News For Your Views
Soldier
helps rescue man in Christmas Eve "miracle"
Sgt. Everett
Maldonado's (JFHQ/G8) Christmas Eve morning began
with the anticipation of the day to come.
He had just pulled out of his driveway and
was on his way to his sister's house, when he noticed
a commotion next door.
He quickly stopped and went to see if he
could be of any help. He came upon a firefighter from the nearby
firehouse performing CPR on a man who had collapsed
in front of the barber shop. Unable to find a pulse
or breathing, the firefighter asked Maldonado to
take over doing the chest compressions to resuscitate
the man while he focused on finding a pulse. Maldonado
did five sets of chest compressions before the firefighter
was able to get a pulse and hear gurgling. Sgt. Maldonado has had some emergency medical
training as a law-enforcement office and a member
of the Army National Guard.
The patient was still hospitalized on Christmas
day, but was expected to make a full recovery.
Employers
visit ICBT Soldiers during processing
From the
desk of Kryn P. Westhoven, Public Affairs Staff
Officer
The first
of three Employer Days visiting Soldiers of the
50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) was held
on Wednesday, January 9 at Fort Dix.
The fifteen employers started the day at 50th IBCT
headquarters in Lawrenceville before flying in Blackhawks
to the Soldiers Readiness Processing (SRP) being
conducted at the Joint
Readiness
Center
and the Joint Training and Training
Development
Center.
The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve New
Jersey field committee organized the day for the
employers to see the medical, dental and administrative
processes that deploying Soldiers go through in
preparation for the 50th IBCT's deployment later
this year.
DFAS releases
2007 tax statements
From
the desk of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hughes,
Family Assistance Specialist
The Defense
Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) began distributing
2007 tax statements in December and will continue
through the end of January. Anyone interested
in getting a head start on their taxes can find
their statements on the DFAS Web site, as long as
they have myPay access. The link is https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx. Online access to IRS W-2, 1099R and 1099-INT
forms, as well as retiree and annuitant statements
are available.
Marriage
Enrichment Seminar scheduled for Feb. 15-17
The next
Marriage Enrichment Seminar will be Feb. 15-17.
This seminar will be in a centrally located New
Jersey hotel. If you
are interested in attending, contact Marie Durling
at 609-562-0739 for a registration form. All
N.J. Army Guardsman who have not attended a previous
weekend seminar are eligible. The class is
limited to the first 25 couples.
Company
offers appliances to returning veterans at low
cost
The company
Top Line Appliances, along with the General Electric
and Whirlpool Corporation would like to offer returning
vets appliances at little or no cost. They will
also offer to those in financial need, at a greatly
reduced price. They not only offer ADA
appliances, but also ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers
and washers and dryers.
Details:
They would
deliver the appliances at no charge within a 30
mile radius of their business; the rest of New
Jersey would be $25 to cover
fuel cost and driver's time. The appliances can
be picked up at the warehouse in Roselle.
Cost will be dependent upon what is needed and the
ability of the veteran to pay. Top Line wants to
do their part for those who need help.
For more
information, contact: Top Line Appliances, 576 North Ave East, Westfield,
NJ 07090,
1-800-829-1862.
RTS-Maintenance
offers training to Army Guard members
The Regional
Training Site-Maintenance provides maintenance and
logistics education under The Total Army School
System. The RTSM is a subordinate unit to the 254th
Regiment RTI. It utilizes automated and current
force modernization equipment systems to support
Active, Reserve and National Guard soldiers. As
a fully accredited schoolhouse it offers military
occupational skill classification, additional skill
identifiers, sustainment and transition training.
Its charge is to provide instruction to non-commissioned
officers under the non-commissioned officer education
system. The
mission supports the enabling of Armed Forces Components
to mobilize for wartime mission requirements. The
overall unit mission helps to support the "Warrior"
during the current operational environment and undertake
critical missions to win the fight.
Schoolhouse: Regional Training Site-Maintenance
Location
of training: Building 3601, Technology
Drive, Fort Dix,
N.J.
