.

NJ Dept of Military and
Veterans Affairs

BG Glenn K. Rieth
The Adjutant General

Brig Gen Maria Falca-Dodson
Deputy Adjutant General

_

Contacting us is easy!

Office of the Assistant Commisioner

COL (Ret) Michael B. Smith

Mrs. Laura A. Branham

Phone: (609) 530-6987

Fax:  (609) 530-7109

Email:
branham@njdmava.state.nj.us

We're on the Web!
www.state.nj.us/military

--

Thought for the day

“If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy,

if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you,

if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand,

rejoice,

for your soul is alive.”

…Eleonora Duse, Italian actor (1859-1924)

-

New Jersey Freedom Loans

What is a Freedom Loan?

* Up to $10,000

* Annual APR 6%

* Term: 5 years (no pre-payment penalty)

* Unsecured Loan (no collateral required)

Who is eligible to apply?

NJ residents who are:

* Members of the National Guard or Reserve

* Mobilized for one year or longer to fight in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) – excluding routine training.

Or

* Served 90 or more consecutive days in the GWOT on federal or state active duty (excluding routing training) and have received orders extending cumulative active duty a year or longer.

How do I apply?

* Contact participating banks. Call or visit your local branch office to obtain an application.

* Guardmembers, Reservists, or family members with Power of Attorney must submit copies of current mobilization orders with the bank’s Freedom Loan application.

Current participants:

Commerce Bank
1-888-751-9000

Credit Union of NJ
609-538-4061, ext. 401

First Morris Bank & Trust
1-888-530-2265

Fleet
1-800-841-4000

Manasquan Savings Bank
732-223-4450

North Jersey Federal
Credit Union
1-888-78NJFCU

Peapack-Gladstone Bank
(908) 719-BANK

Pennsville National Bank
856-678-6006

PNC
1-866-PNC-4USA

Sovereign Bank
1-877-391-6365

Sun National Bank
1-800-691-7701

The Adjutant General, BG Glenn K. Rieth, invites you and your immediate family to Family Appreciation Day on 21 August 2004 (Rain Date: 22 August) at the National Guard Training Center located on the Atlantic Ocean at Sea Girt, NJ. This day is being set aside to thank the families of all our Airmen and Soldiers and DMVA employees. The fun begins at 10 a.m. and the day’s activities will feature amusement rides, games, pony rides, clowns, etc. for the kids, and live performances of Doo Wop, Blues, Jazz, Rap, Big Band, Country, and Spanish music for everyone to enjoy. There will be appearances by Miss America, a USO troupe, WWE wrestlers, and the New Jersey National Guard’s very own 63rd Army Band. With games, great food, and an evening of fireworks planned, you won’t want to miss the fun! So come one and come all and join us for a great day in the sun!

NJ Department of Health & Senior Services concludes their annual inspection at the Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland.

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services conducted their annual inspection of facility services at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland. The survey, which commenced on 29 July 2004, ended with an exit interview on 4 August 2004 that resulted in “Zero” deficiencies. The designation of “Zero” deficiencies means the Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland is providing an exemplary level of healthcare services. The Vineland facility will also undergo an appraisal against “Advisory Standards,” which represent the highest level of care at which a long-term healthcare facility can be certified. Only a small percentage of all nursing homes in the state attain this level of excellence. Congratulations are in order and genuinely extended to the many dedicated and hard-working individuals at the Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland who give so much of themselves to enhance the lives of our state’s veterans in their time of need.

Why is the flag displayed backwards on military uniforms?

You may have observed the American flag on military Battle Dress Uniform (BDUs) appears to be backwards and wondered why. The flag, which is worn on the right shoulder of a soldier’s BDUs is backwards to signify the manner/position in which the flag flies when carried into battle. It signifies that our troops are always moving forward. If turned the other way, it would signal the flag/forces in retreat.

Challenge Youth Program will hold a Car Wash -- Saturday, 7 August 2004.

It is going to be a great summer weekend. Why not cruise around town in a freshly washed car? This Saturday, 7 August 2004, there will be a car wash sponsored by the Cadets of the New Jersey National Guard ChalleNGe Youth Program rain or shine. The car wash will take place at the Burger King in Pemberton, New Jersey on the corner of Burlington County Route 530 and Hanover Road from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. There is no charge for the car wash, but the Student Council of Class #20 will be on hand to accept donations. Proceeds will benefit the Cadets of Class #20. Take a drive over and help the Cadets in your program.

Doris Neibart elected as 1st Vice President of the National Association of State Veteran’s Homes.

Ms. Doris Neibart was elected as 1st Vice President of the National Association of State Veteran’s Homes at the summer conference in Colorado. Ms. Neibart, the Chief Executive Officer of DMVA’s Veterans Memorial Home at Paramus, will become the Association’s President next year. The Association works to convey the needs of our residents and homes, by identifying the costs of operations, survey consistency, legislative changes, and the challenges we face on a daily basis.

Armory Happenings…

Check and see what’s happening at an Armory near you.

