New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
DMAVA Highlights » 2 March 2007

Volume 6, Number 09


Contacting us is easy!

Public Affairs Office

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



Veterans' Organizations Contact Information

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

NJ Advisory Committee for Women Veterans
Mrs. Anna Hoffman
hoffmanannem@aol.com

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



Veterans Hotlines

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

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



DMAVA Highlights Archive

DMAVA Highlights Archive Page



NJ World War II Memorial

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

WWII Memorial on the web



New Jersey Freedom Loans

What is a Freedom Loan?
* Up to $10,000
* Annual APR 6%
* Term: 5 years (no pre-payment penalty)
* Unsecured Loan (no collateral required)

Who is eligible to apply?
NJ residents who are:
* Members of the National Guard or Reserve
* Mobilized for one year or longer to fight in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) - excluding routine training.

Or

* Served 90 or more consecutive days in the GWOT on federal or state active duty (excluding routing training) and have received orders extending cumulative active duty a year or longer.

How do I apply?
* Contact participating banks. Call or visit your local branch office to obtain an application.
* Guardmembers, Reservists, or family members with Power of Attorney must submit copies of current mobilization orders with the bank's Freedom Loan application.

Current participants:
Commerce Bank
1-888-751-9000

Credit Union of NJ
609-538-4061, ext. 401

First Morris Bank & Trust
1-888-530-2265

Manasquan Savings Bank
732-223-4450

North Jersey Federal Credit Union
1-888-78NJFCU

Peapack-Gladstone Bank (908)
719-BANK

Pennsville National Bank
856-678-6006

PNC
1-866-PNC-4USA

Sovereign Bank
1-877-391-6365

Sun National Bank
1-800-691-7701


Quote for the Week

The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.

- Allan K. Chalmers

Man’s loneliness is but his fear of life.

- Eugene O’Neill

Download PDF Version of this week's highlights
News for Your Views

 

NGB Media contest gives kudos to DMAVA PAO

The National Guard Bureau recently announced the winners of the 2006 NGB Media Contest. There were several members from the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Public Affairs Office who received placed in the competition. Hooah!!

In the AF print results:
CAT C - Magazine Format
Winner: Guard Life
CAT J - Stand-Alone Photo
Second: Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen
In the Army print results
CAT J - Single or Stand-Alone Photograph
Winner: Sgt. 1st Class Kryn Westhoven
In the Army broadcast results
Cat H - Television Information Program
Second: New Jersey Department of Military & Veterans Affairs
Cat I - Television Spot/Promo Production
Winner: New Jersey Department of Military & Veterans Affairs

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Flag at half-staff

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.

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Motorcycle riders invited on ride to three Veterans Homes

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. The first planning meeting will be held on March 9, at 9:30 a.m. via VTC in Conference Room A, DMAVA Headquarters in Lawrenceville. If you have any questions or need any additional information feel free to contact him directly.

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Enlisted Association invites all to golf tournament April 23

Join the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of New Jersey at its Second Annual Golf Tournament to be held on Monday, April 23 at the Gamblers Ridge Golf Club in Cream Ridge, N.J. All proceeds will go to the scholarship program that benefits the children, spouses and eligible members of the Enlisted Association.

A flyer for registration as well as cart and hole sponsorship is located on the Association website: www.eang-nj.org.

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Marriage Enrichment Seminar will be held May 4-6

By Marie Durling, Family Programs Specialist

The next Marriage Enrichment Seminar will be May 4-6 in Ocean City, N.J. (hotel details will follow when the office receives your registration form). Soldiers who sent their registration form for February will not have to submit another one, but do have to call 609-562-0739 or e-mail marie.durling@nj.ngb.army.mil to confirm that attendance in May. This weekend is for Army National Guard Soldiers and their spouses only. At this time we do not have funding for the Air Guard. There are 13 openings for May, so if you are interested, please submit your application ASAP (call for a registration form). The next Marriage Enrichment Seminar will be in September (date and location TBA).