School Code:
967
Unit Phone:
609 562-0566 / 0567/0568
RTSM (NJ)
Team Home Site:
https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/468201 (Army
Knowledge Online (AKO) password required)
v
ULLS-G -
1 week - 40 hour course:
The Unit
Level Logistics System-Ground (ULLS-G) course helps
units track scheduled and completed services. The
ULLS-G program can give you a service schedule by
vehicle, list equipment capabilities, create work
orders and forecast maintenance services.
ULLS-G is the commander's tool for maintenance
management.
POC: SFC Edwards Phone: 609
562-0114 michael.edwards@us.army.mil
v
091-ASIH8 (63B) Wheeled - 2 weeks - 80 hour course:
The course
helps students to safely and correctly use/operate
wheeled vehicle recovery systems and equipment.
Instruction on specialized rigging and recovery
wheeled vehicle techniques is given throughout the
course. Students
conduct towing and winching of wheel vehicles to
include self-recovery. A mini-field training exercise
is part of the course. Note: SGTs and below receive an Additional
Skill Identifier (ASI) of H8.
SSG and above receive a Certificate of Training
and cannot be awarded the H8 ASI.
The student must possess a current Civilian
and Military Driver's License.
POC: SFC Blackford Phone: 609-562-0546 shawn.m.blackford@us.army.mil
v
091-ASIH8 (63H) Track - 2 weeks - 80 hour course:
The course
helps students to safely and correctly use/operate
tracked vehicle recovery systems and equipment.
Instruction on specialized rigging and recovery
tracked vehicle techniques is given throughout the
course. Students
conduct towing and winching of tracked vehicles
to include self-recovery. A mini-field training
exercise is part of the course. Note: SGTs and below receive an Additional
Skill Identifier (ASI) of H8.
SSG and above receive a Certificate of Training
and cannot be awarded the H8 ASI.
The student must possess a current Civilian
and Military Driver's License.
POC: SFC Kapule Phone: 609-562-0566 wilfred.kapule@us.army.mil
v
131-F13 Small Group Instructor Course - 1 week -
40 hour course:
This course
is for personnel assigned as instructors or to improve
instructional techniques. The one week intense course
focuses on learning the basic techniques of monitoring,
questioning and facilitating small group discussions
in a military setting.
Emphasis is placed on presenting issues and
finding solutions using the small class setting.
The students will learn effective use of
written, verbal and management techniques to improve
public speaking and presentation skills.
POC: SFC Brandinelli Phone: 609-562- 0528 Donald.brandinelli@us.army.mil
Fundraiser
being held for scholarship to honor late NJ Guardsman
From
the desk of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hughes,
Family Assistance Specialist
Sgt. Anthony
D. LaSelva from New Jersey's
Co D/250th BSB was among the 4,000 troops from the
Minnesota National Guard's 1-34th Infantry Division
who left Camp Shelby,
Miss., on March 16, 2006 to deploy to Iraq. His unit was scheduled
to stay a year. Sgt. LaSelva was one of the
New Jersey soldiers ordered in January 2007
to remain in the war-torn nation for an additional
125 days. The 21-year-old New Jersey Army National
Guard sergeant survived 15 months in Iraq only to
perish less than three months after returning home.
Sgt. LaSelva, who would have turned 22 in September,
was killed in a motorcycle accident on Sept. 13,
2007.
As a tribute
to Sgt. LaSelva for not only serving our country,
but also for touching the lives of so many with
his passion and kindness, his friends and family
have decided to organize a fundraiser in his
honor. All of the proceeds will be donated
to Washington
Township
High School
to form a scholarship in his name: The Sgt. Anthony
D. LaSelva Memorial Fund. Anything that anyone
can do to help with the fundraiser would be greatly
appreciated. There will be a Chinese Auction
at the event so they are in need of things to fill
the baskets, whether it is a gift certificate or
merchandise. All donations are tax deductible.
Any questions or concerns, contact Malorie Mullen
at 856-364-5646. The event will be held on
Saturday, Feb. 23, 6-10 p.m. at the Senior Citizens
Center, 315
Greentree Road, Turnersville
NJ 08012.
Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door.
Dawson retiring from Guard
after 30 years of service
Master Sgt.
Evella L. Dawson will retire on Jan. 31, 2008 after
30 years of service to the New Jersey Army National
Guard. Her
entire military service career was served in the
Data Processing Center of the United States Property
and Fiscal Office (USP&FO). She began her career as a Private 1st Class
and computer machine operator and retired as the
Information Systems Chief.
Congratulations, Penny!
Order a
complimentary Blue Star Flag to show your family's
service
From
the desk of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hughes,
Family Assistance Specialist
The Blue
Star Flag first appeared in 1917, when Captain Robert
L. Queissner, who had two sons serving on the front
line, designed it as a tribute to their dedication
and service. He proudly displayed this flag
in the front window of his home and the flag quickly
became the unofficial symbol of a child in the service.
Also known as a Service Flag, the blue star stands
for hope and pride. Order a complimentary
Blue Star Flag to honor your loved ones in the service
by visiting: http://www.grantham.edu/promo/freebluestar.php.
DMAVA Annual
Coat and Toy Drives were successful
From
the desk of Paul Serdiuk, coordinator
This year
through the generosity of our State, Army and Air
National Guard men and women - DMAVA collected a
total of 119 coats. These were coats for men, woman
and children. The majority of the coats were sent
to DMAVA's Veteran Haven where they will be distributed
to homeless veterans. We collected more than 199
toys for needy and deprived children living in New Jersey. These toys will be distributed
by the Department of Human Services to known families
with children in need.
Thank you
all very much for making this year's Coat and Toy
drive a success for all the less fortunate citizens
of New Jersey.
Retired
Chief Warrant Officer honored for service
Retired
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Judith McCabe, who served
as the Curator of the National Guard Militia Museum
of New Jersey in Sea Girt, was recently recognized
and honored by the Museum's Board of Trustees for
her many accomplishments and outstanding leadership
as the past Curator of the Museum.
Chief McCabe was presented with the Museum's
most prestigious and highest award by retired Col.
Leonard Luzky, President of the Museum's Board of
Trustees, at the Museum's Fourth Annual Volunteer
Luncheon held in December.
Additionally,
Chief McCabe was inducted into the Honorable
Order of Saint Barbara by the United States
Field Artillery Association. This is the highest honor bestowed by the
US Army's Field Artillery Association, and the award
and medal were presented to Chief McCabe by retired
Col. Donald Kale.
Chief McCabe retired from the NJ Army National
Guard in 2007 after completing 25 years of service,
the last 11 years serving full time. Chief
McCabe became Curator of the Museum in 1996. In 2004, Chief McCabe was mobilized for active
duty as part of the NJ National Guard's deployment
in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global
War on Terror, serving stateside as the Rear Detachment
Commander for the 42 Infantry Division Support Command.
Tax information
for military members who have deployed
From the Military Officers Association
of America
Military pay received while deployed in
a combat zone or other qualifying hazardous duty
area is tax-free. But what specific rules apply?
Here's a quick refresher course, which summarizes
how you can take advantage of these savings opportunities.
All pay received (including base pay, special
pays, and bonuses) is income tax-free up to the
maximum enlisted pay rate of $6,381.90 per month,
plus imminent danger pay.
Reenlistment bonuses received during a qualifying
deployment month also are tax-free. Be aware, however,
if a reenlistment bonus is taken in installment
payments instead of a lump-sum, installment payments
received after leaving the combat zone are not tax-free.
Thrift Saving Plan (TSP) contributions
made while in a combat zone are not taxed on withdrawal
or distribution.
Due to the Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunities
(HERO) Act of 2006, servicemembers who were deployed
in a combat zone or other qualifying hazardous duty
area have up until May 28, 2009, to make IRA contributions
for tax years 2004 and 2005. If the servicemember
qualifies for a deductible traditional IRA, this
can result in a tax refund for contributions made.
For those under 50, the IRA contribution limits
are $3,000 for 2004 and $4,000 for 2005. For those
over 50, the limits are $3,500 and $4,500, respectively.
