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

Bank of America (Fleet Bank) is undergoing a system-wide change in their loan offerings and will no longer offer the New Jersey Freedom Loan.

Beach Passes for NGTC – Sea Girt for DMVA employees are now available.

Enjoy the sun. Have some fun.

Contact:

Gail Miller – 6911

Jane Davis – 6910

Thought for the day..

The best way to predict the future is to invent it.

- Alan Kay

108th passes the 6,000-hour mark for OEF/OIF support flights

Since October 2001, the 108th Air Refueling Wing has flown more than 6,000 hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Currently the 108th refuels aircraft that are hauling supplies in support of OEF and OIF. Previous flying hours are from when the 108th was deployed to Oman and refueled the fighters in theater. Three people make up the crew of the KC-135E: the aircraft commander, co-pilot and the boom operator. During their 4-5 hour flight, they will off-load around 70,000 pounds of fuel. Men & women of the 108th wing personnel have flown almost 1150 sorties that have off-loaded millions of pounds of fuel into aircraft as they fly in tandem in the air. In addition to the hours flown for OEF/OIF, the 108th has flown more than 3,200 hours in support of Operation Noble Eagle since September 14,2001, when the wing launched its first refueling mission in U.S. airspace after 9/11. Most of these hours have been flown over the northeast quadrant of the united States refueling F-15s and F-16s. In support of OIF/OEF/ONE, the 108th Maintenance Group has supplemented the technician force with 16 crew chiefs that are traditional Guardsmen, to cover the launch and recovery of the KC-135s. The crews are working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

2005 Pro Patria Awards at Drumthwacket

On Tuesday evening, 21 June the 2005 Pro Patria Awards took place at Drumthwacket. Those honored received recognition in the following categories: Organon Pharmaceuticals, USA (large corporation), Middlesex County Vocational High School (public sector organizations) and Turnpike Recycling Center (small corporation). The Adjutant General, Major General Glenn Rieth and Brigadier General (Ret) Robert Dutko, Chairman of the New Jersey Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), officially presented the awards to the above employers for their outstanding support of their deployed citizen-soldiers, as well as their family members.

Green Brier Men’s Club sees Warren Grove Range and 177th Fighter Wing

Former Adjutant General, Major General (Ret) Vito Morgano coordinated and led a group from the Green Brier Men’s Club to the Warren Grove Range and the 177th Fighter Wing on June 16, 2005. MG (Ret) Morgano is the President of the organization. This men’s club has raised thousands of dollars for the State of New Jersey Family Support Programs by hosting Golf Tournaments, various fund raising activities, donations and so on. The group, represented by 43 of its members received a brief from Lt Col Haar, Warren Grove Range Commander and Colonel Webster, 177th Fighter Wing Commander and watched A-10 aircraft perform training operations at the range. They had lunch with some of the Senior Leadership as well as some of the full time work force that was present. The day culminated with a windshield tour of the 177th Fighter Wing.

The 50th MSB thanks you for your coffee donations!

Major Michael Lyons, the Executive Officer for the 50th MSB currently deployed in Iraq, would like to thank everyone for their coffee donations. Your generosity has kept our hard working soldiers fully caffeinated and energized as they trek through the long hard days over there. Thank you everyone for your support, and lets continue to keep those pots percolating!

ChalleNGe Youth Program Sponsors Carwash

It’s going to be a great summer weekend. Why not cruise around town in a freshly washed car? This Saturday, June 25, 2005 there will be a car wash sponsored by the Cadets of the New Jersey National Guard ChalleNGe Youth Program. The car wash will take place at the Burger King in Pemberton on the corner of Rt. 38 and Hanover Road from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There is no charge for the wash, the Student Council of class #22 will be on hand to accept donations. Proceeds will benefit the Cadets of Class #22. Take a drive over and help the Cadets in your program.

