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

bout

Administrative Professionals Week

The theme for the 2005 observance of Administrative Professionals Week is

“Innovation Advances Administrative Professionals.”

This theme signifies that administrative professionals have expanded their workplace roles dramatically in recent years, in response to innovations in technology and the changing needs of business. Innovative thinking is also a key factor in administrative professionals’ efforts to streamline office procedures, provide efficient support to managers/supervisors, participate on work teams, manage multiple projects, and acquire skills most in demand by employers.

Fast Facts about Administrative Professionals.

More than 4,104,000 administrative assistants and secretaries worked in the United States in 2002 (US Department of Labor).

A total of 476,000 administrative professionals are employed in Canada, including 365,670 secretaries, 26,390 executive assistants, and 84,140 clerical supervisors. (Statistics Canada, 2001).

Millions more administrative professionals work in offices across the globe.

More than 184,000 administrative assistant and secretarial positions will be added in the U.S. between 2002 and 2012, representing growth of 4.5% * (US Dept of Labor).

Fun Facts

The average cow produces 40 glasses of milk each day.

More people are allergic to cow’s milk than any other food.

Per capita, Canada has more doughnut shops that any other country.

You use more calories eating celery than there are in the celery itself.

Every year Americans consume the largest amount of peanuts – roughly 12 pounds per person.

About 7000 varieties of Apples are grown worldwide.

NJ Air National Guard announces Enlisted Award Winners

Chief Master Sergeant Paul M. Gunning, State Command Chief Master Sergeant, recently announced New Jersey’s nominations for the USAF 12 Outstanding Airmen and Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year Award Programs. Based on selection criteria such as leadership and job performance in primary duties, significant self-improvement, and base and community involvement, the following individuals were selected after a stringent board process: 177th Fighter Wing, SSgt Brian R. Tunis – Airman category; 177th Fighter Wing, TSgt Andrew T. Matejek – NCO category; 177th Fighter Wing, MSgt John D. Overstreet – SNCO category, and 108th Air Refueling Wing, MSgt Severn K. Jackson – First Sergeant category. Congratulations to these truly deserving Airmen!

Global War on Terrorism Memorial Dedication

The New Jersey National Guard will dedicate the Global War on Terrorism Memorial on Saturday, 28 May 2005, at 2 p.m. The ceremony will honor the fallen heroes of the New Jersey National Guard, and will take place at the NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, 101 Eggert Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648. Refreshments will be served following the ceremony! Uniform: Army – Class A, Air Force – Service Dress.

New Jersey Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (NJ-ESGR) presents Organon Pharmaceuticals-USA with a 5 Star Statement of Support.

On Thursday, April 21, 2005, Brig Gen (Ret) Robert S. Dutko, Sr., State Chair, NJ-ESGR, presented Mr. Mike Kaher, Human Resources and Business Services Vice President, Organon Pharmaceuticals-USA with a 5 Star Statement of Support at their Corporate Headquarters in Roseland, NJ. The 5 Star Statement of Support is the highest Statement of Support that can be bestowed on an employer of citizen-soldiers and recognizes the company for going above and beyond in their support of our troops. Organon Pharmaceuticals is the second employer in New Jersey to receive this distinction. Schering-Plough Corporation was awarded the first 5 Star Statement of Support in New Jersey on March 11, 2005 at Operation Return to Work, which was a breakfast and seminar for employers of citizen-soldiers sponsored by the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, NJ ESGR, DMAVA, and the League of Municipalities. Organon is also in the running for the prestigious Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.

Earth Day Challenge

In the spirit of Earth Day, two groups of ChalleNGe cadets worked simultaneously to create a better environment for New Jersey residents and tourists. Groups of forty cadets each were dispatched to historic Washington Crossing State Park and beautiful Cape May Point State Park on Saturday, April 23rd. At Washington Crossing, the cadets cleared brush, cut vines from trees, picked up litter, raked leaves and cleaned up trash and debris that had been deposited on the riverbanks due to recent flooding. At Cape May Point, the cadets assisted conservation efforts by eradicating vines from trees, cutting down dead trees, and disposing of various trash and debris. Thank you to all of the ChalleNGe cadets for participating in Earth Day activities and having a positive environmental impact on our great state.

The "Coffee Express" is on track!

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. Please keep sending more coffee.

You can help by joining the “Coffee Express.” How do you become a member of the “Coffee Express?” It’s simple – just go down to your local grocery store and buy a pound or two of coffee and send it to one of the below addresses 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

Your contributions are appreciated by all!

108th Raven team travels the world providing security for Air Mobility Command (AMC) and diplomats.

