New Jersey Military and Veterans Affairs

Members of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard are invited to take part in The Adjutant General’s Combat Matches on June 22-24 at Fort Dix, N.J. The deadline for registration has been extended to April 30.
Participants shoot in teams – four shooters and two support personnel in each team and each shooter will fire both rifle and pistol in the competition. Members of the Active Reserve of the Navy and Marine Corps are also eligible to participate.
All rifle participants must use the M16A2, M16 A4, or M4 rifle with iron sights, which is standard issue. Twenty or thirty round magazines will be permitted. No modifications are allowed. Commercial equivalent or leather slings are not authorized. Weight of trigger pull must be at least five pounds. Four magazines per competitor are required
All pistol participants must use the standard issue service pistol, M-9 cal. 9mm or M-11 9 mm as issued. Three magazines are required. Internal or external modification or alteration of parts is not authorized. Trigger pull for M9, not less than 4.1 pounds, M11, not less than 4.4 pounds.
First Place National Guard Combined Arms Team will be eligible to represent New Jersey State at the National Guard Championships (Wilson Matches) at Camp Robinson, Little Rock, Arkansas. The team will consist of the Combat Match winning team unit members and members of the state team as determined by the State Marksmanship Coordinator.
For application forms, regulations and other information, call Staff Sgt. Mercedes Rowe, 609-562-0756, Mercedes.rowe@nj.ngb.army.mil or Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Marvian, 562-0761.

From the desk of Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hughes, Family Assistance Specialist
The 253rd Transportation Company's Family Readiness Group has planned a meeting to reorganize their group and discuss plans for future meetings, events and activities. The meeting can only be successful if all those families, friends, and volunteers associated with the unit attend, so come on out and be a part of the Family Readiness Group that set the standards and was the example for all the other FRGs within the state.

Date: Tuesday, April 24
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Belleview Tavern
7 South Main Street
Cape May Court House, NJ
Agenda: Reorganization of the Family Readiness Group (FRG)
Note: If planning on attending, please e-mail Connie Dicola at cdicola@comcast.net so she can reserve tables.

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.

The Millville Wheels and Wings Airshow 2007 will be held on Memorial Day Weekend – May 26 and 27 at the Millville Airport, Millville, N.J., featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
Among the other flyers scheduled are a warbird flight with a P-51 Mustang, P-47 Thunderbolt, F4U Corsair and P-40 Warhawk; a flyover of a KC-135 and C5; a U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue demonstration and a F-15C Eagle tactical demonstration.
The Garden State 50’s Auto Club is sponsoring the largest classic car show in the Delaware Valley during the weekend.
Bring you lawn chair and camera to the show, but no coolers, pets, smoking or alcohol will be permitted.
To find a list of all the scheduled flights, static displays and information on ticket sales, go to www.millvilleairshow.com or call 856-327-2347.

If you are interested in sending an e-mail message to Governor Jon Corzine, wishing him a speedy recovery and good health, go to the state’s web site, www.nj.gov and click on the button on the top of the page to send a message.

DMAVA is participating in the annual “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day,” on April 26. This national public education program helps girls and boys across the nation discover the power and possibilities associated with a balanced work and family life. It encourages children to dream without gender limitations and to think imaginatively about their family, work and community lives.
Those parents and guardians who wish to bring their children to this special day need to complete the forms sent out by Cindy Leese, DMAVA HRD, no later than Friday, April 20. If you need the forms, contact Cindy at 609-530-7056 or cindy.leese@njdmava.state.nj.us. Other questions can be addressed to Dorinda Sapp, 609-530-6828.
The day’s agenda includes the children, who must be between the ages of 8-12, to spend the morning working with their parents. At 11:15 a.m., transportation will take the children and their parents or guardians to Fort Dix for lunch at Burger King and a tour of the Joint Training and Training Development Center. After a short awards program, the transportation will depart for DMAVA at 3 p.m.
A parent or guardian is required to attend all activities with their children and also incur the cost of the lunch.

