New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
DMAVA Highlights » 07 May 2009

Volume 9, Number 16

NJ Dept of Military and Veterans Affairs

Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth
The Adjutant General

Col. James J. Grant
Joint Staff Director

Col. (Ret) Stephen G. Abel
Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs

Contacting us is easy!


Public Affairs Office

Staff Sgt. Barbara Harbison barbara.harbison@njdmava.state.nj.us Or

Phone: (609) 530-7088
Fax: (609) 530-6963

Please submit any articles and all information for DMAVA Highlights to:

PAO Office DMAVA Highlights
ATTN: Staff Sgt. Barb Harbison

Deadline is noon Wednesday

Staff Sgt. Barbara Harbison barbara.harbison@njdmava.state.nj.us Or Call 609-530-7088

DMAVA Highlights Archive

DMAVA Highlights Archive Page



Veterans' Organizations Contact Information

State Veterans Service Council
Mr. Richard Clark
RJClark21@msn.com


BG Willam C. Doyle Cemetery Advisory Council
Mr. William Rakestraw
warjrnj@msn.com



Veterans Hotlines


Benefits & Entitlements
1-888-8NJ-VETS
(1-888-865-8387)

Mental Health
1-866-VETS-NJ4
(1-866-838-7654)

Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline

1-800-984-8523



NJ World War II Memorial


For information or to make a donation, call 609-530-7049

WWII Memorial on the web

 

ESGR Office

JFHQ 3650 Saylors Pond Road Fort Dix, NJ 08641

Hank Pierre, 609-562-0156, hank.pierre@njdmava.state.nj.us Tammy Cartagena, 609-562-0157, tammy.l.cartagena@us.army.mil
Fax 609-562-0158


Phone numbers and Web sites to remember

Directory Assistance:

1-602-293-4907

Verizon Super Pages: http://www.superpages.com

AT&T:
http://www.anywho.com/

SBC Yellow Pages: http://www.yellowpages.com/

Telephone and contact information on state employees can be found at http://njdirect.state.nj.us/

 

DMAVA Emergency Hotline:

1-866-232-5798

 

State Family Programs
101 Eggert Crossing  Road
Lawrenceville 

Toll-free number
  888-859-0352

Family Assistance
609-530-6884

Teen Youth Group 
609-530-6836
Fax: 609-530-6871

Call a Chaplain
24/7
609-694-0635
609-802-8125

Get your VA benefits as a Direct Deposit into your checking or savings account

call 800-333-1795
or visit www.GoDirect.org

 

2009
U. S. Army
Year of the NCO

http://www4.army.mil/yearofthenco/
home.php

 

 

Quotes for the Week   

Being too good is apt to be uninteresting.

-Harry S. Truman

Laws too gentle are seldom obeyed; too severe, seldom executed.

- Benjamin Franklin

Wink at small faults; for thou has great ones.

- Thomas Fuller

Politics is war without bloodshed, and war is politics with blood.

-  Mao Tse-tung

A learned man has always wealth in himself.

-  Latin proverb  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Download PDF Version of this week's highlights

 

 

News For Your Views


Airmen from 108th ARW deploy overseas

By Tech. Sgt. Barb Harbison, 108th Public Affairs Office

More than 80 members of the 108th Air Refueling Wing left this week for a deployment to Southwest Asia. They are the first half of the deployers who will be spending two months on a refueling mission there.

Wing members from maintenance, flight records, operations, aircraft flight equipment and administration, along with others, will be integrating with the active duty to create a total force said Lt. Col. Martin Ryan who will be working as the Director of Operations when he reaches the deployment station.

“We will be seaming right into what they are already doing,” he said. “I am looking forward to getting the mission done.”

As the Airmen prepared for the deployment, one place they stopped was the Logistical Readiness Squadron, for a small issue – filters for their protective mask, insecticide for their uniforms, ballistic goggles and tan web gear. Senior Master Sgt. Darlene Bouffard, materiel management specialist, said that the war bags were already in theater, thereby reducing the amount of items and time the Airmen spent processing through the line and baggage to handle.

Another check on the list for deployment was weapons qualification. Saturday of April drill found a group of Airmen gathered in a classroom in LRS learning the intricacies of the M16A2.

