A Freedom Salute Ceremony for Company D, 250th Brigade Support Battalion will be held at the Bordentown Armory on Oct. 14.

The 250th was mobilized in September 2005.  After completing their training at Camp Shelby, Miss., the unit served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from March 2005 to June 2007.  The Soldiers were part of the 1-34th Brigade Combat Team, Minnesota Army National Guard, which was extended for the troop surge.

The 108th Air Refueling Wing will hold a KC-135R model Stratotanker Arrival Ceremony this Monday, Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. at Building (hangar) 3333.  Special speakers, guests and other events will highlight the ceremony.

This is the first of eight KC-135R aircraft the 108th will be receiving, which will replace the Wing's KC-135E models.

The KC-135R Stratotanker's principal mission is air refueling. This unique asset greatly enhances the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary missions of Global Reach and Global Power.

The 108th is assigned to Air Mobility Command, which manages more than 490 total aircraft inventory Stratotankers, of which the Reserve and Air National Guard fly 271 of those in support of AMC's mission.

The KC-135R can offload 50 percent more fuel, is 25 percent more fuel efficient, costs 25 percent less to operate and is 96 percent quieter than the original KC-135A.

Transition and conversion has already begun for 108th personnel. Recently Maintenance Squadron Airmen left to attend KC-135R Model School in Grand Forks, N.D., and beginning this month, 108th Operations will be sending pilots to KC-135R school.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the 177th Fighter Wing unveiling the new state-of-the-art alert complex on Oct. 9.

Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo, New Jersey 2nd District joined Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Col. Randall S. King, Commander, 177th Fighter Wing in cutting the ribbon in front of the crew quarters Tuesday.

Costing nearly $13 million, the alert aircraft shelters and crew quarters provide cutting-edge infrastructure support to the 177th Fighter Wing's Homeland Defense mission.  With a footprint of more than 33,000 square feet, this complex includes utility support, security and fire suppression systems, emergency generators, communication upgrades and an aircraft apron expansion.

The busiest fighter unit after 9-11, the 177th was the first to reach 1,000 air patrol missions over the U.S.   Since then, 177th aircraft, pilots and support personnel have been on alert 24/7, ready to scramble, intercept and engage targets that might threaten the Northeastern U.S.

The field of the New Jersey National Guard Training Center (NGTC) was filled with tents last weekend as upwards of 9,000 Boy Scouts from all 21 counties converged on Sea Girt for the New Jersey State Police Boy Scout Camporee.

On Saturday night Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, the Adjutant General told the scouts to keep learning how to become leaders in their communities. He praised the scouts for being part of "What is great about America."

Earlier in the day The Adjutant General along with his father retired Brig. Gen. Ken Rieth, Brig Gen. Michael Cunniff, 108th Air Refueling Wing commander and retired Brig. Gen. Jeff Pierson, NGTC Superintendent presented special coins to Eagle Scouts on the drill floor of the armory.

The Army Guard provided water trailers and personnel to keep them filled to ensure that that the scouts were well hydrated at this the largest encampment ever on the NGTC grounds.

Col. James Grant, Army Chief of Staff served as a co-chair of the Camporee committee for the event that happens every three years.

At the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of New Jersey Annual Conference at Valley Forge, PA on Oct. 5-7 the following Outstanding Airmen and Soldiers were honored:

The Command Sgt, Maj. Wilfred Z. Lea Outstanding First Sergeant Award

  Master Sgt. June I. Kelly, 177th Fighter Wing

  First Sgt. Patrick A Kildea, 112th Fires Battalion

The Sgt, Maj. Harry Arbeitman Outstanding NCO Award

  Master Sgt.  Joseph A. Iacovone Jr., 177th Security Forces Squadron

  Sgt. 1st Class Frances C. Rutter , Recruiting & Retention Command

Sgt. John E. Bodine Outstanding Airman Award

  Senior Airmen Tara M. Cullen, 177th Security Forces Squadron

Sgt. 1st Class Robert G. Vuinovich Outstanding Soldier Award

  Spec. Kelly Crager, 119th Combat Support Battalion

There is a great opportunity for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who are going to be undergraduate students in 2008.  The application deadline is Monday, Oct. 15.

The Fund for Veterans Education announced it would award up to $1 million in undergraduate scholarships for veterans, including National Guard and Reservists returning from Iraq and Afghanistan for the spring or fall 2008 terms. The awards, which may be renewed for the following academic year, are intended to cover financial need not met by need-based grants and military education benefits. For more information, visit: www.veteransfund.org.

If you're in college or are about to begin college, please check out this scholarship opportunity!

The 21st Civil Support Team will be hosting an orientation day on Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The orientation will be divided into three sessions. The sessions will repeat every two hours beginning at 9 a.m. in order to better accommodate participants.

Each session will consist of the following:

Civil Support Team Overview, "What it takes to be a Member" briefing

Facility tour and Equipment Demo

Decontamination Line Demonstration

Hands-on participation/familiarization with equipment

Wear of SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) and level A suits

(Individuals who wish to participate in the wear of self contained breathing apparatus and level A suits may wear PT uniform, civilian fitness clothing, ACUs or BDUs.)

This is a unique opportunity for Soldiers and Airmen to see what the Civil Support Team does.  All applicants, future applicants and interested soldiers/airmen are encouraged to come and participate in our orientation day.

Individuals who wish to participate in wearing of the SCBA and level A suits; please send an e-mail to terrence.d.taylor@us.army.mil or toby.tirrito@us.army.mil.  This will aid us in accommodating all participants and meeting safety requirements.

For further information contact 1st Sgt. Terrence Taylor at (609) 562-3139 or Staff Sgt. Toby Tirrito at (609) 562-3236.

The Spanish American War

Upon declaration of war between the United States and the Kingdom of Spain on 21 of April 1898, New Jersey again received a call for troops and responded with a full quota of four regiments. While not being required for service outside the United States, these troops performed important service initially in harbor defense securing lines of communication and protecting munitions plants.  They were later used as reserve troops in Florida.  The lack of proper sanitary facilities and poor rations caused much hardship, illness and many losses by death.

The cavalry and artillery units which were not called immediately lost many of their men and officers who enrolled in the regular Army in order to see action.  These men were granted leaves of absence from the National Guard in order to volunteer.

Is your AKO stoplight Red for My Medical Readiness?

Is AKO telling you that you are due to complete your Post Deployment Health Reassessment (PDHRA)?

Want to know how to fix this? The PDHRA seeks to identify proactively potential health issues before they become chronic conditions. The PDHRA provides education, screening, assessment and access to care for a wide variety of questions and concerns that Soldiers may have about their health after they return from deployment. Soldiers who redeployed from a combat zone more than 90 days ago are eligible for the PDHRA.

Just follow these simple directions.

Option 1: Begin PDHRA online and complete it over the phone. You may complete the PDHRA online through AKO by going to https://apps.mods.army.mil/mwde/ secure/AKOForms.asp and logging in with your AKO username and password. You must then call 1-888-PDHRA-99 to discuss your responses with a healthcare provider.

Option 2: Complete PDHRA entirely over the phone.  If you do not have access to a computer or AKO, you may call 1-888-PDHRA-99 and complete the entire assessment over the phone.

Questions? Visit www.virtualarmory.com/mobiledeploy/PDHRA for more information.

Here is the chance to nominate your fellow employees for a state award. Has the person in the cubicle next to you done something that makes you proud?

Nominate your co-workers for an award in one of the following categories:

v    Heroism

v    Exceptional service

v    Co-worker recognition

v    Community service

v    Teamwork/Partnership

v    Customer service

v    Professional achievement

Rules, instructions and forms are available on the Human Resources page of the DMAVA Intranet or by calling 609-530-7107.  Completed forms must be typed, signed by the nominee's supervisor and received at DMAVA-HRO no later than Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. to be considered for this year's awards.

The Department of Veteran Affairs/Readjustment Counseling Service requests your company at their annual Veterans Day celebration on November 7 at noon at their office located at 934 Parkway Avenue, Ewing.  Their will be a reception immediately following the ceremony.

For more information contact Darryll Johnson at 609-882-5744.

