Download PDF Version of this week's highlights

Think you’d like to be a mentor to a young adult in the ChalleNGe program? Make a difference in the life of someone who is turning their life around for the better. ChalleNGe provides a disciplined environment that fosters academics, leadership development, physical fitness and personal growth for unemployed youth who have ceased to attend high school. The Academy will be looking for volunteers who are willing to be a role model and help mentor a ChalleNGe cadet. Stay tuned for more information in future DMAVA Highlights

Weather conditions have forced the postponement of the Chance Auction at the Woodbury Armory from Feb. 17 to Saturday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.  The event, sponsored by the Woodstown/Vineland and Woodbury Family Readiness Groups will directly benefit families of New Jersey National Guard Soldiers. 

The New Jersey Bar Association has created 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 the program currently offers assistance to the following areas: family law, employment law 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, contact D. Todd Sidor, Esq., by e-mail: tsidor@njsba.com or phone: 732-937-7544.

For more than two hundred years, African-Americans have participated in every conflict in United States history. They have not only fought bravely the common enemies of the United States but have also had to confront the individual and institutional racism of their countrymen.

In continuing to celebrate major accomplishments and African American contributions to military service during black History Month, this week DMAVA celebrates and pays tribute to African-American Soldiers and recognizes the important contributions they have made in past wars and continue to make today:

William Carney: First African-American Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient

Cathay Williams: First African-American Female to Enlist in the United States Army

Henry Ossian Flipper: First African-American to Graduate from the U.S. Military Academy

Benjamin O. Davis, Sr.: First African-American General Officer in the Regular Army

Roscoe Robinson, Jr.: First African-American Four-Star General

Colin L. Powell: First African-American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Command Sgt. Maj. Michele S. Jones: First African-American Female Command Sergeant Major of the Army Reserve

Command Sgt. Maj. Evelyn Hollis: First African-American Female Command Sergeant Major of a Combat Arms Unit

In April and May 2007, the 110th Engineer Utilities Detachment will travel to Belize in support of Operation Tradewinds. Conducted annually, Tradewinds is a multinational exercise that focuses on training ground and maritime forces to combat transnational threats, counter drug operations, and conduct disaster response. This year, participating nations will include: the United States, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad-Tobago, the United Kingdom and others. The mission for the 110th will include range construction, facilities upgrades to existing barracks and the construction of tent platforms as well as follow-on maintenance during the exercise.

Bill McDonnell, Veterans Service Officer in Thorofare Veterans Service Office, represented a disabled veteran at a Board of Veterans Appeals hearing in the Philadelphia VA Regional Office. His excellent and cogent appeals argument convinced the VA Hearing Officer to grant the veteran a highly deserved increase in compensation that was retroactive to early 2004. Mr. McDonnell also accompanied the veteran to a required VA medical examination. The result of this expert advocacy was that the veteran received a check for $29,000 on the day after Christmas.

Nine people from the 108th Air Refueling Wing Services Flight spent four months at Andersen Air Base, Guam, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom Sept. 8 – Jan. 5.

The personnel supported the dining facilities, fitness center, and recreation facilities like the bowling alley, said Tech. Sgt. Michelle R. Weston, a services craftsman. B-52 Stratofortresses and KC-135R Stratotankers from various Air Force bases were deployed there at the same time.

“We had the chance to see their (Guam’s) culture, and work hand-in-hand with the active duty people and contractors,” she added.

Senior Airman Brad M. Wisniewski, a services journeyman, was named Airman of the Month in December.

During the January drill weekend, the 1-150th Air Assault (AASLT) Battalion conducted detailed, realistic training at J2TDC, Fort Dix. The training conducted was called Military Decision Making Process (MDMP). The "Guardians of Freedom" staff received instruction from the knowledgeable trainers at J2TDC and put it to use by producing professional operations orders for AASLT upcoming missions. While the staff prepared orders, the line companies trained realistic and accurate mission rehearsals using the Iraqi theater terrain board also located at the J2TDC. This valuable training proves beneficial in preparing the 1-150th AASLT for future operations and exercises.