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Total eclipse of the moon on Saturday evening

A total eclipse of the moon will happen on Saturday, March 3. This is the only opportunity this year to view a total lunar eclipse from the East coast....so don't miss it! Timing is almost perfect. Sunset is 5:53 p.m., EST; moon rise is 5:47 p.m. The eclipse will already have started at that time. Totality will last until 6:58 p.m. Time of maximum eclipse is at 6:20 p.m. Here are links to two Web pages about the eclipse, from NASA and Astronomy.com

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2007/12feb_lunareclipse.htm.
http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=5221.

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JT2DC conducts Soldier of the Year competition

By Sgt. Karl Cheney, NJARNG, JT2DC

On February 24, New Jersey Army National Guard’s finest soldiers competed for a place in the Soldier of the Year (SOY) competition. The State’s competition was conducted at Fort Dix, at the Joint Training and Training Development Center (JT2DC). Winners go on to compete in the Region’s SOY Competition to be held at Troy, N.Y. Each soldier was tested on their proficiency in Warrior Skills.

JT2DC provided evaluators for the competition which included:
M16 proficiency
Land navigation
Evaluate a casualty
Self and equipment decontamination
Visual Signal Techniques

If you would like more information on the SOY competition, or would like to inquire about assistance from JT2DC for preparing for SOY, please contact Sgt. 1st Class Brent Ludlow at brent.ludlow@nj.nbg.army.mil 609-562-0543.

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N.J. Army Guard South Region recruiters are bringing ‘em in!

By Capt. Jason Fetterolf, PAO, 50th IBCT

The New Jersey Army National Guard south region not only exceeded its recruiting goals in Fiscal Year 2006, but will also likely exceed objectives for FY 2007. This is according to Staff Sgt. Richard St Pierre, a recruiter at the Lawrenceville armory, in support of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Statewide, recruiters brought 186 more Soldiers than the goal into the N.J. Army National Guard. For the South Region, the recruiting goal of 725 Soldiers was surpassed by 117 new Soldiers. By the middle of February, just four months into the 2007 recruiting year, the South Region has already recruited more than 50 percent of its objective for the year.

The New Jersey Army National Guard has two recruiting regions – North and South. The South Region includes armories in Woodbridge, Somerset, and Flemington and all units south of those locations, according to Master Sgt. Harriet D’Angelo, recruiting supervisor for St Pierre. Master Sgt. D’Angelo also feels that the G-RAP program has contributed to the recruiting number increases in the eighteen months. G-Rap (Guard Recruiting Assistant Program) pays incentives to soldiers for referring new Guardsmen.

Staff Sgt. St Pierre states that recruiting duty requires lots of hard work, but is also very rewarding because he can see the positive impact he has had on new Soldiers when they come into the Guard. And like the Soldiers he recruits, St. Pierre is furthering his career. He has accepted a position with the N.J. Department of Homeland Security.

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News from the Paterson VSO

The Paterson VSO Office, represented by Titus Osuagwu, attended the recently held Veterans’ Fair/Drive hosted by Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr held at the VFW Post 6255 in Cedar Grove. The fair included PSE&G Low income Heat and Energy Assistance Program and NJ Healthcare System Community Outreach Program and Verizon Telephone Company.

“We have over 30 (thirty) thousand Vets in Passaic County, and out of which 11,000 vets are in Cedar Grove alone. Let us adopt the spirit of Vets helping Vets,” said Congressman Pascrell.

The Paterson office has continued to function in the absence of a full time VSO. David Joost, from the VA Regional Office, has continued to lend his expertise by supporting the Paterson Office as a visiting VSO, two/three days per week.

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All Army Women’s Basketball team at Fort Hamilton

Are you looking for something to do this weekend? The All Army Women’s Basketball Team will be at Fort Hamilton Sports and Fitness Center, 402 MacArthur Road, this weekend. They will play in the center tonight at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 10 a.m. and Sunday, March 4 at noon. There will also be a game on Saturday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Riverbank Manhattan, Harlem, N.Y. For information on Fort Hamilton, visit http://www.hamilton.army.mil/.

