NJ Army National Guard’s 253rd Transportation Company returns home.
On Saturday, 17 April 2004, at 0255 hours, members of the 253rd arrived at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey. At 1130 more than 1,000 family, friends, and supporters joined Governor James E. McGreevey and BG Glenn K. Rieth in a tumultuous, emotional reunion held at the NJ National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters, Fort Dix, NJ. All of the unit’s soldiers have returned from Iraq, and it is noteworthy that while they were in harm’s way for over a year, the unit did not sustain any fatalities. Numerous unit members received awards and decorations, including Specialist Nicola Harvey, who was awarded the Army’s oldest medal, the Purple Heart, for wounds suffered in combat. Soldiers and families were treated to refreshments and music provided by the NJ Army National Guard’s 63rd Army Band. On Friday, 23 April 2004, Cape May County will host a community welcome home event to further recognize and thank the 253rd’s soldiers for their outstanding performance of duty and magnificent display of patriotism.

NJ Army National Guard units activated in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
The following units from the NJ National Guard were activated in support of the Global War on Terrorism:

2-113th Forward Detachment – Activated Federal (Title X) Active Duty 11 April 2004 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Guantanamo Bay)

2-102nd Armor, Co. A & B – Activated Federal (Title X) Active Duty 12 April 2004 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Guantanamo Bay)

HHC 50th Brigade – Activated Federal (Title X) Active duty 16 April 2004 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Guantanamo Bay)

National Guard Association of New Jersey (NGANJ) announces its 2004 Annual Scholarship winners.
Colonel Michael Moore, NGANJ President, proudly announced the winners of the 2004 NGANJ’s Scholarships. Each of this year’s nine winners receives a $1,000 Scholarship.

Christie N. Brennfleck - Daughter of CW4 Gary Brennfleck, 50th Bde
Graduating from Ewing High School, Ewing, NJ

2LT Frank Brogna Member of the 50th Brigade
Attending Villanova University, Villanova, PA

Christopher O. Brooks - Son of TSgt Karl Meixner, 108th ARW
Graduating from New Egypt High School, New Egypt, NJ

Leslie M. Cameron - Daughter of LTC Thomas Cameron, 108th ARW
Graduating from Brick Township High School, Brick, NJ

Jonathan A. Kirby - Son of MSG Frank Kirby, 50th Brigade
Graduating from Audubon High School, Audubon High School

Shayna R. Nestor - Daughter of TSgt Jack Nestor, 177th FW
Graduating from Salem High School, Salem, NJ

Jeremy R. Pharo - Son of LTC Roger Pharo, 177th FW
Graduating from Southern Regional High School, Manahawkin, NJ

Donna M. Radice - Granddaughter of COL (Ret) Anthony Radice
Graduating from Central Bucks High School,Doylestown, PA

James T. Strader, III - Son of COL James Strader
Graduating from St. Joseph’s High School, Hammonton, NJ

Congratulations to all of the winners!

Veterans Memorial Home at Paramus honors Volunteers.
On Tuesday, 20 April 2004, the Paramus Veterans memorial Home held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Day ceremony. The BPOE Elks #2001 donated its lodge for the event, which was attended by over 250 representatives of supporting organizations and individual volunteers. Guest speaker, BG Glenn K. Rieth, offered recognition and appreciation for all the extraordinary efforts of each volunteer. Doris Neibart, CEO of Paramus, presented each Veterans Organization with a Certificate of Appreciation. Following the ceremony, guests were provided a buffet luncheon and music. Special thanks to the Volunteer Department staff, Susan Pettigrano, and Marie McGregor, for organizing and coordinating a wonderful event.

Extraordinary effort produces extraordinary results at USPFO.
The USPFO team, in support of unit mobilizations, is putting forth an extraordinary effort. Ms. Bonnie Cunningham and her Military Pay Section are exceptional. They are executing their task in the most professional and organized manner. Their financial expertise provides our soldiers with a smooth transition into full-time service. But, if that isn’t enough, volunteers from other USPFO sections, both soldiers and civilians, have come together to assist Military Pay in this monumental task. As a result, the job is getting done efficiently and effectively.

5-117th Cavalry trained by Close Combat Tactical Training team from Tennessee.
The mobile training team from Knoxville, Tennessee arrived at fort Dix, Training and Training Technology Battle Lab this week for a month-long stay in order to help the 5th Squadron, 117th Cavalry maintain their proficiency on the M-1 Abrams tank and train on the M-2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle. This state-of-the-art trainer enables Troopers from these units to train in Abrams and Bradley mockups built into huge trailers equipped exactly like the real vehicles. With the use of multiple video screens, the Trooper is able to see exactly where he is on the battlefield at all times.

New Jersey National Guard opens Family Assistance Center.
The New Jersey National Guard opened a new Family Assistance Center this week. On Sunday, 18 April 2004, the sixth Family Assistance Center (FAC) was opened at the national Guard Armory in Somerset. The Deputy Adjutant General, Brigadier General Maria Falca-Dodson, addressed the crowd of over 300 family members, soldiers, volunteers, guests, local elected officials, community representatives, veterans’ organizations, and senior members of the NJ Army and Air National Guard. Brig Gen Falca-Dodson expressed the importance of the community support for the “unsung heroes of this war on terrorism – the families left at home.” Deputy Mayor Fred A. McKenzie of Franklin Township pledged the support of the Town Council throughout the Unit’s deployment, and commented that he had seen the Center develop and grow over the past months. The Grand Lodge of NJ (Masons) presented a framed print of The Prayer at Valley Forge to the Center. Ronnie Micciulla and her daughter, Tara, of ARMS donated refreshments. Kathleen Schiessl is Coordinator of the Somerset FAC, which will also support the Westfield and Woodbridge Armories.