Beyond families, fulltime jobs and their jobs at the 108th Security Forces Squadron, seven members of the 108th Air Refueling Wing have a busy life flying around the world providing security for AMC aircraft and crew. These men are part of the team called Ravens that flies with AMC aircraft to locations where there is a high terrorist or criminal threat and no direct American or Allied security support. SMSgt Grieg Moore, senior member of the 108th Raven team, said that the Raven program became an Air Force-wide program in 2004.

Some flights for which the Ravens provide security are diplomatic support with congressional delegates and diplomats, often leaving from Andrews Air Force Base, MD, going any place in the world. MSgt Dave Beun has been to over 60 countries. What makes his travels all the more interesting is that he, like the other six on the team, is a traditional Guardsman. His civilian employer, the Mount Laurel Police Department, has been very supportive of his regular deployments around the globe. In fact, the Mount Laurel Police have been doubly supportive of the 108th Ravens. A second member of the team, MSgt Michael Rakauckas, is also a member of their department.

“All of our families, employers, and the wing have been very supportive and understanding, which is essential for what we do,” said Moore. He cited his own employer, Blockbuster, where he is the regional manager for loss prevention for four states. When Moore returned from his two years activation after 9/11, the company gave him a certificate thanking him for the time he spent helping to keep America safe.

Veterans Service Officer represents DMVA At Ft. Monmouth Community Based Outreach Clinic (CBOC).

Every Thursday, our Department’s Asbury Park Veterans Service Officer, Donald McNamara, will work in a new office located at the Ft. Monmouth Community Based Outreach Clinic. Mr. McNamara will be available to assist veterans and their families in processing claims for veterans’ benefits. The Ft. Monmouth Office will be open from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. The new office’s phone number is 732-532-4465.

New Jersey National Guard offers Marriage Enrichment Workshops.

The New Jersey National Guard Family Programs staff and Chaplains have teamed up to offer a truly outstanding program known as “PREP,” Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program. These Marriage Enrichment Workshop Weekends are available free of charge to all soldiers and their spouses who have been deployed for more than 90 days since 9/11. Please call the Family Programs Office at 609-562-0668 or 609-562-0739 for more information, as well as the dates and locations for these exciting weekend retreats.

VFW Post #1429 sponsors a Writing Scholarship.

The VFW Post #1429 is sponsoring a writing scholarship and the topic is “How to Demonstrate My Freedom.” Students in Grades 9 through Grade 12 are asked to submit a 1000 word essay on the topic. Essays are due no later than 1 p.m. on April 30, 2005, and should be submitted to SFC Minnie Hiller, Teaneck Armory, 1799 Teaneck Armory, Teaneck, NJ 07666. A $500 prize will be awarded to the writer of the winning essay.

National Guard Child and Youth Program is conducting a National Guard Child Care Assessment.

Child Care: A 15 minute Difference

Fifteen minutes. What difference does 15 minutes make? Fifteen minutes can be the difference between keeping a high paying job and qualifying for food stamps for some families of National Guard service members who have been through deployments.

“If only the day care could have opened fifteen minutes earlier, I would not have been consistently late to work after dropping off my infant,” remarked a woman who was dealing with one of the unavoidable challenges of today’s Guard families.

“I cannot fit in an eight hour day at work between my commute and the day care center’s hours,” said another spouse whose deployed husband used to see their three children off to day care and school in the morning. Finding affordable, quality day care that works for the family during deployment, weekend drills, and annual training has been a frustration and a stumbling block for many Guard families.

The availability of solutions can impact the family long after the service member has returned, especially when it comes to sacrificing a primary or secondary income to meet the needs of their children.

Is there help out there? Yes! The National Guard Child and Youth Program Regional Coordinators are working to help National Guard families meet their childcare needs during deployments and other Guard situations.

Just let them know what YOUR needs are. Whether you have been directly impacted by deployment and childcare issues, or if you anticipate these needs in the future, they need to hear from you. Please participate in the National Guard Child and Youth Program Child Care Assessment at:

http://www.AdvancedSurvey.com/deault.asp?SurveyID=21294

It takes just fifteen minutes – fifteen minutes that can make a difference. For more information, contact NGChildANDYouthProgram@mpscrc.com Final results of the survey will be posted on www.GuardFamily.org, and with other online and new media this summer. Results will also be distributed to the State Family Programs, Youth Coordinators, and Family Assistance Centers across the country.

National Guard Association of NJ schedules Annual Business Meeting.

The National Guard Association of New Jersey will conduct its annual Business Meeting on Saturday, 7 May 2005, at the Lawrenceville Armory, Eggert Crossing Road, Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Sign in is at 0730, and the meeting will start at 0800 hrs. Members are urged to contact their unit’s Executive Council representatives for more information.

