Salute the Troops Ceremony scheduled for 5 June 2004.

Department employees, families and friends are invited to attend the New Jersey National Guard’s “Salute the Troops” Ceremony tomorrow, Saturday, 5 June 2004. The ceremony will be held at the Westfield High School in Westfield, NJ at 2 p.m. This is our third NJ National Guard special “Salute the Troops” ceremony, and will honor the more than 90 citizen-soldiers of B Company, 250th Signal Battalion and their families. The members of the 250th Signal Battalion will be deploying to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Governor James E. McGreevey proclaimed 2 June 2004 as Support Our Troops Day.

Governor McGreevey signed a Proclamation designating June 2, 2004 as Support Our Troops Day in New Jersey, and urged the citizens of the State to take time to express their personal and heartfelt appreciation for the service rendered by our courageous soldiers, marines, sailors, airmen and women. Governor McGreevey stated in the Proclamation “the price of freedom is constant vigilance, and the continued sacrifices made by American service members are especially deserving of our profound thanks and appreciation.”

NJ National Guard prepares for 6th Annual Unity Day.

On Friday, 18 June 2004, the NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will hold its 6th Annual Unity Day “The Red, White & Blue is Our Country Too.” - at the Joint Force Headquarters Building in Fort Dix. This year’s theme is This event is held to enhance cross-cultural awareness, promote harmony among all members of the NJ National Guard, and recognize the contributions of women and minorities. This combined effort of Army and Air, State and Federal, and community members contributes to 20 different ethnic and Special Emphasis groups being represented. Over 75 individuals are participating on the various committees to make the event a success. The day’s events will kick-off at 8:30 a.m. with a 5K Fun Walk/Run, sponsored by US Family Health Plan at Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Center in New York City. The opening ceremonies will be held at 10 a.m. with a presentation by the NJ National Guard Youth Challenge Drill Tam. The remainder of the day will be dedicated to tasting the foods of the different cultures, looking at the various displays, and judging of the 2nd Annual Chili Cookoff. If you would like to participate in this event by setting up a display to represent your ethnic culture, please contact MSgt Kathey McCready at 609-562-0854. Please come out and enjoy a great day!

New Jersey remembers fallen Veterans.

The Governor presided at the state’s Memorial Day observance this past Saturday. A record crowd watched as the Parade of Veterans Service Organizations passed the reviewing stand. After remarks by the Deputy Commissioner, The Adjutant General, and the Governor, the trio solemnly placed the State’s wreath along the Memorial Walkway at the BG Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The leadership of the State’s Veterans Service Organizations followed and placed their wreath in memory of our Fallen Veterans. At the conclusion of the Wreath Laying Ceremony, a 21-gun salute was fired, followed by Taps and a New Jersey Air National Guard 177th Fighter Wing F-16 flyover. Following the observance, the newest monument on the Memorial Walkway was dedicated by The Adjutant General in honor of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard…past, present, and future.

Pancake Breakfast to benefit the troops.

A Pancake Breakfast will be held at the American Legion Post 414, Berwyn Place, Lawrenceville, on 6 June 04 from 7:00 a.m. – 1 p.m. All proceeds from the breakfast will be donated to the Family Assistance Program for those families of OUR SOLDIERS participating in Enduring/Iraqi Freedom Mobilizations. Tickets are $6. For further information, call 609-989-9162 or 609-771-4143. Come out and support our troops and their families by supporting this event.

NJ Veterans Memorial Homes held Memorial Day observances.

The NJ Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park held its Memorial Day ceremony on Monday morning, May 31, 2004, followed by a barbecue picnic for residents, family members, and all invited guests. Mr. Joseph Brandspiegel, Chief Executive Officer, welcomed everyone, and introduced Governor James E. McGreevey, who spoke in detail on the importance of our Veterans and of their sacrifices and contributions to our country. He recounted their selfless service and thanked them for serving honorably. Residents who died during the last 12 months were remembered by a reading of the names of these individuals. Family members, the Governor, and staff members honored these individuals by placing a flower in a vase in their memory.

The NJ Veterans Memorial Home at Paramus held its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 31, 2004 at 2:00 p.m., which was organized by Giulia Kirsch, Supervisor of Recreation. Due to inclement weather, the ceremony was held inside. Meredith Spano, Section Chief of Clinical Services, was the Master of Ceremonies for this event. The VFW CWV Post #1710 with Captain Joe Bosticco served as the Color Guard for this ceremony. Board Member Ronald Carlson gave a moving invocation. Colonel (Retired) Michael B. Smith, the Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, was the guest speaker for a large group of residents, families, and visitors. Colonel Smith presented a check for $1,500 to Tony Palumbo, the Resident Council President. The Lafayette School in Wayne, New Jersey raised the money for our veterans. The families of our deceased residents were invited to place a carnation in a Memorial vase during the Last Retreat Roll Call. These were then retired next to the Memorial wreath. Mary Stella, the facility’s entertainer, sang a song written for Veterans titled “If Not For You,” which provided a touching conclusion to the ceremony.

The NJ Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland held its Memorial Day observance on May 27, 2004. Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo and State Senator Nicholas Asselta addressed the assembled residents, staff, families, and friends on the significance of Memorial Day. Pamela J. Paten, Cumberland County Veterans Internment/Affairs Officer was the keynote speaker. The Vineland High School Band performed a patriotic medley and the Delsea High School Junior ROTC Color Guard posted and retired the colors and assisted wheelchair-bound residents throughout the day. Entertainment was provided by the Brown Street Chowder Society.

Did you know about the following companies pledging support to our National Guard and Reserve troops through the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program?

Corporations such as The Home Depot, Verizon, Toyota, Tyson Foods, Aetna, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Sprint, Southwest Airlines, UPS, and Wachovia, just to name a few, have pledged to support the National Guard and Reserve troops. Patronizing these and the other enterprises that back the Guard and Reserve is an expression of appreciation for the contributions they make on behalf of our membership. For additional information about ESGR and the enterprises that support our membership, go to the national ESGR website, www.esgr.org, or to the new Jersey ESGR website, www.njesgr.org. You can also contact Hank Pierre, Executive Assistant, New Jersey ESGR at 609-530-6879 or hank.pierre@njdmava.state.nj.us by e-mail.

NJ National Guard’s 63rd Army Band will perform on “Military Night” at Allentown, New Jersey’s “Freedom Fest.”

Come join the fun as Allentown holds “Freedom Fest” from 28 June through 3 July with amusement rides, games, food, a petting zoo, and pony rides. On Wednesday evening, 30 June 2004, you will be treated to a performance by the NJ National Guard’s 63rd Army Band. For more information, visit www.atownpres.org/fest/.

Manasquan Savings Bank offers Freedom Loans.

Freedom Loans are now available at the Manasquan Savings Bank. Manasquan Savings Bank is the latest financial institution to join the growing list of participants in the Freedom Loan Program. Call the Manasquan Savings Bank at 732-223-4450.

NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Vietnam Era Education Center’s upcoming event schedule.

For more information about any of these events, please call the NJ Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation office at (732) 335-0033.

12 June 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Restored Military Vehicle Display - Hands-on display of a wide variety of restored military vehicles from the mid-twentieth century (Raindate: June 19th)

19 June 1 p.m.
Hey God – Are you really really up there? Author lecture presentation by Vietnam Veteran, Malcolm Perkins

Veterans to be honored at upcoming Medal Ceremonies.

The following ceremonies have been scheduled to honor our State’s veterans.

Attention Veterans – Small Business Resource Day is scheduled.

The second annual Small Business Resource Day is scheduled for Wednesday, 23 June 2004, at 26 Federal Plaza, New York City (Duane Street Entrance) from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sponsored by the U.S. General Services Administration, The U.S. Small Business Administration, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the day’s goal is to help veteran-owned small businesses discover government procurement opportunities. Admission is free! Refreshments will be served! If you need additional information, please call (212) 264-8265.

Update - Mobilization Report

It has been another busy week in mobilizations. Headquarters, 42nd Infantry Division Support Command (DISCOM), elements of the 1-150th General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB), and the 50th Main Support Battalion entered Title 10 status in preparation for mobilization with the 42nd Infantry Division in support of the Global War on Terrorism. They will be deployed to Iraq later on this year for Operation Iraqi Freedom III. These units begin their mobilization with a period of time at home station, in armories in Westfield, West Trenton, Somerset, and Teaneck. Most of the units will eventually end up at Fort Dix for training prior to being sent to Iraq. We wish them all the best in their training and subsequent deployment overseas.

NJN Public Television & Radio will air the Thunderbolts of Millville.