You will need to file Form 1040X, Amended Tax Return,
to claim any benefit. For more information, visit
www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=161175,00.html.
Send Highlights your happenings
We want
your stuff!! Is
your unit doing some unique training?
Did someone in the New Jersey Guard receive
accolades for accomplishing something extra special?
Is your unit running a special event for the community?
Does your section of DMAVA have something they need
to tell the rest of the department? We want to know
about it.
Send us
a short piece on what is happening so we can publish
it in DMAVA Highlights. Let us
know who wrote it so we can give them credit.
If there are photos, you can send those too. While we do not publish photos in Highlights, we can give them to the editor
of Guardlife
and they may be used in that publication.
When you
send in your article:
ý
Identify all people in the article with rank, first
and last names and job title or position.
ý
Spell out all acronyms.
ý
When it comes to equipment, do not just give the
nomenclature, also include the "name" of the equipment. Do not use M998 alone, HMMWV is also needed.
ý
Give us as much as possible of the meat of the story
- who, what, when, where, why and how concerning
the event.
ý
Photos need identification of people in the photo
and what is happening in the photo.
Deadline
for each week is noon Wednesday and should be e-mailed
to Barbara.harbison@njdmava.state.nj.us. We do not publish flyers or Adobe files.
If a Web site is out there to give people
more information or to get a registration form,
put that in your article.
Don't be
intimidated by writing, we edit it for understanding
and grammar. Your article may look a different when
it is published as we also edit to fit the standards
of the AP
Style Guide.
Show us
your stuff!!
Eligible
veterans entitled to property tax deduction
Eligible
Veterans are entitled to an annual property tax
deduction of $ 250.
Veterans'
eligibility
v
a citizen of the United States
v
resident of New Jersey
v
honorably discharged or released under honorable
conditions from active service in a war-time period,
in any branch of the U.S. Armed Services.
Surviving
spouse's eligibility
The surviving
wife or husband of a veteran who was a citizen of
the United States and
resident of New Jersey and one of the following:
v
Was receiving the deduction prior to the veteran's
death.
v
Would have been eligible for the deduction had the
veteran filed an application prior to death.
v
Has died on active duty in a wartime period.
The application
process - Filing an application with all required
documentation with your local Tax assessor prior
to December 31 of the pre-tax year in order to be
effective in the next year. Documentation includes
the property deed and discharge (DD-214) for the
veteran. The widow may need to submit the property
deed, marriage certificate, death certificate and
discharge (DD-214).
Military Training,
Schools, Opportunities
254th Regiment
announces upcoming courses
Here are
the 254th Regiment courses that are on the calendar. When using ATRRS, the school code is 1004.
Inactive Duty Training
(IDT) Courses:
The Army Instructor Training Course, (TAITC)
April 5-June 7, 2008 - 12 openings
Basic NCO Course, (BNCOC)
April 5-Sept. 7, 2008 - 48 openings
Officer Candidate School (OCS)
begins March 1, 2008
Active Duty Training (ADT) Courses:
68W Combat Medic Training Course Sustainmen
Feb. 4-13, 2008 - 32 openings
***NEW ON ATRRS, Combat Lifesaver Course (CLC-06)
Jan. 15-17, 2008
Jan. 22-24, 2008
Jan. 29-31, 2008
Feb. 5-7, 2008
Feb. 11-13, 2008
Feb. 19-21, 2008
13D10 MOS-T FA Tactical Data System Specialist
March 15-29, 2008 - 12 openings
13F10 MOS-T Fire Support Specialist
March 15-22, 2008 - 18 openings
31B10 MOS-T Military Police
March 8-22, 2008 - 20 openings
88M10 MOS-T Motor Transport Operator
March 15-29, 2008 - 16 openings
Company Level Command Team Course (for new Commanders & their
1SGs)
April 12-13, 2008 - 60 openings
11B10 MOS-T Infantryman
May 3-17, 2008 - 34 openings
11B40 Infantryman ANCOC
June 7-21, 2008 - 31 openings
If you have any questions, contact
Master Sgt. Gary Davidson, 732-974-5912 or gary.davidson@nj.ngb.army.mil.
