Freedom Award Nominations Open
The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) will accept nominations through the ESGR website from Jan. 9 to Feb. 28 for the 2006 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Awards.

To nominate their employers, National Guardsmen or their family members need only to visit the ESGR website at www.esgr.mil, and complete the 2006 Freedom Award nomination form online. ESGR will review the nominations and will
select up to 15 award recipients.

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2006 Youth Camp
From Family Programs

The 2006 New Jersey National Guard Youth Camp will be held July 16-22 at the New Jersey National Guard Training Center, Sea Girt. You can get camper, counselor and volunteer applications from Family Assistance Centers; by
calling the Family Program Office at (609) 562-0668 or online at: www.nj.gov/military/familysupport/youth_camp.html.

The one week resident camp is for children, grandchildren and legal dependents between the ages of 9-12, of active and retired New Jersey National Guardmembers. There is a fee of $100 per camper.

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FRC Offers Grants
The State 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. More information is available by e-mail at help@njguardfamilies.com or through the FACs or FRGs.

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Following The Lewis And Clark Trail
Would you like to or do you know a teen that would like to go on vacation this summer? Would you like to win a FREE trip to North Dakota for five days? Well, you can. Read on to get more information... NGB is sponsoring a trip for 540 teens (10 from every state and territory) to be a part of a hands-on educational and historical journey throughout North Dakota in August 2006. This program is an outreach for youth to learn about Lewis and Clark and how the military has evolved since the 1800s.

The contest is open to any high school junior or senior during the 2006-2007 school year (provisions will be made for those with special needs). Entry requires a 1,000-1,500 word essay submitted through www.lcyouthrendezvous.com.

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Guardlife Subscriptions
If you know a retiree or would like to receive Guardlife send your name and full address to:

NJDMAVA
ATTN: PAO-BJH
101 Eggert Crossing Rd.
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648-2805

Note to Guardmembers: Guardlife gets your address from your unit records, so no special notification is required.

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Marriage Enrichment Seminars
Marriage Enrichment Seminars have been scheduled for 2006 at the East Windsor, Ramada Inn. Classes are limited to 26 couples and are open to all NJNG Soldiers and Airmen and their spouses. Soldiers and Airmen that have returned from deployment have first priority.

Seminar dates are: February 17-19, March 24-26, April 21-23, June 9-11 and September 15-17. For registration forms or more information, call Marie Durling at 609-562-0739.