.
NJ
Dept of Military and
Veterans Affairs
Maj
Gen Glenn K. Rieth
The Adjutant General
Brig
Gen Maria Falca-Dodson
Deputy Adjutant General
Col
(Ret) Stephen G. Abel
Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs
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Contacting
us is easy!
Office
of the Assistant Commissioner
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!
http://www.nj.gov/military
The NJ
National Guard Needs You! Here is our featured
Job of the Week
Unit Supply Specialist (92Y)
The unit supply
specialist supervises or performs duties involving request,
receipt, storage issue, accountability,
and preservation of individual, organizational, installation,
and expendable supplies and equipment. Receives, inspects,
inventories, loads, unloads, segregates, stores, issues,
delivers and turns-in organization and installation supplies
and equipment. Operates unit level computer. Prepares all
unit/organizational supply documents. Maintains automated
supply system for accounting of organizational and installation
supplies and equipment. Issues and receives small arms.
Secures and controls weapons and ammunition in security areas.
Schedules
and performs preventive and organizational maintenance
on weapons.
If you’re
interested in an exciting job opportunity,
contact your
Recruiting Office at
1-800-792-8396
.
.
Veterans’ Organizations
Contact Information
State Veterans Service
Council
Mr. Richard Clark
RJClark21@msn.com
NJ Advisory Committee for
Women Veterans
Mrs. Anna Hoffman
hoffmanannem@aol.com
BG Willam C. Doyle Cemetery Advisory
Council
Mr. William Rakestraw
warjrnj@msn.com
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Veterans Hotlines
Benefits & Entitlements
1-888-8NJ-VETS (1-888-865-8387)
Mental Health
1-866-VETS-NJ4
(1-866-838-7654)
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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
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
-
-Autumn
Autumn
When the trees their summer splendor Change to raiment red and gold,
When the summer moon turns mellow,
And the nights are getting cold;
When the squirrels hide their acorns,
And the woodchucks disappear;
Then we know that it is autumn
Loveliest season of the year.
-
-
- Happy National Boss Day
16 October 2005
“Nothing so conclusively proves a person’s
ability to lead others as what he does from day to day to
lead himself.”
- Thomas J. Watson
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Farewell Ceremony held for
C Troop, 5th Squadron 117th Cavalry.
A farewell ceremony for C Troop, 5th Squadron 117th Cavalry
was held during the morning of 13 October 2005 as they prepared
to depart on their Title 10 mobilization in support of the
Global War on Terror. Upon entering the Vineland Armory grounds,
a large American flag, held aloft by two ladder trucks of
the Vineland Fire Department, made a dramatic entryway for
the soldiers, families, and friends of the Cavalry. In a
dignified ceremony, MG Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General,
CSM Richard Adkins, COL Stephen Hines, various legislators
and local dignitaries offering their warm wishes for a safe
and successful mission. C Troop’s Commander, CPT Kevin
Welsh, and his Troop of 80 soldiers spent the afternoon saying
goodbye to their families and finishing up last minute details
and final packing.

The Adjutant General hosts Retired Senior
Leadership briefing.
On Friday, 7 October 2005, approximately forty former leaders
of the New Jersey National Guard attended a briefing given
by MG Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General. Following welcoming
remarks by MG Rieth, the attendees were briefed on the status
of the New Jersey National Guard’s deployments in the
Global War on Terrorism as well the latest deployments to
assist with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Brig Gen Maria Falca-Dodson
provided an update on the Base Realignment and Closure Commission’s
(BRAC) recent decisions and the NJ National Guard’s
Family Readiness Program. COL (Ret) Stephen G. Abel, Deputy
Commissioner for Veterans Affairs, provided a status report
on the progress of the NJ World War II Memorial and an update
on the three Veterans Memorial Homes. Chief of Staff, COL
Stephen Hines, provided a briefing on the NJ National Guard
Transformation followed by Wayne E. Girardet, Ph.D., Director
of Government Relations, update on current and pending legislation.

Philadelphia Eagles - National Guard Appreciation
Day
The Philadelphia Eagles announced that
on Saturday, October 15, 2005, they would hold “National Guard Appreciation
Day” under the tent at the Cherry Hill Armory from
3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Attendees will meet Eagles’ players,
Jon Runyan, Hank Fraley, Artis Hicks, and Shawn Andrews.
Also attending the
event will be NFL Films President, Mr. Steve Sabol. Military
ID will be required for admission.

177th Fighter Wing helps keep international
sales flying.
The Lockheed Martin Corporation was in the process of delivering
five United Arab Emirates (UAE) Block 60 F-16 E/F’s
on 22 September 2005 when they found themselves in need of
some logistics support. Lockheed Martin representatives reached
out to the 177th Fighter Wing Maintenance Group. In response
to their request, MSgt Dave Kuntz, along with SSgt Eric Johnson,
transported an engine oil cart to Steward Air National Guard
Base in Newburgh, New York, ensuring that all five aircraft
could be delivered to their new home in the UAE. In appreciation
for their efforts, the two airmen were treated to an in-depth
tour of the aircraft prior to their departure on 24 September
2005.

