The 108th Air Refueling Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, currently has 42 members deployed around the world for various causes.  Many functional areas within the wing have members deployed.  From Civil Engineering, Operations, Readiness, Maintenance, Communications, Medical, Security Police and Intel unit members are serving in locations such as Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar, and Albania.  Closer to home, unit members are serving in places like Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., California and Mississippi.

The 63rd Army Band is presenting a free concert Friday, July 6 at the National Guard Training Center, Sea Girt.  Enjoy an evening of music from standards to rock during the 90 minute performance which begins at 7 p.m. The 37 Soldiers in the band will perform as a full concert orchestra and also show the audience their versatility with several selections as a stage band and rock combo during the evening.

Photo ID is required at the entrance gate of the training center and those attending will be directed to parking once entering the center.

Members of the 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, marched onto the fairgrounds of the Red, White and Blueberry festival to thunderous cheers and applause from visitors to the annual event.  Returned from deployments throughout Southwest Asia, these Airmen were invited to participate in the opening parade in order to allow the city of Hammonton to express appreciation for a job well done.  Known for its outpouring of support for local armory Soldiers of the 119th Corps Support Battalion (Welcome Home in 2005 and Freedom Salute in 2006), residents of the "blueberry capital of the world" listened as Maj Gen. Glenn K. Rieth and Congressman Frank LoBiondo lauded the wing's accomplishments.  Then, with American flags waving, they descended upon the dispersed troops with handshakes and pats on the back.the ubiquitous "thank you for your service" ringing in the air.

From the desk of Cyndi McCoy, NJARNG Recruiting, Marketing Representative

Every Soldier a Recruiter (ESAR) is a pilot referral bonus program of the Active, Reserve and National Guard components of the Army that provides select Soldiers and retired members of the U.S. Army the opportunity to assist with recruiting efforts and rewards those efforts with referral bonuses up to $2,000.  For more information, contact NJARNG Marketing Representative Cyndi McCoy at 609-672-6308.

From the desk of Cyndi McCoy, NJARNG Recruiting, Marketing Representative

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, contact Cyndi McCoy at 609-672-6308, NJARNG Marketing Representative.

Join the Rotary Clubs of Bergenfield-Dumont and Teaneck in a Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show at the Teaneck Armory, Teaneck and Liberty Roads, Teaneck N.J., on Sept. 30, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.  Proceeds from the event benefit the New Jersey National Guard Family Assistance Center.

Cost to register your vehicle for the show is $15 on the day of the show, $10 prior to the show.  Deadline for registration is Sept. 15. Spectator admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children 10 and under.

For more information, call Tom Pinnel at 201-384-8932.

From the desk of Hank Pierre, NJ ESGR

The NJ Friends of the Guard and Reserve is proud to present the 2007 State Chairman's Annual Golf Outing.  The golf outing will be held on Sept.18, 2007 at the Miry Run Country Club in Robbinsville, N.J.  The rain date is Sept. 25.  The $95 per golfer registration fee includes greens fees, cart, registration, continental breakfast, food and beverages on the course, door prizes and a buffet luncheon at the golf club.  Corporate, hole and cart sponsors are also being sought.  All proceeds to benefit the activities of the NJ Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.  For additional information please contact Hank Pierre at 609-562-0156 or Tammy Cartagena at 609-562-0157. 

The 34th annual conference of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of New Jersey will be held at the Radisson Hotel, Valley Forge, Penn., Oct. 5-6.

Proceeds from this weekend event are spent directly on our membership.  It is a nice feeling to know that for every 50/50 ticket and Chinese Auction ticket you buy helps fund the scholarship program, allows junior enlisted to attend the National Conference and supports legislative actions for benefits and so much more. 

Friday night features "The American Game Show Challenge," which is a series of fun trivia contests and physical challenges.

Saturday is back to business for a bit, with a business meeting and elections for the executive counsel.  The new Junior Enlisted Team is sponsoring the Chinese Auction.  Local attractions are abundant; register for trips to Valley Forge and/or Longwood Gardens.  Saturday Night wraps up our conference with our customary formal Military Ball. 

