News For Your Views  

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During a meeting held at the Lawrenceville Armory on Tuesday, March 3, Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General, talked to the state employees about the upcoming 2010 state budget and the contingency plans the staff would be making during the next few months.

Reminding the audience repeatedly that the plans would be contingency plans, dependent upon the deficit in the state budget and how the economy would progress, Gen. Rieth spoke about the possibility of large-scale layoffs throughout the state.

“The governor is not happy about layoffs,” said Rieth.  “They are a last resort. But Governor Jon Corzine is constitutionally required to have a balanced budget; he cannot deficit spend like the federal government.”

Rieth told the assembled state employees that the 2009 fiscal year’s state budget has a significant shortage - $2-2.5 billion.  He said that right now the state is facing a $6-7 billion shortage for 2010.

“For 2010, the governor has some tough decisions, personnel are on the table,” said Rieth.  “Here at DMAVA, everything is on the table – things like Vets Haven, the three homes, the cemetery and ChalleNGe.  Previously we have come to the DMAVA campus to save and there is nothing left but some onesies and twosies to do.”

Rieth said that furloughs and a freeze on wage increases are also on the table and would be preferable to layoffs. He stated that all three branches of the state government are participating in the search to cut back.

“We will continue to communicate with all of you throughout the process, letting you know about our contingency plans,” he said. “As we know information, we will share it with you.”

“The economy will get worse before it gets better. We (the government) have to be part of the solution, said Rieth.  “Furlough issues will affect all people at all levels.  It will affect me, nurses and you. We all need to share in the cost savings.”

One question from the audience asked about the projects taking place in the building if we are trying to save money.

“Good question,” replied Rieth. “We are fixing up offices to bring in more federal employees who bring in money to help pay the building’s bills. And the fence that is going up around the property was scheduled four years ago. It is being paid for with Federal Homeland Security grant money.”

Rieth ended the meeting reminding everyone that what was being worked on was contingency plans and that he would be sure to communicate with everyone what the department’s plans would be once the decisions were made.

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The Construction and Facilities Management Office – CFMO – has moved back to the Lawrenceville campus.  Their new phone numbers are:

Maj. Luis Aguinaga                  609-530-6783

CW4 Thomas G. Comyack        609-530-7173

Contractor                                609-530-7165

Dot Counts                               609-530-6997

Maj. Michael Dzurisin                609-530-6874

Maj. Robert Garvey                   609-530-6998

Frank Kirby                               609-530-7135

William Mangan                        609-530-6733

Joan McCloskey                        609-530-7076

Maj. Erik Myhre                         609-530-6960

Col. Dennis O’Malley                 609-530-6999

Maj. Tracey L. Phillips               609-530-6901

Col. Charles Ragucci                 609-530-7168

CW2 Nancy Rowbotham           609-530-6784

Fax/copy                                  609-530-6773

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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 best place to start when trying to find something about the federal government - www.usa.gov

Here is a web site that rates banks; find out if your bank has a five star or less rating - www.bauerfinancial.com/home.html

Keep the kids entertained tonight. Open up this site and watch all sort of things shredded to pieces, including bicycles, appliances and soccer balls to name a few - www.ssiworld.com/watch/watch-en.htm

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From the desk of Paul Serdiuk, Training Coordinator

Just a reminder that  Mike McConnell, Prudential Investment Group, will be here Friday, March 6, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., to discuss with state employees about their New Jersey Deferred Compensation Plan. Each individual session will be 30 minutes. Please contact Paul Serdiuk at 609-530-6878, paul.serdiuk@njdmava.state.nj.us, to reserve your session.

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By Sharon Foster, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 4, 2009 – the Veterans of Foreign Wars will sponsor eight Purple Heart recipients who served in the Persian Gulf, Iraq or Afghanistan wars in the Annual Veterans Golf Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The trip, May 17-20, will include free airfare, hotel accommodations and the tournament entry fee for each winner. Players must have a U.S. Golf Association slope handicap or be able to validate five or six of their most recent scores to be eligible.

Meals will not be included and family members may attend at their own expense.

This will be the first year the veterans organization has sponsored veterans to this golf tournament through its Kahle Fund, Steve Van Buskirk, VFW director of programs, said.

In addition to the golf event, there will be opportunities to meet other players and an awards dinner on the final evening.

For a chance to win one of the eight trips, Purple Heart recipients from the Gulf, Iraq or Afghanistan wars must submit an entry form by mail in time for the April 1 drawing.  You can find the entry form at www.vfw.org/pdf/Golf%20Trip%20form_web.pdf.

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March is Women’s History Month and the theme for 2009 is “Women Taking the Lead to Save our Planet.” Visit the web site http://womenshistorymonth.gov for more information. 