Tech. Sgt. Maurice Nelson, from 108th Security Forces, explained how each part worked as the weapon fires and how it should perform for the individual – the seesaw motion of the extractor, alignment of the rings on the bolt, how to load a magazine, clear the rifle when coming off duty and cleaning tips.

The other three instructors, Staff Sgts.  Agustin Alvarado and John Wasley, both security force personnel with the 108th Contingency Response Group and Senior Airman Diorca Hernandez, of the 108th SF, floated around the room, helping the Airmen when they had problems.

Monday evening, the Airmen reported to the wing one final time before the KC-135R’s transported them off to their new home for the next month.

Tech. Sgt. James Giquinto of Mount Holly has been on a number of other deployments. “I’ve been to Oman; Istres, France; Oslo, Norway; Adana, Turkey; and Geilenkirchen, Germany,” the engine mechanic said.

Why does he go on these deployments? “It’s my call of duty,” he replied. “The deployments are educational and I get strength, wisdom, self-satisfaction and some character building from them.”

The 21-year veteran of the 108th said his wife is very supportive of his career. Giquinto is employed as a production specialist at the Defense Support Center in Philadelphia.

Senior Airman Omar Holt admitted to some nervousness on his first deployment.  Most of that, he said, was due to leaving his family behind. But he and his wife had made arrangements for help so she could handle her part-time job and their two young sons during his absence.

Holt, who is part of the Hydraulics shop, works as a locomotive engineer for New Jersey Transit when not wearing his military uniform.

The Milltown resident was looking forward to getting experience in his craft during his time overseas.

There will be a swap out half-way through the two-month deployment with another group of Airmen going over in about a month.


177th Medical Group receives Outstanding Unit Award

The National Guard Bureau has announced that the 177th Fighter Wing Medical Group, New Jersey Air National Guard, has been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

“This prestigious award is a testimony to the outstanding and dedicated service by the men and women of the 177th Fighter Wing Medical Group,” said Brig. Gen. Maria Falca-Dodson, Commander, New Jersey Air National Guard.  “Your contributions have made the difference – both here and abroad.  Congratulations and thank you for your commitment, dedication and resolve to our great state and nation.”

This is the second time the Medical Group has received the Award.  The first was in 2003 as a subordinate unit of the wing.

 “The competition was extremely keen,” said Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, Director, Air National Guard.  “Each winner is commended for having been selected from an outstanding group of nominees.”

The Medical Group joins an elite group of 36 Air National Guard units nationwide, ranging the full spectrum of Air Force missions, in receiving the prestigious award.  The AFOUA was created in 1954 and is awarded to any Air Force unit which performs exceptionally meritorious service, accomplishes specific acts of outstanding achievement, excels in combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States, or conducts with distinction military operations involving conflict with, or exposure to, a hostile action by any opposing foreign force.

"We are all extremely proud of the Medical Group's hard work and dedication and it's good to see them get the recognition they deserve," said Col. Robert C. Bolton, Commander, 177th Fighter Wing.

The Medical Group received the award for the period from March 30, 2006 to March 30, 2008.  During that time, the 177th Medical Group provided extraordinary support for Operations’ Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Jump Start, Arctic Care and Task Force Grizzly.  Unit Airmen have supported the State Partnership Program between New Jersey and the Republic of Albania by training numerous Albanian doctors, nurses, and technicians in emergency medical technician certification courses.

In April 2006, the Group deployed to Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea in support of the Korea-United States Combined Forces exercise.  The unit set up an Expeditionary Medical Support hospital in less than a week, inventoried more than 1,500 items in two days with 100 percent accuracy and provided training to the 8th Medical Group.  As a result, the 177th Medical Group received numerous accolades from Pacific Air Force, the 8th Medical Group Commander, and Air National Guard Chief of Medical Plans and Readiness Division.

During Operation Arctic Care 2007, the Air National Guard Surgeon General specifically requested that the 177th Medical Group be the first Air National Guard unit to support the Operation, which is a joint operation involving medical personnel from all branches of the service.  The services in turn integrate with local health organizations to provide medical care for native Alaskans. The Operation is centered in Kotzebue, with more than 150 doctors, nurses, medical specialists, and support members giving care to patients in Kotzebue and eleven outlying Inupiat Eskimo fishing villages.

