New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
DMAVA Highlights » 15 December 2006

Volume 5, Number 51


Contacting us is easy!

Public Affairs Office

Phone: (609) 530-7088
Fax: (609) 530-6963



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



Veterans Hotlines

Benefits & Entitlements
1-888-8NJ-VETS
(1-888-865-8387)

Mental Health
1-866-VETS-NJ4
(1-866-838-7654)



DMAVA Highlights Archive

DMAVA Highlights Archive Page



NJ World War II Memorial

For information or to make a donation, call 609-530-7049

WWII Memorial on the web



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


Quote for the week

If I had a formula for bypassing trouble, I wouldn’t pass it around. Wouldn’t be doing anybody a favour. Trouble creates a capacity to handle it. I don’t say embrace trouble. That’s as bad as treating it as an enemy. But I do say, meet it as a friend, for you’ll see a lot of it and had better be on speaking terms with it.

-Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.

Download PDF Version of this week's highlights
News for Your Views

 

The 218th Law and Order Battalion holds Holiday party

The 218th Law and Order Battalion of the 57th Troop Command celebrated its first Annual Holiday party during their December drill weekend at the Cherry Hill Armory. The 218th Commander, Maj. Edward Chrystal, hosted the gala, which was attended by the soldiers and families of the 218th Law and Order Detachment, the 328th Military Police Company and the 508th Military Police Company. Distinguished guests included Chief of Staff Col. James Grant, Miss Tri-County, and Santa Claus.

Miss Tri-County Ashlyn Shawah, who will compete for this year’s Miss New Jersey title, volunteered her time to thank the troops and their families for their service. She also graced the audience with a performance of her competition song and later led a “Jingle Bells” sing-along. Santa Claus took time out of his busy schedule and was chauffeured to the armory on a Cherry Hill fire truck to give toys to all the children.
Two other guests were the husband and wife team of Sgt. Richard Corte and Spc. Terry Corte, prior service soldiers who recently enlisted into the 328th to do “something valuable together”. The highlight of the day was the promotion of Spc. Eric Cheeseman and Spc. Joel Reyes to the rank of Sergeant and the NCO Induction Ceremony officiated by Sgt. 1st Class Frank Smith.

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Pies, dinners for families of deployed Guard members

A Culinary Arts School within the state is baking pies for the families of deployed Soldiers. They will also have a very limited number of dinners for the holidays. Pick up locations will be the armories in Toms River, Bordentown, and Vineland. There is a limited number and to ensure we get the right quantities to the right locations you will need to contact retired Command Sgt. Maj. Michael T. Hughes at the contact information listed below as soon as possible. Once we know the numbers we will let you know a pick up date and time. These will be available on a first come, first served basis, so if you are interested you need to contact Hughes as soon as possible.

E-mail: michael.hughes@njatla.ang.af.mil
michael.t.hughes@us.army.mil
Office Phone: (609) 272-6546
Office FAX: (609) 272-6547
Cell Phone: (609) 338-9812

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Mulqueen is first Pfc. To attend Warrior Leader Course

Pfc. Alexander Mulqueen of the 1st Battalion, 150th Aviation (Air Assault) has the honor of being the first private first class to attend Warrior Leader Course (WLC) at the Fort Dix NCO Academy.

Mulqueen joined the Army in February 2005 with hopes of attending flight school and becoming a warrant officer. WLC is part of the equation to make his hopes a reality. Those who are training Mulqueen have praise for their young student. “Mulqueen has demonstrated potential and done a good job,” stated Sgt. 1st Class Steve Cooper, one of Mulqueen’s WLC squad leaders.

The change to allow PFCs to attend WLC was made because a trained NCO corps will be necessary to fight the ongoing Global War on Terrorism.