Trenton Titans hockey team will salute veterans
on Saturday, 22 October 2005. Deadline for ordering tickets
is today!
The
Trenton Titans will salute veterans, the military and their
family members on Saturday, 22 October 2005, during their
game against the Wheeling Nailers at the Sovereign Bank Arena
in Trenton, NJ.
Tickets will be offered to group
and family members at $8.50 (a savings of $3.50 per ticket
off of day of game price).
Reserved sections will be set up for veterans and military
groups, and these groups will be recognized during the
Titans game. Come join the Titans as they salute our veterans
and the military, and raise the Kelly Cup Banner to ring
in the 2005-2006
hockey season!
Deadline to order tickets is October 14th.
To book your group or for more information, contact Dan
Weiss at 732-458-8828.
 Return and Reunion Briefing scheduled for October
23, 2005.
The 42nd Infantry Division is coming home from
Iraq. To assist spouses and family members in their preparations
for
their loved ones return, a Return & Reunion Briefing
will be held at the Hampton Inn, 370 Route 9 North, Woodbridge,
NJ at 2 p.m. on Sunday, 23 October 2005. Chaplain Kevin Williams
(CPT) will be the presenter for the adults, and Amanda Balas
will be the presenter for the children. These briefings are
important. Make the time for yourself and family to attend.
If you are interested in attending, please contact Mr. John
Hales at 732-937-6290.
 250th Signal Battalion Homecoming T-Shirts
are available now!
The 250th Signal Battalion will be coming
home from Iraq soon. The Family Readiness Group is conducting
a t-shirt
sale to raise money for their homecoming. The front of
the t-shirt says 250th Battalion with the flag on it and
Family
Readiness Group. The back of the shirt has the rainbow
and says 250th Signal Battalion, Never Forget. The 250th
t-shirts
come in Youth sizes Small, Medium and Large. Adult sizes
Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, and XX-Large are available.
The shirts are $10 each and are available by contacting
Evie Pipas at Epipas@aol.com or Gail Miller at gail.miller@njdmava.state.nj.us or at telephone number 609-530-6911.

Enlisted Association of the National Guard
of New Jersey held its 32nd Annual Conference.
The Enlisted Association of the National
Guard of New Jersey conducted its 32nd Annual Conference
in Egg Harbor Township,
NJ October 7-9, 2005. During Saturday evening’s banquet,
award presentations were made recognizing outstanding members
of the Army and Air National Guard and announcing the first
recipient of the Nicholas A. Caruso Memorial Scholarship.
Keynote speakers were CSM John F. Helbert, the Enlisted Association
of the United States Area 1 Director Chairman, and MG Glenn
K. Rieth, The Adjutant General.
The following Executive Council Officers
were elected at Saturday’s Business Meeting: President,
CMSGT (Ret) Tom Quinn; Vice President Army, SGM (Ret) Mike
Amoroso; Vice
President Air, CMSgt Kathy Christian; Treasurer, CMSgt (Ret)
Lee Cisek; Recording Secretary, SSG Beth LaPoint; Corresponding
Secretary, SSG Larry Rosenthal; and SGM (Ret) Len Mayersohn,
Immediate Past President.

The New Jersey Veterans Journal (Fall 2005
edition) is now available on the world wide web.
The New Jersey “Veterans Journal” Fall 2005
edition is now available on the world wide web in a user
friendly on-line version at the following web address: http://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/journal/fall2005/.
The Veterans Journal is intended to serve New Jersey’s
veterans, their families, friends, and concerned individuals
and groups. The journal provides up-to-date information on
veterans’ events, news, entitlements and services.
Take a look at the new edition today.
 America’s Year of Victory-1945. 60th
Anniversary Commemoration of Victory in Europe and Victory
over Japan Days.
The public is invited to a ceremony commemorating
the year America hailed VE Day and VJ Day, ending four long
years
of war, “a struggle of sacrificial grandeur such as
the United States had never known” – Harry S.
Truman. The ceremony will be held at the Donald D. Warner
Student Life Center, Brookdale Community College, and will
begin at 12 p.m. on Sunday, 23 October 2005. Sponsored in
part by the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey,
the day will feature “Dixieland” music, special
presentations by distinguished World War II veterans, and
the unveiling of a monument honoring those fought and won
World War II. There will be a free reception prior to the
start of the program. Registration is requested by calling
732-224-2315.
 Military One Source –
Difficult dealing
with deployments? Military One Source is the newest member
of yoru military community support team.
It is provided by the Department of Defense at no cost
to service members and their families. Military One Source
can
assist 24/7/365. Just call 1-800-342-9647 (En espanol,
llame al: 1-877-888-0727). Listed here are some of the available
areas of assistance: Parenting and Child Care, Education,
Relocation, Financial and Legal Concerns, Emotional Well-Being,
Health and Fitness, Addiction and Recovery, Adult or Child
Special Needs, Military Life (pre/post deployment, reunion,
etc), Work Concerns, Crisis Support, Elder Care, and TRICARE.
 National Guard Militia Museum schedules its
annual Membership and Board of Trustee Meeting.
All members
of the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey are
invited to attend the Annual General Membership
Meeting to be held at the Sea Girt Museum at 10 a.m. on
Sunday, October 23, 2005.
A meeting of the Board of Trustees
will immediately follow the General Membership Meeting.
Contact the Museum at 732-974-5966
for additional information.
 Historic Soldiers Weekend will honor our veterans – past
and present.
“Take a walk through history.” Historic Soldiers
Weekend is a historical encampment, featuring re-enactors
portraying soldiers and civilians from every American conflict,
from the French and Indian War to the Vietnam War. In some
instances, both sides of the conflicts are represented, such
as the Revolutionary Wary Loyalists and “Redcoats,” Civil
War Confederate units, and even WWII German Infantry units.
The re-enactments units will set up their camps and “dig
in” for the weekend on Historic Burlington City’s
Riverfront Promenade.
The weekend will include guest speakers,
authors & book
signings, WWII veterans, living history displays of cooking,
weapons demonstrations, and live music from the 2nd South
Carolina String Band (from the movie Gods and Generals).
The
even is open to the public (rain or shine) from 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m. on Saturday, 29 October and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
on Sunday, 30 October 2005. Visit the website www.historicsoldiersweekend.com for a complete schedule of events.
Admission is $2 for Adults
and $1 for Children under 12. Take the NJ Transit “River LINE” down
to High Street and receive $1 off adult admission price.

Governor’s Annual Coat Drive is set
to begin.
As the cool weather approaches this weekend and you begin
to clean out your closets, please remember those less fortunate.
The Governor’s Annual Coat Drive is scheduled to begin
on October 25th and run until November 15th. Collection boxes
will be available in many of our facilities for your convenience.
If you require assistance or additional information,
please contact Laura Branham or Terry Dearden, who are serving
as
this year’s Chairmen of the drive. They can be reached
at 609-530-6987/6893 or via e-mail at laura.branham@njdmava.state.nj.us or terry.dearden@njdmava.state.nj.us.
 NJ Nets basketball team will host Military
Appreciation Night.
The NJ Nets basketball team will salute
those in uniform as they host Military Appreciation Night
on Saturday, November
12, 2005, during their game vs. the Houston Rockets. Come
out and see Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson
and the rest of the Nets battle Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady and
the
Houston Rockets. Receive a Vince Carter retro replica kids
jersey with each discounted ticket purchased. If you would
like to receive additional information, contact Sergeant
Barbara Harbison, Public Affairs Specialist, at 609-530-7088.

NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Vietnam
Era Educational Center’s upcoming event schedule.
15 Oct, 1pm -
“Who Knew? Reflections on Vietnam (by an American Red Cross “Donut
Dolly” in Vietnam). Author lecture by Vietnam Veteran (civilian) J. Holly
Watts.
21 Oct, 8am - 3pm
Decades Later: Remembering America’s War in Vietnam. Seventh Annual Forum
on the Vietnam Era. Keynote Address by Lt Col Jim Kean, USMC (Ret) Commander
of the Security Guard Force at the U.S. Embassy in Saigon during the April
1975 evacuation. Pre-Registration required.
27 Oct, 6pm
Salute to Patriotism – Third Annual Gala. Keynote Address by General
Anthony Zinni, USMC (Ret) former head of Central Command for U.S. forces in
the Middle East. Pre-Registration required.
11 Nov, 11am
Veterans Day Ceremony
17 Dec, 6pm
Holiday Lighting Ceremony
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.

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 SGM Edward
Goetschius, Military Funeral Honors Coordinator, at 609-530-7090
or by e-mail at Edward.goetschius@nj.ngb.army.mil.

