Program Supports Families
National Guard Bureau Family
Programs recently launched the
National Guard Outreach and Partnership
Program.
Formed in December 2004, the
program is designed to strengthen
and enhance support for National
Guard families and service members
by building and reinforcing
the capacity of resources from federal,
state and local government
agencies along with veteran, volunteer
and private organizations.
The Program is meant to augment
assistance to families and
service members. The program’s
mission is to strengthen support
services, especially for geographically-
dispersed families who may
not have easy access to a military
installation. Logon to www.guardfamily.org for more information
on
the National Guard Outreach and
Partnership Program.
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Great Adventure Family Day
Family Day will be held at Great
Adventure on Saturday Sept. 24.
Tickets will be $17 each are available
at Family Assistance Centers.
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Increased GI Bill Benefits For
Guardmembers
All Reserve Component Soldiers
supporting operations after
Sept. 11, 2001, are eligible for the
newly created Montgomery GI Bill
Chapter 1607.
The monthly education assistance
allotment of $288 has been
increased to anywhere from $401
to $803. Soldiers who deployed
are eligible as long as they remain
in good standing with their units.
To apply, go to www.gibill.va.gov and enter the Chapter 1607
webpage. Complete electronic
application and print out signature
page. Attach a copy of your DD-214 to the signed signature
page
and send both to the address listed
on webpage. Payments are expected to be sent as early as
October
2005 and will be retroactive to
your date of enrollment. Specific
questions about GI Bill payments
may be addressed to the VA Regional
Office at 1 (888) 442-4551
or through email at the VA website.
The Joint Force Headquarters
education team can be reached at
609-562-0975 Monday-Friday between
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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FRC Offers Grants
The Family Readiness Council
has established a Grant Program
that will provide both Family and
Business Grants to deserving New
Jersey National Guard families impacted
by deployment.
Business grants are up to
$5,000 and family grants $2,500.
Those interested should contact
Family Assistance through the
hotline at 1-888-859-0352. The
Council’s website help@njguardfamilies.com can provide
additional information.
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ChalleNGe Cadets Perform Community Service
The cadets of the New Jersey National Guard ChalleNGe
Youth Program collectively logged more than 1,000 hours
during community service week in June. The cadets
worked at Cape May Point State Park assisting with the
ongoing Woodland Restoration Project. In addition, they
cleaned up miles of trash as a part of the N.J. Adopt-AHighway
Program. The ChalleNGe cadets conducted a
massive clean up at the National Guard Training Center in
Sea Girt. Prior to Memorial Day, the cadets cleaned and
prepped approximately 30,000 headstones at the Brig.
Gen. William C. Doyle cemetery in Arneytown. Besides
contributing to beautification efforts across New Jersey,
ChalleNGe cadets develop an understanding and
appreciation for the true spirit of service and volunteerism.
Photo courtesy New Jersey ChalleNGe Program.
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