There is a position open for a Bilateral Affairs Officer in Tirana, Albania in association with the State Partnership Program. The position is a tour of extended active duty for one year unaccompanied or two-year accompanied (spouse only, no children), with an estimated start date of June 1, 2007. The grade required for the position is captain or mid-grade major; the branch is immaterial.

Along with assignment are many incentives including diplomatic status and embassy privileges, individual housing provided in country, use of embassy VIP badges/privileges available, member of ambassador’s Country Team and high level and very visible assignment working with the U.S. ambassador, NATO commander, and other organizations in country.

Interested individuals should contact Maj. Judie Marranco at 609-530-7079 for further details.

In support of our fellow Soldiers over seas, retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hughes with help from HQ 57th Troop Command, Atlantic City, received $10,000 worth of donated calling cards from the law firm of Cooper Levenson. The team boxed these calling cards and shipped them overseas, so that the deployed Soldiers could reach out and touch their family and friends, back here in the United States. A job well done by the, "Command of Excellence" with support from the State FRG.

For those of us who have reached the age old enough to be invited to join the exclusive organization with many benefits, AARP, there is also a month for us: May, which is Older Americans Month. The Department of Personnel and Working Well New Jersey will participate in the 50 Begins Life Expo on May 5-6 at the Garden State Exhibit Center, Somerset. There will be more than 200 exhibits, seminar programs, book signings, entertainment, prize drawings and free health screenings. There will also be a 50+ job fair and volunteer area. Put this on your calendar.

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

§1 NGANJ Social - the Association’s Social will be conducted on Friday, April 13, 2007 at the Holiday Inn, East Windsor (Hightstown), N.J. This event will begin at 6 p.m. and will conclude at approximately 11 p.m. Cost per person is $60. This includes a one hour open bar, full course dinner and DJ. The attire will be the “dress” uniform for military and formal (suit) for civilians.

§2 NGANJ 2007 Yearbook – Retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jack Petrosilli and his committee sent a mailing to all members requesting support for the Yearbook. Please return your ads and/or booster request no later than April 15. If you need a form, please contact Petrosilli.

§3 Annual Business Meeting - the annual Business Meeting will be conducted on May 19, 2007 at the Timmermann Conference Center, Fort Dix. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. (sign-in begins at 7:30 a.m.) and will conclude at noon. The attire for this meeting is “business casual”. This will be an opportunity for all members to see the four classrooms that were dedicated to New Jersey’s fallen Soldiers.

§4 NGANJ President’s Golf Tournament - this tournament will be held at Falcon Creek Golf Course at McGuire AFB, on June 4. This will be a “shotgun” start beginning at 11 a.m. The course limit is 144 players, so early reservations are suggested. A hot buffet dinner will follow at approximately 5 p.m. at the McGuire NCO Club, located across the street from the course. This tournament benefits the “Scholarship Fund”. Last year, with your help, we were able to award nine $1,000 scholarships to deserving students. This year, we hope to meet or exceed that goal.

§5 National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) 129th Conference - this conference will be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico from August 15 - 18, 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.

§6 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.

As part of April’s “Month of the Military Child,” United Concordia is sponsoring a Web-based, random-selection drawing. Prizes will be awarded to military children of varying ages.

Children of active duty or National Guard and Reserve sponsors who are enrolled in the Tri-Care Dental Program are eligible for this drawing. To enter, simply complete the form found on the TDP Web site – www.TRICAREdentalprogram.com between March 28 and April 26 and submit it online.

One first, second and third place prize will be awarded in each of the six TRICARE regions for the four age categories.

Ages 0-4
First prize: VTech V.Smile™ Baby
Second prize: $100 U.S. Savings Bond
Third prize: $25 AAFES gift certificate

Ages 5-7
First prize: VTech Nitro Notebook™
Second prize: $100 U.S. Savings Bond
Third prize: $25 AAFES gift certificate

Ages 8-12 and Ages 13-17
First prize: iPod® Shuffle™
Second prize: $100 U.S. Savings Bond
Third prize: $25 AAFES gift certificate
Only one entry per child is permitted; winners will be announced on the TDP Web site on May 10, 2007.