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For Your Calendar

Gang Awareness Seminar presented by Family Programs

The New Jersey National Guard Family Programs and the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission invite you to come to the Gang Awareness Seminar being held on Saturday, March 10, from 2-5 p.m. at the Bordentown Armory. Briefings will be given by Lt. Ed Torres of the N.J. Juvenile Justice Commission, 1st Lt. Raymond Sackman, of Joint Forces Headquarters, Anti-Terrorism Officer and Amanda Balas, NJNG State Youth Coordinator. There will be separate briefings for parents and children, fifth grade and higher. For more information and to register, contact Amanda Balas at 609-562-0742 or amanda.balas@us.army.mil.

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2007 Annual Dinner/Dance

The 1-114th Infantry Officers’ Association’s 2007 Annual Dinner/Dance will be hosted this year on board the Spirit of Philadelphia Cruise Ship on Saturday, March 17.

Tickets are $45 per person or $90 per couple; Please RSVP no later than March 7. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with dinner, dancing and socializing beginning at 7 p.m. and concluding at 10 p.m.

For more information or forms contact the 1-114th Infantry Officers’ Association at:
1-114th Infantry Officers’ Association
Commander, 1st BN (M), 114th IN
ATTN: Capt. David Hampton
658 North Evergreen Ave.
Woodbury, NJ 08096-1399

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Change of Command Ceremony

Col. Kevin C. Hegarty will assume command of the 57th Troop Command on March 4 at 11 a.m. at the Atlantic City Armory. The outgoing commander is Col. John DiNapoli. Col. Jorge J. Martinez will assume command of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from Col. Frank S. Caruso on March 18, at 2 p.m. on the drill floor of the Lawrenceville Armory.

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Upcoming ESGR Boss Lift

The New Jersey Committee for Employer Support to the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) will be conducting a Boss Lift to Jacksonville, Fla. on April 11-13.

The purpose of the Boss Lift is to provide employers with a better understanding of what their employees do when they are away from their civilian occupation for duty with their military units. Nominations for relatives, minors or assistance cannot be accepted. Commanders and Primary Staff officers should encourage Guard members to nominate employers for participation in this trip.

Nomination forms can be found at the ESGR website at www.njesgr.org

The Forms can then be submitted to:
DMAVA, NJESGR
ATTN: Hank Pierre
101 Eggert Crossing Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08640.

Additional information can be obtained from Hank Pierre at 609-530-6879.

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Pancake Breakfast to support the Troops and families

The New Jersey League of Municipalities, the National Guard State Family Readiness Council, American Legion Post 414 and the Lawrence Lions are holding a Support the Troops and Families Pancake Breakfast

It will be held on Sunday, April 15, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lawrenceville Army National Guard Armory on 151 Eggert Crossing Road, Lawrenceville, N.J.
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children.

For more information or tickets, contact Jack Stoffa at 609-530-6855 or Joe Lech at 609-530-7015 or John Hastings 609-530-7124. They also need volunteers to serve and bus tables after the patrons eat. Contact Jack or Joe for more details.

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Older Americans Month Expo

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.

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Retirement Dinners

Retirement Dinner in honor of Col. Brian Webster

Friday, March 16


Borgata Casino & Hotel, (Salon C 2nd Floor of the Borgata)

Time: 6 p.m.

Cost $40 RSVP NLT March 12

Capt. Yvonne Mayes 609-645-6206 or Connie Cisek 609-562-0901

Checks Payable (177FW Central Fund)

Business Casual

Retirement Dinner in honor of Chief Master Sgt. John Artigliere

Saturday, March 17

McGuire AFB Club

Time: 6 p.m.

Cost $35 RSVP NLT March 9

Connie Cisek 609-562-0901, Checks Payable (Air Officers Fund)

Business Attire

Retirement Dinner In honor of Command Chief Master Sgt. Herbert E. Mimler Jr.