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.

7th Annual Unity Day

“Come Share Your Heritage with Us.” On Thursday, 9 June 2005, the NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Joint Force Headquarters will hold it’s 7th Annual Unity Day at Building 3650, Fort Dix, NJ. This event is held to enhance cross-cultural awareness and promote harmony among all members of the New Jersey National Guard, and to recognize the contributions of women and minorities. This combined effort of Army and Air, State and Federal, community members and members of both Team McGuire and the Fort Dix Post contribute to the different ethnic and Special Emphasis groups being represented. If you are interested in participating by putting up a display, please contact Kathey McCready, State Equal Employment Manager at 609-562-0854.

Upcoming Job Fairs

Job Fair, Morristown, NJ – The NJ Army National Guard, 3rd 112 FA presents Support the Troops Job Fair on May 12, 2005. The Job Fair is open to the public from 0900-1500 (9a.m.-3 p.m.) and will be held at 430 Western Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960. Points of contacts are: SSG Calvin Davis at (973) 538-4117 or by email at Calvin.B.Davis@us.army.mil or SSG Johnie Thomas at (973) 631-6280, email at JT.Thomas@us.army.mil.

Veterans to be honored at upcoming Medal Ceremonies.

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

19 May 05	11:00 am	Korean Service Medal	Edison Elks Lodge 375 Old Post Road Edison, NJ 08818
	1:00 pm	Korean Service Medal	Edison Elks Lodge 375 Old Post Road Edison, NJ 08818
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9 Jun 05	11:00 am	Distinguished & Meritorious Service Medal	Morristown Armory 430 Jockey Hallow Road Morristown, NJ 07960
	1:00 pm	Korean Service Medal
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30 Jun 05	11:00 am	Distinguished & Meritorious Service Medal	Toms River Elks 600 Washington St Toms River, NJ
	1:00 pm	Vietnam Service Medal	Toms River Elks 600 Washington St Toms River, NJ

Support the Troops

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

Mother’s Day cards are being made available to deployed troops free of charge. Cardstore.com, in conjunction with the Department of Defense’s America Supports You campaign, will provide forward-deployed troops in Afghanistan and Iraq the opportunity to send their Mom a Mother’s Day card at no cost. Just by logging into the company’s website and taking a few simple steps, starting with picking a card, service members in the two countries can send their mother s a traditional paper greeting card from wherever they may be this Mother’s Day. Servicemembers choose a card, write a message, and then tell Cardstore.com when the card should be mailed. The company will print a “high-quality greeting card” and send it through the U.S. Postal Service. A special code is needed to access this offer on the company’s website. Servicemembers serving abroad can find the code in three ads that will appear in Middle East editions of the Stars & Stripes newspaper beginning April 22. Orders can be placed from April 22 to May 8, Mother’s Day. To Guarantee on-time delivery, orders need to be placed no later than May 2nd.

Packing Day at Somerset Armory – Sunday, 15 May 2005. If you are preparing a package for shipment to a soldier, mark 15 May on your calendar. There will be a Packing Day at the Somerset Armory. All you have to do is get the things together that you will be sending your soldier and call the Armory at 888-859-0352 to ensure your name is on the reservation list.

Bowling for the Troops – Sunday, 22 May 2005 – Colonial Lanes in Lawrenceville. The American Legion Post 414, Sons of the American Legion, and Colonial Lanes will host “Bowling for the Troops” on Sunday, 22 May 2005, from noon until 5 p.m. at Colonial Lanes, 2420 Brunswick Avenue (US Rt. 1), Lawrenceville, NJ. Interested in bowlers will be asked to sign-up sponsors ahead of time to make pledges. All proceeds will benefit the National Guard Family Assistance Program.

West Orange to honor and support NJ Air National Guard troops – 30 May 2005. The Township of West Orange is holding a luncheon fundraiser to support the NJ Air National Guard Family Readiness Council, in conjunction with its annual Memorial Day Ceremony, Monday, May 30, 2005. Since 1999, the municipality’s annual event has included the awarding of the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal to qualifying local combat veterans. To honor this year’s twenty recipients, and in support of our troops in the field, a luncheon will follow. Tickets are $50 per person and may be obtained by sending your check (payable to VFW Post 376) to the Mayor’s Office, 66 Main Street, West Orange, NJ 07052. Additional information may be obtained by calling 973-325-4205.