This year 100 women are being honored who, according to the website, “demonstrate women's leadership in protecting the environment on a local, state, or national level. The 2009 Honorees are representative of women from across the country who have taken or are taking the lead to save our planet.”

Of the honorees, eight women have lived and worked in New Jersey, helping the state, nation and world become a better place.  Check out http://nwhp.org/whm/honorees.php to see a list of all the honorees and find out more about the eight women from New Jersey who have been named to the list:

•   Sylvia Alice Earle, Oceanographer and Environmentalist
•   Caroline Rose Foster, 1877 – 1977, Farmer; First County Deputy Sheriff; Community Organizer; Benefactor
•   Matilda Elizabeth Frelinghuysen, 1888 – 1969, Philanthropist
•   Martha Brookes Hutcheson, 1871 – 1959, Landscape Architect
•   Elizabeth Donnell Kay, 1895-1987, Nurse, Businesswomen, Charity Worker, Environmentalist
  Torrey Reade, Owner/Operator Neptune Farm
•   Elizabeth Coleman White, 1871– 1954, Agriculturalist
•   Esther Yanai, 1928–2003, Agriculturalist

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By Tech. Sgt. Barb Harbison, DMAVA Public Affairs Specialist

Pizza night is always a fun night for me.  Deciding on the toppings, picking up the pizza, smelling it on the drive home and then enjoying one of my favorite food groups. Even a cold left over piece the next morning is a special treat.

But I recently found out that how I have been disposing of my pizza box may have caused problems.  Pizza boxes often are not recyclable!

Yes, they are made from corrugated cardboard and that is normally recyclable.  What gives my recycler indigestion from my pizza box?  The grease and cheese that has stained the cardboard.

In fact, any paper product that has grease or food stains is not able to be recycled.  The reason is that in the paper recycling process, food is one of the “baddest” of the bad guys. Then, add oil and you have a real recipe for disaster.

During the paper recycling process, the paper and cardboard are mixed with water. (Glass, metal and plastic use heat in the recycling process so the grease and oil do not pose quite as big a problem.) Go back to chemistry class – oil and water don’t mix.  This is another reason why you cannot recycle other paper items that come in contact with food, like used paper plates, napkins and paper towels.

Oils can cause problems with the fibers binding when the “new” paper is being made, creating spots and holes. Another item that can cause problems in the recycling process are the stickers and coupons that are on the pizza box.  They too can ruin the recycling process.

For those who put their pizza boxes in the recycling anyway – you are not helping the process. It is estimated that contamination costs the paper recycling industry around $700 million per year., through damage to equipment, disposal costs of the contaminated matter and just the wasted time from processing the contaminated paper.

If you want to recycle – tear out the stained parts of the box and toss them in the regular trash can. Above all, check what your local recycler will accept. According to sources it depends on where the processor sends your paper.

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

The 2008 W2 and 1099 tax forms will be available on MyPay - https://mypay.dfas.mil as follows:

--Retiree 1099R - 12/16/2008

--Annuitant 1099R - 12/16/2008

--Air Force, Army and Navy Reserve W2 - 1/5/2009

--Civilian W2 - 1/6/2009

--Marine Corps Active and Reserve W2 - 1/7/2009

--Army Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) Civilian Pay W2 - 1/12/2009

--Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) W2 - 1/12/2009

--Savings Deposit Program (SDP) 1099INT - 1/18/2009

--Air Force, Army and Navy Active W2 - 1/23/2009

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RecruitMilitary will be hosting a career fair in cooperation with HireVets First and the American Legion on March 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park (Home of the Philadelphia Phillies).  It is being hosted to benefit all veterans, transitioning military personnel, members of the Guard and Reserve and military family members in the greater Philadelphia area. 

Job seekers who would like to pre-register for the event can go here:  http://careerfairs.recruitmilitary.com/cf/181-Philadelphia/candidates/information

A flyer that you can print, post, and forward to anyone that may benefit from this free event can be found here:     http://careerfairs.recruitmilitary.com/cf/181-Philadelphia/candidates/poster.pdf.

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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.

The Fort Monmouth’s Commissary will hold their On Site Sale on March 14, 10 a.m-5 p.m. and March 15, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Freehold Armory, 635 State Highway 33.for more information, contact Maria Morro at 732-341-9102.

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If you enjoy a few hours of watching guys racing around the ice on skates whacking a puck, trying to get it into a net at either end of the ice rink, then you will probably enjoy the Military Appreciation Night with the Jersey Rockhoppers on March 15.

The game will be played against the Brooklyn Aces at 5:30 p.m. in the Richard J. Codey Arena at South Mountain, West Orange.

