News For Your Views
100 N.J.
ChalleNGe cadets graduated on Aug. 25
From
the desk of retired Col. Kenneth J. Prossick, ChalleNGe
commandant
On August
25, 100 New Jersey
Youth ChalleNGe
Academy students
of Class 26 graduated at the War Memorial in Trenton,
N.J. The graduating class had 91 percent who earned
their State of New
Jersey high school diploma.
The ceremony was attended by hundreds to include family
members, mentors, VIPs and members of the state legislature. Special thanks go out to the graduation keynote
speaker, Mayor Cory Booker, the mayor of Newark, for sharing his thoughts and insight
with the Youth ChalleNGe graduates.
The event concluded by recognizing the achievements
of the graduates who demonstrated superior performance
in various academic areas and leadership roles. Congratulations
to all of the graduates!!!
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.
Patriot
Day Sept. 11 - Fly your flag!
Each year
since 2002, September 11 has been designated by the
president as Patriot Day. In the official proclamation,
the president calls upon state governors and other government
officials to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff
on Patriot Day. In urging the people of the United States
to observe Patriot Day, the proclamation recommends
participating in ceremonies and activities, displaying
the flag at half-staff from homes, and observing a moment
of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time
- or another appropriate commemorative time - to honor
the innocent victims who lost their lives as a result
of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Since most home flags are not designed to
be flown at half-staff, other methods are acceptable. One such method is to attach a black ribbon
- same width as a stripe and same length as flag - to
the top of the flag.
Patriot's
Day ceremony at Sea Girt, Sept. 11
There will
be a Patriot's Day ceremony at the National Guard Training
Center, Sea Girt on Sept. 11 beginning at 9:45 a.m.
to honor the lives lost by the many civilians and first
responders in the terrorist attacks. The ceremony will also honor the men and women
who are serving, continue to serve and those who made
the ultimate sacrifice in the Global War on Terrorism.
The New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Department
of Corrections, members of the New Jersey National Guard
and local first responders will be participating.
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.
Military
suicide rates rising but service hopes to combat problem
By Chaplain
(Maj.) Christopher L. Miller, 108th ARW Chaplain
September
has been adopted as Suicide Awareness and Prevention
Month. You may ask why. I will tell you; the rate of suicide attempts
and success is climbing through the roof!
A recent
article from United Press International reports that
"a new U.S. Army report reveals the suicide rate among
Soldiers is on the rise. The study said failed relationships, legal
woes, financial problems and occupational/operational
issues are the main reasons why an increasing number
of Soldiers are taking their own lives." (United Press
International, published: Aug. 16). In 2004, 67 Soldiers committed suicide. In 2006, 99 Soldiers committed suicide and
we are well on our way to eclipsing that number this
year.
But don't
assume that it is only soldiers who are at a higher
risk these days from suicide.
Airmen are also dealing with multiple stressors
at home and at work that could become the tipping point
that leads to an attempted suicide.
In a Letter
to Airmen titled "Stress, Mental Health, and Suicide
Prevention" dated Aug. 7, The Honorable Michael W. Wynne
(Secretary of the Air Force) wrote:
"As Airmen
fight terrorism in the far corners of the world, the
sacrifices asked of them and their families have increased
significantly. These sacrifices have been accepted with courage
and valor, and I am very proud of their contributions
both at home and abroad.
Nevertheless, under such circumstances, it is
natural for our people to feel the stress of these demands
and to be overwhelmed at times.
Tragically, too often, these pressures end in
suicide. This year the Air Force has lost more Airmen
to suicide than to direct enemy action."(Emphasis
added).
Further
along in his letter Secretary Wynne says: "In the battle
against suicide, knowledge is one of our main weapons."
I could not agree more.
We must know ourselves and our Wingmen.
We must be able to recognize signs of stress
and depression. We must realize when we or others are being
overwhelmed by the demands of the mission and families
on our already thinly stretched lives.
Not only
do we need to know how to recognize the warning signs,
but we must know how to respond in order to save lives.
As I have said in each of my Suicide Awareness
and Prevention briefs; "Suicide is not prevented in
the emergency room; it is prevented by our Wingmen,
supervisors, friends and family."
Following
Secretary Wynne's article is a "Checklist for Suicide
Prevention" that I want to share with you.
Good Leadership is Good Prevention
ý
Create an atmosphere of trust and a work climate that
fosters communication.
ý
Know your people, walk around your duty section every
day, talk to Airmen about their personal lives and interests,
and spend time listing to their concerns.
ý
Encourage healthy lifestyle choices by role modeling
and healthy behavior and values
ý
Encourage Airmen to look out for each other and be great
Wingmen.
ý
Publicly encourage help-seeking behavior and emphasize
that asking for help is OK
ý
Know the critical warning signs (depression, hopelessness,
social isolation, etc.)
ý
Ask the tough questions (i.e., about life, distress,
suicidal ideation, alcohol use, etc.)
ý
Express caring and hope - Compassion isn't weakness
or lack of resolve.
Wingmen Look Out for Each Other
ý
Put the Wingman ideal into practice every day.
ý
Take responsibility for one another; act decisively
when you see someone in crisis.
ý
Don't miss an opportunity to make a critical difference
to someone who may be suffering in silence.
ý
For those struggling with suicidal thoughts/feelings,
help is available through your chain of command, your
local Medical Treatment Facility and your Mental Health
Clinic.
ý
Reach out to someone you trust, and ask for help.
ý
A wealth of information is available on the Air Force
Suicide Prevention Program web site at http://afspp.afms.mil/
Secretary
Wynne's entire letter can be found at the Air Force
Portal on the web. You can also find great resources at www.militaryonesource.com.
Finally,
don't forget that in the Chaplain's office we care very
much about you and the problems you face.
You can always find a listening ear when you
come to see us.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Your Calendar
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.
"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.
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.
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
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!!!
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
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.
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).
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. 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.
Premiums
are paid on a monthly basis. They must be paid in full.
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.tricaredentalprogram.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!
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
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.
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. 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.
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.
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
Helmets to Hardhats
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. 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.