The New Jersey Veterans Journal Summer 2005 Edition – now available on the world wide web

The New Jersey Veterans Journal Summer 2005 Edition 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/veterans/journal/summer2005index.html The “NJ Veterans Journal” newsletter provides up to date information on New Jersey Veterans events, benefits and facilities throughout the state. For all the current news on issues affecting our NJ Veterans take a look at the new issue today. To view past issues of the Veterans Journal newsletter on-line you can visit http://www.nj.gov/military/publications/ the DMAVA Publications homepage.

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance coverage increases

The maximum level of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance coverage will be increased from $250,000 to $400,000 on September 1,2005. Anyone in service on September 1,2005 will have their coverage increased to $400,000, even if they previously declined or elected lesser coverage. If they still desire no coverage or less than the maximum, they will have to go to their Personnel Office and re-elect no coverage or less than the maximum. For more details see your Personnel Office.

Enlisted Association of the National Guard announces Golf Tournament

The Enlisted Association of the NJ National Guard is proud to announce a Golf Tournament to benefit the Annual Scholarship Program. The tournament will be held on Monday, 15 August 2005, at Miry Run Golf Club in Robbinsville, NJ. The $80 per golfer registration fee includes all fees and a cart, beverage cart on the course, awards, door prizes, food at the turn and luncheon following the completion of play. Hole and cart sponsors are being sought, too. For additional information contact CMSGT (Ret) Lee Cisek at 562-0223 or SGM (Ret) Mike Amoroso at 562-0754.

NJ Department of Labor teams up with Teaneck Family Assistance Center.

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development is teaming up with the Teaneck Family Assistance Center to provide all soldiers returning from deployment with the necessary information and tools to easily re-integrate into society. The Re-employment Opportunities briefing given by MSG (Ret) John Bautz will be held at the Teaneck Armory every Wednesday at 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m.

If you have any questions regarding this briefing, contact MSG (Ret) Bautz at 201-996-8950 or email john.bautz@dol.state.nj.us.

Tricare Reserve Select

TRS is here! This new health plan, launched on April 26, 2005, provides eligible Reserve Component soldiers, and their families continued care through TRICARE. Soldiers called to active duty for more than 30 consecutive days in support of a contingency operation AFTER September 11, 2001 are eligible for this benefit. They must have served continuously on active duty for 90 days or more. This benefit includes coverage that is similar to the coverage available through TRICARE Standard and Extra for active duty family members. Contact SFC Josephine Grey, Chief of Health Services at 609-562-0865 or e-mail @ Josephine.grey@nj.ngb.army.mil for more information on this program.

Sandy Cove offers a free stay for our military members & families 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. 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 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.

American Legion Riders Motorcycle Chapter Forming in River Edge, NJ

American Legion Post 226 is sponsoring an American Legion Riders chapter. You don’t have to be a direct member of Post 226, but you do have to be a member of the American Legion, Auxiliary or SAL and ride a motorcycle that’s at least 750cc or higher. If you or someone you know is interested in joining, there is a form on the Post 226 website, www.alpost226.org or you can call Jim Morton, the Post 226 American Legion Riders Director, Adjutant and webmaster at 201-439-0053.

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.

Special Commissary Hours for 4th of July Weekend

The Commissary at Ft. Dix/McGuire will have the following operating hours for the 4th of July holiday.

· July 1, 0900 - 2000

· July 2, 0900 – 2000

· July 3, 1000 – 1900

· July 4, 1000 - 1600

Armed Forces Night at Bridgeport Speedway

Saturday, July 2nd is Armed Forces Night at Bridgeport Speedway in Gloucester County. Show your military ID – Buy one get one FREE. Military Equipment will be displayed behind the grandstands. Parade lap of equipment before the feature events. Gates open at 4:30, race starts at 6:30. Any Armed Forces groups planning on attending please call the Speedway Office at 856-467-4408 or e-mail info@bridgeportspeedway.net to pre-register. Bring family and friends and have some fun at the races!

Veterans to be honored at upcoming Medal Ceremonies.