The On Guard – the National Guard’s bi-monthly newspaper – is searching for charter Air National Guard (ANG) members to interview for an upcoming series of articles leading up to the ANG’s 60th Birthday.

Please call Public Affairs Office at 609-530-7088 if you know of any veteran Airmen from the 1947 Air National Guard who would be willing to answer a few questions about their service.

The Microsoft Home Use Program (HUP) is eligible to all Army personnel including, active duty, reserve, Guard, and civilians currently employed by the Army.
The program allows individuals to get a licensed copy of Microsoft Office desktop applications to install and use on a home computer.

The Army awarded a six – year Enterprise License Agreement (ELA) for Microsoft products on May 30, 2003. The MS ELA established by the Army is a “Volume License” agreement with Software Assurance, and as a “Volume License” owner, the Army is entitled to exercise the Home Use Program.

Army Guard members taking advantage of this offering are responsible for paying the administrative costs for obtaining the software and may use the software as desired. Guard members can only obtain one version of the software at any given time.

Go to this website for more details: https://ascp.monmouth.army.mil/scp/software/ hup.jsp

Troops to Teachers (www.ProudtoServeAgain.com) is administered by the Department of Defense and Department of Education and managed by the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). The program helps eligible military personnel begin second careers as public school teachers by providing referral assistance, placement services, and - for those electing to teach at high-need schools - financial stipends and bonuses.

Members of the National Guard and Reserves with 10 or more years of service are eligible for the program, provided they commit for an additional three years.

The 2007 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award Nomination deadline is Feb. 28. Please visit the ESGR website at www.esgr.mil to nominate supportive employers for this award.

We Need You!

Volunteer Today!

One Day of Pay (Minimum $50)

One Retirement Point (TDG’s only)
Selfless Service and Personal Satisfaction.
Call 609-530-7090 Today To See If You Qualify.

HQ Group, who currently runs the Helmets to Hardhats program, is expanding!  Hire A Hero is our newest initiative that helps transitioning military personnel, Guard members and Reservists find jobs with all industries.

Hire A Hero is a non-profit initiative that is powered by the Armed Forces Support Foundation.  To find out more about these programs, visit the following Web sites: www.hireahero.com/ or http://armedforcessupportfoundation.org/

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 Patty Smith at patty.smith@njdmava.state.nj.us or call 609-530-6847.

Military Handbooks has announced the launch of its new website and the release of its latest seven FREE handbooks for military personnel.  Military Handbooks is a small company owned and operated by former federal employees and veterans. Their offices are located in Alexandria, Va.

These free handbooks were written specifically for military members. To get your own copies of these free handbooks, simply go to their new website:

www.militaryhandbooks.com  The handbooks include:
     - 2007 U.S. Military Handbook
     - 2007 U.S. Military Retired Handbook
     - 2007 Getting Uncle Sam To Pay For Your College Degree
     - 2007 After The Military Handbook
     - 2007 Benefits For Veterans And Dependents Handbook
     - 2007 Veterans Healthcare Benefits Handbook
     - 2007 Military Children's Scholarship Handbook

The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Emergency Hotline is:

1-866-232-5798

You will hear the following message:

You have reached the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Emergency Information Number. Please listen to the following menu choices and select an appropriate option:

State employees – press 1
Federal employees – press 2
National Guard employees – press 3

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.

For the Families

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 Army Community Service (ACS) office at Fort Dix has several programs to support the Soldier and his/her family during mobilization and deployment.  Their number is (609) 562-2767 or (800) 877-2380 and they are located in Building 5201 at Maryland Ave and 8th Street.  Some of the programs available are:

Army Emergency Relief: Provides emergency financial assistance to active duty military personnel, retirees, National Guard and Reserve Component on active duty for over 30 consecutive days and their family members (with ID card and power of attorney).

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): Entitles member to additional benefits through TRICARE's Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) Program.  Provides information, referrals, crisis intervention, community support and assistance to meet individual needs.

Family Advocacy Program: Provides for the identification, reporting, prevention, and treatment of child abuse and domestic violence.