The Medical Group was recognized as the top performing unit in the villages of Selawik and Noorvik.  While deployed, the Medical Group Airmen reattached a young girl’s finger tip, performed more than 2,000 optometric and dental examinations, and promoted a massive health program involving substance abuse, sex education and preventive medicine to more than 2,000 native Alaskans.

In addition to their robust support for national and international operations, the Group also received an “Outstanding” rating during their March 2008 Health Services Inspection – their second consecutive “Outstanding” rating.  To add to this accomplishment, they put together an HSI Consultation Team to assist other Air Force units in preparing for these inspections, which are considered among the most difficult inspections in the Air Force.  The 177th Medical Group Consultative Team visited four other units; three of which have been inspected and attained either “excellent” or better ratings on their inspections.

"These Airmen are true professionals who have taken an interest in helping out other units and ensuring that they succeed,” said Col. Bolton.

Locally, the 177th Medical Group has built relationships with non-military organizations including the Atlantic County Public Health Emergency Preparedness Task Force, Atlantic City Regional Medical Center, and Atlantic County Office of Emergency Management to prepare for future disaster relief efforts.

“The dedication and commitment of the members of these organizations enable the Air National Guard to fulfill its commitment to the missions of peacekeeping, humanitarian relief, domestic improvement, and most important of all – defense of America,” said Lt. Gen. Wyatt.


108th Airman named Individual Air Diversity winner for 2008

By Staff Sgt. Brian Carson, 108th Air Refueling Wing

Master Sgt. Ferdie Bautista, Information Manager for the 108th Maintenance Squadron, was the 2008 Individual Air Diversity Award Winner.  This award is given to the Air National Guard member who best promoted diversity in his/her workplace and in the community while maintaining the core values of the Air National Guard.  

One of the main components of the Air Diversity Award is how the individual is able to best integrate the military with their community while promoting diversity and unity.  Bautista is able to do this in a multitude of ways encompassing both his military and community background. 

One of the many ways that Bautista promotes diversity is his membership in  the Asian Pacific Heritage Foundation.

As chairman of the foundation, Bautista was able to fully integrate Guard and Reserve personnel into an organization that was previously run by active duty members only.  He has been instrumental in bringing awareness to the group and getting the foundations message out to the public by coordinating a Luau for the base and community during Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage month.  This consisted of volunteer musicians and dancers from Japan, Thailand, Korea, Singapore, Philippines, and the Hawaiian Islands. 

In addition, Bautista volunteers for the annual Unity Day celebration that is held at Fort Dix where he hosts the Asian/Pacific Islander table complete with various cultural food samplings and displays.  He has been a participant in this event for the past nine years.

The Asian Pacific Heritage Foundation and the Unity Day event are only two of the ways that Bautista promotes diversity in the workplace; he also acts as his unit’s Equal Opportunity counselor and Special Emphasis Program Manager. 

“I’m here to assist Airmen with any questions or issues that they might have regarding diversity and equal opportunity related issues,” said Bautista.  “I try to instill the principle that everyone has something positive to offer, and it doesn’t matter what they look like or how different they appear.”

Although Bautista is very active in the military with diversity issues and assisting young Airmen, his service does not stop when he changes into civilian clothes.  As a member of his local church, Bautista volunteers as a Sunday school teacher and also as an advisor to young men and women when it comes to questions about the military.

“I try to instill in everyone the importance of excepting and learning about the differences in people,” said Bautista.  “Talents can be found in everyone, and our strength as a people comes from our differences as a whole.”    


Post 9/11 GI Bill briefing on the calendar for July 21

For all of you are eligible for the Post 911 GI Bill and are finding yourselves with questions – here is where to find answers!  There will be a Post 911 GI Bill briefing for the McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst community on July 21 in the Timmerman Center, Fort Dix. Briefings will be held at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.  All the briefings are for active duty, National Guard, Reserve and family members. 

The McGuire Education Office is advising delaying application for the Post 911 GI Bill until after attending one of these briefings.