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

30 June	11 a.m.	Distinguished Service Medal	Toms River Elks 600 Washington Street Toms River, NJ 08757
14 July	11 a.m. 1 p.m.	Distinguished Service Medal Korean Service Medal	Atlantic Cape Community College 5100 Black Horse Pike Mays Landing, NJ
28 July	11 a.m. 1 a.m.	Distinguished Service Medal Korean Service Medal	West Orange Armory 1299 Pleasant Valley Way West Orange, NJ

Support the Troops

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

Pancake Breakfast – 25 June 2005 . A Pancake Breakfast to benefit the 50th MSB Family Readiness Group is being sponsored by AMVETS Post 70 and will be held at the Post located at 528 Prospect Street, East Orange, NJ from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 25 June 2005. Donation for adults is $7 and children under 8 eat free. Contact SPC Luis Suero at 201-915-3591 for more information.

Camden Riversharks 4th of July Military Appreciation Day. On that day members of Charlie Company from Fort Dix, New Jersey will be honored on the field prior to the game. These soldiers are still recovering from various injuries. They are offering any military that day a $16 ticket. This includes a ticket to the game, hot dog, 20 oz soda and a t-shirt celebrating the day. POC is Marie Durling @ 562-0739.

Enlisted Council to hold golf tourney at Falcon Creek Golf Course in July. The 108th ARW Enlisted Council is holding its second annual Golf Outing on July 21, at the Falcon Creek Golf Course, McGuire Air Force Base. There will be a shotgun start at noon. The cost is $75 per individual or $280 for a foursome. This includes lunch, beverages, 18 holes of golf and a chance to win prizes. Proceeds from the tournament support the Freedom Alliance Scholarship fund. Contact Airman Dee Eggles at 609-754-4141 for more information and entry forms. Happy Golfing!

Send coffee!! – The “Coffee Express” is on track! Time to start percolating and open the spigots all the way! The good news is that over 1500 pounds of coffee have been sent to the troops so far. The bad news is that they have drunk most of it. It’s time for a second cup. Join the “Coffee Express” – buy a pound or two of coffee and send it to one of the address shown below or to the soldier of your choice at either unit. MAJ Mike Lyons, HHC 50th Main Support Battalion, FOB Speicher, APO AE 09393 or LTC John Nunn, HHC 42nd DISCOM, FOB Speicher, APO, AE 09393.

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 to an 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 30,000 stamps have been donated to our National Guard soldiers and airmen and Family Readiness Programs. With Memorial Day 2005 approaching, we recall the unique sacrifices made by every generation that has served in uniform for the good of America. We are often asked what can be done to support the soldiers of this generation. 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.

American Airlines: Special fare for military personnel and their dependants (you will need your military ID card and a copy of your soldier’s orders to fly). Just call 800-433-7300 and ask for the military fare offer for your desired destination. You can also go to www.aa.com, but you cannot book a flight online.

Armory Happenings – Listed below are events taking place at your local armory.

Date	Event	Location
24 June	Bead Show	Cherry Hill Armory
27 June	Physical Training	Teaneck Armory
28 June	Pick-Up & Drop-Off Point for Camp	Teaneck Armory

Fitness Corner – Ernie Razzano, Certified Fitness Trainer

Cellulite
The activity of the fat promoting enzyme lipoprotein lipase is very high in the thighs and hips of women resulting in a higher percentage of fat deposition in these areas. Women actually need these stores to prepare for pregnancy and lactation. The dimpling which is associated with cellulite is due to the deposit of fat and fibrous tissue. While an increase in overall body fat does play a role, it is also due to genetics. Deep massaging every night to break up the deposits of fat and fibrous tissue can help to temporarily decrease the appearance of the dimpling.

The skin consists of two main layers, the outer epidermis and an inner dermis. Below the dermis lies the subcutaneous layer, which attaches the skin to the underlying tissues. This layer consists of loose connective tissue and a lot of adipose (fat) tissue. The dermis consists of dense connective tissue composed mainly of collagen fibers. Collagen is responsible for the mechanical strength of skin. Individuals who have cellulite have a dermis layer that has areas of less density, which results in the appearance of the dimpling. It’s like putting cottage cheese in a pair of fishnet stockings (dermis) and wrapping it in normal panty hose (epidermis). The result would be a dimpling effect. Regardless, you can still decrease the fat in your thighs and hips through a comprehensive, rational and personalized nutritional and exercise program coupled with consistent, and diligent work.