From the desk of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hughes, Family Assistance Specialist
Military OneSource has begun holding webinars, which are interactive online workshops that allow users to view a presentation and listen to a teleconference including the presenter and other attendees. These sessions address a variety of topics. Although each webinar is a one-time event, Military OneSource maintains an online archive of earlier workshops. The webinar schedule and archives are available at http://militaryonesource.com.

By Monica Banca, VSO
The Port Murray VSO will be opening a satellite office in the Hunterdon County Division of Senior Services, Route 31, Flemington, one day per week (Wednesdays) with a grand opening ceremony on May 2, 2007.

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.

McGuire Air Force Base will be holding air show on May 12-13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The two-day air show will feature the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Army Golden Knights and static displays of an array of modern and vintage military aircraft. No tickets are required as the show has free admission and free parking. The Web Site for the event is: http://www.305services.com/main/airshow07.

From the desk of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hughes, Family Assistance Specialist
A corporation is donating free tickets to a Dionne Warwick performance at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark on May 14 at 6:30 p.m. Priorities go to extended Soldiers families first, those who just returned recently next and then all others. All interested families need to contact the Family Assistance Center with name and number of tickets needed. All Soldiers attending will wear the Class A Uniform. The Family Assistance Centers can be reached at 1-888-859-0352.

Motor cycle enthusiasts mark your calendars! The employees, Soldiers, and Airmen of DMAVA are planning a bike ride. The tentative date for this event is June 16, 2007. Participating motorcyclists plan to visit the three veterans’ homes and interact with the residents during the layovers. Lt. Col. Walter R. Nall is coordinating this event for DMAVA. If interested, you may contact him at walter.nall@njdmava.state.nj.us or call 609-530-6841. If you have any questions or need any additional information feel free to contact him directly.

Come say farewell to Patty Smith on May 23
The invitation is out for Patty Smith’s (DMAVA Human Resources Division) retirement dinner on May 23, 4-6 p.m. at the Lawrenceville Armory. Patty is retiring after 33 years of state service. Cost of the buffet dinner is $25 per person and reservations must be made no later than May 9. Call Anna Marie Boutchia at 609-530-6889 for more information or to make your reservations.

Wave goodbye to Tom Flynn’s on June 21
There will be a retirement dinner for Tom Flynn of the DMAVA Fiscal Division on June 21 at 4 p.m. at Mastoris Restaurant, Bordentown. Cost is $30 per person with a large choice of entrees to include Chicken Parmigiana, roast turkey broiled flounder, roast beef, baked ham and others. For more information or reservations, call Tom DeShields at 609-530-6718. Reservations are due no later than June 14.

Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline established by Army

From the American Forces Press Service
One of the latest outcomes from the upheaval at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center has been the establishment of the “Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline.”

This toll-free call center was opened on March 19 to help wounded Soldiers and their family members to get information or assistance with medical or other issues.

The Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline can be reached from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1-800-984-8523. As additional personnel are trained to receive calls and refer them to the proper organization or agency for resolution, the hotline hours of operation will expand to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, officials said.

line

Assemblymen holding gift card drive for Family Readiness Program

Assemblymen Jack Conners and Herb Conaway MD are currently holding Operation “We Care”, a gift card drive. Gift cards in denominations up to $25 are being collected for distribution to the families of our deployed Soldiers. The collected cards will be given to the New Jersey Family Readiness Program for distribution to the families. Gift cards can be mailed or dropped off at the address below. Office hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For questions or more information, call 856-461-3997.
Assemblymen Conaway and Conners
Delran Professional Center
8008 Rt. 130 N, suite 125
Delran NJ 08075

line

ChalleNGe looking for a few good mentors

ChalleNGe needs a few good men & women, ages 21 and up.
If you are willing to:
1. Commit to 14 months of contact with a cadet who will be selected by you 2. Contact your cadet monthly with sound advice and guidance
3. Work with your cadet on an employment/career placement plan
4. Make yourself available to discuss and give input to resolving real life issues with your cadet -
then, call ChalleNGe at 609-562-0577 and request an application.
As a ChalleNGe mentor, you will spend 14 months giving sound advice to a cadet and helping him or her find placement resources within their respective communities. You can visit your cadet at ChalleNGe, which is located on Fort Dix, as well as take them for off-site visits.
A 4-hour mandatory training is provided at Fort Dix upon commitment to your cadet.
ChalleNGe RPM (recruitment, placement & mentoring) staff are readily available to assist you and your cadet in this endeavor. If you have any questions, contact RPM at 609-562-0580.
Being a ChalleNGe mentor is a very rewarding experience and provides you with an opportunity to assist in changing a youth’s life forever.

line

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.