Recruiting/promotional materials are available from the National Guard Bureau.

Free National Guard promotional items (shirts, hats, etc.) are available just by requesting them through the Virtual Armory website.

The first program, Recruiting Team Gear, will send you bumper stickers, banners, posters, yard signs and shirts just be requesting it on the virtual armory website: www.virtualarmory.com/teamgear.

The second program, Warrior Spirit Challenge, provides a backpack, windbreaker, Air Assault School quota, and a trip to Washington, DC for soldiers who provide leads that become enlistments. What you get depends on how many leads become enlistments. See your local recruiter for more information or go to www.virtualarmory.com and press the Warrior Spirit Challenge icon.

The third program, Homefront Heroes, will send a personalized thank you letter from LTG Schultz, a National Guard bumper sticker and lapel pin to you parent, family member, employer or any other person you designate as a person who has helped you during your service in the National Guard. Visit www.virtualarmory.com and click on the Homefront Heroes icon to nominate your Home Front Hero.

Veterans to be honored at upcoming Medal Ceremonies.

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

Veterans Hepatitis C Liver Disease Council Update -

The American Liver Foundation Veterans Hepatitis C Liver Disease Council was created to provide information to veterans with HCV and to advocate on their behalf. Coping with Hepatitis C can be a challenge for many veterans, but there are many things they can do to protect their liver. The most important thing is to reduce or stop drinking alcohol – beer, wine or liquor. By reducing or eliminating alcohol intake, getting vaccinated for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, and being cautious when taking mediations, you can contribute to your liver’s good health. Exercise caution when taking over-the-counter medications for headaches and cold symptoms and be fully aware of the risks of misusing prescription drugs. If you are having trouble getting treatment, education, and support relating to Hepatitis C, contact the American Liver Foundation at 1-888-4HEP-USA or at their website, www.liverfoundation.org.

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

On Saturday, 14 August, at 1 p.m. the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation will host a slide show and lecture by Vietnam Veteran Stanton Pratt entitled, “Capturing the War: An Army Combat Photographer in Vietnam, “ at the Vietnam Era Educational Center in Holmdel. Stanton Pratt, of Honesdale, PA, was a combat photographer assigned to the U.S. Army’s 593rd Signal Photo Company, 2nd Signal Group in South Vietnam from June of 1965 until June of 1966. He will talk about his experience as a combat photographer while showing slides of his photography. Pratt covered the war from the Mekong Delta in the south to the ancient city of Hue in the north. He took the official portraits of nearly every Army general in Vietnam at that time. Lecture attendees are asked to RSVP to (&32) 335-0033. A donation of $5 per person is suggested.

14 Aug - 1 p.m.
“Capturing the War: An Army Combat Photographer in Vietnam”

17 Sep - 11 a.m.
National POW Recognition Day/Gold Star Mothers Day

18 Sep - 1 p.m.
“Leave No Man Behind” (re: POW/MIAs) by George J. Veith

11 Nov - 11 a.m.
Veterans Day Program

The Vietnam Era Educational Center is located adjacent to the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial off the Garden State Parkway at Exit 116.

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

101 Critical Days of Summer – Red Cross urges readiness.

After federal authorities raised the terror threat level to Orange/High this week, the American Red Cross issued an advisory urging families and businesses to prepare for a terrorist attack. Among their suggestions are:

* Make and review a family disaster plan.

* Update or restock items in a family/business disaster supply kit.

* Check on neighbors who are elderly or have special needs and review a disaster plan with them.

* Ensure that an emergency communication plan is updated.

* Contact a child’s school to obtain their emergency notification and evacuation plans.

* Discuss children’s fears concerning possible terrorist attacks.

* If a need is announced, donate blood at a blood collection center or call 1-800-GIVELIFE.

Today in History…

Today is Friday, August 6th. It is the 219th day of the year, with 148 days remaining.

- 1787 – Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia began. The articles of the U.S. Constitution draft were to be debated.

- 1890 – The electric chair was used for the first time when Auburn State Prison in New York executed convicted murderer, William Kemmler.

- 1890 – Cy Young achieved his first major league victory. He would accumulate 511 in his career.

- 1945 – The American B-29 bomber, Enola Gay, dropped the first atomic bomb over the center of Hiroshima, Japan. An estimated 140,000 people were killed.

- 1965 – U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed The Voting Rights Act.

- 1990 - The U.N. Security Council ordered a worldwide trade embargo with Iraq. The embargo was to punish Iraq for invading Kuwait.

- 1996 – NASA announced the discovery of evidence of primitive life on Mars. The evidence came in the form of a meteorite that was found in Antarctica. The meteorite was believed to have come from Mars and contained a fossil.

Call today and volunteer to help at a Family Readiness Center near you.

As the New Jersey National Guard deploys soldiers and airmen around the globe, the families that are left behind need our support and assistance. Can we count on your help? Please call your local Family Readiness center and volunteer.

To reach any NJ National Guard Family Assistance Center

Call toll free 888-859-0352