Employment Readiness Program: Offers information and referral for employment, education (resume writing and interviewing), volunteer and training opportunities.

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:: Click Here

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 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.

Scholarship News

A bill which extends eligibility for higher education tuition assistance to certain former members of New Jersey National Guard and increases the number of tuition-free credits available to National Guard members and their dependents was signed into law by Governor Jon. S. Corzine on Jan. 24.

The legislation would allow National Guard members who are called into active duty to utilize state tuition assistance credits after their enlistment expires.

Under the old law, active members of the New Jersey National Guard may receive up to 15 credits per semester tuition free from public institutions of higher education in the State. Similarly, the child or surviving spouse of a National Guard member killed in the performance of his duties may also receive this benefit.

This bill, A-2542, amended the law to extend eligibility for this higher education tuition benefit to members of the New Jersey National Guard whose use of the free tuition benefit is interrupted by a deployment to active duty. The change would permit these soldiers to receive their earned educational benefits should their enlistment expire, or should they be medically discharged, prior to completing their studies.

The new law will also increase the number of credits eligible for funding under this program from 15 to 16 per semester.

Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded by the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation. Information about the scholarships, including application form, can be found at www.njvvmf.org. Applications must be received at the foundation office by 5 p.m. April 20. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted. Recipients will be notified prior to the award ceremony on May 28.

The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) has a scholarship program for the children of MOAA members as well as the children of active duty, retired, Reserve and National Guard enlisted personnel. The application period for the 2007-2008 school year deadline is March 1. For more information visit www.moaa.org, and click the Educational Aid button.

The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) announced last week that the application process for its Scholarships for Military Children program has now begun for 2007. Applications for the $1,500 scholarships are available at 264 commissaries worldwide, or can be downloaded through links at http://www.commissaries.com/, http://www.militaryscholar.org/, or http://www.dodea.edu/.

The program is open to unmarried children under the age of 21 (23 if enrolled in school) of military active-duty, Reserve, Guard and retired personnel. Eligibility will be determined using the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System database. Applicants should ensure that they, as well as their sponsor, are enrolled in the DEERS database and have a current ID card.

The applicant must be planning to attend, or already attending, an accredited college, or university full-time in the fall term of 2007, or enrolled in a program of studies designed to transfer directly into a four-year program. Applications for 2007, which includes an essay on "how and why" the applicant would change an historical event, must be turned in at a commissary by close of business on February 21, 2007. At least one $1,500 scholarship will be awarded at every commissary location with qualified applicants.

Colleges

Grantham University scholarships: Grantham University offers a scholarship program to severely injured service members and their spouses and adult children.  Go to www.grantham.edu for more information.  They also have scholarship programs for military veterans, service members, and family members.

Widener University CARES Scholarship: Widener University, Chester, Pa., has a full scholarship program for children of Global War on Terrorism service members who were killed in action.  Contact the Office of Admissions at 610-499-4126 for more information.

Veterans Information

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

The kiosk will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the identified dates.

Sports and Entertainment

The New Jersey National Guard is looking for a few good runners to represent the state in the 2007 National Guard Marathon in Lincoln, Neb., on May 6.

Each year hundreds of National Guardsmen from around the nation compete in the Marathon.  Qualifying times to attend the race (fully funded TDY) are: four hours for men under 40; 4:15 for men 40 and over; and 4:30 for women.  The qualifying time must have been accomplished within the last 18 months.  The top runners in Lincoln are selected for the National Guard Running Team and compete in races across the nation. Interested Guardsmen should contact Maj. Arnstein at 609-562-3239.

Please join the 2007 Nutter Run at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt on May 19. The run starts at 10 a.m. This year’s beneficiary is Caitlyn McGuire.
Caitlyn is the daughter of New Jersey Army National Guardsman, Spc. Robert McGuire and the granddaughter of another New Jersey National Guardsman; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mickey McGuire.

The run will also feature live music, food, giveaways, raffles, prizes, games for children and much more. To see the flyer for the event, visit www.nutterrun.com.

If you can't participate in the run/walk, please help us help Caitlyn by spreading the word and raising awareness about this event. Your support and generosity are greatly appreciated.

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.