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By Wayne Woolley and Tech. Sgt. Barbara Harbison, DMAVA/PA

Odds are, that light you see burning after-hours and on weekends on the first floor of DMAVA headquarters in Lawrenceville is coming from Sophie Guzikowski’s desk.

The veteran telecommunications manager is known for putting in long hours and, in the words of her boss, Dave Snedeker, “going the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction.”

Her hard work has not gone unnoticed. On March 26, Guzikowski was recognized as the DMAVA Employee of the Year for 2008.

In addition to logging long hours ensuring that all of DMAVA’s telecom needs are met, Guzikowski was credited with saving the department more than $80,000 in telecom costs in fiscal year 2009 with no degradation in service.

Then there was the small matter of conjuring a static-free DSN line to Baghdad in a matter of hours so that DMAVA employees could get a mid-deployment update from 50th IBCT commander, Col. Steve Ferrari, at the TAG quarterly in December.  No easy task, as anyone who has ever tried to quickly establish a secure voice line to Iraq can attest. Congratulations Sophie.

Team and individual winners of partial-year awards for 2007 and 2008:

•   Capt. Luis Rosario-Lluveras, 108th ARW
•   JoAnne Olsen, personnel assistant, human resources office, Menlo Park Memorial Home
•   Gary Schmitz, Ray Rider, John Molloy, John Bartholomew, James Ward, Ulysses Glen, Eddie Cephus, James Hughes, Kristopher Reeves, Robert Bubadias – National Guard Training Center, Sea Girt
•   Lt. Col. Jesse Arnstein, Capt. Scott Hofstetter, Capt. Robert Jenkins, Capt. Thomas Kripinski, Capt. Matthew Miksit, 1st Lt. Sony Stab, 2nd Lt. Clifford Giampietro, 1st Sgt. Terrence Taylor, Sgt. 1st Class John Klewicki, Sgt. 1st Class Clara Munoz, Sgt. 1st Class Jeron Verrett, Staff Sgt. Bryan Addo, Tech Sgt. Kimberly Bersch, Staff Sgt. Desmond Canty, Staff Sgt. Steve Kovacs, Staff Sgt. Toby Tirrito, Sgt. Brandon Botley, Sgt. Michael Issenman, Sgt. Dwayne Sample, Staff Sgt. Arnold Young, Spc. Jeffrey Whalen – 21st Civil Support Team        

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The New Jersey Chapter of the Sandspitters Veterans Motorcycle Club is planning a trip to Washington, D.C. on July 12.  All riders are welcome to participate. To prepare for this trip, there will also be a rehearsal ride on June 20.

Master Sgt. Peter Quinlan requires a head count for both rides. This information needs to be provided no later than April 15 to receive reduced Cape May Ferry and hotel rates.

There will be a ride donation of $25. All donations will go to New Jersey National Guard Youth Camp. Contact Quinlan at the following e-mail addresses for more information: PJ0601@aol.com and peter.quinlan@us.army.mil.

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The State Family Programs Office will be selling tickets for Great Adventure Military Appreciation Day, May 16, during the month of April ONLY.  WE WILL NOT have any tickets for sale before April 1 or after April 30.  The following discounted prices will apply:

Great Adventure and Safari      $21
Hurricane Harbor                     $15    
Parking                                   $10

Meal Vouchers                         $10

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From the desk of Hunter I Riley, program director of Pat Tillman Foundation

The Pat Tillman Foundation would like to invite your leadership and your members and their families to apply for the Tillman Military Scholarships. In line with our ongoing commitment to inspire leadership, the Pat Tillman Foundation is dedicated to supporting educational opportunities for servicemembers and their families. Veteran and active servicemembers and their dependents (children and spouses) portray the very nature of leadership that we at the Foundation seek to inspire in young people across the country. With this fund, we ensure these leaders have every opportunity to pursue broader educational goals.

Please find the applications under the “What’s New” section of the Pat Tillman Foundation main page: www.pattillmanfoundation.org.

The Tillman Military Scholarships will support educational opportunities for servicemembers and their families through covering direct study-related expenses such as tuition, fees, books, room and board, and other needs, such as child care. The Pat Tillman Foundation will provide a substantial amount of support towards this effort in 2009, with scholarships to be allocated to individual applicants around the U.S. Applications are due on May 14, 2009.

Find more information on criteria and scholarships awards on the front page of each application. Applications are designated for two groups: servicemembers (veteran and active) and dependents of servicemembers. If you have any questions, please contact scholarships@pattillmanfoundation.org.

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Battlemind is a term used to describe combat readiness. The first Battlemind product was a mental health post-deployment briefing. It quickly became a training system supporting Soldiers and families across the seven phases of the deployment cycle.  The Battlemind system includes separate pre-deployment training modules for Soldiers, unit leaders, health-care providers and spouses. Psychological debriefings are given in theater and upon redeployment. There is also a post-deployment module for spouses and several post-deployment modules for Soldiers.  Pre-deployment Battlemind tells Soldiers what they are likely to see, to hear, to think and to feel while deployed - by describing the worst-case scenario.  Post-deployment Battlemind addresses safety concerns, relationship issues, normalized combat-related mental health reactions and symptoms -- along with teaching Soldiers when they should seek mental health support for themselves or for their buddies. All of the Battlemind products (training modules, brochures, debriefings and videos are available on the Web site, www.battlemind.org.