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ChalleNGe Youth score big at Invitational

From December 3-8, 50 New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe cadets went to Fort Stewart, Ga., to compete in the 13th annual Eastern Regional Invitational. The Invitational is a series of academic and sports competitions where cadets come from across the region to vie for top honors in the following events: Exhibition Drill, Close Order Drill, Male & Female Basketball, Chess, Academic Bowl, Triathlon, Volleyball and Softball. After battling against ten other states, New Jersey was proud to bring home second place in Exhibition Drill, second place in the Academic Bowl, third place in the Triathlon and second place in Male Basketball. These wins are even more stunning given the fact that the other ten states are 10 weeks ahead of New Jersey and thereby have more time to train with their students. Congratulations to all of the New Jersey competitors, who gave 110 percent effort to their events!

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Start training now for run to raise money for Guard family in need

Now is time to start training for the Sgt. Sam Nutter 5K run. Held annually in Sea Girt, it raises money to benefit the lives of National Guard families in need.
This year’s family includes Caitlyn McGuire, daughter of Spc. Robert McGuire and granddaughter of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mickey McGuire. Caitlyn is currently battling cancer. Visit www.nutterrun.com to read more about the run, its history and how to donate money to this cause.

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Two scholarships available from NJ Vietnam Memorial Foundation

Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded by the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation. All information about the scholarships, including application form, can be found on the foundation’s web site, www.njvvmf.org. All applications must be received at the foundation office no later than Friday, April 20, 2007, at 5 p.m. Those applications postmarked prior to that date but received after the deadline will not be accepted. Winners will be notified prior to the presentation of the award at the ceremony on Monday, May 28, 2007.

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New Webmaster for DMAVA

Please join in welcoming aboard the new Department of Military and Veterans Affairs “Webmaster” Mr. Robert Reeves. Bob comes to DMAVA with a strong background in web design and development, in addition to his experience as a computer/network technician. Moving into the future Robert will prove a valuable asset to the Information and Administrative Services Division staff in our continuing automation efforts within DMAVA.

Reeves can be contacted at:
Robert P. Reeves
Webmaster, IASD-ISB
NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA)
131 Eggert Crossing Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Office: 609.530.6775 Fax: 609.530.7066 Email: robert.reeves@njmdava.state.nj.us

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Birth Announcement – daughter for Edison!!

Edison (DMAVA Mailroom) and Josy Gonzalez have a new baby girl. Joeslin Gonzalez was born Dec. 11, weighing 8 pounds, 7 ounces. She is 20” long and has lots of dark hair and we hear she is very cute. Congratulations to the new parents.

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Late minute stocking stuffers

Looking for a stocking stuffer? Visit the 305th Services ITT office, McGuire Air Force Base and pick up AMC movie tickets, good at any AMC theater nationwide. The tickets have no expiration date and are valid seven days a week. Cost is $7.50 for adults, ages 13-59; $6 for children, ages 2-12 and $6.50 for seniors (age 60 plus). Contact the ITT office at 609-754-3737 or ittoffice@comcast.net. They are open, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Deputy Commissioner honored by VFW

At a ceremony in Atlantic City on Saturday, Dec. 9, Deputy Commissioner Stephen G. Abel was presented with a VFW National Aide-de-Camp cap by Vice Commander-in-Chief George Lisicki on behalf of Commander-in-Chief Gary Kurpius. Retired Col. Abel was nominated by State VFW Department Commander Frank Moore and subsequently appointed to this position by Commander-in Chief Kurpius in recognition of Commissioner Abel’s outstanding service to New Jersey’s Veterans and their families. Commander Moore and VFW’s Executive Director Robert Wallace, a New Jersey Native and past State Commander and National Commander-in-Chief, were also present for the ceremony.

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Guardlife is now on-line for you to view

Guardlife magazine Volume 32 Issue No 5 is now available on the World Wide Web in a user friendly on-line web version at the following web address: http://www.nj.gov/-military/publications/guardlife/volume32no5/index.html. The “Hometown Team” magazine Guardlife provides up to date information on the happenings within the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard both at home and abroad. For all the current news on our Soldiers and Airmen take a look at the new issue today. To view past issues of Guardlife magazine on-line you can visit the DMAVA Publications homepage.

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254th Regiment is looking for Instructors

Transformation in the State of New Jersey has resulted in a change of mission for the 254th Regiment at the N.J. Training Center in Sea Girt and has created instructor vacancies in the following areas:

Position Title: MOS: Vacancies:
Instructor – SSG
Instructor – SSG
Instructor – SSG
Instructor – SSG
Instructor – SSG
Instructor – SGT/SSG
12D30 Field Artillery
31B30 Military Police
68W30 Medic
88M30 Motor Transport
Basic NCO Course
Pre-Warrior Leaders Course
1
3
1
2
1
2

Instructor “must have” qualifications include:
• Be a member of the NJ Army National Guard
• Be a graduate of the MOS/NCOES Course he/she will be teaching
• Be within Army Body Composition Standards
• Passed the APFT within the previous 12 months
• Completed or able to complete the Total Army Instructor Training Course
• Completed or able to complete the Small Group Leaders Course
• The endorsement of the first Command Sergeant Major in their NCO Support Channel

If you think you have what it takes to provide a positive influence on our most valuable assets, our Soldiers, and need more information regarding these positions contact:

Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Emery
Regimental Command Sergeant Major
NCOES Commandant
254th Regiment (CA)
Sea Girt, NJ 08750
732 974-5914
stephen.emery@us.army.mil

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Late minute stocking stuffers

Looking for a stocking stuffer? Visit the 305th Services ITT office, McGuire Air Force Base and pick up AMC movie tickets, good at any AMC theater nationwide. The tickets have no expiration date and are valid seven days a week. Cost is $7.50 for adults, ages 13-59; $6 for children, ages 2-12 and $6.50 for seniors (age 60 plus). Contact the ITT office at 609-754-3737 or ittoffice@comcast.net. They are open, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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108th ARW has Chaplains Assistant vacancy

The 108th Air Refueling Wing has an opening for a Chaplain Assistant. Any eligible enlisted member desiring consideration should prepare a detailed resume of military and civilian experience, a letter of recommendation from member’s unit commander, a letter of intent and a brief statement indicating why he or she would like to be a Chaplain Assistant. Applications will be submitted to the 108th ARW Wing Chaplain’s office not later than Feb. 10, 2007.

A successful applicant must fully comply with AFI 36-2903. Strong written and verbal communication skills are necessary.

Pre-board requirements:
- Be a Staff Sergeant/E-5.
- Have a minimum score of 75 on the Physical Fitness Assessment, within the past 12 months.
- ASVAB minimum score of 41 Administrative OR 62 General.
- Have a minimum physical profile of PULHES 333231

Duties and Responsibilities include: assists the Wing Chaplain Assistant in the administrative and clerical functions of the Chaplain Section; prepares facilities for worship services and other chapel related activities; assists the chaplain(s) and the Wing Chaplain Assistant during mobility exercises and other contingency situations; and visits other units and sites.

Questions concerning this position may be directed to the 108th ARW Wing Chaplain, Chaplain (Maj.) Christopher Miller at 609-754-6467.

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Sesame Street offers program for children of deployed parents

With more than 700,000 children of military families under the age of five separated from their mother or father this holiday season Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, has responded with a program geared to address the challenges military families face with deployment. The half-hour television special, entitled When Parents are Deployed, will be hosted by Academy Award winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr., premiering Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 9p.m. on PBS.

For additional information, go to: http://newsblaze.com/story/-20061204114303tsop.nb/newsblaze/TOPSTORY/Top.

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Vietnam Memorial Gala raises funds

On November 30, 2006, from 6-10 p.m., , the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation (NJVVMF), with assistance from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, held its annual “Salute to Patriotism” gala at the Vietnam Era Educational Center and the nearby [NJ Governor] Robert B. Meyner Reception Center in Holmdel.

Approximately 250 attended the fundraising commemorative program, which began with a reception at the Vietnam Era Educational Center museum and culminated with dinner and a formal program at the Meyner Reception Center. Money raised from the gala goes towards funding educational programming at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and the Vietnam Era Educational Center.