Mealey’s Furniture to donate 3 rooms of new future to a needy military member on Memorial Day. Do you know someone who is or has served Active Duty in the US military and is now in need? Mealey’s would like to thank them for their service by giving them three complete rooms of furniture. Entry forms can be found in any of Mealey’s three stores or online at www.mealeysfurniture.com. All nominations will be reviewed and selection will be made on June 30th.

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 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 toan 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 23,000 stamps have been donated to our National Guard soldiers and airmen and Family Readiness Programs. 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.

OCS Class 48 will host 1st Annual SGT Nutter Benefit 5K Run.

Officer Candidates from OCS Class 48 are hosting the first annual SGT Nutter Benefit 5K Run on May 14, 2005 at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ. Proceeds from the run will go to the SGT Sam Nutter’s Children Fund. For more information visit website: www.nutterrun.org. To make a donation: Checks should be made payable and mailed to: SGT Sam Nutter’s Children Fund, Attention: Anthony Salvani, #121, 4057 Highway 9, Howell, NJ 07731. If you have any questions regarding this even, e-mail Janeann.Robinson@nj.ngb.army.mil.

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 by email 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.

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

Open House – Toms River Armory - An Open House is scheduled at the Toms River Armory on Saturday, June 18, 2005, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be historical displays from the Revolutionary Wary to Operation Iraqi Freedom. For the children, there will be Hummer rides, camouflage face painting, paintball targets and a balloon grenade toss.

The purpose of the Open House is to inform the public about the Toms River Armory and let them know it is available for rent. Additionally, the open house will provide the NJ National Guard recruiters a change to support The Adjutant General’s policy on “Strength Management.”

29 Apr 05	Auction	Cherry Hill Armory
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15 May 05	Sports Card and Comics Show	Bordentown Armory
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12 Jun 05	Sports Card and Comics Show	Bordentown Armory

Fitness Corner – Ernie Razzano, Certified Fitness Trainer

"Burning" Fat without Aerobics..

Every time you are physically active, you increase the rate at which energy is consumed, and heat is produced in your body. This is known as our metabolic rate. Most of our energy at rest is derived from fat. If we can increase our resting metabolism, we can harness the most effective way to “burn” fat daily, i.e. increase our resting metabolism.

As we get older, our metabolism slows down: so if our diet and exercise levels remain the same, we will gain fat. This is compounded by our increasingly sedentary lifestyle.

By eating smaller meals more often, we can increase our metabolism. Eating increases our metabolism so we should avoid long breaks between meals (<3 hours), therefore, avoiding a drop in metabolism due to the body entering an energy conserving (starvation) state. This is one of the reasons breakfast is an extremely important meal.

After any activity, the body has a residual elevation in metabolism, and therefore, burns more calories at rest. Take the stairs, walk or ride, park further away, and cook dinner instead of dialing for fast food (fat). Whole body activities are best.

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

On Saturday, 14 May 2005, at 1:00 p.m., the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation will host an author lecture by Vietnam Veteran Paul Drew about his book, Jenny 4, a novel about a GI’s experience in the Vietnam War. Paul Drew, of Spring Lake Heights, NJ, was drafted into the Army at age 19, and from 1966 to 1967 he served as a combat infantry squad leader in Vietnam. Jenny 4 is the story of a Vietnam War draftee who, amid the horrors, the atrocities, and the obscenity of war, discovers basic human goodness.” Lecture attendees are asked to RSVP to 732-335-0033. A donation of $5 per person is suggested.

07 May 05 11:00 am	NJ Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day ceremony and celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the NJ Vietnam Veterans' Memorial.
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14 May 05 1:00 pm	Jenny 4 (A novel about a GI's experience in Vietnam) - Author lecture by Vietnam Veteran Paul Drew.
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30 May 05 11:00 am	Memorial Day Ceremony
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11 Jun 05 1:00 pm	On the River (memoir of an American advisor to South Vietnamese Rangers) - Author lecture by Vietnam Veteran George L. Athas

18 Jun 05 10:00 am to 4:00 pm	Military Vehicle Display
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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.

Today in History

Today is Friday, 29 April 2005. It is the 119th day of the year with 246 days remaining.

1429 – Joan of Arc led France to victory over Britain at Orleans.

1813 – Rubber is patented by J.F. Hummel.

1852 – The first edition of Peter Roget’s Thesaurus was published.

1913 - Gideon Sundback patented an all-purpose zipper.

1927 – Construction of the Spirit of St. Louis was completed for Lindbergh.

1945 – In a bunker in Berlin, Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun were married.

1961 – ABC’s Wide World of Sports premiered.

1975 – U.S. Embassy in Vietnam was evacuated and U.S. forces pulled out of Vietnam.

1998 – Brazil announced a plan to protect a large area of Amazon forest (about the size of Colorado).

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.