New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
DMAVA Highlights » 21 May 2009

Volume 9, Number 18

NJ Dept of Military and Veterans Affairs

Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth
The Adjutant General

Col. James J. Grant
Joint Staff Director

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

Contacting us is easy!


Public Affairs Office

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

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

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

PAO Office DMAVA Highlights
ATTN: Staff Sgt. Barb Harbison

Deadline is noon Wednesday

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

DMAVA Highlights Archive

DMAVA Highlights Archive Page



Veterans' Organizations Contact Information

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


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



Veterans Hotlines


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

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

Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline

1-800-984-8523



NJ World War II Memorial


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

WWII Memorial on the web

 

ESGR Office

JFHQ 3650 Saylors Pond Road Fort Dix, NJ 08641

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


Phone numbers and Web sites to remember

Directory Assistance:

1-602-293-4907

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

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

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

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

 

DMAVA Emergency Hotline:

1-866-232-5798

 

State Family Programs
101 Eggert Crossing  Road
Lawrenceville 

Toll-free number
  888-859-0352

Family Assistance
609-530-6884

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

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

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

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

 

2009
U. S. Army
Year of the NCO

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

 

 

Quotes for the Week   

Efforts and courage can only defeat us; foreign policy can kill us.

-John F. Kennedy

Do not squander time for that is the stuff life is made of.

- Benjamin Franklin

Reading makes a full man; conference, a ready man; and  writing an exact man.

- Francis Bacon

Paralyze resistance with persistence.

-  Woody Hayes

Beware of a silent dog and still water.

-  Latin proverb

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Download PDF Version of this week's highlights

 

News For Your Views


Memorial Day at Doyle cemetery; come honor the veterans

On Saturday, May 23, beginning at 10:30 a.m., at the Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, located Wrightstown, we will remember, honor, and give thanks to those who died in service to this nation.  The cemetery is the site of the state’s official Memorial Day observance. Memorial Day is not only a day of remembrance; it is also a day of honor and a day of thanks.  Doyle Cemetery is the busiest state veterans cemetery in the nation and the 10th busiest (state or federal) veteran cemetery overall.  This Memorial Day, we will honor all of the brave men and women of our armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the freedom we hold so dear.

The ceremony begins with a parade that assembles on the grounds, consisting of dignitaries and elected officials, representatives of the state’s major veteran organizations and lead by the Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery’s Joint Service Color Guard and the 63rd Army Band of the New Jersey Army National Guard.

The ceremony includes full military honors, rendered by soldiers from the Joint Forces Headquarters and other scheduled activities.

The Friday evening prior to the event (May 22), beginning at 5 p.m., more than 1,000 Boy and Girl Scouts from throughout New Jersey will commence placing American flags on each and every one of the graves at the cemetery.  These young scouts accomplish this task in astonishing time.


Veterans Homes host Memorial Day ceremonies, wrestling event

The New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park will be celebrating Memorial Day with a ceremony focusing on their Veteran residents on May 25 at 11 a.m.  Join us in celebrating both Memorial Day and Veterans with our residents and staff.

Also, for all you wrestling fans, the Vineland VMH will host a pro-wrestling demonstration at the facility in a sanctioned rink on Saturday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m.  All are welcome to attend what looks to be an exciting sporting event.


Military Appreciation Weekend at Clementon Park, May 23-25

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


Hopewell Valley holding Memorial Day ceremony May 23 at Alliger Park

From the Hopewell Valley Veterans Association

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

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

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


Vietnam Memorial holding Memorial Day ceremony, May 25

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation will hold its Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 25, 11 a.m., at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial in Holmdel.   The guest speaker at this year's ceremony will be U.S. Army Master Sgt. Wyatt Smith, of Fort Monmouth.  The ceremony will also include the presentation of two scholarships to New Jersey high school seniors and the induction of three Vietnam Veterans into the Memorial's "In Memory" Program.

Master Sgt. Smith began his career in the Army on April 13, 1995.  After basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C., he went onto train in the communications field at Fort Gordon, Ga.  He has had assignements in Fort Bragg, N.C.; Recruiting command in New York; Camp Howze, Korea; Darmstadt, Germany; and Naples, Italy. Smith is currently assigned as the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Tactical Battle Command, Fort Monmouth.

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation will award two $2,500 college scholarships to:

  •   Shay Wigginton of Toms River, graduating from Manchester Township High School,
  •   Jessica Shohfi of Lavallette, graduating from Point Pleasant Beach High School.

During the ceremony, the Foundation will induct three Vietnam Veterans into its "In Memory" Program.  "In Memory" honors New Jerseyans who served and died as a result of the war in Vietnam but whose names are not on the Memorial.  The inductees' names will be placed on an engraved stone inside the Memorial so that all who visit will know that they are with their honored comrades.