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.

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.

Have you ever looked at the flag and seen it flying at half staff and wondered who and why? It’s easy to find out the reason New Jersey is flying the flags at half staff. Every day, on the state’s Web site www.nj.gov, you will find a New Jersey flag on the right hand side of the page, slightly below the governor’s photo. Here it tells you if the flag should be flying at full or half staff. You can find more information by clicking on the “Learn more” button.

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.

Jackson Premium Outlets has an offer to all members of the military, past or present. Simply by stopping by the Information Center in the Food Court, you can get a free Jackson premium Outlets VIP Coupon Book. Some form of identification indicating military service is necessary and the booklet that normally costs $5 will be given to you for free. There are hundreds of dollars of additional savings in coupons in the book.

AAFES offers price matching program

From the desk of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hughes, Family Assistance Specialist
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service's (AAFES) "We'll Match It!" initiative now allows authorized shoppers to compare prices at the exchange with "warehouse clubs." Shoppers who see a price differential of less than $10 can tell the cashier who will match it on the spot. Customers who report a price difference greater than $10 can bring a current local competitor's ad and receive the reduced price. The comparison must be made for identical items. The "We'll Match It!" policy applies to all AAFES retail stores, including Shoppettes, Class Six, Car Care and troop stores, in addition to the Exchanges. For more information, visit: http://www.aafes.com/.

line

Grants available for military children to participate in programs

From the desk of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hughes, Family Assistance Specialist
Our Military Kids, Inc. is offering $500 grants to ensure that the children (grades kindergarten though 12) of deployed and severely injured Reserve and National Guard personnel can afford to participate in activities such as youth sports, fine arts and tutoring programs that are so important in their young lives during this stressful time. For more information, see their website at: www.ourmilitarykids.org/index.html.

line

Military OneSource holding “webinars” on varying topics

line

FRG meetings on the calendar

Upcoming Family Readiness Group meetings include:
April 21, 11:30 a.m., the 5-117th CAV (North ) FRG meeting at the West Orange armory.
May 19, 10 a.m., the Co D/ 250th BDB FRG, Reunion briefing and FRG meeting at the Bordentown armory.

line

Next Marriage Enrichment Seminar planned for September

By Marie Durling, Family Programs Specialist

While the Marriage Enrichment Seminar for May is booked up, the Family Programs office is taking registration forms for couples who would like to get on the waiting list for the next weekend.

The next seminar will be in September, date and location to be announced. These Marriage Enrichment Seminars are not only informative and enriching for couples who attend, they are FREE to the soldier and his/her spouse. At this time, the Seminars are funded for Army National Guard Soldiers only.

Soldiers who signed up for the May Seminar will be receiving letters of instruction and information for the weekend by the second week in April.

line

‘Operation Purple’ summer camp registration opens up

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.

Only one entry per child is permitted; winners will be announced on the TDP Web site on May 10, 2007.

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.

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.

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.

Ride for the Red Shield – The Salvation Army is sponsoring a Motorcycle Run and Pig Roast at Camp Tecumseh, Pittstown, Saturday May 12. The proceeds will benefit New Jersey Division’s Emergency Disaster Services Program and Services for Military Veterans and their families.

Cost to ride is $25 per bike, $10 for passengers and walk-ins. A free T-shirt will be given to the first 200 riders registered. Sign in at Camp Tecumseh, 445 Mechlin Corner Road, Pittstown between 9-11 a.m., with donuts and coffee at the start. Finish will be at the same place, but a pig roast and barbecue will be at the finish point; no alcoholic beverages will be served or allowed.

Included in the day’s activities will be a Scrabble Scramble Ride, cash prize for the winner, tattoo judging, bike show, trophies and a complimentary photo of each rider and their bike.