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DEP estimates that as much as a ton of clippings is generated for every acre of turf grass each year. With nearly 900,000 acres in New Jersey covered in turf, that adds up to big transportation requirements, fuel use, and air emissions. From the NJ Green web site

One disposable coffee cup per day creates 23 pounds of waste per year. Use reusable mugs.­­­ From Earth 911.com

Approximately 64 million gallons of paint each year are left over when jobs are done. From Earth 911.com

Each average American office worker uses 10,000 pieces of copy paper a year.  From Grist.org

U.S. businesses use 15 million toner cartridges every year – enough to stretch from New York City to Zurich, Switzerland. From Grist.org

Every year more than 18,000 tons of batteries are tossed into landfills, left to ooze heavy metals into the water and soil. Grist.org

In 1960, the U.S. recycled 5.6 tons of waste. In 2006, we recycled 81.8 tons, an increase of over a 1,300 percent! From Eath911.com

Americans generate an average of 4.6 pounds of trash daily per person. From Eath911.com

Of the 251 million tons of trash generated each year in the U.S., approximately 32.5 percent of the trash is recycled or composted, 12.5 percent is burned and the remaining 55 percent is buried in landfills. From Eath911.com

Did you ever wonder how a landfill is constructed and operated? Here is a link to the basics of landfills. http://earth911.com/blog/2009/03/30/the-lowdown-on-landfills/

Reduce-Reuse-Recycle!

If you have a green tip or a site to recommend, drop me a line at Barbara.harbison@njdmava.state.nj.us.

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Here is an opportunity to get out there and capitalize on some great bargains on canned goods and other items offered by the commissary and not have to make the trip to Ft Dix or Ft Monmouth.  You will need your Military ID to prove eligibility and the sale is open to all military ID holders (dependents, servicemembers, active, retired).  They will accept cash or credit cards.

The McGuire Commissary will be having an “On Site Sale” on April 4 at 10 a.m. at the Cherry Hill Armory, Grove Street and Park Boulevard. For more information about the event, contact Michele Daisey, Woodbury FAC, 856-251-6893.

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DMAVA is sponsoring its second cell phone drive to “Help Prevent Domestic Violence” which will aid battered women living in shelters. Donated phones will be refurbished and given to women at risk to call 911 in an emergency.

There is always a flood of cell phones in the fall since October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. Throughout the rest of the year agencies in need receive few donations; our drive will help correct that void. 

The collection period will end on April 17. We will accept working and non-working cell phones and all phone batteries and chargers. The phones that are collected will be donated to three woman’s shelters throughout the state.

Drop off points for DMAVA Central will be the Security Desk in the lobby. Other DMAVA facility drop-off points will be located in the Human Resources Office or the Administrative Offices.

Special Note: Before donating a cell phone, please delete all personal information and remove the phone’s SIM card. This is for protection of your private information. Both state employees and military personnel may participate.

Additional information can be obtained from Paul Serdiuk, 609-530-6878.

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“The Wall That Heals”, a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will bring the message of The Wall to Cherry Hill, N.J., from April 16-19. The exhibition features the dramatic replica – stretching nearly 250 feet in total length – as well as an Information Center and traveling museum displaying memorabilia left at The Wall in Washington, D.C.

Local sponsors and volunteers are sought to help with this worthwhile and historical event. Sponsorship and Volunteer forms can be filled out online by going to www.alch372.com. Alternatively you can e-mail squinn9807@aol.com , call 856-665-3889 to have a form sent to you or stop by American Legion Post 372 located at 1532 Martin Ave, Cherry Hill (behind Cherry Hill West High School).

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Come celebrate the National Guard “Day at the Park,” at Hersheypark,” in Hershey, Pa., on April 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.  Cost per ticket is $21 and the parking is free.

To purchase tickets, access the following link  and enter the promotion code, 24681. https://tickets.hersheypa.com/WebStore/shop/ViewItems.aspx?Merchant=ARMY&Category
GroupExternalID=Army&CategoryExternalID=ARMYTKTS .

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Join the Northern New Jersey Chapter 1502 of the Association of the United States Army for their spring dinner meeting on April 20 at The Royal Albert Restaurant, Fords at 6: 30 p.m.

The special guest for the dinner will be retired Col. Jack Jacobs, co-author of “if Not Now, When?:  Duty and Sacrifice in America’s Time of Need.” The book is the story of Jacobs’ time serving with the U.S. Army as an advisor to the South Vietnamese during the Vietnam War.  Col. Jacobs is the only Rutgers alumnus to be awarded the Medal of Honor, currently serves as a military analyst for MSNBC news network after retiring from the Army in 1987 and a second retirement as a successful businessman in 1996.

The chapter will also be honoring the memory of chapter member, Cpl. Steven P. Koch, who died on March 8, 2008, in Afghanistan.

Cost for the evening is $35 per person, $17.50 for E5 and below including ROTC cadets; all senior ROTC cadets are free. Dress is mess dress/dress blue or civilian business attire. To make reservations, contact retired Col. Richard R. Plechner, 732-549.1535.

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Retirement from the Guard and Reserve can come after twenty years of service, but the retirement checks for traditional or M-day service members don’t come until their 60th birthday.  The years between are often referred to as being a gray-area retiree.  If you are in that area or are getting close to that point and wonder if you have any benefits, mark May 9 on your calendar. 

A Guard and Reserve Retirement Benefit seminar will be held on May 9 at the Timmerman Center, Fort Dix, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. It is free to ALL Guard, Reserve, spouses and retirees. Civilian attire is authorized.