DMAVA/JFHQ Picnic, Town Hall to be held on May 21

Yogi Bear and Boo Boo will not be working to distract Ranger Smith while attempting to steal our food – so you can come out to DMAVA /JFHQs Picnic (that would be pic-a-nic in Jellystone terms).

Pull out our summer clothes and join your co-workers on May 21, at noon, next to the HSCOE building on the DMAVA campus for a full menu of sausage, hot dogs, hamburgers, potato and macaroni salads, cole slaw, baked beans and ice cream, along with beverages. 

Prior to the picnic will be a mandatory Town Hall meeting in the Lawrenceville Armory at 11 a.m. If employees chose not to attend the picnic, they must return to their duty stations after the town hall meeting.

Cost for the picnic is $10 ($12 day of the event).  See your local department rep to pay for your ticket to an afternoon of fun and food.

DMAVA – Darlene Laarz (609-530-6992), Dawn Baulo 609-530-6717), Tina Taylor (609-530-7170), Karen Hansen (609-530-6868)

Fort Dix – Master Sgt. Barbara Alcott (609-562-0870); Bonnie Gaskell (609-562-0925), Luisa Sanchez (609-562-0964)

HSCOE – Kevin Hearn (609-562-7078)


Doyle holds Memorial Day ceremony May 23

The annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery will be held on May 23.   The parade of New Jersey veterans’ organizations will pass in review at 10:30 a.m. and the memorial service will begin at 11 a.m.  For more information, contact 609-738-2404.


Homeowners insurance seminar on May 19

From the desk of Paul Serdiuk, Training Coordinator

Learn about Homeowners Insurance – what is covered, what is not; renter’s insurance; condo insurance; as well as liability issues for which you are responsible as a homeowner. Also discussed will be: oil tanks, dog breed exclusions, as well as Identity Theft insurance; is it worth purchasing? Plus receive a private consultation regarding your Homeowners policy as well as auto policy with the consultant, with possible ways to save money and insure you have the appropriate coverage. This is a free service of the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance.

The seminar is on May 19, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in Conference Room A. Contact Paul Serdiuk, Training Coordinator, at 609-530-6878 to reserve a timeslot if you are interested in a private consultation on your homeowner/auto policy. You will need to bring a copy of the policy with you.


Commissary coming to Pomona Air Base

The commissary is coming to Pomona! Come out and enjoy a case lot sale to be held at the 177th Fighter Wing location at Pomona Air Base, Egg Harbor Township. This is open to all authorized ID card holders (all branches of services). If you live in south Jersey, don’t drive to McGuire Air Force Base; get your commissary savings here. Event will be held on May 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at building 65. For more information, visit www.commissaries.com and click on the locations link.


Jersey Guardsmen do well at Guard marathon

From the desk of Master Sgt. Alex Estrada

May 3, 2009 – The New Jersey Air and Army National Guard was represented at the Lincoln Nebraska Marathon & National Guard Trials by four individuals. Each member of the team completed the 26.2 miles under the required four hours.

Members of the 2009 team are: Lt. Col. Jesse Arnstein - 21st CST (WMD), time: 2:51; Master Sgt. Esly Panduro HHD JFHQ-NJ, time: 3:31; 1st Sgt. Gary Davidson, 1st BN, 254th Regiment, time: 3:46; and Master Sgt. Robert Cuff, JT2DC, time: 3:59.

Please congratulate these individuals as it takes many hours and days of preparation and separation from friends and family to successfully complete this event.  I'm proud to call them fellow teammates and for promoting physical fitness within the Air and Army National Guard of New Jersey.


Veterans workshop with SBA slated for May 21 in Edison

A number of organizations, including the U.S. Small Business Administration, Passaic County Department of Economic Development and NJDMAVA, are presenting a Veterans workshop, “Starting and Financing Your Small Business,” on May 21.

The workshop will be held at the Edison Job Corps Academy, 500 Plainfield Ave., Edison, N.J. 08817, 9-11:30 a.m.  To register for the workshop, call the Small Business Development Center at The College of New Jersey at 609-771-2947.