Tell me what you would like to see in Fitness Corner. Write me at ernest.razzano@njdmava.state.nj.us.

Beach Passes for DMVA employees available now.

The temperatures are rising and the sandy beach at the National Guard Training Center at Sea Girt is calling. You will need to sign your name and work location on the second line on the back of the pass. Have guests sign the first line and be ready to show photo identification if requested. One pass will admit one car. You can also use your DMAVA or military pass to get on the beach. Call Gail Miller at 609-530-6911 for your Beach Pass.

June 21st marks the first day of summer!

The June Solstice takes place on this day at 6:46 a.m. Universal Time. The beginning of summer for those of us in the northern hemisphere, the day with the most sunlight of the whole year. With summer come those pesky mosquitoes. There are about 200 different species of mosquitoes in the U.S. all of which live in specific habitats, exhibit unique behaviors and bite different types of animals. Despite these differences, all mosquitoes share some common traits, such as how they reproduce. The female mosquito lays her eggs directly on the surface of stagnant water, in a depression, or on the edge of a container where rainwater may collect and flood the eggs. The eggs hatch and a mosquito larva or “wriggler” emerges. The larva lives in water and continues on the life cycle from there. Here are some things you can do to help fight mosquitoes.

· Empty standing water in old tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys & any other container where “wrigglers” may live.

· Empty & change the water in birdbaths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, & potted plant trays at least once or more.

· Keep swimming pools treated and circulating and rain gutters unclogged.

· Wear long sleeves and long pants if you venture into areas with high mosquito populations.

· If there is a mosquito born disease warning in effect, stay inside during the evening when mosquitoes are most active.

· Make sure your window and door screens are “bug tight”.

· Replace your outdoor lights with yellow “bug” lights.

On this day in history –

Today is Friday, June 24, 2005. It is the 175th day of the year with 190 days remaining.

· 1664 – New Jersey, named after the Isle of Jersey, was founded.

· 1509 – Henry VIII was crowned King of England.

· 1896 – Booker T. Washington became the first African American to receive an honorary MA degree from Howard University.

· 1922 – The American Professional Football Association took the name the National Football League.

· 1941 – U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt pledged all possible support to the Soviet Union.

· 1964 – The Federal Trade Commission announced that starting in 1965, cigarette manufactures would be required to include warnings on their packaging about the harmful effects of smoking.

· 1975 – 113 people were killed when an Eastern Airlines Boeing 727 crashed while attempting to land during a thunderstorm at JFK Airport.

· 1998 – Walt Disney World Resort admitted its 600-millionth guest.

· 2002 – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that juries, not judges, must make the decision to give a convicted killer the death penalty.

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

On Memorial Day, May 30, 2005, the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation awarded two $2,500 scholarships to two high school seniors, based on the merits of their scholarship contest submissions – essays reflecting their visit to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial. The scholarship recipients were Joseph J. Gianetti of Northern Valley Regional High School and Amy M. Van Daele of Rancocas Valley Regional High School. To read the award-winning essays visit our website: www.njvvmf.org.

20 Aug - 1 p.m.
“The Nature of the Beast” (The true story of a combat Marine in the Vietnam Wary) – Author lecture by Vietnam Veteran Chuck Ketterman

10 Sep - 1 p.m.
“Between the Lines: Photographs from the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial” – Slide presentation and author lecture by Vietnam Veteran Thomas F. Morrissey.

16 Sep - 11 a.m.
POW/MIA Recognition Day and Gold Star Mothers Day 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 open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular admission is free for veterans and active duty military personnel. Regular adult admission is $4; student and senior citizen admission is $2; and children under 10 are admitted free. The Center is located adjacent to the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial off the Garden State Parkway at Exit 116.

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.