The three "In Memory" inductees are:

  •   Dominick J. Morello, Union, who served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, 1968-1969; he died on January 30, 1985.
  •   Irvin M. Knight, Marlboro, who served in U.S. Army in Vietnam, 1968-1970; he died on October 18, 2006.
  •   Flory L. Perone, Oakland, who served in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam, 1964-1965; he died on November 5, 2006.

The Vietnam Era Educational Center will be open from 10 a.m.-2p.m. on Memorial Day and admission is free for all visitors.  The Educational Center is located adjacent to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial off the Garden State Parkway at exit 116 in Holmdel.  The Memorial is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  The Educational Center is normally open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information on the Memorial or Educational Center, call 732-335-0033 or visit www.njvvmf.org.


Lowe’s, Home Dept offer military deals

By Karen Jowers - Army Times Staff writer

The nation’s two largest home improvement stores, Lowe’s and Home Depot, are again offering a 10-percent military discount for Memorial Day, starting today.

Active-duty personnel, National Guard and reserve members, retirees, honorably discharged veterans and immediate family members of all those groups are eligible. Customers who request the discount should show a valid military ID card or other proof of service.

The stores differ in their offers:

• Lowe’s discount is offered from May 21 through May 25 on purchases up to $5,000. That means the maximum discount will be $500. The offer is good for in-store purchases only and it does not apply to online sales, previous sales, purchase of services or gift cards.

• The Home Depot’s discount is offered in stores from May 21 through May 27 on purchases up to $2,000, for a $200 maximum discount.


Sea Girt beach passes now available for DMAVA employees

NGTC Sea Girt beach passes are now available.  If you have not already received yours, contact Gail Miller at 609-530-6911, gail.miller@njdmava.state.nj.us to get your passes. 

Information to remember:

DMAVA employees can use the employee ID card or NJ military ID for admission to the beach. 

Passes can be issued to family members and friends, but each pass is to be issued to only one person. 

Each pass will admit all occupants of one car to the beach.  The pass is good for the entire season. 

On the back of the pass there are two lines to fill in:

  • First line:  You or the person who will be using the pass (name/guest) must print his/her name on the first line.  Guests may also be asked to show a driver’s license or other photo ID. 
  • Second line (unit/sponsor):  You must print your name and DMAVA division or unit.

For more information, see TAG Memorandum 2-09 dated 10 February 2009 at

http://www.nj.gov/military/publications/tag-memo_09/TAGMEMO-2-09.pdf.


Career Fair for military, family members at Madison Square Gardens

RecruitMilitary will be hosting a career fair in cooperation with the American Legion on Thursday, May 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Madison Square Garden.  It is to benefit all veterans, transitioning military personnel, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members in the New York City area.

To pre-register for the event, visit http://careerfairs.recruitmilitary.com/cf/206-New-York-City/candidates/information.


Salvation Army holding motorcycle ride on May 30

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

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

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

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

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


 

 


Nutter Run up and running for May 31

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

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

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

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


Aqua-Adventures for military youth in June and July

Operation Military Kids is giving military youth in grades 4-8 who have experienced deployment an opportunity to go to Aqua-Adventures.

June 13 – Fish and Ships, Adventure Aquarium – Camden (exploring a variety of aquatic ecosystems and a tour of the Battleship NJ)

July 11-12, Camp-in, Liberty Science Center, Jersey City (after the doors close to the public, the kids get to explore all the hands-on exhibits, the 3-D movie and the IMAX theater. Included is dinner, evening snack and breakfast.

While the events are free, a $30 deposit is required to hold the child’s place.  The deposit will be refunded at the close of the camp-in.

Registration is needed by June1. Registration and permission forms can be found at www.state.nj.us/military/familysupport/programs.html. For more information, contact Marie Waldron, OMK Camp Assistant Director, 973-285-8300, extension 235, or Waldron@njaes.rutgers.edu.


College fair in Voorhees for military, families on June 2

There will be a college fair on June 2, 4-6 p.m. at The Mansion, Voorhees, N.J.

Many colleges – mainly New Jersey and Philadelphia area schools – will be in attendance and all interested military and family members are encouraged to attend.

The event is free.

The Mansion is located at Evesham and Kressan Rds. Plaza 3000, Voorhees.


Man’s best friend during war time – program at Vietnam Center

On Saturday, June 6, at 1 p.m., the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation, in conjunction with the United States War Dogs Association, will host a program entitled, “U.S. War Dogs: Remembering Man's Best Friend.”  This program will be held at the Vietnam Era Educational Center, Holmdel.  In addition, there will be an exhibition of Vietnam era military equipment and combat gear on display, courtesy of the Veterans United Military Memorial Museum.  Light refreshments will be provided.

Since World War I, tens of thousands of K-9s have served in the United States Armed Forces alongside their handlers.  Thousands have died in combat saving the lives of our military troops.  The United States War Dogs Association, founded in 1999 by a group of former U.S. military dog handlers and supporting members, is committed to promoting the long history of military service dogs, establishing war dog memorials, and educating the public about the role of dogs in the military. 