NJN Public Television and Radio will air the Thunderbolts of Millville on Sunday, 6 June 2004, at 9 p.m. and again on Tuesday, 8 June 2004 at 6:30 p.m. From 1942 to 1945, the Millville Army Air Field trained P-47 pilots, teaching them to fly and attack with their aircraft. The Millville Airport was dedicated “America’s First Defense Airport” on August 2, 1941. In January 1943, the Millville Army Air Field opened as a gunnery school for fighter pilots. Gunnery training began with Curtiss P-40F Warhawk aircraft, but after a few weeks, the P-40s were gone, and the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt ruled the skies over Cumberland County. During its three-year existence, more than 10,000 men and women served there with 1,500 pilots receiving advanced fighter training. Several pilots, support staff, and Millville residents are interviewed in the documentary.

J-3 and J-4 conducted Annual Training (AT) In-Progress Review for Training Year 2004

The J-3 and J-4 sections conducted an Annual Training (AT) In-Progress Review for Training Year 2004 to discuss issues and suspense dates for this summer’s AT periods. In attendance were 57th Troop Command, 50th Brigade, 42nd DISCOM, 254th Regiment, and T3BL. AT periods this year will be held primarily at Fort Dix and Fort Indiantown Gap, PA. This is a unique year for the New Jersey Army National Guard -- because we have so many deployments, collective training is virtually impossible. Unit training will focus on Force Protection, Soldier Common Tasks, and Battle Skills.

Air Force approves wearing of Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Expeditionary Medal.

The Air Force has authorized wear of the GWOT Expeditionary medal approved by President Bush last year. The Department of Defense campaign medal applies to active-duty, Reserve, and Guard personnel deployed abroad on or after September 11, 2001, for Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF). To qualify, an individual must have been assigned or attached to a unit in OEF/OIF and served 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days in one of the following specific geographic areas: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bulgaria (Bourgas), Crete, Cyprus, Diego Garcia, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Romania (Constanta), Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey (east of 35 degrees east latitude), Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, that portion of the Arabian Sea north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees longitude, Bab el Mandeb, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Aqaba, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Suez, that portion of the Mediterranean Sea east of 28 degrees east longitude, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Strait of Hormuz, and the Suez Canal. The medal will only be awarded once, regardless of how many times an individual returns to serve in OEF or OIF. There are no service stars or other devices authorized. However, battle stars may be authorized for personnel who engaged in actual combat. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the approving authority for battle stars. The medal follows the Kosovo Campaign medal in precedence and can be viewed at: http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Mar2003/200303134a.jpg.

Today in History…

Today is Friday, 4 June 2004 and the 156th day of the year. There are 211 days left in the year. On this day…

* 780 B.C. – First total solar eclipse reliably recorded by the Chinese.

* 1896 – Henry Ford made a successful test drive of his new car through the streets of Detroit. The vehicle was called a quadricycle.

* 1911 – Gold was discovered in Alaska’s Indian Creek.

* 1942 – Battle of Midway began. It was the first major victory for America over Japan during World War II. The battle ended on June 6 and ended Japanese expansion in the Pacific.

* 1945 – The U-505 became the first enemy submarine captured by the U.S.

* 1984 – for the first time in 32 years, Arnold Palmer failed to make the cut for the U.S. Open golf tournament.

* 1989 – In Beijing, Chinese Army troops stormed Tiananmen Square to crush the pro-democracy movement. It is believed hundreds, possibly thousands of demonstrators were killed.

* 2003 – Amazon.com announced that it had received more than 1 million orders for the book Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

You know you’re from New Jersey when…

* You don’t think of fruit when people mention the “Oranges.”

* You know that it’s called Great Adventure, not Six Flags.

* You’ve known the way to Seaside Heights since you were seven.

* You know that the state isn’t one big oil refinery.

* You know what a “jug handle” is.

101 Critical Days of Summer – Safety tips.

Keep the following safety tips in mind as you enjoy the warm-weather days of summer:

- Seat Belts – Use them, ensure your passengers use them; It’s the law!

- Alcohol – Don’t drink and drive (cars, boats, cycles).

- Travel – Be sober and well rested; watch out for other vehicles, motorcycles and kids; take frequent breaks; don’t speed.

- Swimming – Don’t swim alone or in unknown waters.

- Boating – Use life vests; watch where you’re going.

- Athletic Activities – Stretch to warm up; don’t overdo; drink plenty of water before you get thirsty.

- Outdoors – Use sunscreen; reapply frequently, especially after swimming.

Family Appreciation Day –

Don’t forget to mark 21 August 2004 on your calendars – It’s Family Appreciation Day for all members of the New Jersey National Guard, employees of the Department of Military & Veterans, and their families. A day of fun in the sun is planned at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt.

Volunteer to help at a Family Readiness Center.

To reach any NJ National Guard Family Assistance Center –

Call toll free 888-859-0352