Kicking off Military Appreciation Month will be a concert at the Pentagon today with a performance by Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band.

Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band, named after his role in “Forrest Gump,” have performed at USO concerts at American military bases across the United States and throughout Europe. He recently returned from a trip visiting the troops in Afghanistan.

Other Military Appreciation Month events that “America Supports You” will be highlighting include:

- Joint Open House, Andrews Air Force Base, Md., May 19-20
- New York City Fleet Week, New York City, May 23-29
- Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis, Ind., May 29

“America Supports You” is a program with more than 200 grassroots organizations and 20 corporate sponsors who support the troops through letter writing, helping the wounded when they return home, assisting military families and many other ways. To learn more about the program, visit – www.americasupportsyou.mil.

The New Jersey Army National Guard is having Welcome Home/Freedom Salutes for the members of 50th Main Support Battalion at three armories tomorrow, May 6.  Companies being honored are:

- Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment and Company A, Teaneck Armory, 9 a.m.
- Company E, Jersey City Armory, noon.
- Company C, West Orange Armory, 3 p.m.

Governor Corzine will head the guests who will honor the Soldiers and their families who supported them during their deployment. The Freedom Salute Campaign is one of the largest Army National Guard recognition endeavors in history, designed to publicly acknowledge Army National Guard soldiers and those who supported them during the President's call to duty for recent military operations.

The public is invited to attend and help honor these soldiers and their families.

Classic car show at Vineland Vets Home May 7

The Nostalgia Knights Auto Club will be holding their annual "Memories in the Grove" Classic Car Show on Sunday, May 7 at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland.  Show hours are 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.  The event will be held in the parking lot located on the north side of the Administration Building, adjacent to the loading dock area.

We encourage all departments to lend their usual fine support to this event for our residents.  Proceeds generated from the show are donated to the Facility and benefit our residents.

Employee parking will be available at Independence Hall, the power house, maintenance and the area adjacent to the cemetery.  Visitors may park in front of the Administration Building.  No parking is permitted along the yellow curbing, and egress for emergency vehicle traffic shall be maintained at all times.  Personnel will be on-hand at 6 a.m. to help set up the event area and direct traffic.

The Warren Grove Range participated in the annual Earth Week program hosting local schools at the Range.  Students from Little Egg Harbor, Stafford and Eagleswood participated in this years’ program.  As in years past the program was a huge success with the students learning about the Range and how they do their part to preserve the land and the various habitats and ecosystems within their area of operation. 

The Cemetery is working toward designation as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. We are enlisting the support of community volunteers for Outreach & Education. Scouting Groups, Veteran Service Organizations, Youth Groups, and other interested individuals are encouraged to contact Iven C. Dumas 1st Sgt, USMC (Ret) Assistant Superintendent, at 609- 758-7250 ext. 17 or by e-mail at Iven.Dumas@njdmava.state.nj.us.

Come to the Asian Pacific American Heritage Luau dinner and show on May 20, 4:30-9 p.m. at the Enlisted Club, McGuire Air Force Base.  There will be performances from Korea, Vietnam, Philippines, Hawaiian Islands, along with a karate demonstration from Japan.  Tickets are $23 for adults, ages 5-10 cost $11.50 and children under 4 are free.  The POC is Fely Shuler, 609-754-8276.

Please join us on Thursday, June 15 for the 8th Annual Unity Day, “Passport to Diversity”, being held at the Joint Force Headquarters Building Drill Floor.  Unity Day is held to enhance cross-cultural awareness and promote harmony among all members of the New Jersey National Guard and recognize the contributions of women and minorities.  This combined effort of Army and Air, State and Federal, community members and members of both Team McGuire and the Fort Dix Post contribute to the different ethnic and Special Emphasis groups being represented in the New Jersey National Guard.  This year’s event will start off with a 3K Fun Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m.  Opening ceremonies will take place at 10 a.m. with a performance from the New Jersey Youth Challenge Program Drill Team followed by the Presentation of Awards and additional entertainment throughout the event.  Multi-cultural displays and food samplings will take place from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.  We encourage ALL members associated with the New Jersey National Guard to attend.  For questions, please contact Capt. Lola Washington, State Equal Employment Manager at 609-562-0856.

Q. What is paper money made of?
A. Linen

Q. What color is the “black” box on an aircraft?
A. International Orange

Q. How long did the Hundred Year War last?
A. 116 years.

PREP is NOT therapy, and is unlike anything to which you have been exposed.  No encounter group or sharing of personal concerns, simply thrilling insights into a more loving, grown filled relationship!  PREP begins with teaching effective communication skills, addresses problem resolution strategies that work, and teaches how to discover the hidden issues in every relationship.  The program then moves into friendship, forgiveness, fun, and sensuality.  If you are interested in attending (soldiers that were deployed are given priority) or need additional information, please call Marie Durling at 609-562-0739.  (We have five openings for our June weekend)

PREP is scheduled to be held at the Ramada Inn, East Windsor, New Jersey on June 9-11, 2006.