Honorable Mention
Better Business
Bureau partners with Air Force
The Air
Force began an official partnership with the Council
of Better Business Bureaus (BBB) recently. The partnership
encourages Airmen and their families to use the
bureau's free programs, services and materials.
The BBB
Air Force Line website aimed specifically at its
Air Force audience. The site includes BBB products
and services such as reliability reports on businesses
and charities, consumer tips and alerts, and a link
to file complaints. The site also includes news
items of particular interest to military consumers.
Through the website, Airmen may sign up for a monthly
newsletter that contains a regular "scam alert"
feature. Visit http://www.bbb.org/airforce for more information.
Affordable
TRICARE benefit for drilling National Guard members
The John
Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2007 (P.L. 109-364), enhanced the TRICARE Reserve
Select (TRS) health plan. Under this new TRS health plan, effective
October 1, 2007, certain members of the Selected
Reserve may qualify for health care coverage under
TRS at $81 for single coverage and $253 for family
coverage. Selected
Reserve members who are enrolled or eligible to
enroll in a health benefit plan under chapter 89
of title 5 U.S.C. Federal Employees Health Benefit
Program (FEHBP), IRR and ING Soldiers are excluded
from purchasing TRS.
Soldiers
currently enrolled in the three tier TRS program
must have transitioned to the new program by Sept.
30, 2007. For
more information or to enroll contact your state
representative listed on http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit, select the "benefits update" link
for the Tricare Reserve Select information page.
N.J. licenses,
registration extended for deployed troops
New Jerseyans who are active
duty military, including the National Guard and 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.
DMAVA Suggestion
program alive and well
The DMAVA
Suggestion Program is still in effect and the Suggestion
Box is located in the cafeteria on the center column
wall.
You can
find the suggestion form at www.nj.gov/military; click on Blank Forms. Unsigned
suggestions may/or may not be answered, depending
on their importance. Unsigned suggestions,
if they warrant a response, will be answered at
Town Hall Meetings. All signed suggestions
will receive a response from Col. Alan Bunting,
TAG-SEA.
If you have
any questions regarding this program, call Renee
McGuire, 609-530-6983.
Freedom
Award deadline Jan. 21
The Department
of Defense nomination season for the 2008 Secretary
of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award will close
Jan. 21.
The Secretary
of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the
U.S. government's
highest recognition given to outstanding employers.
National
Guard and Reserve members and their families are
eligible and encouraged to nominate employers who
have gone above and beyond in their support of military
employees. Nominations will be accepted at
www.esgr.mil until Jan. 21.
For questions
regarding the nomination process, please contact
New Jersey ESGR at 609-562-0156.
Discounts
offered for State employees
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.
For the Families
Family Assistance
Center Realignment
Co B/250th
BSB (Bordentown) is now serviced by the Lawrenceville
FAC at (609) 671-6681
Co D/250th BSB is now serviced by the Jersey City
FAC at (201) 915-3589
Co E/250th BSB (Vineland)
is now serviced by the Woodbury FAC (856)
251-6893
Troop C/5-117 RSTA is now serviced by the Woodbury
FAC at (856) 251-6893
The Pomona Family
Assistance
Center
will continue to have responsibility for the families
from units assigned to the following armories: Atlantic
City, Cape May Court House,
Hammonton and Tuckerton.
ReserveAid gives support to families of deployed
service members
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: http://www.reserveaid.org
GI Mail Offers Safer Way to Stay in Touch
Global Internet Mail is a personal e-mail program
available to all servicemembers that can be used
from any computer with Internet access, including
government systems. GI mail is also available to
spouses who are registered in the Defense Eligibility
Enrollment Reporting System. While official
government e-mail accounts are the most secure form
of e-mail communication, messages sent between GI
Mail accounts are more secure than those sent between
public e-mail accounts. For more information
about GI Mail and how to get an account, visit www.gimail.af.mil/,
or read the Air Force Print News story at www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123075003
2-1-1 - new statewide number for assistance
From the desk of retired Command Sgt. Maj.