Any military ID – active duty, retired, spouse – will receive a free ticket with presentation of ID at the box office.  Family and friends will be able to purchase tickets for $8.  If your unit or group is attending, let the team know ahead of time; they would like to recognize you during the game.

Visit www.JerseyRockhoppers.com to see more about the team.  Call Joe Matrale at 973-419-6194, extension 8057 or e-mail JMatrale@jerseyrockhoppers.com for information or to pre-order tickets.

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Children 11 and under are invited to the Annual Egg Hunt at the Picatinny Teen Center on March 21, 1:30-3 p.m.  There will be an egg hunt, games, prizes, refreshments, arts and crafts and pictures with the Easter Bunny.

The egg hunt begins at 1:30 sharp so participants are asked to arrive early.  The teen center is located in building 3228.

Everyone is asked to RSVP by March 13; call 973-724-5555/7183 for reservations. This is a BYOB event – that is bring your own basket for the younger crowd!

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The Brig. Gen. William Doyle Cemetery Advisory Council is selling Easter Season Palm Crosses to be placed on graves at the cemetery.  For those who wish to purchase the crosses for their loved one’s graves, the cost it $15 and orders must be placed by March 23. 

Send your name, phone number, address, name of the deceased with their grave number and section with the check made payable to “BG Doyle Cemetery Memorialization Fund,” 350 Provinceline Road, Wrightstown NJ 08562.  The crosses will be placed on the graves by April 3.  One cross per grave.

This is a fundraiser and profits benefit the beautification of the cemetery.

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From the desk of Loreta Sepulveda, Director of Human Resources Division

All DMAVA personnel will participate in the March 20, COOP-COG Field Exercise.  All employees are to report to Lawrenceville and then will be bused to Sea Girt for a briefing on the exercise and site orientations.  Lunch will be available at Sea Girt for approximately $4, or employees can bring their own lunch.  Employees will be bused back to DMAVA to complete the workday.

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

Sesame Workshop will air a Public Broadcasting Service special on April 1 that is aimed at helping military families cope with changes. Actor/singer Queen Latifah and singer John Mayer will join Elmo to present, "Coming Home: Military Families Cope with Change." The special carries a message for children whose parents suffered a physical or psychological wound in combat. The half-hour special, which will air at the beginning of the "Month of the Military Child," is a part of Sesame Workshop's "Talk, Listen, Connect" initiative, which began two years ago. The special is scheduled to air April 1 at 8 p.m. EST. Please check your local listings for the exact air time in your area. Visit http://www.military.com/military-spouse-network or http://archive.sesameworkshop.org/tlc/ for more information.

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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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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 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 0 Class 53 begins March 7, 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

• 13F10 MOS-T Fire Support Specialist (8 days): March 14-21, 2009 
• 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 Sep09.
• 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.

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JFHQ is holding an Officer and Enlisted Hail and Farewell dinner – Spring Fling and a Little Gambling – on March 21 at 5:30 p.m. on the Fort Dix drill floor.  Dress is business casual.  Retirees and all former members of STARC/JFHQ's and other DMAVA employees are welcome to attend.   Cost is $25 per person.  There will be casino games (no real money will be used) and a DJ for dancing following the dinner and presentation of awards.  For information and reservations, call Chief Warrant Officer Paul Sleeper, 609-562-0331 or e-mail:  paul.sleeper@us.army.mil.  Money and reservations need to be in no later than March 8. 

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Come one, come all – active or retired – for a fun-filled weekend with trips down memory lane. A Gala Reunion is being planned for all of the faces of the 170th and 108th Air Refueling Wing on April 25, 2009. 

The elegant semi-formal will be held at the Doubletree Hotel and Executive Meeting Center, 200 Atrium Drive, Somerset, NJ, 6-11 p.m.

A deposit of $50 is required per person as soon as possible.  Hotel reservation, rates and activities will be announced at a later date.

For more information, contact Gloria A. Smith, 732-752-8263/732-991-9102 or Phyllis Jackson-Rackley, 908-451-7147/908-730-6377.

Say Again?

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Isaac Hayes, Alan Jackson, Roy Orbison, Daughtry, Good Charlotte, Joe Perry and eight more artists and groups have come together and each donated one song to the CD, “For the Troops II.”

John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting, led the project for the second time. The original CD, “For the Troops,” was downloaded more than 350,000 times and 200,000 hard copies were distributed to service members and veterans.

The new CD, which can be downloaded for free at www.aafes.com, will continue to be available until mid-March. Those with valid military identification will be eligible to download the CD.

To get a complete list of the artists and songs on the CD, go to www.cdforthetroops.com.

