"Bring
your peanut butter and Jam with us" noon concert series
The
New Jersey Department of State is offering "Jazz at Noon"
featuring The Anthony Nelson Trio every Thursday in September.
The concert will be held at the State Capitol Plaza/State
Cultural Complex which is between the State House Annex
and the State Library. The rain location will be the New Jersey State Museum
auditorium. This
free series is a prelude to the New Jersey Statewide Cultural
Festival which will be held on Sept. 29 at the South
River Walk Park,
Trenton.
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.
TRICARE
Dental offers program for Guard and family members
From
TRICARE Dental
Did
you Know? TRICARE Dental available for Guardsmen and family
members National Guard & Reserve service members and
their families are eligible for the TRICARE Dental Program
(TDP).
Are
you eligible? Does your sponsor have at least 12 months
remaining on their service contract? Are you a traditional
drilling member of the National Guard/Reserves? Is your
DEERS record updated? Are you an active duty family member?
If so you and/or your dependents are likely eligible for
this program! Family members include spouses and unmarried
children (including stepchildren, adopted children, and
wards) under the age of 21. A child under the age of 23
who is a full-time student at an accredited university
and is dependent on the sponsor for 50 percent of their
financial support is also eligible.
The
TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) is administered through United
Concordia, also referred to as UCCI. TDP offers all enrolled
members comprehensive dental coverage for diagnostic and
preventative services (exams, cleanings, fluorides, sealants
and xrays), basic restorative services (fillings), Endodontics
(root canals), Periodontics (gum surgery), Oral Surgery
(extractions),
Prosthodontics
(crowns, dentures) & Orthodontics (braces): There
is no charge for preventative services and cost shares
from 20-50 percent for other services with an annual per
person benefit of $1,200 for all services other than Orthodontics
which has a lifetime per person maximum of $1,500. For
complete details about covered services please see the
benefits handbook online at: http://www.tricaredental program.com/tdptws/forms/
Premiums
are determined by the enrollment plan (single or family)
and the military status of the sponsor. Rates change annually
on February 1st. See the chart below to see what your rate
would be:
For
enrolled active duty family members (ADFMs), the Government
assumes 60 percent of the cost of your TDP premium while
you pay 40 percent. If the military status of your sponsor
changes from active duty to National Guard/Reserve, your
premiums will change accordingly.
Premiums
are paid on a monthly basis. They must be paid in full.
There are no circumstances when a partial premium can
be paid. If you fail to pay your premiums during the mandatory
12-month enrollment period, the Government will not pay
any portion of the premium for the remaining months. United
Concordia will collect the full amount-Government and
member portions-of any remaining premium due for the 12-month
enrollment period from you. Failure to pay the required
premiums may result in referral of the account to a collection
agency.
United
Concordia offers a variety of options for paying your
premiums including allotment from military pay, automatic
withdrawal and monthly billing.
How
to enroll or get more information: Visit www.ucci.com or call the UCCI
Enrollment and Member Services Department at 1-888-622-2256.
You can register online in minutes, or complete the form
and mail or even fax it in. Applications received by the
20th of the month will begin coverage on the 1st of the
following month. Your first month's premium is due when
you enroll. Don't have access to the internet? Your local
Family Assistance
Center
can give you an application!
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.
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.
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.
Seminar
available on counter-terrorism/medical disaster preparedness
NJIT
Department of Health and Environmental Safety, The Military
Order of the Purple Heart and The USMC Reserve Association
are sponsoring a one day counter-terrorism symposium on
Sept. 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the New Jersey
Institute of Technology, Campus
Center.
The
mission of this symposium is to educate the public on
counter-terrorist prevention strategies and disaster response.
There will be a particular emphasis on response
resources and looking at real scenarios run in a major
medical center environment.