There are several package plans to fit your particular needs.  If you have any questions, call retired Sgt. Maj. Jerome Zebrowski at 609-214-6959 or e-mail at jcptfalc@aol.com or Co-Chairman retired Sgt. Maj. Edward Goetschius at 609-965-1972 or e-mail at esgtmaj@comcast.net.  Visit the association's web site at www.eang-nj.org for additional information, updates and applications. 

This week's safety tips are for those readers who will find themselves on the beach this summer.

v    Protect your skin.  Wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, containing a high rating such as 15 or greater.

v    Drink plenty of water often, even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them.

v    Watch for signs of heat injury. Call 9-1-1 or your local EMS number.

v    Wear eye protection. Sunglasses are like sunscreen for your eyes and protect against damage that can occur from UV rays.  Be sure to wear sunglasses with labels that indicated that they absorb at least 90 percent of UV sunlight.

v    Wear foot protection. Many times, people's feet can get burned from the sand or cut from glass in the sand.

FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFPN) -- A two-year test authorized by the 2007 National Defense Authorization Act allows Tricare beneficiaries to substitute over-the-counter versions of certain prescription drugs without a copayment. 

For now, the test includes the Tricare mail order pharmacy only.  Plans call for expansion to retail network pharmacies once program details are ironed out.

"The drugs included in this test initially are among the most widely prescribed, those treating gastro-intestinal disorders," said Army Maj. Gen. Elder Granger, the deputy director for Tricare Management Activity. 

Known as "proton pump inhibitors," this class of medications includes the prescription drugs Nexium, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, Zegerid and Prilosec.

Under the test, beneficiaries receiving a prescription proton pump inhibitor are eligible to receive Prilosec OTC, the only proton pump inhibitor available over the counter. The Department of Defense Pharmacy and Therapeutic Committee found there is no significant clinical difference between Prilosec OTC and its prescription-only counterparts.

"By requesting that their doctors prescribe the OTC version, beneficiaries can save money on their copay, and there is the additional potential to save the government money as well," said General Granger. 

OTC drugs are generally less expensive, by as much as 400 percent in some cases.

Once the OTC test works its way to retail pharmacies, beneficiaries, however, should not expect to walk into any drug store and get OTC products for free at the register, caution Tricare officials. Beneficiaries will still have to get a prescription from their doctor for the OTC drugs.

Beneficiaries already taking the selected prescription proton pump inhibitors through the mail order pharmacy will get a letter telling them about the new program whenever they order medications that qualify them to participate in the OTC test project.

Tricare encourages beneficiaries who haven't used the mail order pharmacy in the past, but are taking medications included in the test, to get information on how to sign up at http://www.tricare.mil/pharmacy/tmop.cfm.

"Through the mail order program, initially beneficiaries can get up to a 90-day supply and have it delivered right to their mailbox. Remember, it's free so it saves money for beneficiaries and potential savings to the government may help sustain the Tricare benefit," said General Granger.

Medication classes under consideration for future testing include topical anti-fungals and non-sedating antihistamines.

The Fort Monmouth MWR office has 11 tickets (tickets only) to the Broadway Show "LION KING, " for Wednesday July 11, at 2 p.m. at the Minskoff Theatre, 200 West 45th St., New York City.  Price for the tickets is $89 each and they are in orchestra section 15, rows W-Z.  For more information, call Tickets N' Tours 732-532-3077.  See www.fortmonmouthmwr.com.

Are you looking for a special place to visit during your summer vacation? Why not plan a visit to the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey?

If you're planning a trip to the Jersey shore or just looking for an interesting destination this summer, bring your family, friends or organization to visit the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey.  The Museum is located on the historic campus of the National Guard Training Center, in Sea Girt, N.J.  The Museum also has an Annex at the War Memorial in Trenton and an Artillery Annex at the National Guard Armory in Lawrenceville.

The National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey has the mission of preserving and explaining New Jersey military history and enhancing public understanding of how armed conflicts and military institutions have shaped our state and national experience.  The Museum is a non-profit, support organization dedicated to assist in the collection, preservation and display of artifacts and related memorabilia with specific historical significance to the Militia and New Jersey National Guard.  The Museum provides access to the general public, schools and any other interested organizations to visit and enjoy the exhibits at our locations.

The Sea Girt Museum is now open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and open most weekends and holidays through October. Check our weekend hours by calling 732-974-5966.  The Trenton War Memorial Annex will re-open later this summer and is staffed before all performances in Patriots Theatre and during intermission.  The Lawrenceville Artillery Annex is open for tours Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., upon request and whenever activities are taking place within the armory.  Arrange a tour of this facility by calling 609-530-6802.

Plan a visit.  We think you'll find that a tour of any of the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey facilities will be interesting for children and adults alike and be a truly worthwhile, memorable experience.  

The city of Long Branch will host the traveling Vietnam Wall, "The Wall that Heals," July 26-29.  During the opening ceremony, retired Col. Stephen G. Abel, Deputy Commissioner for NJDMAVA will be one of the speakers.

The Wall that Heals has been traveling around America, Canada and Ireland for more than 10 years.  Along with the ½ scale replica of the monument in Washington, D.C., a traveling museum and information center completes the exhibit.  The museum reports the history of the Vietnam War Era and the interesting healing powers of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  The information center gives visitors the opportunity to learn about friends and loved ones lost in the war.

The "Wall" is open 24 hours a day during its stay.

The 2007 Korean War Commemoration Ceremony will take place on July 27 at 11 a.m. at the New Jersey Korean War Memorial, at Park Place/Boardwalk, near Brighton Park, Atlantic City.  Hosted by the New Jersey Korean War Veterans Association in cooperation with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, it will be the 54th Anniversary Commemoration Signing of the Korean War Armistice.  There will also be a presentation of the New Jersey Korean War Commemorative Medal to local Korean combat veterans.

Lowe's Companies, Inc. announced it will offer all active, reserve and retired military personnel and their immediate family members a 10 percent discount on in-store purchases made during the July Fourth holiday. The discount is available June 28-July 8.

The discount is available on in-stock purchases up to $5,000. To qualify, individuals must present a valid military ID or other proof of service such as a VA card, VFW card, veteran's ID or discharge papers. Excluded from the discount are online sales, previous sales, installation and delivery fees, extended protection plans, gift cards, select Fisher & Paykel appliances and John Deere.

If you have never seen the MRE show filmed by the Food Network at Fort Dix with the National Guard Soldiers, here is your chance.  Go to www.foodnetwork.com, select TV from the top links, select TV shows from the links on the left, select the show "Dave Does," and select episode (Webisode) number 8.  Take the time to click on the bonuses for some good smiles.

Effective July 7, 2007, employees covered under labor agreements with the CWA, AFSCME, and IPFTE, and employees not covered by a labor agreement, are required to contribute 1.5 percent of their annual base salary for health and/or prescription drug coverage under the State Health Benefits Program.  Employees affected by this agreement will see the new deduction beginning with pay period #15, and a check date of July 27, 2007.

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 best careers in the building and construction industry.  Our program seeks to honor and reward military service with a solid, family-sustaining career in one of our 15 affiliated trades:

v    Boilermakers

v    Carpenters

v    Electrical workers

v    Elevator constructors

v    Insulator and asbestos workers

v    Iron workers

v    Laborers

v    Operating engineers

v    Painters

v    Pipe trades

v    Plasterers and cement masons

v    Roofers

v    Sheet metal workers

v    Teamsters

We 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:

v    Personal career counseling

v    Review of apprentice entrance requirements

v    Interview coaching

v    Guidance through the application process

v    Entrance test preparation

v    Referral to supportive services

For program registration and information, visit us online at www.njbctc.org/h2h or contact us at 732-499-7295 or at H2H@njbctc.org.

Are you looking for your next book to read?  Look no further than the New Jersey State Library.  Visit www.njstatelib.org to find a list of selected new books that you may request to borrow.  The list of new books can be found by clicking the "What we have" button.  You can find best sellers, books on history, science, Jerseyana, biographies and lots more to keep your mind muscles working hard. If you have questions, you can call the General Reference Desk at 609-292-6220 or e-mail them at refdesk@njstatelib.org. 

The Armed Forces Recreation Center in Virginia Beach joins locations in Orlando, Fla., Germany, Hawaii, and Korea.  The Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command assumed responsibility of the 93-room set of cabins and bungalows at Fort Story, Va., in April, but plans to expand the property over the next two years with additional rooms and conference facilities.  The resort is open to active duty, reservists, retired military, DoD civilians, delayed-entry recruits and family members.  Prices range from $59 to $273 per night based on the resort, rank, paygrade, duty status, room size and location.  For more information go to www.capehenryinn.com.

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.

Teams are split geographically throughout the state and volunteers can stay busy.  In April 2007, the teams conducted 205 services for deceased veterans.  By May15, there were 120 funerals where the team performed their duties.  Retired Sgt. Maj. Ed Goetschius, who oversees the program, believes that there will be at least 2,000 services where the honor guard has served by the end of the year.

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

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 Family Readiness Council is looking for an IT or "web savvy" individual to donate their services. Your talents are needed to set up and maintain a Web site for the Family Readiness Council. Anyone who is interested should call Terry Dearden at 609-530-6893 to set up a meeting with the members of the Council.

The National Guard State Family Readiness Council is a nonprofit organization developed to assess and implement solutions to challenges that our Guard families experience during their Soldier's or Airman's deployment. One of the functions of the council is to add support to the Family Assistance Centers scattered throughout the state.  The council is accessible to individual families and other military organizations. Financial support is provided by the council to military activities through generous donations and fundraising activities.  Resource services and emotional support are also available.

Summer is coming and now is the time that many kids will be signing up for camps, recreational activities and lessons, etc.  Unfortunately, because of increased deployments and the financial and emotional stress associated with them, many military families might find these activities difficult to arrange.  This is why The Women's Opportunity Center at the YMCA of Burlington County in Mt. Laurel, N.J., is pleased to remind military members that grant funds are available not only for financial emergencies and crisis situations, but also to provide recreational and stress relieving activities such as camps and classes for their children. 

This grant, provided by the Department of Community Affairs is available to spouses and families of deployed military personnel in all branches of service in the State who are income eligible. 

For more information and an application, contact Fawn Mutschler at 609-543-6200, ext. 325 or e-mail wocmilitarygrant@ymca-bc.org.

The thirteenth Annual New Jersey National Guard Youth Camp will be held July 29 to Aug. 4 at the New Jersey National Guard Training Center, Sea Girt.

Applications are available at: www.state.nj.us/military/familysupport/youth_camp.html

Children, ages 9-13 are invited to apply.  The camp fee is still $100.  Campers must be children, grandchildren or legal dependents of an active or retired member of the New Jersey National Guard.  A variety of volunteer positions are available. For more information, call the Family Programs Office at (609) 562-0668.

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 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.

Come watch the Lakewood Blue Claws play baseball, eat lots of hot dogs and hamburgers and support the Fisher House Foundation all at the same time.

On Aug. 6, The Fort Monmouth chapter of the Association of the United States Army is sponsoring a "Night at the Baseball Park" to salute disabled service members and their families.

For the cost of $20 for adults or $15 for children, you can get all you can get all you can eat hot dogs and hamburgers.  Sponsors at various levels are also needed.

To make payment, reservations or for sponsorship, contact Kit Roache at 732-380-9500 or kit.roace@gdc4s.com.

Proceeds from the night are being donated to the Fisher House Foundation. The Fisher House Foundation supports America's military in their time of need; the Foundation provides "a home away from home" that enables family members to be close to a loved one (military member) at the most stressful time -- during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury.