This program will include a discussion of the history of military working dogs, today's military working dogs and how to adopt a retired military working dog.  A number of retired dog handlers who serve as officers of the U.S. War Dogs Association will be in attendance to share their own personal stories.  Attendees include New Jersey residents: Ron Aiello, Burlington, Bob Cicero, Somerville, Bucky Grimm,  Long Branch, Bob Thompson, Roebling, and Al Gunderson, Paramus. 

The Veterans United Military Memorial Museum will also have an exhibition of Vietnam Era military equipment and combat gear.  This non-profit organization, based in Burlington County, hosts a traveling exhibition of military memorabilia.  Its members work to preserve military history by exhibiting artifacts to educate the public throughout New Jersey.

Program attendees are asked to RSVP by calling (732) 335-0033.  A donation of $5 per person is suggested. 


Essex Troop scholarships open for members, family

Applications for the 2009 Essex Troop Scholarship Program are now available. The scholarships are for qualified Essex Troop members and their family members, 102nd Cavalry and 50th BSTB qualified personnel.

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


Philadelphia VA center holding Welcome Home event, June 20

The Philadelphia VA Medical Center, 3900 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa., is inviting all veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and their spouses, families and significant others to attend a Welcome Home event on Saturday, June 20.

Activities include: free lunch, entertainment, children’s activities, veterans benefits representatives, veterans organizations representatives, health education and resources, door prizes and recreation, employment, safe driving information.

RSVP by June 10 to Lori Maas, OEF/OIF Program Manager at 215-823-5200.


Mental health education program for families of Veterans available

The Veterans Health Administration and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) have teamed to provide the NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program for families of veterans.  The Family-to-Family Education Program (FFEP) is a free 12-week course for family caregivers of individuals with mental illness and is now offered at VA New Jersey Health Care System locations.

The course includes:  Current information about schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and co-occurring brain disorders and addictive disorders; current research and treatments to promote recovery; up-to-date information about medications, side effects, and strategies for medication adherence; gaining empathy for a person with mental illness; learning skills for handling crisis and relapse; coping with care giver worry, stress, and emotional overload; and guidance on locating and advocating for appropriate supports and services for your family.

NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.  NAMI New Jersey and VA New Jersey Health Care System are accepting family members of veterans for the class starting June 25 at the Lyons Campus.  Classes will be from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings.  For information/sign up contact Mike at 734-380-9400 ext. 3618.  Visit www.naminj.org or call 732-940-0991 for additional information about NAMI New Jersey.


Sky Blue FC offering free tickets to Heroes, discounts to families

Join the Sky Blue FC on July 4 at 7 p.m., for their 1st Annual Heroes’ Night at Yurcak Field, Piscataway. Sky Blue FC is the women’s professional soccer team located in Somerset. They are honoring the members of the Armed Forces, police and fire departments when they take on the Boston Breakers.

Heroes’ with identification will receive a free game ticket and access to discounted ticket prices for family and friends.  For more information, contact Rich Fetter, 732-271-7700, extension 309 or rfetter@skybluesoccer.com. Check out their Web site, www.skybluefc.com for more information about the team.


EANJNG opens scholarship season to members, dependents

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

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

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


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

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

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


Army Warrant Officer Association wants you

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

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

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


Scholarships available for DeVry University

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

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


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

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

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


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:

June

Wildwood Convention Center-see below

July 28*, 29, 30

Ocean County Mall

August 5

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

Wildwood Convention Center schedule is: (outreach only, no medal ceremonies)

  •   Elks State Convention – June 4-5
  •   American Legion State Convention – June 10-12
  •   VFW State Convention – June 17-19

*Medal ceremonies begin at 10:30 a.m. on these dates.  The kiosk will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

**Medal Ceremony only; begins at 11 a.m.


No handbooks available for NJDIRECT

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

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

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


Direct Deposit – A safe and reliable way to receive your pay

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

This is just a reminder that the convenience of direct deposit is offered to all state employees. It is encouraged that our employees consider taking advantage of direct deposit with all that it has to offer.

Enrolling into direct deposit means having your money directly deposited into your checking or savings account. You’re going to be on vacation on pay day? Tired of waiting for Postal Service to deliver your money? Eliminate that with direct deposit. It is a convenient and reliable way to receive your pay and know it is safe in your account, when you need it to be. And the service is free!

To get enrolled you must complete the "Authorization Agreement for Automatic Payroll Deposits” form, and turn it in to your Human Resources Payroll Department. A copy of this form is available on DMAVAnet under Human Resources – Helpful Forms. Just print, fill out and send to Human Resources. Please allow up to three pay periods (six weeks) for your direct deposit to take effect.

To request a form or more information, contact Lisa Dandrea in Human Resources at 609-530-6888.

 

 

 

Contact Us | Privacy Notice | Legal Statement | Accessibility Statement NJ.gov
NJ National Guard Family Programs Open Public Records Act
The Governor's Office The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs The Department of State The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs