New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

* 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.

* 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

Words of Wisdom

"Radical changes in world politics leave America with a heightened responsibility to be, for the world, an example of a genuinely free, democratic, just and humane society."

.. Pope John Paul II

1920 - 2005

Welcome Home Ceremony held for 2/102nd Armor Battalion.

On Thursday, March 31, 2005, the New Jersey National Guard conducted a Welcome Home ceremony for the 2/102nd Battalion at the West Orange Armory. Brig Gen Maria Falca-Dodson, Deputy Adjutant General, represented the New Jersey National Guard and MG Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General, and officially welcomed home the soldiers of the 2/102nd Armor Battalion who deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Congressman Bob Menendez, Assemblyman John McKeon, Assemblywoman Alison Littell-McHose, the local community, families, friends, fellow National Guard soldiers and airmen displayed a tremendous showing of support for these soldiers. The New Jersey National Guard is extremely proud of these soldiers! Their performance and dedication to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service. Welcome Home!

The State of New Jersey enacts legislation that enhances its commitment to military personnel and facilities.

During the last month, Acting Governor Richard J. Codey signed into law three important bills that enhance the state’s commitment to its military personnel and facilities:

S2207: Requires localities to consult with base commanders on any land use decision near a military facility, such as zoning changes or development decisions. This critical piece of legislation will ensure that all of New Jersey’s bases continue to remain unencroached and able to handle current and expanded missions in the 21st century.

A3705: Expands the definition of resident for the purposes of State tuition aid grant eligibility to include a dependent child whose parent or guardian has been transferred to a military base in New Jersey. This law grants those dependents immediate residency status so that they can be eligible for in-state tuition grants to New Jersey’s many outstanding educational institutions, supporting our new military families and increasing educational opportunities.

S2206: Expands the mission and membership of the NJ Council on Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs. The Council has worked steadily for many years to promote cooperation and support for our military communities. This measure expands its mission to include maximizing quality of life for military personnel and their dependents and facilitating coordinated planning and expedited review of military permits and other requests. It also expands the involvement of state government officials, community leaders, and military support groups to increase the Council’s effectiveness.

Master Sergeant Donald Newlin wins Air National Guard Honor Guard Award.

Master Sergeant Donald Newlin, 108th Air Refueling Wing has been named as the Air National Guard’s Base Honor Guard Program Manager of the Year for 2005. This program is part of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Annual Honor Guard Awards Program. The program recognizes the outstanding professional performance by the Department of the Air Force enlisted personnel working in the area of military funeral honors and ceremonies, while assigned to a respective Base Honor Guard. Sergeant Newlin will be recognized during the Outstanding Soldiers and Airmen of the Year Week in Washington, D.C.

Thanks to Jewish Community Center of Paramus for their generosity and friendship.

Special thanks to the Jewish Community Center of Paramus for their friendship and generosity. Earlier this week, the Center made a donation of $350 to the Teaneck Family Assistance Center.

In addition, the Jewish Community Center has issued an invitation to any Jewish members of the families of National Guard personnel of the 50th MSB to be their guests at their Passover Seder and dinner.

The Seder will be held at the Jewish Community Center, E. 304 Midland Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652, and will take place at 8:30 p.m. on April 23, 2005. Rabbi Arthur Weiner, the spiritual leader of the congregation, served as Chaplain in the U.S. Naval Reserve for seven years.

If you are interested in attending the Seder, please contact Mrs. Fried at 201-261-8196 next week.

Welcome! Lt Col Robert A. Meyer, Jr. named Commander, 108th Support Group.

Taking care of people – that is Lt Col Robert A. Meyer, Jr.’s focus when it comes to his latest career move at the 108th Air Refueling Wing. “We need to make the 108th a great place to work because we want to keep great people,” he stated.

As the new commander of the 108th Support Group will be taking the reins from Col Michael S. Moore on March 13. He is looking forward to the challenge of his new position. Having spent most of his 20-plus years in the NJ Air National Guard as part of the operations group, he admits with a ready smile, that the challenge to his new position is the many career fields in the Support Group. “I’m learning that there is a world outside of Ops,” he remarked. “And these people make the Wing run.”