NJ Army National Guard’s 63rd Army Band to perform on Saturday, 15 May 2004.
The NJ Army National Guard’s 63rd Army Band will perform for the Armed Forces Day unveiling of the General von Steuben Monument at Monmouth Battlefield. Bring the family and celebrate America’s freedom and independence and honor our men and women in uniform at historic Monmouth Battlefield. Ceremonies will begin at 2:00 p.m. Mark your calendar now!

Attention World War II Veterans! - Please note corrected date.
On Saturday, 29 May 2004, America wants to say “Thank You” to each and every one of you for the sacrifices and services you provided to this great nation in its time of need. The American Legion has called for each of its units throughout the nation to develop their own plans for a local celebration to coincide with the national dedication ceremonies. Marshall “Ted” Behr, Jr., the American Legion State Commander for New Jersey, along with unit commanders from Eastern Pennsylvania, have gotten together to pool their talents and resources and provide a large-scale tribute at Wiggins Park on the Camden Waterfront just adjacent to the Battleship New Jersey.

Activities will begin at 1 p.m. World War II veterans will be admitted with tickets, whether they are a member of the American Legion or any other veteran organization or not! All that you have to do is call 1-800-860-7286 to register by May 1, 2004. You will receive tickets during the week of May 15th. Veterans will be provided with free passes to board the Battleship New Jersey. Vendors will be on site with food and beverages throughout the day’s activities. There will also be a variety of displays and vehicles from the World War II era as well as live entertainment. At 2 p.m. a large screen will provide live coverage of the events in Washington, DC.

Veterans to be honored at upcoming Medal Ceremonies.
The following ceremonies have been scheduled to honor our State’s veterans.

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

Celebrate Arbor Day.
Celebrate Arbor Day across NJ on Friday, 30 April 2004. Buy the “Treasure our Trees” license plate! Arbor Day is the perfect time to plant a tree and buy this special license plate now available for passenger and commercial vehicles. This program funds community grants to plant and care for trees! Call 1-888-486-3339 toll free. Bring life to your community – Plant a tree!

New Jersey Freedom Loans UPDATE!

What is a Freedom Loan?
­ Up to $10,000
­ Annual APR 6%
­ Term: 5 years (no pre-payment penalty)
­ Unsecured loan (no collateral required)
­ Principal and Interest deferred for a year during Deployment

Who can apply?
­ NJ Residents who are members of the National Guard or Reserves
­ 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 routine 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.
­ To date, the following banks have already agreed to participate:

Commerce Bank: 1-888-751-9000
Fleet: 1-800-841-4000
PNC: 1-866-PNC-4USA
Sovereign Bank: 1-877-391-6365

Call them or stop at one of their local branches to complete an application for the loan.

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.

7 May, 11 a.m. -New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day ceremony at the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial

8 May, 1 p.m. - Film presentation of the stage play, Home of the Brave, with discussion by the director, Trish Kinney, and military consultant and /Vietnam Veteran, Walter Kudlacik.

Today in History…
Today is Friday, 23 April 2004 and the 114th day of the year. There are 253 days left in the year. On this day…

* 1348 – The first English order of Knighthood was founded. It was the Order of the Garter.
* 1662 – Connecticut chartered as an English colony.
* 1908 – U. S. President Theodore Roosevelt signed an act creating the U. S. Army Reserve.
* 1932 – Shakespeare Memorial Theatre opens at Stratford-on-Avon.
* 1969 – Sirhan Sirhan was sentenced to death for killing U.S. Senator Robert Kennedy. The sentence was later reduced to life in prison.
* 1985 – The Coca-Cola Company announced it was changing its 99 year-old secret formula. New Coke was not successful, which resulted in the resumption of selling the original version.
* 1989 – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played his last regular season game in the NBA.
* 1998 – James Earl Ray died, at age 70, while serving a life sentence for the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Ray confessed to the crime, but later insisted he had been framed.
* 2003 – President Bush signed legislation that authorized the design change of the 5-cent coin for release in 2004. It was the first change to the coin in 65 years. The change will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase and will run for two years before returning to the previous design.

Facts about Administrative Professionals…
- One of the largest segments of the workforce
- More than 4,104,000 Administrative Assistants and secretaries work in the United States.
- More than 184,000 administrative assistant and secretarial positions will be added in the United States between 2002 and 2012.
- Millions more administrative professionals work in offices across the globe.

Administrative Professionals Most Frequently Used Work Skills –
The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) asked their membership was skills they use most frequently in their job. The survey results were:
- Written and verbal interpersonal communications 99%
- Critical thinking 98%
- Decision-making 97%
- Greet or meet public or customers 94%
- Work with Mail 94%
- Records/Information Management 92%
- Plan/coordinate projects and meetings 88%
- Make travel arrangements 78%
- Troubleshoot software/equipment 58%
- Supervise employees 49%