Mike Hughes, Family Assistance Specialist
Need help? Dial 2-1-1: You
can find everything from basic needs like food,
housing and healthcare to legal services, drug treatment,
job assistance, childcare, mental health services,
transportation, financial assistance, municipal
programs and much more. The 2-1-1service is
a new statewide number for New Jersey residents. It connects people
with the resources they need to solve problems.
It is free and confidential.
FRG volunteers: track your time
From the
desk of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike
Hughes, Family Assistance Specialist
Here is a friendly reminder to all Family Readiness
Group volunteers. First of all we would like to
thank each and every one of you personally for your
time and dedication to our troops and their families.
If you have not already done so we would appreciate
it if you would take a few minutes each day, week
or month to go into the Volunteer Tracking System
on guardfamily.org and insert
the precious time that you have committed to making
our Family Program the best! This is a way
for the Family Program and the senior leadership
to see who is helping out in their Guard communities
and to award those who go the extra mile.
253rd FRG meeting is scheduled for Jan. 30
From the
desk of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike
Hughes, Family Assistance Specialist
The 253rd Transportation Company's Family Readiness
Group has their next meeting scheduled for Jan.
30, 2008, at 7 p.m.
The meeting will be held at the Cape May
Court House Armory.
MyArmyBenefits Website - the single source for
all Army Benefits
MyArmyBenefits at http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil
is the official Army benefits resource for active-duty,
Guard and reserve Soldiers, family members and retirees.
Active-duty Soldiers with AKO accounts can access
personalized reports on the survivor, disability,
and retirement benefits through MyArmyBenefits.
Photography contest for military youths
From the desk of Amanda Balas, State Youth
Coordinator
Operation Military Kids project in New Jersey is sponsoring
a photo contest.
The theme is "Families in the Military."
Any youth of a military family in any branch of
the service, including active duty, National Guard
and Reserves is eligible to enter.
The age categories for entries are grades 2-5,
grades 6-8 and grades 9-12.
Photos can be black and white or color and
can be in digital or 35mm format.
Photos must be taken by the youth and should
capture a unique moment or setting their family
life or in their community that means something
special to them.
They will be judged on originality and creativity. First and second places will be awarded in
each age category.
Contact Amanda Balas, N.J. National Guard State
Youth Coordinator, for entry forms and more information
at 609-562-0742 or Amanda.balas@us.army.mil. Deadline
for submissions is Jan.
14, 2008.
Army Information Line: 1-800-833-6622
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.
Support for military children of deployed and
injured Guard members
From the desk of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hughes, Family Assistance specialist
Our Military
Kids (OMK) provides tangible support to the
children of deployed and severely injured National
Guard and Military Reserve personnel through grants
for enrichment activities and tutoring that nurture
and sustain the children during the time a parent
is away in service to our country. OMK grants are
made to honor the sacrifices military parents make
and to ensure that the children have access to activities
and support that help the children better cope with
challenges arising during a parent's deployment
or injury recovery. For additional information go
to www.ourmilitarykids.org
N.J.
State
Family Readiness Council offers Family Grants
Program
The New Jersey National Guard State Family Readiness
Council has expanded its Family Grants Program to
include an additional grant. There are now
two levels of Family Grants; TIER I is the $2,500
grant that has been in place for the past couple
of years. The TIER II opens family grants
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.
Program offers assistance to spouses of deployed
military
The Deployed Military Spouses Assistance Program
provides direct assistance and referrals to existing
programs for spouses of deployed military personnel
(active duty, reserve and National Guard) who face
unusual financial and emotional stress as a result
of the deployments.
Applicants should contact Fawn Mutschler at 609-543-6200
ext. 325 or wocmilitarygrant@ymca-bc.org to obtain
an application. In addition to the completed
application form, applicants will also need to submit
the following documentation: LES/paystub for applicant
and spouse; statement of Financial Need (i.e. reason
for applying and how the grant will help); bill
or pricing of expenditure as well as any other supporting
information the applicant feels may be helpful.