After dinner, Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General of New Jersey, Senator Joseph Kyrillos and Assemblyman Neil Cohen, joined with Gary Englert, Director of Veterans Services, New Jersey as he announced the awarding of the NJ Distinguished Service Medal, as well as that of the NJ Vietnam Service Medal, to many of the guests in the audience. This recognized their service and, sometimes, their sacrifice, as some of the medals were awarded posthumously, given to surviving loved ones.

According to Kelly Watts, Executive Director of the Memorial Foundation, the gala helped raise between $40,000 and $50,000 to help the Foundation in its efforts to provide quality educational and commemorative programs to the general public.

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Vets Haven gets two vehicles for the residents

Veterans Haven just obtained two vehicles to be used by residents of Veterans Haven. The vehicles, a 1991 Chevy Caprice and a 1995 Ford Crown Victoria came from the Winslow Township's municipal fleet and were obtained at a cost of only $1 per vehicle.

On behalf of the Department and our resident veterans, Veterans Haven extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to the mayor and committeemen and women of Winslow Township.

These vehicles will enable two of the current residents to seek better employment beyond the range of the local public transportation system and significantly increase their chances of improving their quality of life.

Also, the city of Beverly, New Jersey proclaimed Dec. 9 as the official Adoption Day of Veterans Haven in recognition of those who served this country.

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Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation lights up for the holidays

On Dec. 9, at 6 p.m., the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation, with assistance from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, held its annual Holiday Lighting ceremony at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Holmdel.

Approximately 400 people attended the commemorative event, designed to not only remember the holidays soon to come, but to remember the men and women who cannot be with us today to celebrate the holidays. The event was held at the Memorial’s gateway, near the flags of the United States and the State of New Jersey. Just beyond, down a short walkway was the circular, black granite wall bearing the names of 1,560 New Jerseyans whose lives were lost in the Vietnam war.

Robert Jacobs, the State Commander of Jewish War Veterans of America, assisted by Florence Rosen, State President of Jewish War Veterans of America, Ladies Auxiliary, gave a reading about the Hanukkah Celebration. Norman Rosenshein, National Commander of Jewish War Veterans of America, then led the lighting of the giant Menorah, in celebration of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights.

Willy Mitchell, of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 779, honored the audience with a reading about the celebration known as Kwanzaa.

Kelly Watts, Executive Director of the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation, then gave a reading about the celebration of Christmas. This was followed by children, Shane Watts, Sean Toole, and Bradley Toole, touching the Christmas tree to help it “magically” light up.

A procession into the heart of the Memorial for the presentation of wreaths was led by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 800 Color Guard. A musical interlude was provided by Junior Girl Scout Troop 1528, who led the singing of “God Bless America.”

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Fill Your Date Book

DMAVA Goes A Wassailing, December 19

Each of the offices and directorates in DMAVA, Lawrenceville will participate in “DAMAVA Goes A Wassailing” on Tuesday December 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The offices will be decorated and offer holiday food and drink. Employees are invited to visit every area to share in the holiday cheer.

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Honorable Mention

New dial out prefix is in effect

Effective Friday, Dec. 8, all employees who work at the DMAVA Lawrenceville complex, and the Veterans Homes in Paramus and Vineland will no longer use 9 to dial for an outside line. The new dial-out prefix will be 3.

Examples are:
3-XXX-XXXX or, 3-1-XXX-XXX-XXXX

This is the first phase in converting the dial-out prefix for DMAVA facilities on a state-wide basis. This process is being implemented in order to reduce the number of mis-dialed 911 calls by staff members.

Any questions should be referred to Sophie Guzikowski, 609-530-6925 or e-mail sophie.guzikowski@njdmava.state.nj.us.

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Hire A Hero – new program to help find jobs

HQ Group, who currently runs the Helmets to Hardhats program, is expanding! Hire A Hero is our newest initiative that helps transitioning military personnel, Guard Members and Reservists find jobs across all industries.