The N.J. district office of the SBA has secured the support of several lenders to provide special loan rates for veterans who own their own businesses or who are looking to start their own business. The SBA has also made available a special loan guaranty program for veterans, active-duty service members nearing separation, members of the National Guard and Reserves, as well as their spouses. This program, known as the Patriot Express, features the SBA’s fastest turnaround time for loan approvals and gives the SBA’s maximum guaranty.

Those veterans who attend will have the opportunity to meet local veterans’ representatives, reps from lending institutions, and business management counselors.


Military Appreciation Weekend at Clementon Park, May 23-25

Military Forces Appreciation Weekend at Clementon Park and Splash World will be held on May 23-25. Active, Reserve, Guard and retired personnel can get in for free with Military ID. Family and friends can enter with a valid coupon for $14.99 (regularly $34.99/$24.99 (48" or less)); $8 for parking. You must have the coupon to get in.   Clementon is 36 miles south of the McGuire on Rte 30.  The coupon can be found on their Web site – look under special events: http://www.clementonpark.com/home.html .


Salvation Army holding motorcycle ride on May 30

The Salvation Army is holding a motorcycle run on Saturday, May 30. Rain date is June 27. The start and finish point will be The Salvation Army Camp Tecumseh, 445 Mechlin Corner Road, Pittstown NJ.

Sign in will be from 10-11 a.m. Cost is $25 per rider and $10 for passengers. Lunch only, for family and friends is $5 and children under 7 will eat for free.

At the end of the ride, there will be a barbecue, pig roast, entertainment, prizes and other activities. No alcohol will be served or allowed on the ride or at Camp Tecumseh.

Proceeds benefit The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services Program and Camp Tecumseh. For those of you who aren’t aware, Salvation Army helps NJNG members and their families. Come out and enjoy a fun ride while supporting the worthwhile efforts of this great organization.

For more information contact RJ Yuhas at 908-851-8239 or ron.yuhas@use.salvationarmy.org .


Postage stamp increase goes into effect May 11

By Marilyn Loeser

FedSmith Inc-May 6, 2009-As you're probably aware, it'll cost you 44 cents to send a letter beginning May 11. But if you want to save yourself 2 cents a stamp now's the time to stock up on Forever Stamps which are good indefinitely for the First-Class Mail one-ounce letter price.

First sold in April 2007, Forever Stamps are designed to ease the transition during price changes so that customers won't need to worry about buying additional postage to mail a letter when the cost of stamps changes.

This year customers can also purchase 44 cent stamps before May 11, as they become available. The Purple Heart stamp, Wedding Rings stamp and two-ounce Wedding Cake stamp are currently available. The Simpsons' stamps will be available May 7, and Love: King and Queen of Hearts will be available May 8.

U.S. Flag stamp coils of 3,000 and 10,000 are now available and U.S. Flag stamp coils of 100 will be available May 8.

What do you get when you purchase postage?

The obvious answer is transportation and delivery of your letter or package to any address in the United States, its territories and military APO/FPO addresses around the world.

But there's more; a lot more.

The Postal Service provides universal service — with no hidden surcharges — no matter where you live.  

First-Class Mail is forwarded for one year after a customer moves — which adds up to more than 2 billion pieces every year. First Class Mail is always returned to the sender if it can't be delivered for any reason.

Letters are picked up from your mailbox free-of-charge and, when using Carrier Pickup, so are your Priority Mail and Express Mail packages. As long as you have one piece of Priority Mail or Express Mail, the carrier will pick up all your packages even if they're being shipped Parcel Post or Medial Mail. Carrier Pickup is requested online at www.usps.com .

Priority Mail and Express Mail boxes and packaging supplies are provided free at Post Offices or can be ordered online from usps.com. There are several different sizes to fit all your shipping needs.

The Inspection Service protects your privacy, investigates mail fraud and is helping educate the public against fraud.

A postmark even documents that a legal brief has been filed by the deadline. Mail-in election mail programs are also in use in more than half the nation's states.

And what you pay is all you pay. The Postal Services is funded completely by the revenue it makes from its sales and services. It doesn't accept use any tax dollars for its operations.

Compared to other price increases we've all seen this past year — from the grocery store to the gas pump — you're getting a lot for your 44 cents! 


