News For Your Views

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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From information provided by The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The collection period will start on March 20 and end on April 17. We will accept working and non-working cell phones and all phone batteries and chargers. The phones that are collected will be donated to three woman's shelters throughout the state.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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From National Guard Magazine

Air Force officials announced Feb. 11 the reinstatement of the Air Force Good Conduct Medal for enlisted members, effective immediately and retroactive to Feb. 6, 2006, when the medal was discontinued.

Airmen who are eligible should see an update automatically in their records on the virtual Military Personnel Flight Web site.

The return of the medal comes after the Air Force secretary approved a recommendation from a January 2008 awards summit co-hosted by representatives of the office of the secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs and the directorate for manpower and personnel.

Questions regarding updates to Air Force personnel records should be directed to the Air Force Contact Center at 1-800-616-3775.

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This week’s Women’s History Month topic will be women inventors. Many women never got a patent for their inventions because a patent is considered a type of property and until the late 1880s, laws in many states didn’t allow women to own property or enter into legal agreements in their own names.

The first U.S. patent given to a woman was on May 15, 1809 and was given to Mary Dixon Kies for a process for weaving straw with silk or thread.

Since then women have gone on to invent things for the home – electric food mixer, shelves inside refrigerators, trash cans with foot pedal lid openers, electric hot water heater, dishwasher and ironing board.

Women have invented things in the medical field such as the CPR mannequin, drugs that fight leukemia, drugs that facilitate kidney transplants, the home diabetes test, the process that removes cataract lenses using a laser device during surgery (making the procedure more accurate).

Being in the work environment has given women the opportunity to invent. Women have given the office Liquid Paper ® (more commonly known as White-out), flat bottomed paper bags, non-reflective glass, methods to refine petroleum, the elevated railway, circular saw and Geobond® (an indestructible and fireproof building material).  Technology was helped by women who got one of the first software patents issued – for a computerized telephone switching system and the first disposable cell phone.

Grace Hopper, who was the first woman to reach the rank of admiral in the U.S. Navy, was a computer “geek” long before the term geek came into common language. She invented a compiler and the computer language Computer Business Oriented Language, COBOL. It was never patented because it was before computer technology was considered a “patentable” field.

The military has felt the impact of women inventors: life rafts, submarine lamp and telescope and Kevlar were all patented by women.

And where would our cars be without engine mufflers, windshield wipers and rotary engines – all invented by women.

Of course, women have been finding things to make life better and easier around the house for themselves and their families – alphabet blocks, chocolate chip cookies, disposable diapers, rolling pin, Scotchgard and the Snugli® baby carrier.

Keep your eyes and ears open, who knows what the next big invention will come from the mind of the women of today and tomorrow?

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

A recent order came in the mail and as I dug through to get everything, those little “peanuts” kept sticking to my clothes and the stuff I bought; they are enough to drive me crazy.  But what do I do with them after I unpack the box?  Can I recycle them?

Styrofoam® is also called expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, a version of plastic #6. But even if your community accepts #6 in its recycling program, it may not accept EPS. Check your local community recycler to make sure what their rules are for recycling EPS.

Here are ways to recycle those packing peanuts and other forms of EPS.

There are various sites that take EPS or reuse packing peanuts.  Visit the following site and plug in your address to find the nearest recycling/reusing center - www.search.earth911.com/?what=Packing%20Peanut%20Reuse.

There is also a mail back program through the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers.  Check out their information at www.epspackaging.org/info.html .

Peanuts can be saved for your next package to someone – pass on the joy. Or you can donate them to your local shipping store or UPS. Where can you find a place to give your peanuts?  Drop by www.loosefillpackaging.com/pages/why.htm  or call 800-828-2214 (24 hours a day) to find a site near you that will reuse those pesky things.

With a little work and time, you can keep EPS out of the landfill where it takes up space and does not biodegrade. 

New technology has created biodegradable packing materials that are plant based.  It can be used as a fertilizer on your lawn – it breaks down into inert proteins when it mixes with water and soil bacteria eats the packing material.

Keep on recycling!

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

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

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

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 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 2 Class 53 Aug. 1, 2009-June 14, 2010
• Company Level Command Team Course (for new Commanders and their 1SGs): Sept. 19-20, 2009

ACTIVE DUTY TRAINING COURSES

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

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

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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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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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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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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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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.