This native New Jerseyan talks about people constantly when he speaks about his new job. One major focus as the Support Group commander will be to ensure everyone is trained and capable to perform his or her wartime duties and tasks.

COL Bill Rochelle reporting from Iraq on Yankees vs. Red Sox shootout in the desert.

Last week, on 30 March 2005, the Division Public Affairs Office got the DIVARTY Commander (a big Red Sox fan from Massachusetts) and myself (the biggest Yankee fan) together with 15 or so of our soldiers for a video shoot. My men and I stood on one side of the Commanding General and the Commander and his men stood on the other. The DIVARTY Commander wished the Red Sox well and then handed the microphone to me. I said, “I’m Colonel Bill Rochelle, Commander of the 42nd Infantry Division Support Command. On behalf of all our New Jersey and New York based Rainbow Division soldiers, we’d just like to say (and we all shouted) GO YANKEES! The Commanding General wished both teams well and threw out a ball (the first pitch).

We have been told that the Yankees and Red Sox will use this video before their opening day game. Don’t know whether this is true, but that’s what we were told.

I then prepped the group and get everyone ready for the seventh inning stretch. All of us sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” which will be shown on stadiums’ diamond vision scoreboard. So, don’t be surprised if you’re at a game and you see us singing for the seventh inning stretch.

The soldiers and I had a lot of fun filming the video. So watch for us on opening day or whenever you’re at the stadium. Let me know if you see us. GO, YANKEES!!!

Take care everyone,

COL Rochelle

7th Annual Unity Day

“Come Share Your Heritage with Us.” On Thursday, 9 June 2005, the NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Joint Force Headquarters will hold it’s 7th Annual Unity Day at Building 3650, Fort Dix, NJ. This event is held to enhance cross-cultural awareness and promote harmony among all members of the New Jersey National Guard, and to recognize the contributions of women and minorities. This combined effort of Army and Air, State and Federal, community members and members of both Team McGuire and the Fort Dix Post contribute to the different ethnic and Special Emphasis groups being represented. If you are interested in participating by putting up a display, please contact Kathey McCready, State Equal Employment Manager at 609-562-0854.

NJ Air National Guard inducts six Chief Master Sergeants (CMSgt).

A ceremony was held at the McGuire Officers’ Club on Saturday, 2 April 2005, during which six Chief Master Sergeants were inducted into their respective Chief’s Group. They are: CMSgt Edward Rockhill from the 108th Air Refueling Wing, and SMSgt Robert Hare, CMSgt Robert McCarty, CMSgt Jean Perry, CMSgt Carl Howard, and CMSgt Dominick Galione from the 177th Fighter Wing. Over three hundred military members, families, and friends attended the ceremony that was hosted by the 514th Air Mobility Wing.

Lakewood Blue Claws honor NJ National Guard’s Wolf-Pack Platoon on Opening Day -

At Opening Day ceremonies held at First Energy Park, Lakewood, NJ on Thursday, 7 April 2005, the Lakewood Blue Claws welcomed home members of the Wolf-Pack Platoon of the NJ Army National Guard, Toms River Armory, who are just back from a year’s deployment to Iraq, The Blue Claw altered their usual “Welcome Fans” opening day game theme to “Welcome Home Citizen Soldiers – to honor our part-time soldiers and full time heroes.

On behalf of the residents of Ocean County, Freeholder Director Joe Vicari and Deputy Director Jerry Little welcomed home our troops as part of the pre-game event and made a public presentation of the giant “Citizen Soldier” photo mural that will begin a countywide tour.

Upcoming Job Fairs

Veterans Job Fair, Iselin – The NJ Department of Labor announced a Veterans Job Fair on 29 April 2005 at the American Legion Post 471, 25 Brown Avenue, Iselin, New Jersey, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Participation is free for veterans and employers. Mr. Joe Battito, our Middlesex County Veterans Service Officer, will represent DMVA at the job fair. If you have any questions, please contact Veterans representative, John Leary, at 732-937-6205

Veterans to be honored at upcoming Medal Ceremonies.

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

14 Apr 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.	Korean Service Medal	Teaneck Armory Teaneck & Liberty Road Teaneck, NJ
28 Apr 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.	Distinguished/Meritorious Service Medal	Viet Nam Service Medal NG Training Center Building 35 Sea Girt, NJ

Support the Troops

Here are some of the activities and fundraisers planned in support of our deployed troops and their families:

Baby Sitting Certification and Training – 2 April 2005 – Training provided by the American Red Cross will be held at the Teaneck Armory, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $55 per person.

Pancake Breakfast – Steinert High School Cafeteria, 2900 Klockner Road, Hamilton, NJ -3 April Wachovia and the Rotary Club of Hamilton/Washington Township are sponsoring a Support the Troops Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, 3 April 2005, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hosted by Senator Peter Inverson, Assemblyman Bill Baroni, and Hamilton Councilwoman Eileen Thornton, proceeds will benefit the soldiers and families of the NJ National Guard Family Assistance Center. Tickets are $6.00. Call 609-631-9988 for tickets or further information.

“Children’s Day” – 3 April 2005 - The Teaneck Family Assistance Center has planned Children’s Day for the children of our deployed soldiers. There will be fingerprinting, fire and bike safety programs, soccer games, and plenty to eat. If you are interested in attending, please call SSG Loureiro at 201-883-8356.

CPR Training and Certification, 9 April 2005 – The American Red Cross will provide CPR training and certification at the Teaneck Armory on 9 April 2005, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $65 per person.

Pancake Breakfast – Waterfront Café, Carlstadt, 17 April 2005. The Waterfront Café – Steak and Clam House, Paterson Plank Road, Carlstadt, NJ (right behind the Continental Arena) will host a Pancake Breakfast to benefit the families of our Army National Guard troops deployed out of the Teaneck Armory. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is sponsored by the Nam Knights of America, VVA Chapter 800, and the Jewish War Veterans of USA. Cost is $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for Seniors and children under 12

JT2DC (T3BL) Soldier’s Association Golf Tournament – 25 April 2005. The event will begin with a 9 a.m. Shotgun Start at the Fountain Green Golf Course, Fort Dix. Cost $80 per person. Proceeds will assist the families of our deployed soldiers. For additional information, contact CSM Tim Maskery at 609-562-0539.

Sign up for a chance to send your solider Dunkin Donuts coffee. Dunkin Donuts will send a case of free coffee to your soldier if he/she is among the 50 selected in a monthly lottery. Just go to www.dunkindonuts.com, click on “About Us,” click on “Contact Us,” click on “Instore Visits,” fill out the form, in the comments section put the soldier’s rank, name and APO address, and say that you would like to send your soldier coffee. Then click “Submit.” You can mail a request to Dunkin Brands, 130 Royall Street, Camton, MA 02021, Attention Customer Care or request the coffee by phone at 781-737-3000 (Customer Relations).

Operation Uplink. Visit http://www.operationuplink.org/request.cfm to request free phone cards for active duty military personnel deployed away from home. At this site you can fill out a request for a phone card to be sent to yourself or a loved one. One card per request per servicemember will be honored during a 60-day period.

Gifts from the Homefront. The “Gifts from the Homefront” program was begun last year by the Army and Air Force and enables people from all walks of life to rally around America’s troops by purchasing gift certificates designed to lift the morale of deployed troops around the world. The certificates, which can be purchased by any individual or civic organization, allow service members to purchase items of necessity and convenience at PX and BX facilities around the world. “Gifts from the Homefront” certificates can be addressed to “any service member” or individual service members. Because the gift certificates can be use for merchandise already stocked at contingency locations, “Gifts from the Homefront” are a safe alternative to traditional care packages that can strain the military mail system and present force protection issues. Those wishing to send a “Gift from the Homefront” can simply log on to the AAFES website, www.aafes.com, or call 877-770-4438 toll-free to buy gift certificates in $10 or $20 denominations. From there, the “Gift from the Homefront” may be sent toan individual service member designed by the purchaser or distributed to “any service member” through the USO, American Red Cross, Air Force Aid Society, or Fisher House.

Operation Mail Call. Operation Mail call is a program initiated by New Jersey Assemblymen Jack Conners and Herb Conaway that enables citizens to donate postage stamps for use by our troops and their families. Over 23,000 stamps have been donated to our National Guard soldiers and airmen and Family Readiness Programs. If you would like to participate, please mail or drop off your postage stamps to the 7th Legislative District Office, Delran Professional Center, 8008 Route 130 North, Suite 125, Delran, NJ 08075.

American Hero Band - The American Hero Band is a free wristband worn by Americans to demonstrate their support of the “Defenders of Freedom” who are Army National Guard soldiers deployed across the globe. Engraved on the metallic wristband are the words IN HONOR OF AN AMERICAN HERO SERVING IN THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD. These words are flanked left by the Army National Guard logo and right by the American flag. There is also an inscription of the National Guard website, http://www.virtualarmory.com and a unique serial number engraved inside this commemorative wristband. If you are interested in getting The American Hero Band, go to http://www.virtualarmory.com and click on the American Hero Band banner.

Part-time opportunities in Military Funeral Honors Program.

The New Jersey Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors Program has several part-time employment opportunities immediately available across the state for TDGs and Technicians. Earn one day’s base pay and one retirement point for a few hours work providing Military Funeral Honors for our Veterans. If you are interested, please contact SFC Raymond Denson, Military Funeral Honors Coordinator, at 609-530-7090 or by e-mail at Raymond.Denson@nj.ngb.army.mil.

Scholarship Information–

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation Scholarship Contest is available to graduating NJ high school seniors. Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded on May 30, 2005 at the Memorial Day ceremony at the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial. To apply, students need to complete an application, submit proof that they are continuing their education at a college/university or trade/technical school, and submit a short essay about his/her visit to the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 15, 2005. Application and information can be found at www.njvvmf.org or by calling 1-800-648-VETS.

American Legion Scholarship. If you have a son, daughter, grandson, or granddaughter that is a senior in high school, they may qualify to receive a scholarship through the American Legion. For applications, please call Mr. Robert Luby at 908-996-6005 or email him at robertlooby@earthlink.net.

CSM Vincent Baldassari Memorial and USAA Scholarship Awards Program. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of New Jersey will sponsor five scholarships of $1000 ach for children of members of the Association and drilling members of the NJ National Guard (Army or Air) who are also members of the Association. Additionally, USAA will sponsor one $1000 scholarship for a drilling member. Applicants must complete the appropriate application in its entirety with all required and prescribed documents. The deadline for application submission is 15 April 2005. Additional details and application can be found on the Department’s website, (click here for PDF)

OCS Class 48 will host 1st Annual SGT Nutter Benefit 5K Run.

Officer Candidates from OCS Class 48 are hosting the first annual SGT Nutter Benefit 5K Run on May 14, 2005 at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ. SGT Sam Nutter was a member of the NJ Army National Guard assigned to the OCS Company at the 254th Regiment in Sea Girt. SGT Nutter passed away earlier this year at 39 years of age after a long and courageous bout with cancer.

SGT Nutter is survived by his wife, Michelle Mallozzi-Nutter and three daughters, Summer Ann, Samantha, and Sarah. Proceeds from the run will go to the SGT Sam Nutter’s Children Fund.

The race will begin with a howitzer blast at 10 a.m. sharp. Registration and sign-in begin at 7 a.m. All ages are welcome to participate. Prizes will be awarded to 45 of our participants in various categories. For more information visit website: www.nutterrun.org

Sandy Cove Christian Conference & Retreat Center offers a free stay for our military members, their spouse and children at Operation Oasis on Chesapeake Bay.

Operation Oasis is an outreach program developed to offer a time of rest and renewal to military personnel involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The purpose is to minister to our military men and women, their spouses, and children by offering them a mini-vacation in a Christian atmosphere.