Additional information can be found at: www.state.nj.us/dca/dow/depmilspouseasst.shtml
Harlem Globetrotters:
Magic as Ever 2008 World Tour
Saturday, Feb. 16 at 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. (Presidents' Day) Izod Center
(at Meadowlands)
Tickets Prices: $37, $24; Special Military Price:
$15
The world famous Harlem Globetrotters return
to the Izod
Center with an exciting new show of basketball
tricks, hilarious comedy and fun for the entire
family. Groups receive a special invitation to Globetrotter University - a youth-oriented, character
education/physical fitness program presented by
Harlem Globetrotter players.
In addition, there will be a brief team history,
a skills demonstration, and question and answer
session. If you have any questions, please call 201-460-4370.
Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar's Finding
Nemo
January 18-20 & 23-27 at the Izod Center
(at Meadowlands)
Ticket Prices: $27.50, $22.50, $15.00
Military Prices: $17.50 for lower level & $12.50 for upper
level
All orders must be sent via fax or email ONLY
and the deadline for orders is Tuesday, January
22, 2008 @ 3pm. If you have any questions, please
call201-460-4370.
Travel Help, Ideas
Armed Forces Vacation Club offers affordable
lodging
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 http://www.afvclub.com/ for more
information.
Shades of Green offers Disney for military
Now that the summer is almost over, thoughts
of how to spend next summer or your next vacation
week, can start to pop into your mind.
"Can we go someplace better or different,
nearer or farther from home, all without breaking
the bank?"
One place to consider if Florida
is one of your next vacation places is Shades of
Green in Orlando. Minutes
from the Disney attractions, this resort is also
close to golf, dining and other Florida
attractions.
Their web site, www.shadesofgreen.org can give
you tours of their rooms and family suites, the
local attractions and other amenities that are offered
by the resort. The
rates are reasonable and will be a opportunity to
visit Orlando with your family.
Scholarship, Education News
Commissary agency offers scholarships for 2008
The Defense Commissary Agency's 2008 Scholarships
for Military Children are now available in commissaries
worldwide. The $1,500 scholarships are for children
of active-duty and retired military, as well as
children of Guard and reserve servicemembers. Applicants
must be must plan to attend an accredited college
or university full time in the fall of 2008. The
deadline is Feb.
20. At least one scholarship will be awarded
at every commissary location with qualified candidates.
Applications and further eligibility requirements
are available in commissaries and online at www.commissaries.com or at www.military
scholar.org.
American Legion offers scholarships, booklet
on their Web site
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.
Association News
Enlisted Association wants YOU!
By retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hughes, EANG-NJ
The Enlisted Association National Guard-New Jersey
is off to a good start for 2008 as we have realigned
all the committees and filled both the Executive
Council and Committees with a cross section of Army
and Air, uniformed and retirees, and several junior
NCOs. Everyone
appears to be enthused and pledges to support the
Association in all its efforts. All we need now is for you to get on board
as a member and bring your fellow soldiers and airmen
with you.
We have many challenges facing us over the next
few years whether it is another round of base closures
via the Base Realignment Commission (BRAC), reduction
in TRICARE benefits, reduction in troop strength,
attempts to maintain the retirement age at 60, etc. We need a powerful voice to put our message
across to the State and Federal Legislators and
this can only be accomplished through a strong membership
in our State Association (EANG-NJ) and the National
Association (EANGUS).
The new membership year starts on 1 January 2008
and we need your help in making our Association
grow. We encourage all enlisted soldiers and airmen
to join the Association as Active Members and also
welcome all officers, warrant officers, federal,
and state employees to join as Associate Members.
Applications for membership can be obtained
from our website www.eang-nj.org.
NGANJ group life insurance available to members
Are you covered by the NGANJ Group Life Insurance
Program? As
a member of either the Officers or the Enlisted
Association, you are entitled to enroll in your
Association Life Insurance Program.
This special program provides from $5,000
to $50,000 of Life Insurance for you, "round the
clock". Premiums
range from as little as $2 per month and may be
payroll-deducted from your drill check.