Essex Troop scholarships open for members, family

Applications for the 2009 Essex Troop Scholarship Program will be available at the annual meeting, Saturday, May 9.  The meeting will be held at the West Orange armory at 4 p.m.

The scholarships are available for qualified Essex Troop members and their family members, 102nd Cavalry and 50th BSTB qualified personnel.

Applications can be found online at the Essex Troop Web site, http://www.essextroop.org/index.htm , by requesting at etroop@verizon.net or by calling the Troop office at 1-973-736-0952.  Deadline for submitting applications is June 15, 2009.


EANJNG opens scholarship season to members, dependents

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 July 15.  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.


ANG Dinosaurs scheduled spring luncheon for May 20

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.


10 mile run at Dix on May 16

Put on those running shoes and lace them up for the Armed Forces Ten Mile Run at Fort Dix on May 16 starting at Griffith Field House 8:30 a.m. Cost is $19 during pre-registration, $25 during same day registration. For more information go to www.dixmwr.com or call 609-562-4888.


Nutter Run up and running for May 31

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.


Ocean County Provider Fair for Veterans’ Families

Families and friends are invited to meet with Ocean County mental health and other service provider agencies to learn about support and resources available in Ocean County on Wednesday, May 13, starting at 6:30 p.m.  The fair will be in the Ocean County Complex Cafeteria, 129 Hooper Ave. (second floor/parking garage third level) in Toms River.

The providers of Ocean County and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) have teamed to provide this annual Providers Fair, as a part of Mental Health Month, to make available representatives from service agencies that support adults and children in Ocean County.  Pick up free literature describing available services and meet providers to discuss their services and obtain answers to your questions.  Light refreshments will be provided free of charge.

NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.  NAMI-Ocean County meets in the cafeteria the second Wednesday each month for education and support 6:30-9:00 p.m.  For more information or assistance, call 732-244-4401.


Hopewell Valley holding Memorial Day ceremony May 23 at Alliger Park

From the Hopewell Valley Veterans Association

The Hopewell Valley Veterans Association (HVVA) is holding their fourth annual Memorial Day ceremony on May 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Alliger Park.

The event will include remarks by keynote speaker Brig. Gen. John Nunn, Assistant Adjutant General of the New Jersey National Guard. The ceremony will also include an unveiling of memorial bricks dedicated in honor of veterans. Peter J. Lunetta, aviator for the U.S. Navy, is scheduled to conduct a military fly-over. Naval Sea Cadets from Lawrence Twp. will present the National Colors and lunch will be provided.

This free event is rain or shine. Tents will be provided at the park, in case of inclement weather. Alliger Park is located at 203 Washington Crossing- Pennington Road, Titusville, N.J. and is adjacent to the Hopewell Township Public Works Building. For additional information and directions visit, www.HopewellValleyVeterans.org  or call (609) 737-6681.


Vets, military invited to march in Memorial Day parade in Keansburg

Keansburg, N.J., invites all veterans and military members to march in the town’s annual Memorial Day Parade on Sunday, May 17 at noon, rain or shine.  The parade will start at New Point Comfort Fire House 192 Carr Ave, continue for approximately two miles and end at Manning Place and Carr Avenue. Arrangements have been made to have buses for any vet that is unable to walk the parade route.  In addition, there will have a special bus that is wheelchair accessible if needed for any vet wanting to participate.

Contact Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Hoff if you will be participating and if there will be any vets needing the special busing by May 11 at 732-309-3647 or cor9696@aol.com .


FRG asks for donations for auction

From the State Family Programs Office

The Family Readiness Group for the HHC 1-114th, Woodbury, is having a Ticket Auction/Basket Auction on May 17 at 1 p.m. at the Woodbury Armory.

We are seeking items for donations. Please go through your garage/basement/attic/kids rooms (as long as they have moved away) and see if you can find items in good condition that we can use for our auction.

Call Natalie Warner at 609-903-1061 for more information and to donate items.


Army Warrant Officer Association wants you

Join the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Association, Fort Dix Doughboy Chapter.  The USAWOA is the Warrant Officer’s voice in The Military Coalition.

Make your voice heard.  AAAA member aviators receive a USAWOA membership discount.  WO1’s receive their first year membership free.