Presenters from military service centers, Veterans Affairs, Department of Labor, and various military transition organizations will cover topics from Guard and Reserve perspective such as: Survivor Benefit Plan, Tricare/Dental, Veterans benefits, VA disability and more.

Contact Chief Petty Officer (Navy Counselor) Everett Currie at 757-445-7295, extension 2205 or Everett.currie@navy.mil for more details.

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The New Jersey Air National Guard Dinosaurs – the Air National Guard retirees – will be holding the Spring 09 gathering at Moore’s Tavern, Freehold, on May 20 at 1 p.m.

All current Air Guard employees who are on the soon-to-be-retired list and all retired Army and Air Guard retirees are invited to come and enjoy each other’s company.

Interested dinosaurs should RSVP with Mel Sylvester, 609-298-5970, NuffSaidMel@aol.com or Rich Donovan, 732-223-2051 or 732-223-4445, Donovan@exit109.com.

Lunch menu includes salad, burger or sandwich, coffee, iced tea or soda for $15 including tax and tip. Pay at the door. Alcoholic beverages are extra.

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The following courses will be conducted by the 254th Regiment, New Jersey Army National Guard, at Sea Girt and Fort Dix during training year 2009.

INACTIVE DUTY TRAINING COURSES (IDT):

• The Army Basic Instructor Training Course:  April 4-June 13, 2009
• Small Group Instructor Course: July 11-Sept. 19, 2009 (must complete Army Basic Instructor Course first)
• Pre WARRIOR Leadership Courses (3 weekends per class):  April 4-June 14, 2009; and July 11-Sept. 20, 2009
• Officer Candidate School: Phase 2 Class 53 Aug. 1, 2009-June 14, 2010
• Company Level Command Team Course (for new Commanders and their 1SGs): Sept. 19-20, 2009

ACTIVE DUTY TRAINING COURSES

• 11B10 MOS-T Infantryman (15 days): May 9-23, 2009 
• 11B2/3/4 (T) Infantryman Transition (15 days, E5 and above): May 9-23, 2009
• 11B40 Advanced NCO Course (ANCOC) Phase II (15 days) Fort Dix: Possibly in Sept. 09.
• 68W10 Medic Sustainment (10 days): July 13-22, 2009.
• Combat Lifesaver Course, various locations: Send unit request to Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Cosmanic at  Stephen.r.cosmanic@us.army.mil for scheduling.

Questions should be addressed to 1st Sgt. Gary Davidson, 732-974-6312/5900 or gary.davidson@nj.ngbarmy.mil. ATRRS School Code: 1004.

Say Again?

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National Guard Bureau’s Public Affairs Office is supporting the production of a joint publication to fulfill a CNGB request to highlight the courageous and heroic accomplishments of our Soldiers and Airmen.

The product will be a collection of short stories with accompanying photo(s) highlighting individual acts of courage (primarily Bronze/Silver Star with V, Air Medal, Soldier Medal and higher-type award recipients), performed by National Guard Soldiers and Airmen in support of GWOT or domestic operations.

Each submission should include a four- or five-paragraph narrative describing the Soldier or Airman and the individual’s courageous or heroic act, and the type and date of the award.

If you or someone in your command is a recipient of one of these awards, contact Tech. Sgt. Barb Harbison, 609-530-7088 or Barbara.harbison@njdmava.state.nj.us no later than May 1 so we can capture their story.

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From information provided by The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor

Since 1932, 1.7 million Purple Heart medals have been awarded to America’s servicemen and women wounded or lost in combat, according to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor located in New Windsor, N.Y.

The Hall of Honor is the nation’s sole repository dedicated to the preservation and collection of Purple Heart stories and is currently building a database and is looking for those servicemembers who have been awarded the medal.

The database provides information about each Purple Heart recipient and can include scanned documents and photographs that will enhance his or her story. 

To enroll a Purple Heart recipient in the Roll of Honor, you must submit an application form which can be found on the Web site, www.thepurpleheart.com or visit www.dmna.state.nj.us for a link to the site.  Verification of the award is needed – DD-214 or DD-215, military orders, Purple Heart certificate or other supporting documentation.  The Hall of Honor is also collecting a photograph of each recipient as well as letters and news articles to add to the database.

To learn more about the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, visit the Web site at www.thepurpleheart.com or call toll free 877-28HONOR.  The Hall of Honor is open year-round at 374 Temple Hill Road, New Windsor, N.Y., on the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic site, the final post of George Washington’s Army.

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The New Jersey State Building and Construction Trades Council’s Helmets to Hardhats Program (NJ H2H) is designed to help transitioning military personnel, National Guardsmen and Reservists find the careers in the building and construction industry.  The program seeks to help military members find a career in one of 15 affiliated trades, such as electrical workers, carpenters and painters.

They work in cooperation with the national Helmets to Hardhats program, adding a personal component to the program’s on-line services.  NJ H2H offers veterans preparation for successful application to any of New Jersey’s registered apprenticeship programs in the building and construction trades. Services include career counseling, entrance test preparation and referral to supportive services.

For program registration and information, visit online at www.njbctc.org/h2h or contact at 732-499-7295 or at H2H@njbctc.org.

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Are you 18-33 years old? Any MOS. Make the next step in your Army career, a Warrant Officer.  You may qualify to become a 153A Rotary Wing Pilot.