Operation Shoebox, NJ will be on site accepting donations to ship overseas for our troops at Historic Soldier Weekend, held on the historic Burlington riverfront, Oct. 27 and 28.

They are accepting donations for the shoeboxes.

The following list contains items frequently requested by U.S. Soldiers and Marines serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Please note that aerosol products cannot be shipped overseas. Also, all items must be in their original packaging. When in doubt, think small. It is easier to ship smaller packaged items than large, economy size.

Lip balm, Sun block, Moist wipes, Bug spray - non-aerosol, Bars of soap, Small bottles of shampoo, Deodorant - non-aerosol, Powdered drink mixes, Cereal/Snack/Granola bars, Instant oatmeal - individual packets, Boxes of hot chocolate that contain individual packets, Small cans of tuna with pop-tops, Small cans of fruit with pop-tops, Microwave popcorn - individual bags can be sent, Athletic socks, Batteries - all sizes, Gum, Candy, Small boxes of cereal, Small bags of trail mix, peanuts, pretzels, etc.

Operation Shoebox NJ is a registered non-profit organization. Operation Shoebox NJ has shipped more than 12,000 packages to U.S. military personnel serving in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan and other posts in the Middle East.  (http://opshoeboxnj.org/)

For more information on the Historic Soldier Weekend, which is an historical encampment featuring re-enactors and their equipment from every American conflict, spanning from the French and Indian War to the Vietnam War, visit http://www.historicsoldiersweekend.com/.

A retirement dinner will be held for Command Chief Master Sgt. Paul M. Gunning next Friday, Oct. 19 at the Renault Winery.

The deadline for buying tickets - $40 per person - is Friday, Oct. 12. Tickets can be purchased from Connie Cisek at (609) 562-0901.

Here is your chance to say goodbye to Catherine Vasil of the DMAVA Human Relations Division. Her retirement dinner will be held Oct. 26, 5 p.m., at Mastoris Restaurant, Bordentown.

Cost of the dinner is $30 per person which includes the gift. RSVP no later than Oct. 19 to Anna Marie Boutchia at 609-530-6889.

The retirement dinner for Chief Warrant Officer Five Albert G. Curving will be held on Nov. 2 at the Lawrenceville Armory.  Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. 

Cost of the dinner is $32 per person. For more information, to make payments and reservations, contact Maj. Denise McCleary at 609-562-0213.  Reservations must be made by Oct. 15.

The 2007 U.S. Army Soldier Show is a high-energy 90-minute live musical review showcasing the talents of active duty Soldiers who are selected by audition from the Army who have a passion for music, dance and performing. They come from infantry, transportation, military police, medical, intelligence, aviation, signal and other tactical units. The show is assembled in six weeks, and then tours for 6 1/2 months.  The most recent tour began in May 2007.  It will be in our area on three occasions.

Oct. 13 - Picatinny Arsenal, N.J.

Oct. 23 - Fort Monmouth, N.J.

Admission to all performances is free. Check with local Morale, Recreation and Welfare or public affairs officials for exact location, post access procedures, and curtain times. Dates and locations are subject to change.

Like to ride motorcycle?  Here is an opportunity to ride and support servicemembers and their families at the same time.  Join the 3rd Annual "Support Our Troops" Motorcycle Run on Oct. 13 (rain date of Oct. 14).

Registration is from 10-11 a.m. at the Tri-Towne Plaza, Route 70, Marlton and the ride departs at 11:15 a.m. The route is to travel the Pine Barrens to Sweetwater Casino Restaurant, Sweetwater (Hammonton mailing address). The run will be approximately 48 miles (one way). Please come with a full tank of gas.  Cost of the ride is a donation of $15 per rider and $5 per passenger.

Proceeds benefit the Freedom Alliance Foundation which provide:

§       Educational scholarships to the children of America's military heroes that have given the ultimate sacrifice.

§       For the injured in our hospitals pre-paid long-distance phone cards, gift cards for clothing, food, toiletries, books, and magazines.

§       Funding for family members to travel to see and encourage their loved one.

For more information contact John Atkinson at 856-596-9100, or go to www.citikids.org/freedom.htm, for local run information or to the national site -  www.freedomalliance.org.