Contact nancy.rowbotham@us.army.mil to obtain a membership application.


104th Engineers Association’s anniversary dinner on May 19

The 104th Engineer Association will hold its Anniversary Dinner on May 19 at 6:30 p.m. All former members of the 104th Engineer Battalion, New Jersey Army National Guard, are invited to attend. Contact retired 1st Sgt. Alfred Roberts at alfred.roberts@us.army.mil or 973-776-1364 during duty hours for further information.


Scholarships available for DeVry University

The AMVETS are offering scholarships for DeVry University with a $1,000 per semester tuition award and a $9,000 total award. This is open to veterans of all branches of service, Reserve and Guard components. This offer is also extended to immediate family members (spouses, natural and adopted children). This scholarship is applicable for DeVry University and the Keller Graduate School of Management.

Deadlines to submit scholarship applications are June 8 for the July 2 semester and Sept. 28 for the Oct. 26 semester. For more information concerning the application or the application process contact AMVETS toll free at 877-726-8387 or devryscholarships@amvets.org .


NJNG museum announces sale of “A Tribute to New Jersey Veterans”

The National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey announces the publication of “A Tribute to New Jersey Veterans.”  This beautiful 128 page, historical hard-cover book will be available on July 4, 2009, and includes numerous unpublished photos from the museum’s collections, the N.J. National Guard, and personal collections that chronicle the men and women of New Jersey who have protected democracy since the inception of our great country right up to today’s conflicts. With photos from over the past 150 years as well as illustrations of the country’s early history, this book captures New Jersey’s men and women’s contributions since the beginning. It is a deserving tribute dedicated to all who have served and sacrificed so much for our country and shows how the state has honored and supported our veterans in the past, and will encourage its citizens to continue their support for our military.      

Part of the proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit the museum.  If you have any questions, please contact the museum curator, retired Col. Donald Kale, at 609-530-6802. 


Reunion briefing schedule announced for family members

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

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

May 13, 2009             Somerset                    6:30 p.m. ** Date change

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

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


DMAVA Veterans Outreach Campaign continues

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

May 19*, 20, 21

Hamilton Mall

June

Wildwood Convention Center-see below

July 28*, 29, 30

Ocean County Mall

August 5

First Energy Park, home of the Lakewood Blue Claws, 6-10 p.m.

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.


No handbooks available for NJDIRECT

Inquiries about NEW handbooks and directories for NJDIRECT has prompted this reply from Pensions and Benefits: 

"Unfortunately, we do not have NJ Direct Handbooks to give to members and will not be receiving a supply. Members may visit the NJ Direct website www.horizonblue. com/shbp. Members without computers are encouraged to use their local library or a relative's computer or call the plan directly". 

You may also look up benefit information and visit the Unified Provider Directory on the Pensions and Benefits website under State Health Benefits Program.


Employees required to register for MBOS

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

MBOS is the Member Benefits Online System. Through MBOS, employees may review their pension contributions, loan status, health benefits information, update their beneficiary information, apply for retirement, as well as many other applications. It has been encouraged that all employees register for this helpful tool. However Pensions is now working on MBOS being a requirement in order for employees to make certain updates to their personal information.

Effective immediately, in all cases where an employee is eligible to become a member of the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS), the employer will be required to submit all enrollment information to Pensions via online.  Important to note is that the online PERS Enrollment Application does not include the Designation of Beneficiary page. Instead, once the member is enrolled and issued a pension number, they must register for a MBOS account at: www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/mbosregister.htm and complete the online Beneficiary Designation form. Until the member completes his or her Designation of Beneficiary, the member’s “Estate” will be the beneficiary of record.

Current employees –note, even if you are already enrolled into PERS, if you wish to make any changes to your beneficiary information, you too will need to be registered for MBOS. Members will not be able to submit the Change in Beneficiary Designation paper form since this will no longer be acceptable through the Division of Pensions and Benefits.

Visit the link above for complete instructions to register for MBOS. If you encounter any problems with registration, you may e-mail Pensions and Benefits with your questions/concerns and they can assist you through the process. You may also obtain a tri-fold brochure with MBOS instructions from your Human Resources Office.

 

 

 

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