Hire A Hero is a non-profit initiative that is powered by the Armed Forces Support Foundation. That foundation works to help keep the military promise. That promise is that military service has value and those who serve our country deserve more than a “Thank You.” They, as well as their family members, deserve good paying jobs to support themselves and their families after returning home from battle. To find out more about these programs, visit the following Web sites:

http://www.hireahero.com/ or http://armedforcessupportfoundation.org/.

Discounts offered for State employees

Are you a state employee looking to save a few $$$? Visit http://www.state.nj.us/personnel/discounts/index.htm and you can find a number of businesses who offer discounts to New Jersey state employees.  From amusement parks to fitness to computer to phones and lots of other discounts between, you will find many ways to save money. For more information on each discount, please contact Patty Smith at patty.smith@njdmava.state.nj.us or call 609-530-6847.

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Free Military Handbooks on website

Military Handbooks has announced the launch of its new website and the release of its latest seven FREE handbooks for military personnel.  Military Handbooks is a small company owned and operated by former federal employees and veterans. Their offices are located in Alexandria, Va.   

These free handbooks were written specifically for military members. To get your own copies of these free handbooks, simply go to their new website: www.militaryhandbooks.com  The handbooks include: 

     - 2007 U.S. Military Handbook
     - 2007 U.S. Military Retired Handbook
     - 2007 Getting Uncle Sam To Pay For Your College Degree
     - 2007 After The Military Handbook
     - 2007 Benefits For Veterans And Dependents Handbook
     - 2007 Veterans Healthcare Benefits Handbook
     - 2007 Military Children's Scholarship Handbook 

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Guard gate now has a phone line

The Guard Booth Telephone Number is 609-671-6623.

Effective immediately all Directors, Managers, Supervisors and Employees that interface with outside personnel for hosting on-site meetings here at the Lawrenceville Headquarters are directed to notify the security guard when expecting scheduled visitors. If you are expecting a large party for a meeting or event please provide a roster of attendees, with the meeting date time and location to the gate guard prior to the event.

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DMAVA Hotline

The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Emergency Hotline is:
1-866-232-5798

You will hear the following message:
You have reached the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Emergency Information Number. Please listen to the following menu choices and select an appropriate option:

State employees – press 1
Federal employees – press 2
National Guard employees – press 3

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Enlisted Association of the National Guard of New Jersey

Give our state a larger voice by becoming a member of the Enlisted Association. The increased numbers will help us speak on all legislative issues that will benefit you and your families. The association works hard for you at the Federal & State level on all important issues. Visit the web site EANG-NJ.org, click on Become a Member for the application and find out more about what the association does.

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For the Families

ACS at Fort Dix offers programs to Soldiers and family members

The Army Community Service (ACS) office at Ft Dix has several programs to support the Soldier and his/her family during mobilization and deployment.  Their number is (609) 562-2767 or (800) 877-2380 and they are located in Building 5201 at Maryland Ave and 8th Street.  Some of the programs available are:

- Army Emergency Relief:  Provides emergency financial assistance to active duty military personnel, retirees, National Guard and Reserve Component on active duty for over 30 consecutive days and their family members (with ID Card and power of attorney).

- Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP):  Entitles member to additional benefits through TRICARE's Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) Program.  Provides information, referrals, crisis intervention, community support and assistance to meet individual needs.

- Family Advocacy Program:  Provides for the identification, reporting, prevention, and treatment of child abuse and domestic violence.

- Employment Readiness Program:  Offers information and referral for employment, education (resume writing, interviewing), volunteer & training opportunities.

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Family Readiness Council offers Tier I and II grants

The New Jersey National Guard State Family Readiness Council has expanded its Family Grants Program to include an additional grant.  There are now two levels of Family Grants; TIER I is the $2,500 grant that has been in place for the past couple of years.  The TIER II opens family grants to New Jersey Army and Air National Guard non-deployed service members who were on State Active Duty or State Missions (e.g., hurricanes, floods, border missions) for more than 20 consecutive days.  Service members meeting these criteria are eligible to apply for a financial hardship grant up to $1,500.  Applications are available at all New Jersey Army and Air National Guard Family Assistance Centers.