The Grand Ole Opry will honor members of the United States military this summer with an Opry Summer Salute. The salute, which features special shows, recognition of military personnel, special offers and military performances and displays in the Opry Plaza, began on Memorial Day weekend and will continue until Labor Day weekend.  Beginning May 21, persons can submit salutes to the service members close to them to be read live at Opry performances throughout the summer. Opry shows are every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday night. Military personnel should mention code MIL10X when making reservations at 1-800-733-6779. For information on visiting the Opry, log on to http://www.opry.com

The Trenton Vet Center with support from our community partner, Trenton Thunder Baseball, will sponsor baseball tickets at a special rate for Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard, separated, and retired veterans.  A regular $10 season ticket will be offered at $7 for veterans and family members.  The primary purpose of the program is to allow veterans and their families an opportunity to experience Trenton Thunder baseball due to their service and sacrifice for our country.  If you have questions, call Matt Petima, director of ticket operations for the Trenton Thunder at 609-394-3300, ext 1200 or the ticket box office at 609-394-3300.

Proof of Veteran Status:  Interested veterans must have a picture I.D. and provide proof of their veteran status by showing one of the following documents:  Military I.D. card; Federal Department of Veteran Affairs medical I.D. card; DD Form 214.

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 October 13 (rain date of October 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.

The 11th Annual Lt. Col. Dave Savino Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on Sept. 17 at the Fountain Green Golf Course, Ft. Dix.   Shotgun start is at 8 a.m., with a two-person scramble (best ball).  Cost to play is $85 per person, with checks made payable to "Lt. Col. Dave Savino Memorial Fund."  Call Senior Master Sgt. Mike Balas at 609-330-4069 or Connie Cisek at 609-562-0901 for more information.  Proceeds from the tournament go to help fellow Guardsmen in need.

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.

Here's to the Heroes provides a single day's free admission to any one SeaWorld or Busch Gardens park, Sesame Place, Adventure Island or Water Country USA for the service member and as many as three direct dependents.

Any active duty, active reserve, ready reserve service member or Guard member is entitled to free admission under the program. He or she need only register, either online at www.herosalute.com or in the entrance plaza of a participating park, and show a Department of Defense photo ID.

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, veterans' dependents and members of the American Legion family.  When you get on the site, click on "Scholarship Information" in the "Useful Links" block.

There are many scholarships available to military family members. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Military Line suggests that you not pay someone to find scholarships for you. Why? Because these researchers will use the same sources on the internet that you will use, so why pay them to do so? For suggestions on where to find scholarships for which you might be eligible, visit: www.enewsbuilder.net/cbbb military/e_article-000694547.cfm?x=b8r7v3.

For information to help military families avoid financial pitfalls, visit: http://military.bbb.org

Give our state a larger voice by becoming a member of the Enlisted Association.  The increased numbers will help us speak on all legislative issues that will benefit you and your families. The association works hard for you 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.

The National Guard Association of New Jersey will be conducting the following events.  All members (active and retirees) are encouraged to participate:

§       National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) 129th Conference - this conference will be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico from August 25-27, 2007.  The New Jersey delegation will be staying at the Caribe Hilton (15 minutes from airport).  Our hotel is located on the beach, has a great pool for the family and is located close to the convention center (10 minutes).  We have reserved 30 rooms on a first come, first gets basis.  Additional information and registration forms will be coming out shortly.  If you are interested, please contact Capt. Jose Maldonado.

§       NGANJ Website - The above information is posted on the NGANJ website.  If you need copies of the forms, specific contacts or additional information, please go to the website at:  www.nganj.org.

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

July 11,12, 13	Bridgewater Commons Mall
August 8, 9, 10	Newport Centre Mall
September 12, 13*, 14	Livingston Mall
October 2, 3, 4	Deptford Mall
October 30*, 31, November 1	Brunswick Square Mall
November 27, 28, 29	Quaker Bridge Mall

*Medal ceremonies begin at 10:30 a.m. on these dates.

The kiosk will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., July-Sept.; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Oct. and Nov.

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.