Gloucester County will consecrate its Veterans Cemetery this weekend.

The Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery will be consecrated at a ceremony on Saturday, 10 July 2004. Representatives from the Baptist, Buddhist, Episcopal, Muslim, and Roman Catholic faiths will participate in blessing the land in which we honor our veterans at the time of their burial. A rabbi, accompanied by representatives of the Jewish War Veterans, performed a consecration ceremony at the cemetery earlier in the week. The New Jersey Air National Guard’s 177th Fighter Wing will provide a flyover during the event at 11:30 a.m. Governor James E. McGreevey will be in attendance, and the public is welcome to attend the ceremony that is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m.

Congratulations to 2004 Graduating Class of the U.S. Army Command & General Staff Officers Course (CGSOC).

The NJ Army National Guard congratulates this year’s graduates of the CGSOC. The mission of CGSOC is to educate officers in the profession of arms across the entire spectrum of conflict. The Command and General Staff Officers Course educates field grade officers in the values and practice of the profession of arms, with emphasis on tactical and operational skills required for war-fighting at the Division and Corps levels. The reserve component version of the course is taught in four phases over a two-year period with two one-night a week phases and two separate two-week Annual Training periods. This year’s graduates are:

MAJ Theresa Acocella HQ 42nd ID DISCOM MAJ Ricci Anderson 250th Signal Battalion MAJ Jemal Beale JFHQNJ-IG MAJ Mark Boogaard HQ 42nd ID DISCOM

MAJ Robert Jarvis 2-113th INF MAJ Deborah Kennedy NJ MED CMD MAJ John Metzler 5/117th CAV MAJ William Peace 119th CSB

ChalleNGe Youth Program’s cadets will present colors at baseball game this weekend.

What are YOU doing tonight? Nothing says summertime like baseball and hotdogs, so why not drive down to Campbell’s Field in Camden as the New Jersey ChalleNGe Youth Program Color Guard presents the Colors prior to the game between the Camden Riversharks and the Newark Bears. The game starts at 6:30.

VSO Update

Our VSO office at the Ft. Monmouth clinic is staffed by Don McNamarra, VSO for Monmouth County, who will be there on Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. He can be reached at (732) 532-4465

The Credit Union of New Jersey is now participating in the NJ Freedom Loan Program.

The Credit Union of New Jersey has joined the list of lending institutions participating in the Freedom Loan Program. Contact their Loan Department at 609-538-4061, ext. 401 or www.cunj.org for more information

Going to the beach? Why not plan a visit to the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey?

If you’re planning a trip to the Jersey shore or just looking for an interesting destination this summer, we recommend that you bring your family, friends, or organization to visit the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey. The primary Museum is located on the historic campus of the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, New Jersey. The Museum also has an Annex at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ, and an Artillery Annex at the National Guard Armory in Lawrenceville, NJ.

The National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey has the mission of preserving and explaining New Jersey military history, and enhancing public understanding of how armed conflicts and military institutions have shaped our state and national experience. The Museum is a non-profit, support organization dedicated to assist in the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts and related memorabilia with specific historical significance to the Militia and New Jersey National Guard. The Museum provides access to the general public, schools, and any other interested organizations to visit and enjoy the exhibits at our locations.

The Sea Girt Museum is now open every weekend and on holidays through October. The hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the Museum can be reached at 732-974-5966. The Trenton War Memorial Annex will re-open later this summer and is staffed before all performances in Patriots Theatre and during intermission. The Lawrenceville Artillery Annex is open for tours upon request and whenever activities are taking place within the armory. If you would like to arrange a tour of this facility, please call 609-530-6802.

So, please plan a visit. We think you’ll find that a tour of any of the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey facilities will be interesting for both children and adults alike, and be a truly worthwhile, memorable experience.

Pentagon is set to repay soldiers for R&R travel.

The Pentagon is ready to reimburse the travel expenses of as many as 32,000 soldiers who paid part of their way home during rest and recuperation leave from Iraq and Afghanistan last year. The reimbursements will go to troops who took leave before December 19, when the Pentagon began covering the full cost of travel to a serve member’s home.

To claim reimbursement for R&R travel costs, service members must submit a DD Form 1351 Travel Voucher, along with supporting documents to include:

- Leave forms – Army DA Form 31

- Copy of the airline ticket, if available

- Airline ticket receipt showing the traveler paid for the ticket, if available

- Copy of the travel itinerary, if available

- Written claims should be mailed to the Defense Finance and Accounting Center in Indianapolis at this address:

DFAS-IN

Contingency Travel Operations

Department 3900 ATTN: R&R Leave

8899 E. 56th Street

Indianapolis, IN 46249-3900

You should allow four weeks for claims to be processed and paid.

The Ironhorse Cavalry Motorcycle Riding Club joins the 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery for a Family Readiness Group Fund Raiser.

A motorcycle “Poker Run” is scheduled as a Family Support fund raising event on 11 July 2004, with registration beginning at 9 a.m. at the Riverdale Armory, 107 Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale, NJ. Registration fee is $20 per rider, $10 per passenger, and $15 for non-riding personnel. Prizes will be awarded for the Top Two Hands, Oldest/Youngest Biker, Best Bike, Door Prizes, Food, Drinks, and Amusements. Point of contact for the event is 1SG Norman Zubick, 973-631-6280, or e-mail Ironhorse_cavalry@yahoo.com.

Veterans to be honored at upcoming Medal Ceremonies.

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

15 July 11am 1pm	Distinguished & Meritorious Service (am) Korean War Commemorative Medal (pm)	Athena Veterans Post Clifton, NJ
28 July 11am	Distinguished & Meritorious Service Medals	Hackettstown Armory

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.

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

11 Nov, 11 a.m. - Veterans Day Program

Today in History…

Today is Friday, July 9th and is the 191st day of the year. There are 1176 days left in the year. On this day…

- 1540 - England’s King Henry VIII had his 6-month-old marriage to his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, annulled

- 1776 – The American Declaration of Independence was read aloud to Gen. George Washington’s troops in New York.

- 1850 - U.S. President Zachary Taylor died in office at the age of 55. He was succeeded by Millard Fillmore. Taylor had only served 16 months.

- 1922 - Johnny Weissmuller became the first person to swim the 100 meters freestyle in less than a minute.

- 1971 - The United States turned over complete responsibility of the Demilitarized Zone to South Vietnamese units.

- 1982 - A Pan Am Boeing 727 crashed in Kenner, LA, all 146 people aboard and eight people on the ground were killed.

- 1997 - Mike Tyson was banned from the boxing ring and fined $3 million for biting the ear of opponent Evander Holyfield.

Armory Happenings

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

18 July	Sports Card & Comic Collectibles	Bordentown Armory
8-12 Aug	Wrestling Camp & Tournament	Teaneck Armory
22 Aug	Sports Card & Comic Collectibles	Bordentown Armory
26 Sep	Sports Card & Comic Collectibles	Bordentown Armory

101 Critical Days of Summer – Playground Safety

Each year more than 200,000 children visit hospital emergency rooms because of playground injuries. Here are some suggestions to help prevent these injuries:

- Soft Surfaces – Because three out of four playground injuries are caused by falls to the ground, improper surfacing is the first thing parents should watch for. Wood chips, bark mulch, wood fibers, sand, pea gravel, shredded tires and rubber mats cushion falls well. Avoid concrete, grass and dirt – they are too hard.

- Swings- Swings are the pieces of moving equipment that are most likely to cause injuries to children. Metal or wooden seats should be replaced with soft seats. Swings should be set far enough away from other equipment so that children won’t be hit by a moving swing. Full-bucket seats are recommended for younger children. Half-bucket seats are dangerous because babies and small children can slide out of them.

- Smooth Sliding – Slides should be well anchored, have firm handrails and good traction on the steps. There should also be a bar at the top of the slide so that children have to sit before they go down.

- Safe seesaws and merry-go-rounds. Spring-loaded seesaws are best for young children. Avoid adjustable seesaws with chains because small hands can be crushed between the chains. Merry-go-rounds, whirls, or roundabouts are best for school-age children. They should have good handgrips and the rotating platform should be level, free of sharp edges and have adequate clearance to prevent crushing or severing limbs.

- Climb carefully. About one-third of all playground injuries are related to climbing equipment. More children are hurt falling off climbing equipment or horizontal ladders than anything else on the playground. Children under 4 shouldn’t be playing on this equipment. Watch older children when they’re climbing, check that steps and handrails are in good condition.

- Improve your playground. If you observe any unsafe conditions in your child’s playground, report problems to the owner/operator.

Disney Cruise Line offers Military discount.

Disney Cruise Line is pleased to announce an offer for active military personnel to experience the newest way to vacation with Disney. Choose an enchanted 3, 4, or 7-night cruise filled with spectacular shows, fantastic programs, unique rotation dining, legendary Disney hospitality and an unforgettable adventure in paradise at Disney’s own private island, Castaway Cay. Prices start as low as $379. This is a limited time offer and active military ID card and activation papers are required. Call Disney Cruise Vacations at 800-511-1333. Be sure to ask for the military offer, booking code MIL. Enjoy!

J-3 Mobilization Readiness

The J-3 Mobilization Readiness (MR) conducted the Unit Status Report (USR) workshops for NJARNG units from 23-25 June 2004. All units were required to turn in their USR readiness status quarterly to the J-3 MR office for preparation of the report, which eventually goes to the Department of the Army. On 9 July 2004 there was a USR Tiger Team presentation where these reports were reviewed by the Staff. The report will be briefed to The Adjutant General on 14 July 2004.

101 Critical Days of Summer – Safe Grilling Tips
Liquid petroleum (LP) gas or propane, used in gas grills, is highly flammable. Each year about 30 people are injured as a result of gas grill fires and explosions. Many of these fires and explosions occur when consumers first use a grill that has been left idle for a period of time or just after refilling and reattaching the grill’s gas container. To reduce the risk of fire or explosion, consumers should routinely perform the following safety checks:

- Check the tubes that lead into the burner for any blockage from insects, spiders or food grease. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clean blockage and push it through to the main part of the burner.

- Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.

- Move gas hoses away from hot surfaces and dripping grease. If you can’t move the hoses, install a heat shield to protect them.

- Replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can eventually leak gas.

- Check for gas leaks, following the manufacturer’s instructions, if you smell gas or when you reconnect the grill to the LP gas container. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don’t attempt to light the grill until the leak is fixed.

- Keep lighted cigarettes, matches, or open flames away from a leaking grill.

- Never use a gas grill indoors. Use the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building. Do not use the grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or under a surface that can catch fire.

- Always follow manufacturer’s instructions.

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.

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?

To reach any NJ National Guard Family Assistance Center –

Call toll free 888-859-0352