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

Avalon, N.J.,  is joining the effort to support the brave men and women in the United States military by providing a "Cell Phones for Soldiers" drop off location at the Avalon Public Safety Building, on Dune Drive between 30th and 31st Streets, in Avalon.  "Cell Phones for Soldiers” is a collection drive for used, unwanted cell phones.  A collection box for the unused cell phones has been placed in the lobby of the new Avalon Public Safety Building.  "Cell Phones for Soldiers" was founded by teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist from Norwell, Mass., with $21 of their own money.  Since then, the registered 501c3 non-profit organization has raised almost $1 million in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas.  The donated phones are sent to ReCellular, which pays "Cell Phones for Soldiers" for each phone; enough to provide an hour of talk time to soldiers abroad.

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Just in time for tax season – Military OneSource is offering free preparation and filing of both your Federal and State taxes.

This program is available for all DoD components, Guard and Reserves and their families.

To get started or find out more information on this valuable benefit, call 1-800-342-9647 or visit www.militaryonesource.com.

Don’t let a tax preparer take even more of your money with tax preparation fees. Maximize your refund or minimize your tax bill by visiting Military OneSource today!

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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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Recently a letter was mailed to many State employees requesting that by Feb. 20, 2009, documents be submitted to verify the eligibility of dependents who are receiving State health care benefits. You may have received or heard of this letter. The letter is part of an eligibility audit program of the State Health Benefits Plan (SHBP) that is required by law. The letter states that if you do not provide the information by Feb.20, your dependents will not be covered.

Please be advised that no eligible dependent will be removed from the State Health Benefits Plan on Feb. 20, 2009. While we had originally asked that the documents be submitted by Feb. 20, we recognize this may present a hardship. We are asking those of you who received the letter to get the documentation as soon as possible so that the audit process moves forward. We will send a reminder to those who received the mailing in the next few weeks establishing a deadline for submission.

For those who did not receive a letter, please be advised you will also be receiving a written notice requiring that you verify the eligibility of dependent coverage. This will be an individual notice sent to your address and it will include a deadline for response and instructions.

Because the letter has generated questions among many recipients, the Division of Pensions and Benefits soon will prepare and post on its Web site a special "FAQ” page that will provide detailed information and address concerns about the eligibility audit and its requirements.

Audit programs are important and are used by many businesses and governments to ensure that only those eligible are covered and we look forward to implementing the audit in a way that satisfies our legal obligation but is still fair and with adequate notice to our State workforce.

Please do not hesitate to contact the SHBP Dependent Eligibility Verification Service Center at 1-866-641-5651 if you have any additional questions.

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

An invitation is extended to join the online Guard Family Portal community!  Our goal is to make this website your "one-stop shop" for everything Guard!  Here is the link to join:

• Visit www.guardfamily.org 
• Click the Join link on the top right
• Complete the form and click Submit!

The website will provide up-to-date, relevant and state-specific content, including announcements, news, events, discussion forums, documents, surveys and reports.

In addition, you can learn about Family Readiness, Program Services and Plans & Operations, take on-line training, and the site keeps you informed and involved about your benefits as a serving family.  FRG Leaders and volunteers are strongly encouraged to enroll on the site and log in your volunteer hours.

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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

March 21, 2009            Port Murray                  9:30 a.m.

March 22, 2009            Lawrenceville               1 p.m.

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 501(c)(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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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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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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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

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.

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New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation and Brookdale Community College present “An Afternoon With Tim O’Brien” on March 8 at 1 p.m. There is a $5 suggested donation for the Memorial Foundation for this event.

Then, on March 9, the two groups will also host “Visiting Writers Lecture by Tim O’Brien” and BCC Visiting Writings Series at 7 p.m.  A $3 suggested donation will be for the BCC Creative Writing Club.

Both events will be held at the Lincroft campus of Brookdale Community College in the Warner Student Life Center, Navesink Rooms I and II. 

The author of eight books, Tim O’Brien received the National Book Award in Fiction in 1979 for his novel Going After Cacciato.  In 2005 The Things They Carried was named by the New York Times as one of the twenty best books of the last quarter century.  It received the Chicago Tribune Heartland Award in fiction and was a finalist for both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award.  The title story was selected by John Updike for inclusion in The Best American Short Stories of the Century.  In the Lake of the Woods, published in 1994, was chosen by Time magazine as the best novel of that year.  O’Brien’s other works include If I Die in a Combat Zone, Northern Lights, Tomcat in Love and July, July.  His short fiction has appeared in numerous journals, including The New Yorker, Atlantic, Esquire, Playboy, and Harper’s. 

For more information call 732-335-0033 or visit www.njvvmf.org.