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

Soldiers and family members of Company D/250th BSB will have their 30 day Reintegration Briefing on Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Bordentown Armory, 1048 Route 206 South, Bordentown.

A representative from the Social Security Administration will be at DMAVA Central Office on Oct. 17 in Conference Room A from 10 a.m. to noon to give an overview of Social Security benefits, rules and regulations and updated information regarding you and your contribution. After the presentation a general question and answer session will follow as well as individual consultations.

Seating is limited so please contact Paul Serdiuk, Training Coordinator, at 609-530-6878 or Paul.Serdiuk@njdmava.state.nj.us  to insure your place.

From the desk of retired Maj. Ray Rauanheimo, NG Militia Museum of NJ Trustee and Docent
All members of the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey are invited to attend the annual general membership meeting to be held at the Lawrenceville Museum in the armory cafeteria.  The meeting will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 21.  The meeting is scheduled to take one to two hours.  A light brunch and coffee/soda will be available for $5 per person. 

Contact the Lawrenceville Museum at 609-530-6802 if you have any questions. 

The Board of Trustees thanks all members for their continuing support of the Museum.

The (NJ) ANG Dinosaurs are holding their fall gathering of Air National Guard retirees at Moore's Tavern, Freehold, on Oct. 24 at 1 p.m.  All ANG retirees and current ANG employees who are soon to be retired are invited.  Army Guard retirees are welcome to attend also.

Please RSVP to Mel Sylvester at 609-298-5970 or NuffSaidMel@aol.com or Rich Donovan at 732-223-2051 or 732-223-4445 or DONOVAN@exit109.com. Cost of meal (drinks will be separate) with tip will be about $25.

The Northern New Jersey Chapter of the Association of the United States Army will hold their fall meeting on Oct. 25 at The Rutgers Club in New Brunswick.  Cocktail hour begins at 5:30 p.m. and the buffet dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.

The special guests for the meeting will be Lt. Col. Peter Sandberg, professor of Military Science, Rutgers University Army ROTC and Cadet Lt. Col. Robert Preziosi of the Scarlet Knight battalion.  They will host a discussion on Army ROTC's role and mission and how it develops future leaders in the U.S. Army.  The chapter will also recognize 18 Rutgers ROTC seniors, 13 of whom are in the New Jersey Army National Guard.

Cost is $35 per person.  To RSVP, call retired Col. Richard F. Plechner at 732-549-1535.  The uniform of the evening is Mess Dress/Dress Blue or civilian business attire.

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 Thursday 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!!

From the Department of Treasury, Office of Energy Savings; the Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Recycling; and, Joseph K. Dunleavy, DMAVA REM

Your help is requested to support our launch of a new, simplified recycling program for State facilities in Mercer County. This change will address some of the current confusion about what gets recycled and where it should go. It will also enable us to accurately measure and improve our recycling performance in each facility going forward.

Starting October 1, all State facilities located within Mercer County, and all occupants within those facilities, will be able to combine recyclable materials into one of the following two (2) containers, for collection. New labels will be in place on these containers by the end of the week:

Mixed Paper - if you can tear it, it is considered mixed paper (all paper, all colors, newspaper, file folders, magazines, mail, etc.)

Bottles and Cans - plastic or glass bottles, aluminum and steel cans

Please do your part to separate out the recyclable materials listed above, from other waste you may generate in your day to day activities. This can be as simple as keeping a bin or box in your work space to throw all waste paper into (paper represents the bulk of our recyclables). You can then empty that box into the designated recycling container from time to time, when it is convenient. From that point, the armorer staff and vendors will be transporting the recyclables to the proper location, where they will be removed and processed by our new recycling vendor.

By increasing our recycling rate, we conserve natural resources, reduce energy consumption, and reduce pollution. That is something we can all be proud of and something that will deliver a lasting benefit for generations to come.

NOTE - Corrugated cardboard will continue to be processed as it is today, for your facility. All cardboard is to be FLATTENED BEFORE BEING PLACED ON THE LOADING DOCK!

The Counterdrug Task Force announces an opening in the Counterdrug support operations. Two positions are open to any qualified current member of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard.  It is a full time, Active Duty Special Work, military duty position vacancy (Title 32). Military grade needed to apply for the position is E2-E5 with E5 being the maximum grade.