Armory Happenings – Listed below are
events taking place at your local armory.
Date/Time |
Event |
Location |
21 Oct (6-9pm)
22 Oct (10am-6pm)
23 Oct (10am-5pm) |
Kiwanis Craft Fair |
Morristown |
22 Oct (8:30am-4pm) |
Coin Operated Arcade Game Auction |
Cherry Hill |
23 Oct (9:30am-3:30pm) |
Sports
Card & Memorabilia Show
11am - 2pm
Brooks Robinson (Orioles/Hall of Famer) will sign autographs
- $35 & up
Grant Jackson (former Orioles) - Will sign autographs
$12 (any item).
Visit njsportspromotions.com for more info. |
Bordentown |
12 Nov (6pm-12am) |
Pink Tie Ball Fundraiser |
Morristown |
17 Nov (7-10pm)
18-19 Nov (9am-6pm) |
Home for the Holidays Gift Fair |
Morristown |
20 Nov (9:30am-3:30pm) |
Sports
Card & Memorabilia Show
11am-2pm
Joey Jay (former Reds and Braves star) will sign autographs
($12 any item) |
Bordentown |
25-27 Nov (9am-4pm) |
Craft Show |
Freehold |
3 Dec (8:30am-4pm) |
Coin Operated Arcade Game Auction |
Cherry Hill |

Fitness Corner –
Odds Favor becoming obese.
Here’s a study that I’m sure will make your
day. If you aren’t overweight now, you probably will
be. The latest analysis shows that the likelihood of a 30-year
old person being or ever becoming overweight is 74% for women
and 92% for men. The corresponding risks for becoming very
overweight (i.e., obese) were 39% and 48%.
The study included
4117 white men and women who were followed from 1971 to
2001. Overweight and obesity were defined as
body mass indices (BMI) of at least 25 and 30, respectively.
SMI measures weight in relation to height.
In the short term
(4 years), between 14% and 19% of women became overweight,
as did 26% to 30% of men. The short-term
rates of obesity were 5-7% for women and 7-9% for men.
In
the long term (30 years), over 50% of subjects became overweight
and more than 25% became obese. The risk of developing
severe obesity (SMI of at least 35) was greater than 10%.
Don’t
lose hope! You know what needs to be done to prevent this
trend. Exercise and everything in moderation!

Today is Friday, October 14th. It is the 288th
day of the year with 77 days remaining.
On this day in history…
1644 – William Penn was born.
Penn was the colonist that founded the Pennsylvania colony
for Quakers.
1774 – First Continental Congress
is first to declare colonial rights
1884 – George Eastman patents
paper-strip photographic film.
1890 – Dwight David Eisenhower
was born. He became the Supreme Commander of the Allied
Forces in World War II
and eventually the 34th president of the United States.
1933 – Nazi Germany announces
withdrawal from League of Nations.
1947 – Chuck Yeager in the Bell
X-1 makes first supersonic flight (Mach 1.015).
1964 – Martin Luther King, Jr.
wins the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent resistance
to racial prejudice
in America. He was the youngest person to receive the award.
1984 – George “Sparky” Anderson
became the first baseball manager to win 100 games and
World Series
in both leagues.

Note to NJ National Guard retirees –
Please note change of e-mail address for COL (Ret) Venticinque.
Recently, COL (Ret) Carmen Venticinque,
who is a NJ Army National Guard retiree, sent out an email
to about 50 retirees
of both the Army and Air National Guard asking if they would
be interested in being included as an addressee in a group
e-mail in which he would put out information of interest
to New Jersey National Guard retirees. Within a few days
he received over 100 additional names and email addresses
to include in the group. He now has close to 200 email addresses
for retirees. He will put all names in the group, however,
those wishing to opt out after receipt of their first group
email can do so simply by notifying COL Venticinque. The
overwhelming response and positive comments received from
retirees ranging from General Officers to Senior Enlisted
personnel is solid evidence of their interest in not only
their fellow retirees, but what is currently happening in
our New Jersey national Guard. COL Venticinque can be reached
at colcav25@verizon.net. To protect the privacy and integrity
of the list, addresses will be listed as “undisclosed
recipient” or placed on the “Bcc” line.
 Columbus Day will be celebrated on Monday,
10 October 2005.
All State offices will be closed on Monday in celebration
of Columbus Day.
Did you know?
In fourteen hundred and ninety-two, Columbus sailed the
Ocean blue. He also sailed in 1493, 1498, and 1502. In the
course of his four voyages, Christopher Columbus lost nine
ships. They were:
1492 – The Santa Maria, the flagship
on his first and most remembered voyage, was grounded on
a reef and sank.
Christopher Columbus used the remains of the ship to build
a fort on shore, which he named La Navidad (Christmas).
1494 and 1495 – The Mariagalante, Gallega, San Juan,
and Cardera were destroyed during storms on Columbus’ second
voyage. Only the Nin? survived. No wonder it was Columbus’ favorite
vessel.
1503 – The Gallega and Vizcaina
were abandoned by Columbus near Panama.
1503-1504 – The Capitana and Santiago de Paolis were
badly damaged and abandoned in what is known today as St.
Ann’s Bay, Jamaica.

Call today to volunteer at a Family Readiness
Center near you.
If you are able to assist the families of our
deployed soldiers and airmen, please call our Family Readiness
Center at our toll-free number 888-859-0352.
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