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Family Programs on the calendar

Dec. 16, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 177th FW Children’s Holiday Party, dining hall, Pomona Air Base

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Family Readiness Group Meeting schedule

Bordentown Armory – B Co 250th SBF & Co D 250th BSB – Jan. 20, 10 a.m.
Newark Armory – A, B, E Co’s 2-113th Inf – Dec. 20, 7 p.m.
Teaneck Armory – 50th SBM – Dec. 21, 7 p.m.

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Recreation and Sports

NJ Air and Army Guard Night at the Nets

Come watch the New Jersey Nets do battle against the Cleveland Cavaliers on the New Jersey Air and Army National Guard Night, Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets are reduced pricing for seats on the second level of the arena.
Cost is $30 for second level, rows 16-24; $35 for second level, center rows 16-24 or corners, rows 1-15; and $55 for second level, center rows 1-15. An optional $5 food coupon is available for a hot dog and medium soda.

Deadline for ordering tickets is December 13. If interested, call Senior Master Sgt. Dave Whalen, 108th Air Refueling Wing, 609-754-3616

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Amusement park offers military discount

Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s amusement park located in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., near Gatlinburg, has always been proud to assist military families. Dollywood is pleased to offer a 30% discount on one-day admission tickets for active, retired and military reservists, spouses and dependents when military personnel IDs and dependent IDs are presented. This offer is only good at the front gate ticketing areas of the Park; these tickets cannot be pre-purchased. This offer is good at Dollywood until December 30, 2006. For more information on the discount and Dollywood, please visit http://www.dollywood.com/special-offers/default.aspx?id=51.

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Scholarship News

MOAA offers scholarships

The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) has a scholarship program for the children of MOAA members as well as the children of active duty, retired, Reserve and National Guard enlisted military personnel. The application period for the 2007-2008 school year begins Nov. 1, 2006 and the deadline is March 1, 2007. Members of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard who are interested, can learn more about the scholarship program, by visiting the MOAA website, www.moaa.org, and clicking on “Educational Aid.”

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Defense Commissary Agency offers scholarships

The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) announced last week that the application process for its Scholarships for Military Children program has now begun for 2007. Applications for the $1,500 scholarships are available at 264 commissaries worldwide, or can be downloaded through links at http://www.commissaries.com/, http://www.militaryscholar.org/, or http://www.dodea.edu/.

The program is open to unmarried children under the age of 21 (23 if enrolled in school) of military active-duty, Reserve, Guard and retired personnel. Eligibility will be determined using the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System database. Applicants should ensure that they, as well as their sponsor, are enrolled in the DEERS database and have a current ID card.

The applicant must be planning to attend, or already attending, an accredited college, or university full-time in the fall term of 2007, or enrolled in a program of studies designed to transfer directly into a four-year program. Applications for 2007, which includes an essay on "how and why" the applicant would change an historical event, must be turned in at a commissary by close of business on February 21, 2007. At least one $1,500 scholarship will be awarded at every commissary location with qualified applicants.

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Colleges

Grantham University scholarships: Grantham University offers a scholarship program to severely injured service members and their spouses and adult children.  Go to www.grantham.edu for more information.  They also have scholarship programs for military veterans, service members, and family members.

Widener University CARES Scholarship: Widener University, Chester, Pa., has a full scholarship program for children of Global War on Terrorism service members who were killed in action.  Contact the Office of Admissions at 610-499-4126 for more information.

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Veterans Information

DMAVA Veterans Outreach Campaign continues.

The DMVA Veterans Outreach Campaign continues with kiosk displays at selected malls throughout New Jersey.  The schedule is as follows:

January 11-13, 2007

Brunswick Square Mall

February 8-10, 2007 Moorestown Mall
Feb. 28, Mar. 1-3, 2007 Hamilton Mall
April 4-6, 2007 Cherry Hill Mall
May 16-18, 2007 Ocean County Mall

The kiosk will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the identified dates.

 

   
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