Family coverage is also available at low
rates designed for you as a member of the New Jersey
Army and Air National Guard.
Think of it!! No aviation exclusions...No hazardous duty
restrictions...No war clauses.No checks to write. Dependent coverage includes spouses and all
children. Information
can be obtained by contacting retired CWO Jack Petrosilli
at 609-530-6843, or retired Brig. Gen. Robert S.
Dutko Sr. at 609-273-1004.
Enrollment forms can be obtained by calling
retired Col. Frank L. Carlone, Program Coordinator
at 732-249-8335.
Web site provides support to separating military
members
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.
N.J.
Militia
Museum
conducting Retiree Oral History Program
The National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey
has put together a National Guard Veteran Retiree
Oral History Program. In the past, the NJNG
has not conducted oral exit interviews of commanders,
full-time personnel, and retirees to preserve history.
The museum is going to institute a volunteer program
to try to catch up. If
you wish to participate, contact the museum at 732-974-5966.
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.
Vet Career Connect helps military members find
jobs
Vet Career Connect is a program designed to connect
military service members with New
Jersey employers. Vet Career
Connect matches veteran's specific abilities, drives
and interests with jobs requiring those specific
abilities.
Participants complete a Caliper Profile, which
is an on-line self assessment. They will receive
an Individual Developmental Guide outlining personal
motivators and areas of developmental opportunity.
Participants will then have the opportunity to place
the results of the Caliper Profile, their resume
and military achievements onto a database which
will be viewed by New Jersey-based companies who
have indicated a strong interest in employing veterans.
Vet Career Connect program is available at no
cost to service members. In order to participate
in this program, or if you have additional questions
please email or call Barbara
Foos, Project Administrator, at
609-524-1228 or bfoos@calipercorp.com.
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:
February 5, 6, 7 |
Moorestown Mall |
March 3*, 4, 5 |
Paramus
Park
Shopping Center |
April 1, 2, 3 |
Voorhees
Town
Center |
May 6*, 7, 8 |
Ocean County Mall |
*Medal ceremonies begin at 10:30 a.m. on these
dates. The
kiosk will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The kiosk will also be in place at the Wildwood Convention Center for three state conventions.
v
June 5-6, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. - Elks State
Convention
v
June 11-13, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. - American Legion
State
Convention
v
June 18-20, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. - VFW State
Convention
N.J. Vietnam
Veterans Memorial
N.J. Vietnam Veterans' Memorial and Vietnam Era Educational
Center's
upcoming events:
=================
Free guided tours of the Memorial are offered
on the first Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. and
1 p.m.
Jan. 19,
1 p.m. - The U.S. Air Force in the Battle
of Khe Sanh, an oral-history presentation by N.J.
Vietnam Veteran, ret. Maj. Gen. Clark W. Martin,
U.S. Air Force.
Feb. 2,
1 p.m. -
In the Navy in Vietnam, an oral history presentation
by N.J. Vietnam Veteran and Monmouth University
President, ret. Vice Adm. Paul G. Gaffney II, U.S.
Navy.
Mar. 1,
1 p.m. - American Vietnam Veterans Who Wouldn't
Come Home, an oral-history discussion about
American ex-patriots recently encountered on a trip
to Thailand by Steve Lonegan, Mayor of Bogota, N.J.
Apr. 12, 1 p.m. - We Were There:
Voices of African American Veterans, from World
War II to the War in Iraq, a book
discussion by the author, Yvonne Latty.
May 7, 11 a.m. - New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Remembrance Day
Ceremony at the Memorial.
May 17, 1 p.m. - On the Road to
Recovery, an oral-history discussion by NJ Vietnam-Era
veteran Bishop Fred Rubin about his service tending
wounded G.I.s in the Army hospital in Hawaii during the Vietnam
War.
May 26, 11 a.m. - Memorial Day
Ceremony at the N.J. Vietnam
Veterans' Memorial.
====================
For further information call 1-800-648-VETS or
visit www.njvvmf.org.