Members who are selected for the job are subject to unusual and additional duty hours. They must maintain responsibilities to their unit of assignment to include MOSQ, attend scheduled drills and annual training, and maintain readiness status.

The job consists of assisting Law Enforcement Agencies with intelligence analysis support and developing investigations and cases for prosecution.  Activities include, inputting, reviewing and analyzing collected information and providing legal, paralegal and auditing assistance. Operational support to LEAs is designed to enhance the effectiveness of the supported agency and release law enforcement officers for drug enforcement duties.

For more information on how to apply for the positions, contact Staff Sgt. Christina D. Ermi at 609-530-7166.

The New Jersey Army National Guard is in the process of developing its Pre-Mobilization Assistance Element (PTAE).  The PTAE is currently looking for Traditional Drilling Guardsmen of various MOSs for a Title 32 ADSW (Additional Duty Special Work) tour at Fort Dix.

The purpose of the PTAE is to provide training feedback to the supported unit and TAG through the G-3.  The PTAE will monitor and assist unit training and tracking of individual soldier/unit progress and completion of pre-mobilization training tasks. 

All applicants must be eligible and submit the following:

v    Complete DA Form 1058-R with commander's signature

v    A current Retirement Point Assessment Statement

v    Meet height/weight standards along a valid APFT within one year of ADSW start date

v    Physical Profile, DA Form 3349.  Temporary profiles are not eligible.

v    Pregnancy statement (females only) within 15 days of ADSW start date.

v    Current resume

v    Eligible to obtain a Secret security clearance.

v    Eligible to attend 15 day Observer Controller Training (OC-T) course in Camp Shelby, Miss.

For more information call Lt. Col. Walter Nall at 609-562-0321 or walter.r.nall@us.army.mil or Master Sgt. Jonny Hannigan at 609-562-0337 or jonny.hannigan@us.army.mil.

The New Jersey Bar Association established and administers the Military Legal Assistance Program.  This pro bono program provides assistance to New Jersey residents who have served overseas as active duty members of reserve components of the armed forces after Sept. 11, 2001.

Individuals who have been adversely affected upon their return from deployment and cannot be represented by military lawyers can use this program. The program currently offers assistance to the following areas: family law, employment law, veterans' benefits and debtor-creditor law.

The Military Legal Assistance program will refer members of the military who contact the state bar association to volunteers qualified to assist them with their specific legal issues.  Volunteers who accept a case through the program must agree to handle such case from inception to resolution without compensation or reimbursement for expenses.

If interested in the program, call toll free 1-888-541-1900 for referral or visit the New Jersey State Bar Association web site at www.njsba.com and click on the button for the Military Legal Assistance program.

Looking for a way to serve and get some satisfaction at the same time?  The Honor Guard program is looking for members of the Army and Air Guard to join the team to perform honor guard duties at the funerals of veterans.  There is an initial eight hours of training for all new enrollees, with on-going sustainment training.  As an honor guard member, you will receive a day of pay for each day's mission, minimum of $50, and traditional drilling Guard members receive a retirement point for each day's duties.

If you are interested in applying for the Honor Guard program, call Retired Sgt. Maj. Ed Goetschius at 609-530-7090.

To ensure veterans with emotional crises have round-the-clock access to trained professionals, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun operation of a national suicide prevention hot line for veterans. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson said: "Veterans need to know these VA professionals are literally a phone call away. All service members who experience the stresses of combat can have wounds on their minds as well as their bodies. Veterans should see mental health services as another benefit they have earned, which the men and women of VA are honored to provide." 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).

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.

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.

Military families who are unable to travel to a base to buy specially priced Walt Disney World Theme Park tickets have a new option.  Retired, Active, National Guard, Reservist and Department of Defense personnel are now able to purchase these specially priced tickets over the phone.  Disney Military Sales has offered discounted tickets to military families for over 20 years. The proceeds directly support the base community and the programs offered to the military personnel stationed there. Discounted tickets for qualifying military families may be purchased via mail-order by calling the Commander, Navy Region Southwest at 619-767-6000 or Air Force Central Ticket Program at 210-652-2855.

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

The First Annual Jack Green Memorial 5K Run/Walk will be held Sunday Oct. 21 at 8:30 a.m. at the 177th Fighter Wing, 400 Langley Road, Egg Harbor Twp, N.J.

Registration will be held from 6:30 to 8 a.m., in building. 229 - the Base Gym.  Pre- registration fee is $15 if postmarked by Oct. 10.  Race day fee will be $20. Please make checks payable to: 177 Fighter Wing Chief's Council and mail to: Master Sgt. Frank G Heath, 400 Langley Road, Egg Harbor Twp., NJ 08234.

For an application or information contact Tech. Sgt. Erica Nelson at (609) 645-6224 or Master Sgt. Frank Heath at (609) 645-6109 or frank.heath@njatla.ang.af.mil.

This event will be open to unit members, dependents, and individuals that would normally have access to the base.  This is not open to the general public.

The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of New Jersey is holding a golf outing on Oct. 22 at Gambler's Ridge Golf Club, 121 Burlington Path Road, Cream Ridge, NJ.  All proceeds from the event go to the association's scholarships.

Registration and a continental breakfast begins the day at 7:30 a.m. The play is two-person best ball with a modified shotgun start at 8:45.  A donation of $90 includes greens fees, cart and luncheon.  There will be prizes for first and second place teams for the low gross, closest to the pin on all par 3's and the longest drive.

For more information call Mike Amoroso at 609-562-0754. Make checks payable to EANG-NJ (Golf) and mail to Leon Cisek, PO Box 365, Wrightstown NJ 08562 no later than Oct. 15.

A number of organizations, including the New Jersey Dept. of Education and the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education, are coming together on Nov. 11 at the Trenton War Memorial Building to commemorate the Malcolm Bernard Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week.

High school and community college students and parents are invited to attend.  An Ecumenical service with the featured speaker, Rev. Stephen Samuels will be held from 10-11:30 p.m.  A college fair with workshops will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.   More that 40 HCBUs will be represented at the fair with information about scholarships and financial aid, making the college decision and present and future job market.  For more information, visit the web site www.HBCU-CFNJ.com.

A group of NFL, NFL Europe, AFL, and CFL football players have announced they are extending their sponsorship of the SAT/ACT training to all military families.

The sponsorship allows any military person (active, Guard, reserve, or retired) to request as many programs as they need for the students in their lives.  There is a secure website to confirm a person's military status before directing the user to the software order site.  Logon to:

www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/portal/page/itc/MHF/MHF_DETAIL_0?current_id=20.20.100.30.0.0.0.0.0

Programs are shipped to domestic U.S. addresses and APO addresses.  The sponsorship covers the purchase price of $199 and the family pays only the shipping and handling of $9.95.

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.

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.

The Enlisted Association is seeking members to help give our state a larger voice.  The Association speaks on legislative issues that benefit military members and families. The association works at the Federal & State level on all important issues. Visit the web site EANG-NJ.org, click on Become a Member for the application and find out more about what the association does.

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. 

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.

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

 

October 30*, 31, November 1	Brunswick Square Mall
November 27, 28, 29	Quaker Bridge Mall
January 8,9, 2008	Woodbridge Center
February 5, 6, 7	Moorestown Mall
March 4*, 5, 6	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.

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.

Oct. 19, 8 a.m.-3:00 p.m. - "Weighing In On War, and Why: Public Opinion and Its Influences, Vietnam to Iraq," 9th annual Forum on the Vietnam Era.  Keynote Speaker: Bobby Muller, Founder of Vietnam Veterans of America.  Pre-registration required. 

Oct. 20, 1 p.m. - "Choppers at War: Vietnam to Iraq," a lecture by N.J. Iraq War Veteran, Lt. Col. Mark Preston, USA.  

Nov. 3, 1 p.m. - The Last Ghost of War, a film about Vietnam Veterans and Agent Orange presented by film director Janet Gardner.       

Dec. 8, 1 p.m. - Ghosts in the Landscape: Vietnam Revisited, a photo gallery display and book discussion by the author/photographer, N.J. Vietnam Veteran Craig J. Barber.

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