First, review the prerequisites for the MOS on the Web site: www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/index.htm.  Next, call Warrant Officer Mercedes Devarie, the new Warrant Officer Strength Manager for more information. 

The New Jersey Army National Guard is looking for individuals to fill the following MOSs: 153A, 152B, 153D, 155E, 210A, 250N, 251A, 254A, 350F, 351M, 420A, 882A, 890A, 914A, 915A, 919A, 920A, 920B, 922A.   

Contact Warrant Officer Devarie at 609-562-0721 or mercedes.devarie @us.army.mil. 

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From the desk of Warrant Officer Misty L. DiGangi, AMEDD Recruiter

Guard Recruiting Assistants (RA) can earn additional income assisting ARNG recruiting efforts by identifying well-qualified men and women for service in the ARNG. Ras may earn up to $8,500 for each select Officer Candidate who accepts a Commission.

As a G-RAP RA you will cultivate quality Officer Candidates from within your spheres of influence and work with an Officer Strength Manager or Warrant Officer Strength Manager to process the Officer Candidate and move them towards accession.

The total amount of payment for an Officer Accession is determined by the ARNG’s current critical needs and the GRAP-O payment chart. There are four categories by which Ras will receive payment for Officer Accessions. Ras can earn up to $2,000 for each new recruit who enlists and reports to Basic Training or for each prior service member.

G-RAP is available to Traditional Guard members and National Guard retirees.  For more information, go to www.guardrecruitingassistant.com.

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Sign up today and earn up to $2,000 for each new recruit who enlists into the National Guard and reports to basic training.

The Guard Recruiting Assistance Program (G-RAP) is a contracted program designed for individuals who voluntarily apply to become eligible to serve as a part-time Recruiting Assistant (RA).

G-RAP is available to Traditional Guard members and National Guard retirees.  This opportunity is open to both Army and Air Guard members.  For more information, go to www.guardrecruitingassistant.com.  

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Do you want to sit down with someone and go over your benefits or just get some questions answered, but you hate leaving call back information, sitting on hold, or spending the whole day at Client Services waiting for help? Why not schedule an appointment with a Pension Counselor right from your computer? Beginning in April, Pensions and Benefits will roll out their new ‘Counselor Appointment System’ where you can go online and schedule an appointment for most of your benefits related issues.

Go to www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions. There you will need to click on “Counseling Appointments” then select the type of interview you want, find the best time and date, complete some information to prepare the counselor for the interview and you are all ready for the interview. Use this system get assistance with benefits such as: purchase of service credit, pre-retirement interview, retirement application, disability retirement, death claim assistance, retired health benefits and more.

You do not need to schedule appointments if you are using a quick service, such as dropping off completed forms.

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Do you currently have Direct Deposit? Are you tired of the hassle of keeping track of your pay stubs? Just think; the shredding, the filing, the lack of space, the unnecessary mess. You can eliminate all of that (and save a tree or two) with New Jersey’s Pay Stub on the Web!

The State of New Jersey is making payment history available to state employees with electronic funds transfer (EFT), commonly known as direct deposit, with “Pay Stub on the Web.” This newest feature is an online application that enables a New Jersey state employee to access their pay stubs, beginning with 2005 payment history, via the web. Now when you want to see your pay stub, you simply view it online. You can print it out if you wish, save it to your computer, do neither or both! It’s all up to you. Any time you need your pay stub, it is available for you to view, right on the web! And if you try it out and decide it’s not for you, you can cancel this feature at any time and go back to receiving your paper pay stub. There’s no risk, so why not try it out?

Want to know a little more about how it works and how you can benefit from Pay Stub on the Web? Check out the simple tutorial, available from Human Resources, that explains how you can use “Pay Stub on the Web” to view, print, and save your current and past pay stubs for your personal records. Remember, this feature is only available to employees with direct deposit. As we mentioned in the past, direct deposit is offered to all State employees and it is encouraged that our employees consider taking advantage of direct deposit with all that it has to offer.

To request a copy of the tutorial, contact Lisa Dandrea at 609-530-6888.

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From the desk of Cindy L. Leese, Human Resources manager

For state employees, effective pay period 4 there are new timesheets that are on DMAVA Net under Human Resources.  Click on the timesheet that pertains to you – manager, standard or shift differential – go to Save As, name it as your timesheet and save it to your Z drive.

These are the only timesheets that should be used from this point.   If you submit an old timesheet it will be returned back to you.

These timesheets are not to be used by the three memorial homes.

If you have any questions, please call Cindy Leese at 609-530-7056 or Irene Sokolowski at 609-530-7038.

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From the desk of Lisa Dandrea, Human Resources, Personnel Assistant

If you are a state employee, working for DMAVA, Vets Haven, and the Cemetery, and you have an address change and/or a name change, it is extremely important that you contact Lisa Dandrea in the Human Resources Office. There have been a lot of issues with tax W2s, pension statements and pay checks being returned to our office, as well as some employees not receiving their new health cards, all due to incorrect addresses. Your address change is not automatic and it is not limited to completing a new W4. There are specific forms for employees to complete that updates their new information statewide. Your change of address or name affects your paycheck, your pension statements, W2s, loans, any information sent out by your health care provider, promotional announcements from Dept. of Personnel, etc. If you have had an address/name change and have not updated your information, please make sure you contact Lisa Dandrea in HRD-ESB at 609-530-6888 or e-mail Lisa.Dandrea@njdmava.state.nj.us.

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Are you a state employee looking to save a few $$$?

Visit 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, please contact Cindy Leese at cindy.leese@njdmava.state.nj.us or call 609-530-7056.

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From the desk of Amanda Balas, State Youth Coordinator

Youth Camp 2009 is on the calendar for July 19-25 at Sea Girt. Applications for 2009 N.J. National Guard Youth Camp are now online. The applications have changed, so read carefully when choosing and filling out your application. You can find the three applications in blue at the bottom of the NJNG Family Programs Web site at www.state.nj.us/military/familysupport/youth_camp.html. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Amanda Balas at 609-530-6836 or amanda.balas@us.army.mil.

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The Army Information Line (1-800-833-6622) is designed to help all Soldiers and their Family members whether they are deployed; stationed stateside or overseas; are brand new to the Army; or are 30 year veterans.

In addition to The Army Information Line, Army Well-Being’s Army Families Online Web site www.ArmyFamiliesOnline.org recently welcomed its 2-millionth visitor this year.

The Army Information Line also celebrates its 25-year existence of providing information and referral services to those Soldiers and Family members

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The National Guard Family Program Division announces the National Guard: Child Care Use During Deployment Survey.

Our target audience is National Guard families with children who are currently preparing for deployment, in a deployment phase, or recently returned from deployment (up to 2 months after return).

Information collected in this survey will be used to research perceptions and child care needs of military members. This information will assist in the formulation and improvement of policies for programs that benefit military families. Reports will be provided to the National Guard Family Programs Division. Findings may be used in reports and testimony provided to Congress and other Government Agencies. Some findings may be published in professional journals, or presented at conferences, symposia, and scientific meetings. In no case will individual identifiable
survey responses be reported.

Providing information on this survey is voluntary. Most people take 10-15
minutes to complete the survey.

Survey link: www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB228AQH9A7LQ.

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Our Military Kids, a program that provides grants to children of deployed and severely injured Reserve and National Guard military, has expanded its program eligibility in two ways.  The program which had been open to children in grades K – 12, will now be offered to 3- and 4-year-olds. Additionally, children may be eligible for a second grant award if their parent is deployed for 365 days or more.  Our Military Kids grants cover six months of an activity to a maximum award of $500. Children who have a parent deployed for 365 days or more will now be eligible for a second grant award provided the parent has 60 days remaining on the deployment orders and six months has elapsed since the first grant award. Our Military Kids provides grants for sports, fine arts and tutoring so that children may start or continue participation in an activity while the parent is away or recovering from serious injury. To date, over 3,000 children have received awards from Our Military Kids.

To find more information on the program or to download an application, go to www.ourmilitarykids.org.

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From the desk of Marie Durling, Family Programs Specialist

We know it is early to mention reunion briefs but we wanted to get the dates and locations out now so you can make plans to attend the one most convenient for you.  All briefs are the same – they are not unit specific.  Attend the one that is most convenient for you.

Soldier & Family Reunion Brief Schedule

Date                           Armory                       Time

April 4, 2009                Jersey City                   9:30 a.m.

April 5, 2009                Vineland                       1 p.m.

April 16, 2009              Cherry Hill                    6:30 p.m.

April 19, 2009              Toms River                   1 p.m.

April 27, 2009              Woodbridge                 6:30 p.m.

May 6, 2009                 Somerset                     6:30 p.m.

May 11, 2009               Mount Holly                  6:30 p.m.

May 16, 2009               Woodbury                    9:30 a.m.

May 21, 2009               Teaneck                       6:30 p.m.

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The New Jersey National Guard State Family Readiness Council has increased the amounts of family and business grants up to $5,000 and $10,000, respectively.  Both are what are known as TIER I grants.  TIER II family grants are also available 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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Child Youth Services at Fort Dix and many other active duty posts provide 16 hours per child per month of free hourly/respite child care to relieve family stress during deployment.  Respite care begins 30 days prior to deployment and ends 60 days after return.  Drop off the kids while shopping at the commissary or PX or just to get some quiet time to yourself.  For additional information, contact Cathy Spiegal at Fort Dix Outreach Services 609-562-2242.

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From the desk of Amanda Balas, State Youth Coordinator

Child care money is available for spouses of Title 10 Army National Guard activated Soldiers only.  If the spouses are employed, seeking employment (for 60 days) or going to school, they can qualify for a $100 per month per child stipend for fulltime care (licensed child care provider required).  Call the National Guard Child Care Program today to apply 1-888-642-2799 or ngccp@guardfamily.org.

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Family Readiness Groups (FRG) play an important role during deployments.

Yet, in order to be successful, these groups rely on the support of volunteers.

FRGs are comprised of volunteers who donate their time to make sure our Soldier’s “Homefront Heroes” are supported through networking with other family members and mutually offering support to one another.

If you would like to be a volunteer or a participant please contact your local Family Assistance Center.  You can reach them by calling our toll free number 888-859-0352 and selecting the prompt of the Family Assistance Center near you.

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From the desk of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hughes, Family Assistance Specialist

Reserve Aid is a 501I(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing financial support to the families of Reserve Service Members called to active duty in all five branches of the Armed Forces. Reserve Aid makes unrestricted, need based grants to military families who have a Reserve service member on full-time deployment to a combat zone or homeland security position. Their goal is to alleviate the emotional and financial burdens placed on the men and women called to serve our country by supporting their families at home.  For additional information and application procedures go to: www.reserveaid.org.

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New Jerseyans who are on active duty military, in the National Guard or the military reserves, serving in the war on terrorism, are eligible for automatic extensions of a valid driver license, registration or inspection expiration dates. Go to www.nj.gov/mvc/ for more information.

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From the desk of Amanda Balas, State Youth Coordinator

Family Service of Morris County in partnership with the Family Programs Office, New Jersey, would like to announce its Military Families Outreach Program.  Based on a community effort, the Military Families Outreach Program strives to support Morris County military personnel and their families, including extended families, pre-deployment, during deployment and post-deployment.

We realize the pressures and problems that may occur when a family member is called to duty, and we want to assist with any services that you may need to ensure quality of life. Social services, support services and mental health services are some of the resources that will be available to Morris County residents. All services offered in this program are free of charge to you and your family and are bound by the highest consideration for complete confidentiality.

For more information about the Military Services Outreach Program, contact Valerie Hart, Military Families Outreach Case Manager at vhart@fsmc.org or call 973-538-5260, extension 326.  You can also contact Tammy Rosenthal, Director of child and Adolescent Services at trosenthal@fsmc.org or 973-538-5260.  We are privileged to work with you who have given so much for your country!

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For those military families planning a trip to a Disney Resort this year, you picked a good time to go – Disney Parks are offering active and retired U.S. military personnel, including active and retired members of the U.S. Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard and Reserves, a complimentary, multi-day admission into their U.S. theme parks.

The “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” also includes great rates at select Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort hotels and additional special ticket prices for family members and friends.

Visit www.disneyworld.com/military for information on the offerings. 

Visit your local ITT office for details and to book or get your tickets; there is one located at the Fort Dix/McGuire PX/BX.

When visiting Disney World, don’t forget the resort hotel, Shades of Green which is available only to service members and their families, retirees and civilian employees of the Defense Department. Find out more at www.shadesofgreen.org.

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The Armed Forces Vacation Club is a “space available” program offering Department of Defense affiliated personnel affordable condominium vacations at over 3,500 resorts around the world. Visit www.afvclub.com for more information.

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From the desk of Master Sgt. Alex Estrada

Registration for the Army Ten-Miler opens April 1. The 25th anniversary of the race is scheduled for Oct. 4.

Go online – www.armytenmiler.com – and register early; last year the race sold out in 21 days. This year, to commemorate the race’s25th anniversary, the field has been opened to 30,000 runners.

It is impressive to watch the field of runners start the race at the Pentagon, run past the Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and other landmarks and finish up at the Pentagon.

Thank you for supporting the Army Ten-Miler – Run Strong – Run Army – HOOAH!

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Join the T3BL Soldiers’ Association in the Annual Golf Tournament on May 8 at Fountain Green Golf Course, Fort Dix.

The tournament will start at 8:30 a.m. with a shotgun start, Captain and Crew – best ball format. The entrance fee of $90 per person will cover greens fee, cart, refreshments and door prizes. The buffet lunch will be held at 2 p.m. in building 3601.

Prizes will be awarded to the first through fourth place teams for low gross score; also for closest to pin on hole 3, longest drive, both men and women on hole 6 and the straightest drive on hole 11.

Send a list of your foursome and a check to T3BL Soldiers Association, ATTN: MSG Bud Scully, Bldg 3601, Fort Dix NJ 08640-5225. All payments should be received not later than April 15. For questions or more information, contact Master Sgt. Scully at 609-562-0565.

Proceeds from the tournament will go to the welcome home unit picnic for the deployed Soldiers.

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The fifth annual SGT Nutter Run will be held on May 31.  Sergeant Sam Nutter (Jan. 28, 1966 – Jan. 2, 2005) was a member of the New Jersey Army National Guard and served in the U. S. Navy from 1989 – 1997.  Each year the New Jersey Army National Guard Officer Candidate School holds a benefit 5k run in his memory and the proceeds raised are donated to a NJARNG family in need. 

This year’s beneficiary is Sgt. Raul Aponte of A Co. 2-113th Infantry. The Aponte residence was struck by lightning during a storm in 2008 and caught on fire, leaving the family without a permanent residence and under heavy financial burden. Sgt. Aponte is currently deployed with the 50th IBCT. 

Come join us as we band together to give a helping hand to a member of our National Guard family. Fun family events and a barbecue will follow the race.

Visit http://www.NutterRun.com for more information, and registration and donation forms.

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The 21st National Guard Association of New Jersey (NGANJ) President’s Golf Outing to support our scholarship fund will be held on June 13 at Falcon Creek Golf Course, McGuire Air Force Base.  Rain date is June 27.

Shotgun start is 10 a.m.; four person scramble format. Cost is $115 per person and includes Breakfast, greens fees, cart, refreshments, dinner and door prizes. The breakfast buffet will be served 8-9:45 a.m.

Prizes will be awarded to the first and second place teams for low gross and low net, closest to the pin on hole 2, and the longest drive on hole 17 for both men and women.

To reserve a place in the tournament, become a sponsor or booster, give a donation or make a reserveation for dinner only, which is $35, visit www.nganj.org for a form or call 609-226-1138 or 732-330-4717 for more information.

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Friends and family of Staff Sgt. Frank T. Carvill, a member of the New Jersey Army National Guard who was killed while serving in Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom, have established scholarship in his name.  According to those close to him, Carvill was a strong advocate of education and he felt it was important to help his fellow Guardsmen and their families.