Some
topics that will be covered include:
v
Medical Disaster Preparedness - from the medical/civic
health viewpoint.
v
A leading Doctor from Saint Joseph's Regional Medical
Center looks at medical situations arising from Hurricane
Katrina tells his first hand experience with medical problems/mitigation
strategies.
v
School Security Overview - NJ State Police on campus security,
intruder protection, etc.
v
Industry Focus - facing airlines and trucking industries
security issues
v
Information Technology - identity theft awareness/prevention
v
Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) Threats and Emergency
Preparedness - presentation from Iraq War Veteran and
tactical security officer stationed at The Pentagon
v
Professional/Citizens Groups - how to engage and educate/train
the public in counter-terrorism.
There
will be educational credit available to eligible professionals/participants
seeking continuing education credits [for physicians/nurses].
For
more information or to register, call retired Col. Walter
F. Conner, USMC at 609 977-2114 or email: wconner9@comcast.net. There is a military discount in the registration
fee.
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.
For Your Calendar
Town Hall meeting
for DMAVA scheduled for Sept. 6
Deputy
Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Maria Falca-Dodson, and retired
Col. Stephen G. Abel, Deputy Commissioner for Veterans
Affairs, will conduct a Town Hall meeting on Sept.
6, 2007 at 8 a.m.
At
8:45 a.m. retired Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Pierson and retired
Col. Jay Lovas will brief employees on the COOP/COG, which
is how the department would function in the event of a
disaster.
The
Town Hall meeting and briefing will take place on the
Drill Floor at the Lawrenceville Armory. Attendance for
DMVA state employees is mandatory.
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.
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.
Honorable Mention
Monmouth
county VSO offers additional day at clinic
From
the Veterans Service Office
Effective
Aug. 22, Don McNamara, Monmouth County Veterans Service
Officer will be at the Fort Monmouth VA Clinic Wednesdays
and Thursdays from 8 to 4 pm. He can be reached there
at 732-532-4496.
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
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. 7-9 in south Jersey
Sept. 14-16 in central Jersey
Sept. 21-23 in north Jersey
ARMS offers discounted trip for families
to Great Wolf Lodge
From the desk of retired Command
Sgt. Maj. Michael Hughes, Family Assistance Specialist
ARMS is again sponsoring a trip to
Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos on Oct.
26-28. This is a wonderful place for children
and adults and a great way for families of all ages to
connect. Right now they have 30 rooms on hold, so
it will be on a first come, first serve basis. ARMS
has done this as a group before and many of our military
families have attended.
The price they have given is fantastic. The
cost for a room for Oct. 26-28 is $500 and for Oct. 27-28
is $250, tax is included in the prices. The price for
a group up to six people and includes admission to the
indoor water park during your stay.
The water park is open from 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Meals are not included. Each room ha a refrigerator and the master
suites also have a microwave.
Your children may wear their Halloween
costumes on Saturday night.
Great Wolf will be sponsoring a trick or treat
night for the children. Great Wolf is not just for children.
They have many things to offer for adults: a ½ mile down
the road there is an outlet mall for shopping.
Check out the Great Wolf Lodge website
at http://www.greatwolflodge.com/
Locations/Poconos/ for information about the
resort.
If you would like to attend, they
need to know as soon as possible. Please send the following
information to Ronnie Micciulla at usslibertyhouse@comcast.net or call 732-890-4914:
Name, phone number, how many people
will be attending and which days everyone will be there.
No money is due before Sept. 10, but all money
MUST be paid by then. Checks can be made out to
ARMS and sent to ARMS, 64 Harding Road, Red Bank, NJ 07701.
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.
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
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.
NGANJ's calendar for members in 2007
The National Guard Association
of New Jersey will be conducting the following event.
All members (active and retirees) are encouraged
to participate:
§
NGANJ
Website - The above information is posted on the NGANJ
website. If you
need copies of the forms, specific contacts or additional
information, please go to the website at:
www.nganj.org.
Veterans Information
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. 14, 7 p.m. - "An Evening with
Adrien Cronauer," a special presentation by the original
"Good Morning, Vietnam!"
Armed Forces Radio disc jockey.
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 Vietnam
and 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.