If you are interested in riding, contact Ron Yuhas of the Salvation Army at 908-85109300, ext. 239 or e-mail at ron.yuhas@use.salvationarmy.org.

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.

The International Association of Workforce Professionals is conducting its first charity golf outing to support Veterans Haven on May 19 at Falcon Creek golf Club, McGuire Air Force Base. A shot gun start will begin at noon. Cost of $120 per person includes: lunch, greens fee, golf cart, one-hour open bar, dinner and awards. Those non-golfers who would like to only attend the dinner can do so for the price of $50. There will be door prizes, 50-50, raffles and prizes for a putting and chipping contest. The association is looking for hole sponsors and boosters.
Play is limited to 120 players and is first come-first served. You can get the brochure/registration form at www.njcharitygolf.com or call 973-748-0123 and leave your name, phone number and complete address.

Lime Rock Park, the road racing center of the east, located in northwest Connecticut (497 Lime Rock Road, Lakeville) is hosting a military appreciation weekend on Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-28.
Show a valid military I.D. at the gate and get in free on any of the four days during the event.
Memorial Day Weekend kicks off their 50th anniversary and the start of the 2007 season of racing. Racing will be held on Friday, Saturday and Monday, with Sunday being a quiet day in the Park as they host the 2nd annual Hemmings Motor News Car Show.
Lime Rock Park does not have grandstands, so bring the lawn chairs, coolers and blankets and sunblock for a weekend at the track.
For more information visit www.limerock.com or call 1-800-RACE-LRP.

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.

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.

Free SAT/ACT Offer Extended

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.

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.

line

American Legion offers scholarships, booklet on their Web site

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.

line

AMVETS, U of Phoenix team up for military members, family’s education

From the AMVETS Web site - www.amvets.org
AMVETS and the University of Phoenix are proud to announce a joint venture to help veterans, active duty service members, reservists, Guardsmen and family members obtain a high-quality online education.

Together, the organizations will award 25 scholarships nationwide this year. Each scholarship will consist of a $4,000 credit with the university, which is the nation’s premier educational institution for adult learning.

All veterans, service members and family members are eligible to apply.
Full details and application procedures will be available on this Web site soon.

line

VFW Scholarships available to veterans, family members

Go to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Web site – www-vfw.org – to find information on their three scholarship programs. Two, Patriots Pen and Voice of Democracy, have a deadline of Nov. 1, 2007. The third program is scholarships for VFW members and its deadline is December 31. Click on “Programs,” then “VFW Scholarship Programs” to find the information.

line

Bill Extends Education Eligibility

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.

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.

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/cbbbmilitary/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:

?? 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.

?? 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.

?? 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.

?? 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.

?? 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.

?? 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:

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

During the month of June the kiosk will travel to the New Jersey Elks Convention (May 31-June 1), the American Legion Convention (June 6-9) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Convention (June 13-16).

N.J. Vietnam Veterans' Memorial and Vietnam Era Educational Center's upcoming events

April 14 / 1 p.m. / "Answering the Call for Those Who Have Answered the Call of Duty – N.J. Veteran's Hotline," a discussion about this service to veterans by N.J. Vietnam Veteran, Chuck Arnold, UMDNJ - University Behavioral HealthCare Counselor.

May 7 / 11 a.m. / New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day ceremony in the courtyard of the N.J. Vietnam Veterans' Memorial.

May 28 / 11 a.m. / Memorial Day ceremony in the courtyard of the N.J. Vietnam Veterans' Memorial.
=================
On Saturdays, between February 17 and April 14, free guided tours of the N.J. Vietnam Veterans' Memorial will be available at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Beginning May 5, free guided tours of the Memorial will be offered on the first Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will award N.J. Vietnam Service Medals and Distinguished Service Medals in a ceremony on May 7, 2007, at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial as part of the N.J. Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day ceremony. In order to participate in this ceremony, you must complete the DMAVA award application and send it with the necessary supporting documentation. You can get a .pdf file of the application online at http://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/awards/forms/application.pdf (you will need Adobe Acrobat to open the .pdf file) or you can call the N.J. Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation at 732-335-0033 to have one mailed to you. For questions about eligibility and criteria for the medals, please call 609-530-7035.