The SSG Frank T. Carvill Memorial Scholarship Award is designed to honor and remember Frank Carvill. Applications are available by contacting Peggy Carvill-Liguori at drpeg639@aol.com.  Deadline for submitting applications is April 30, 2009.

These are the eligibility requirements for the scholarships –

•    The applicant’s parent or guardian must be a member of the New Jersey National Guard.
•    The applicant may apply for the scholarship while attending high school or presently be in or accepted by a college/vocational program as a full-time student.
•    The applicant must volunteer time to the community.
•    The applicant must have a minimum GPA of 2.75
•    The applicant must compose an essay stating:
•    How volunteerism affects your life
•    How the U.S. military has influenced your life

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Graduating seniors have until April 17, 2009, to submit their applications and essays to qualify for one of two scholarships offered by the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation.  The scholarships, each in the amount of $2,500, will be awarded to high school seniors from New Jersey who plan to further their education either at a college or university or trade/technical school. 

Winners will be notified in early May and will be awarded the scholarship on Monday, May 25, during the Memorial Day Ceremony held at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial. 

In addition to the scholarship application and proof of acceptance to a college or trade school, all applicants must submit an essay about his/her visit to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, located off the Garden State Parkway at exit 116 in Holmdel. 

To assist students in writing their essays, the Foundation offers free, veteran-led guided tours of the Memorial.  Beginning February 7, and continuing through April 11, these tours are held every Saturday at 11 a.m. and at 1 p.m.  These tours are also available to the members of the general public who would like to learn more about the Memorial.  Tours are approximately 45 minutes in length.

The deadline for application and essay submissions is 5 p.m. on April 17, 2009.  Applications may be mailed or delivered to the NJVVM Scholarship Program, 1 Memorial Lane, P.O. Box 648, Holmdel, NJ 07733. 

For a scholarship application form or more information about the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation, please visit www.njvvmf.org or call (732) 335-0033.

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Education Services Brochure Booklet (ESB2)

Access the New Jersey Army National Guard’s ESB2 at www.nj.gov/military/education.  The ESB2 is a comprehensive guide with links and shortcuts to civilian education benefits available to New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers.

G.I. Bill Notice of Basic Eligibility

New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers can print their Eligibility of Mobilized Soldier notification letter for CH 1607 as well as Notice Of Basic Eligibility for CH 1606 at For Army National Guard Education Benefits, please use   https://minuteman.ngb.army.mil/benefits/ click on G.I. Bill Home Page.

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The American Legion has scholarship information on their Web site – www.legion.org – including the 152-page booklet, Need a Lift, which is a complete financial aid reference guide for veterans, family members and the American Legion family.  When you get on the site, click on “Scholarship Information” in the “Useful Links” block.

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The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of New Jersey scholarship season is open.  The CSM Baldassari Memorial Scholarship is open to all members of the Association and their dependents.  Scholarship forms can be found at the association’s web site – www.eanj-ng.org. 

The Enlisted Association offers five $1000 scholarships. All applications must be received no later than May 15, 2009.  Previous winners are not eligible to reapply.  The Enlisted Association would also like to announce the USAA Scholarship.  This is a $500 scholarship that is open to all members of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard.  Forms also may be found at the Enlisted Association web site. 

For more information on either scholarship, contact retired Sgt. Maj. Michael Amoroso at 609-562-0754.

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By Capt. Paul Koester, Acting Secretary, NGANJ

Attention all National Guard Association of New Jersey Officers and Warrant Officers – The NGANJ annual meeting will be held on April 25 at Timmerman Theater on Fort Dix. Sign-in will start at 7:30 a.m. with the meeting starting at 8 a.m. Breakfast items will be provided. Dress is business casual, (elected officers – coat and tie). All members are highly encouraged to attend as this year is an election year. For more information or questions, contact Capt. Paul Koester at 609-754-2128.

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Here is a list of the National Guard Association of New Jersey Executive Council meetings for 2009.

Date               Host Command                     Location

April 7              108th ARW                               McGuire AFB

April 25           NGANJ Annual Business Mtg     Timmerman Theater, Fort Dix

July 7               50th IBCT                                 McGuire AFB

Sept. 11-13      131st NGAUS General Conf.     Nashville, Tenn.

Oct. 6               177th FW                                 McGuire AFB

Jan. 5, 2010     42nd RSG                                 McGuire AFB

All meetings will be held at the 108th ARW Conference Room, McGuire Air Force Base unless otherwise noted. All Executive Council meetings begin at 7 p.m.; food will be provided at 6:30 p.m. The annual business meeting will begin at 8 a.m. and sign-in starts at 7:30 a.m. If there are any questions, contact Capt. Paul Koester at 609-754-2128.

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Now is the time to join the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of New Jersey.

The Association started out in 1965 as a chapter of the Active Army Association (NCOA) but membership was limited to NCOs of the Army National Guard. Six years later they reorganized as the Army and Air National Guard Noncommissioned Officer’s Association.  In 1992, a change to their current name expanded the membership to all enlisted Soldiers and Airmen.

Benefits of joining the EANGNJ include subscriptions to the New Patriot and Enlisted Voice newsletters, eligibility to apply for six $1,000 scholarships, inexpensive term insurance, national membership with EANGUS and a voice on legislative issues.

The association holds four executive council meetings in February, May, August, and November.  They will hold their annual business in Gettysburg, Pa., on Oct. 9-11, 2009.