Military stress takes an immense toll on both the soldier and his/her family. It is hard to imagine the trauma that results from the ravages of war. Operation Oasis helps families reconnect after a loved one returns home from deployment in the Middle East. Located in North East, Maryland, at the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay, Operation Oasis offers a free 3-day, 2-night time of rest and relaxation. It is a thank you to those who seek to secure and sustain our freedom.

Simply contact Carol Lee Lynch by email at c.lynch@sandycove.org or by phone at 800-287-4843 for additional information. You can also visit the website www.sandycove.org for a more detailed description of the facility.

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

7 May - 11 am
NJ Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day ceremony

14 May - 1 pm
Jenny 4 - Author lecture by Vietnam Veteran Paul Drew

30 May - 11am
Memorial Day Ceremony

11 June - 1 p.m.
On the River (memoir of an American advisor to South Vietnamese Rangers) -
Author lecture by Vietnam Veteran George L. Athas

18 June - 10 a.m – 4 p.m.
Military Vehicle Display

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

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

Fitness Corner – Ernie Razzano, Certified Fitness Trainer

Fitness Corner – Ernie Razzano, Certified Fitness Trainer

The Environment and Metabolism

Did you know that the outside environment influences metabolic rate? When you are exposed to a progressively colder climate, your body will increase its metabolic rate to keep the body temperature constant and to prevent shivering. Shivering is invoked when the core temperature of the body begins to drop from being in the cold. Shivering is actually a series of involuntary muscle contractions that are triggered to create heat in the body, like turning on a furnace. When exposed to higher than average cold conditions for a few days your body actually increases its basal metabolic rate to run hotter than average to compensate for being in a colder climate. When things begin to warm up, even a 60-degree day can seem extremely hot because your metabolic rate is running at a fast rate. After several days of acclamation to the hot climate, your metabolic rate will decrease, and 80 degrees will feel as hot as the 60-degree day did a few months earlier. So those of you that can’t wait for the warmer weather, this is some beneficial news that will make the cold a little more bearable, for the time being anyway!

Armory Happenings

Upcoming events taking place at your local armory.

Open House – Toms River Armory - An Open House is scheduled at the Toms River Armory on Saturday, June 18, 2005, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be historical displays from the Revolutionary Wary to Operation Iraqi Freedom. For the children, there will be Hummer rides, camouflage face painting, paintball targets and a balloon grenade toss.

The purpose of the Open House is to inform the public about the Toms River Armory and let them know it is available for rent. Additionally, the open house will provide the NJ National Guard recruiters a change to support The Adjutant General’s policy on “Strength Management.”

8 April
Cat Show - Lawrenceville Armory
Circus - Morristown Armory

17 April
Sports Card and Comics Show - Bordentown Armory

23 April
Flea Market - Teaneck Armory

29 April
Auction - Cherry Hill Armory

15 May
Sports Card and Comics Show - Bordentown Armory

12 June
Sports Card and Comics Show - Bordentown Armory

Today in History

Today is Friday, 8 April 2005. It is the 98th day of the year with 267 days remaining.

1513 – Explorer Juan Ponce de Leon claimed Florida for Spain.

1789 – The U.S. House of Representatives held its first meeting.

1834 – In New York City, Cornelius Lawrence became the first mayor to be elected by a popular vote in a city election.

1913 – The Seventeenth amendment was ratified, requiring direct election of senators.

1952 – U.S. President Truman seized steel mills to prevent a nationwide strike.

1953 – The bones of Sitting Bull were moved from North Dakota to South Dakota.

1974 – Hank Aaron hits 715th home run – breaking Babe Ruth’s record.

1975 – Frank Robinson of the Cleveland Indians became the first black manager of a major league baseball team.

1986 – Clint Eastwood was elected mayor of Carmel, California.

1994 – Smoking banned at Pentagon and all U.S. military bases.

Support our Troops –

Call today to volunteer at a Family Readiness Center near you. Call toll free at 888-859-0352 to assist the families of our deployed soldiers and airmen.