NJ
Dept of Military and Veterans Affairs
BG Glenn K. Rieth
The Adjutant General
Col Maria Falca-Dodson
Deputy Adjutant General
COL (Ret) Emil H. Philibosian
Deputy Commissioner for
Veterans Affairs
Contacting us is easy!
Office of the
Joint Chief of Staff
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
"Brave
rifles, veterans, you have been baptized in fire
and blood and have come out steel!"
.Gen
Winfield Scott
Calendar
Notes.
Annual Coat Drive
begins 5 November through 19 November.
Flag Retirement Ceremony
11 November 2003 10:30 a.m.
BG Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery
DMVA Holiday Dinner
Friday, 12 Dec 03
Garden Room
Lawrenceville Armory
Make your reservation NLT 5 Dec 03
It
is the Veteran,
Not
the preacher,
Who
has given us freedom of religion.
It
is the Veteran,
Not
the reporter,
Who
has given us freedom of the press.
It
is the Veteran,
Not
the poet,
Who
has given us freedom of speech
It
is the Veteran,
Not
the campus organizer
Who
has given us freedom to assemble.
It
is the Veteran,
Not
the lawyer,
Who
has given us the right to a fair trail.
It
is the Veteran,
Not
the politician,
Who
has given us the right to vote.
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New Jersey Army National Guard wins
two National Guard Bureau (NGB) Strength Awards.
The
New Jersey Army National Guard has won the National
Guard Bureau's First Term Retention
Award and the Training Pipeline Retention Award for FY03. The
NJ Army National Guard won the First Term Retention Award
by having the best retention of first term soldiers of
all mid-size states in the nation. CSM Richard Adkins
noted during the TAG Commander's Call that this award
is a testament to the great work unit leaders and retention
teams have done taking care of soldiers. The Training
Pipeline Retention Award was won by New jersey for having
the best Training Pipeline Retention rate of all mid-sized
states in the nation. LTC Dennis Devery, Commander of
the NJARNG Recruiting Command, credits this to the exceptional
performance of MAJ Heineman, CPT Brownlee, and the Soldier
Support Battalion team. The exceptional way we take
care of our newest soldiers and transition them into
our units in a positive and professional manner makes
New Jersey the best in taking care of new soldiers. LTC
Devery will receive these two awards on behalf of the
NJ Army National Guard from LTG Schultz at the Chiefs
Strength Maintenance Awards Ceremony in Washington, DC
on 9 November 2003.
NJ Air National Guard unit gets
new Commander.
In a ceremony witnessed by almost 1,500
dignitaries, family members, military members, and guests,
Colonel Michael L. Cunniff assumed command of the 108th Air
Refueling Wing at McGuire AFB. Colonel Cunniff will
be responsible for three flying units: the 141st Air
Refueling Squadron, 150th Air Refueling Squadron,
and the 227th Special Operations Flight. In
addition to the three flying squadrons, he will command
19 support units. The 108th Air Refueling
Wing is a reserve component of the Air Force's Air Mobility
Command and one of only three "super tanker wings" in
the Air National Guard. The 108th ARW conducts
in-flight refueling for U.S. and allied aircraft on a
worldwide basis and frequently deploys overseas in support
of military operations.
The NJ National Guard ChalleNGe
Youth Program is accepting applications for its upcoming
class.
The
New Jersey National Guard ChalleNGe Youth Program is
currently accepting applications for
its upcoming class in March of 2004. If you know of
someone between the ages of 16-18 who is interested in
pursuing a GED in a structured atmosphere, please tell
him or her about our website: www.nj.gov/military/challenge. The
ChalleNGe Program offers a second chance at an education,
life-coping skills, computer training, self-discipline,
and physical fitness. The ChalleNGe Program is free
to all who enter. Seats are limited, so contact the
ChalleNGe Program today to take advantage of what could
be an opportunity of a lifetime.
RCAS is looking for Christmas help.
As
part of the newest RCAS software upgrade, there is
an opportunity
for interested personnel
to assist with manual data entry (MDE) into the software. The
MDE will be conducted at the Headquarters Building at
Fort Dix from 17 November through 19 December 2003 - with
a week off for the holiday 24-28 November 2003. The
staffing for this effort is being coordinated by SOTEC
Resources, a staffing agency specializing in temporary
employment opportunities. SOTEC will hire data entry
clerks. Soldiers or their family members who would be
interested in providing support should complete the short
application/resume form as soon as possible, and submit
it for consideration directly to SOTEC. Individuals
must be familiar with PC based computers using Microsoft
(MS) operating systems and MS Office products. They
must have excellent keyboarding skills with a typing
speed of 35 WPM or greater. Contact MSG Caldarale at
609-562-0698 for the application or for further information.
The NJ General Assembly Resolution
No. 291 recognizing and honoring NJ Army and Air National
Guard is adopted.
The
NJ General Assembly recently approved Resolution No.
291, which recognizes and honors the NJ
Army and Air National Guard for being in the forefront
of efforts to protect this state from new acts of terrorism
since September 11, 2001. The resolution reads, "It
is fitting and proper for this House to (1) recognize
the service provided by these brave and dedicated professionals;
(2) the sacrifices they and their families have made
to provide such service and (3) the great debt of gratitude
each resident of this State owes to these outstanding
men and women, and to honor them for such exemplary service.
Dateline -- Installations Division
-- Election Day, 4 November 03.
Did
you know that while most people were off on the State
holiday, the Installations Division
staff was busy doing a variety of tasks such as conducting
fire alarm testing, asbestos abatement, roof repairs,
and inspecting contractor projects? Why were all of
these people working on a holiday? So that required
work efforts could be accomplished with a minimum of
noise, health hazards, and inconvenience to our fellow
employees. The Installation Division works every day
toward providing you with first class facilities.
National Guard Bureau (NGB) observes
National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage
Month 2003.
The
National Guard Bureau proudly joined the Nation in
observing National American Indian and
Alaska Native Heritage Month during November. This year's
theme is "Strengthening the Spirit." According to the
2000 U.S. Census, there are nearly 2.5 million American
Indians in our country. Their rich history speaks to
us through the names of our cities, lakes, and rivers;
the magnificent ruins of ancient communities; and most
important, the lives of the people who retain the cultural,
spiritual, linguistic, and kinship bonds that have existed
for millennia. The NGB promotes all opportunities to
honor American Indians who have served in our armed forces. Approximately
12,000 served in the U.S. military during World War I. More
than 44,000, of a population of less than 350,000 Native
Americans, served in European and Pacific war theaters
between 1941 and 1945. And, approximately 42,000 American
Indians, 90 percent of them volunteers, fought in Vietnam.
Distinguished, Meritorious, and
Vietnam Service Medal Presentation Ceremonies are scheduled.
19
November
11
a.m.
|
Distinguished Service Medal
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National
Guard Armory
500
Rahway Ave., Westfield, NJ
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The
NJ Devils & the Atlantic
City Bullies ice hockey teams schedule Military Appreciation
Nights.
1. NJ
Devils vs.
Philadelphia Flyers, Friday, December 12, 2003, 7:35
p.m. Tickets $30 (Save over 40% per ticket). For
information contact SMSgt Dave Whalen, (609) 754-3616,
or email him at david.whalen@njmcgu.ang.af.mil.
2. Kelly
Cup Champions, the Atlantic City Bullies ice
hockey team, will honor all military personnel on Friday,
14 November 2003, at 7:05 p.m. For more information,
contact Jessica Adams at 609-348-7811.
Federal Government credit card -
Abuse.
Just
want to take a moment to emphasize a problem that may
result in an unpleasant situation
-- Government Credit Card Abuse. With the holidays spending
season upon us, do not use your issued Federal Government
for personal purchases. Recent legislation (S-1744 and
HR-3329) seeks to crack down on abuse of the issued cards
by requiring agencies to develop penalties for abuse,
require background credit checks before issuing the cards
and conduct regular audits of the cards. This is all
brought about in response to the abuses, which have occurred
in the past. This is directed to all federal employees
of this organization, Technicians, AGR, and Competitive. No
one intentionally uses the government card for personal
use, however, sometimes when you see that special gift
for someone and your credit card has reached its limit, don't
do it.just keep on walking.in fact.when you get home
tonight reach into your wallet and take out the government
card and put it in a safe place.don't carry it around
unless you are on Official Business. The NJNG has
excellent tracking systems already in place to guard
against illegal uses.don't be embarrassed.
Today is Friday, November 7th,
the 311th day of 2003. There are 54 days left
in the year. On this day.
J 1874 - The
Republican party of the U.S. was first symbolized as
an elephant in a cartoon by Thomas Nast in Harper's Weekly.
J 1917 - Russia's
Bolshevik Revolution took place.
J 1944 - U.S.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first person
to win a fourth term as President.
J 1965 - The "Pillsbury
Dough Boy" debuted in television commercials.
J 1973 - New
Jersey became the first U.S. state to permit girls to
play on Little League baseball teams.
J 1999 - Tiger
Woods became the first golfer since Ben Hogan in 1953
to win four straight tournaments.
J 2000 - Hillary
Rodham Clinton made history as the first president's
wife to win public office - U. S. Senator from the state
of New York.
Veterans
eat free nationwide at McCormick & Schmick's
Seafood Restaurants.
In
a show of thanks to our nation's
veterans, Bill McCormick and Doug Schmick have offered
to serve veterans for a change (they served us well!)
at their McCormick & Schmick's family of fresh seafood
restaurants in recognition of veterans' courage and spirit. All
veterans can receive a free lunch or dinner on Veteran's
Day, 11 November 2003, with proper identification (veterans
ID, discharge papers, DD214). Reservations are encouraged,
but walk-ins are welcome. Local McCormick & Schmick's
Seafood Restaurants are located in Riverside Square,
Hackensack, Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater, and Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Governor's
annual Coat Drive is underway.
The
Governor's annual Coat Drive will
run from Wednesday, November 5th through Wednesday,
November 19th. A collection box will be placed
in the main lobby of our Lawrenceville Headquarters Building. Other
drop-off locations have been designated at the three
Veterans Memorial Homes. Please take a few minutes to
look through your closets and donate any coats that you
will not be wearing this year. Weathermen are predicting
a cold winter, and many people could benefit from your
old coat.
NJ
Vietnam Veterans' Memorial and
Vietnam Era Education Center Announces its Calendar
of Events.
For more information about any of these
events, please call the NJ Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Foundation office at (732) 335-0033.
11 Nov
|
11 a.m.
|
Veterans Day Ceremony
|
13 Dec
|
6 p.m.
|
Holiday Lighting Ceremony
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Armory
Happenings - Check to see
what's happening at an Armory near you.
7 - 9 November
|
Craft
Show
|
Westfield
Armory
|
21 November
|
Boxing
Match Benefit
|
Westfield
Armory
|
21-23 November
|
"Home
for the Holidays" Gift Fair
|
Morristown
Armory
|
22-23 November
|
Sports
Card Show
11
a.m. - Mickey Rivers (NY Yankees) will sign
autographs ($10 each)
|
Bordentown
Armory
|
30 November
|
Toy
Show
|
Freehold
Armory
|
12-14 December
|
Craft
Show and Sale
|
Morristown
Armory
|
26-28 December
|
Wrestling
Tournament
|
Teaneck
Armory
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Drumthwacket announces Holiday Open
House dates.
Drumthwacket,
the New Jersey Governor's
Mansion, has announced the dates for this year's Holiday
Open House - Wednesdays, 3, 10, and 17 December 2003,
and Sunday, 14 December 2003 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This
year's theme is Christmas Around the World with
magnificent seasonal decorations furnished by Garden
Clubs throughout the state. Reservations are required
at (609) 683-0591 or www.drumthwacket.org. Admission
is free, parking available on site, and gift shop will
be open.
With
Thanksgiving around the corner, it's time to count
your blessings..
"Too many people miss the silver lining
because they're expecting gold."
.Maurice
Setter
"I
wept because I had no shoes, until I saw a man who had
no feet."
.Persian
proverb
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