Drop by the Association’s Web site, www.EANG-NJ.org, and check out the page on the Annual Conference and Business meeting on Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 9-11 at the Eisenhower Conference Center Gettysburg, Pa. Check out the conference center at http://www.eisenhower.com and http://www.gettysburg.travel

Information on the meeting, including a registration form, flyer about the Friday Night Social, package plan sheet and three tier payment flyer are all available on the site.

Join EANGNJ and help make your voice heard. EANGNJ has helped to get state tuition assistance for Guard members attending state institutions, up to 15 credits per semester with continuation through a master’s degree. Their voice on a national level has helped to get increased educational benefits, additional TRICARE benefits and eliminated increased premiums to TRICARE.

Upcoming legislative goals include reducing the retirement age to 55 and continued funding for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Membership is open to all enlisted Soldiers and Airmen, with associate memberships for officers, warrant officers, and DoD, state and federal employees.  Cost is $15 for E1-E4, $20 for E5-E7 and $25 for E8-E9.  All associate memberships are $10.  You can find a membership application at their Web site: www.eang-nj.org.

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To ensure veterans with emotional crises have round-the-clock access to trained professionals, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a national suicide prevention hot line for veterans. VA’s hot line will be staffed by mental health professionals in Canandaigua, N.Y. They will take toll-free calls from across the country and work closely with local VA mental health providers to help callers. The toll-free hot line number is 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255).

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By Tech. Sgt. Barb Harbison, DMAVA PAO

Veterans and family members of deceased former member of the military can now request copies of military personnel records, from the Military Personnel Records Center, including DD-214’s, online.

Go to http://vetrecs.archives.gov/ and follow the four easy steps to request your records.

After you finish completing the data – information such as, name, social security number, place and date of birth, branch, component, reason for request, mailing address and a few more items – the final screen is a page that you need to print, sign and either mail or fax to the National Personnel Records Center. The center must receive your signature verification within 30 days or your request will be deactivated and removed from the system.

Request for records by people who are not veterans or the next of kin must be submitted on the Standard Form 180 (SF 180) which can be found on the Web site.

Note: The process is pretty easy. I tried it out, requesting my DD 214 for my seven years in the active component of the Army.  Within a few hours, I had an e-mail confirmation from the Archives that said they received my fax.  Let’s see how long it takes for my records to make it to my mailbox.

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TurboTAP (Transition Assistance Program) is an easy to use, interactive Web portal that provides life-long support to separating military service members (Active Duty, Guard and Reserve) and their families. It is a single source starting point for accessing key resources available for servicemembers transitioning out of the military at any point in their military career.  Resources include Department of Defense, Department of Labor, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Education, Small Business Administration, the National Veterans Corporation and the National Guard Bureau.  For more information go to www.TurboTAP.org or email TAPHelp@military-inc.com.

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

April 21*, 22, 23	Quaker Bridge Mall
May 7**	New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial
May 19*, 20, 21	Hamilton Mall
June	Wildwood Convention Center-see below
July 28*, 29, 30	Ocean County Mall

Wildwood Convention Center schedule is: (outreach only, no medal ceremonies)

Elks State Convention – June 4-5

American Legion State Convention – June 10-12

VFW State Convention – June 17-19

*Medal ceremonies begin at 10:30 a.m. on these dates.  The kiosk will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

**Medal Ceremony only; begins at 11 a.m.

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N.J. Vietnam Veterans' Memorial and Vietnam Era Educational Center's upcoming events:

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Free guided tours of the Memorial are offered on the first Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

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For further information call 1-800-648-VETS or visit www.njvvmf.org.

On Saturday, April 25, at 1 p.m., the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation will host a lecture and slide show by Vietnam Veteran Craig J. Barber about his book of photography, Ghosts in the Landscape: Vietnam Revisited.  This program will be held at the Vietnam Era Educational Center in Holmdel, N.J.

Over a four year period beginning in 1995, Barber, a former combat Marine and now a professional photographer, returned to Vietnam several times to visit many of his former military routes, making images with an 8 x 10-inch pinhole camera.  Part cathartic exercise, part curiosity about what had become of this once war-torn country, Barber has created a series of diptych and triptych panorama platinum images that capture the serene beauty of the country and the all-too-memorable landscapes.  From April 1966 to December 1967, Barber served as an infantry sergeant with the U.S. Marine Corps, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines Regiment, in the Chu Lai, Da Nang, and Phu Bai area of northern South Vietnam.  During his photography tour, he wrote in his journal, "More than once, as I wander the small hamlets, I have felt on patrol, the weight of my pack reminiscent of those days and the tripod feeling like a weapon.  But now I am searching for images instead of 'Charlie' [the enemy]."

The images in the book, Ghosts in the Landscape: Vietnam Revisited, and those that will be on display and projected on a screen in a slide show are not documentary images.  The minutes-long exposure required to record pinhole images produce blurring in anything that was in motion during the exposure.  This sense of movement contributes to both a sense of mystery and a dreamlike, introspective quality.  They capture the haunting power of wartime memory and trauma, while at the same time they convey beauty and peace.  They will appeal to a wide audience and to Vietnam veterans who may find some comfort, as does Barber, in seeing Vietnam in a different light.

Lecture attendees are asked to RSVP to (732) 335-0033.  A donation of $5 per person is suggested.  The Vietnam Era Educational Center is located adjacent to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial off the Garden State Parkway at exit 116.  The Educational Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 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.