Saturday, April 21


Renault Winery Tuscany House, 72 N. Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Cost $35 RSVP NLT April 16

Capt. Mays 609-645-6206 or Master Sgt. Orme 609-645-6012

Cash or Checks Payable: 177FW Chief’s Council

Mess Dress or Semi-formal

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Honorable Mention

“The On Guard” is searching for charter Air Guard members

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.

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New Directory Assistance number for state offices

Effective immediately as part of the cost-saving initiatives, employees who need to use directory assistance will dial:
1-602-293-4907

Numbers such as “411,” (area code) 555-1212 or any other directory assistance number are not to be used.

This new number will be used when calling from a department land-line, cell phone or Blackberry. When calling for assistance, you will hear, “Welcome to Directory Assistance for the State of New Jersey. Cell phone users should NOT use the auto-connect feature which costs the state and additional 15 cents for each such call. State cell phone and Blackberry users are directed to add this number to their dialing directories.

Another way to further cut costs when looking for telephone numbers is the Web’s phone books. Whenever possible these sites should be used as the primary source of directory assistance.

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

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

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

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

This new system does not apply to the two New Jersey Air National Guard facilities: the 108th ARW, McGuire Air Force Base and the 177th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard Base, Egg Harbor Township.

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N.J. National Guard museums looking for members, volunteers

The National Guard Museum of New Jersey is looking to expand its membership. While the organization finds the hard-working staff, the dedicated volunteers and the support of the membership to be its strength, the Museum’s Board of Trustees would like to make the organization stronger. Expanding the membership and increasing the volunteer corps are crucial components to the future goals the board has set for the museum.

As New Jersey’s largest military museum, with three locations – in Sea Girt, Lawrenceville and the War Memorial Building in Trenton, along with a traveling mobile museum – its staff is known for their knowledge and expertise when someone has a question about New Jersey’s military history.

Consider becoming a member today; membership applications are available on the museum’s Web site: http://www.nj.gov/military/museum/index.html. Cost is just $10 a year. If interested in becoming a volunteer, contact the Sea Girt museum at 732-974-5966 or Lawrenceville at 609-530-6802.

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ChalleNGe program looking for mentors

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.

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NJ Bar Association offers free legal assistance program

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.

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Microsoft software available for Army Guardsmen

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

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“Troops to Teachers” program helps service members become teachers

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.

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2007 Freedom Award Nomination season open

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.

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NJARNG Honor Guard Program

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.

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Hire A Hero – new program to help find jobs

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/

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Discounts offered for State employees

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.

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Free Military Handbooks on website

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

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DMAVA Hotline

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

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For the Families

Youth Camp Forms Available

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.

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TRICARE Dental Program offers drawing for children

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.

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Deployed Military Spouses Assistance Program Award

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

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ACS at Fort Dix offers programs to Soldiers and family members

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.

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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.

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.

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Family Readiness Council offers Tier I and II grants

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.

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Scholarship, Education News

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.

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NJ Vietnam Memorial Foundation offers scholarships

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.

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MOAA offers scholarships

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.

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Defense Commissary Agency offers scholarships

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.

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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.

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Scholarship information on BBB Military Line

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

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Position Vacancies

Position vacancy for officer in Albania

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.

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Veterans Information

DMAVA Veterans Outreach Campaign continues.

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

Feb. 28, Mar. 1-2 Hamilton Mall
March 14*, 15, 16 Paramus park Shopping Center
April 4-6 Cherry Hill Mall
May 16, 17*, 18 Ocean County 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. on the identified dates.

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Sports and Entertainment

NJNG is looking for runners

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.

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Nutter Run beneficiary is Guard daughter, granddaughter

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.

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Here’s To The Heroes

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.

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Association News

Enlisted Association of the National Guard of New Jersey

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.

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NGANJ has busy calendar for members in 2007

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.

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