Membership
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.

Conference
The Enlisted Association invites you to the Annual Conference at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Atlantic City West, October 6-8, 2006, to Honor and Salute our Airmen and Soldiers who supported the War on Terrorism. Saturday during the Military Ball will be our way to say thank you for their dedication and sacrifices that they and their families shared. Friday night will feature a Hawaiian luau with a show and an Army and Air challenge. Our mission is to have fun. Visit our web site EANG-NJ.org, click on EANG-NJ Conference to find out more. Thank you for your support. You can reach the membership chairman Jerome Zebrowski at 609-214-6959 or jcptfalc@aol.com or co-chairman Edward Goetschius at 609-965-1972 or esgtmaj@comcast.net.

The New Jersey State Library in Trenton is hosting a display provided by the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey.  The display depicts information on New Jersey Civil War veterans and WWII New Jersey National Guardsman, SGT. Curtis Culin. 

The Civil War veterans are represented by a brief history and photographs of New Jersey soldiers.  Included is a photograph of Captain William Bilbee, one of the last Civil War veterans surviving during the 1940s and a member of the New Jersey National Guard.  Also represented are SGT Edward Richardson, a member of the 22nd US Colored Infantry and the GAR Veterans Zouaves drill team led by Captain James Madison Drake, Medal of Honor recipient during the Civil War.

Sergeant Culin (pronounced Coolin) was the designer of the Rhino Plow that was developed right after the invasion of Normandy.  US soldiers found they could not get through the hedgerows in the fields of France and SGT Culin came up with a solution of welding a device to the front a tank that would cut through the hedgerow. The device was referred to as the Rhino Plow.  Photographs and a diorama of a Rhino Plow are on display. Eisenhower noted that SGT Culin’s “…contributions to success in the Normandy breakout reflected Yankee ingenuity at its best.”  Culin was a member of the 102nd Cavalry, the Essex Troop. 

The Trenton Thunder baseball team and its community partner, the Trenton Vet Center, has collaborated to sponsor reduced ticket prices for veterans and their families during the 2006 Trenton Thunder baseball season.

A regular $9 season ticket has been reduced to $7 for veterans and their family members.

Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard, separated, and retired veterans are eligible for this program.  Interested veterans must have a picture I.D. and provide proof of their veteran status by showing one of the following documents:

- Military I.D. card.
- Federal Department of Veteran Affairs medical I.D. card &
- DD Form 214

Community Hope, Inc., which has a program for homeless veterans to rebuild their lives is holding their 5th Annual Flag Day (June 14) 5K run in Basking Ridge, N.J.  Runners can register at the Somerset Hills YMCA, 140 Mt. Airy Road, Basking Ridge or on-line at www.communityhope-nj.org.  All proceeds from the run will be donated to the Hope for Veterans program, the largest transitional housing and rehabilitation program for homeless vets in New Jersey.  Non-runners can also support the program if they wish through sponsorships or tributes.  If interested in pledging support, contact Julia Bey Ahmet at the Community Hope Development Office, 973-463-9600, ext 303 or at jbahmet@communityhope-nj.org.

Rolling Thunder® Chapters 2 and 4 are sponsoring a Poker Run on Sunday, June 4. Cost is $5 per rider, with 100 percent of the profits given to veterans issues. 

Registration is at the following four locations, 9-11 a.m.

- Harley Dawn Diner, Route 322, Folsom
- Atkinson Tavern, Route 9, Cape May Courthouse
- Community Center, Route 9, Forked River
- Masters Leathers, Route 47 and Salina Road, Sewell

The run ends at Hedger House, Route 563, Chatsworth.   The poker Run will feature live music with the Paul Tozz Band, featuring Miss Margie, vendors, door prizes, bike show and 50/50’s.  There also will be a run pin to the first 100 to sign in and a free bottle of water at sign-in.  Cash food and refreshments will be available.

For more information contact Paul (Atlantic County) 609-214-5864, Tom (Cape May County) 609-226-3050, Ted (Cumberland County) 609-374-4949, Lou (Ocean County) 609-971-3544 or Bob (Gloucester County) 856-589-1717.

Trenton Vets Center open for counseling services

Located at 934 Parkway Ave, 2nd Floor, Ewing, N.J., the Department of Veteran Affairs, Trenton Vet Center, provides free readjustment counseling services to combat zone veterans and their families.

The Vet Center services include:

· Individual readjustment counseling
· Group readjustment counseling
· Screening for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
· Counseling for PTSD
· Substance Abuse counseling
· Marital and family counseling
· Sexual Trauma counseling
· Community education and liaison
· Referral for benefits assistance
· Employment Assistance

Heading the Trenton Vet Center Staff is James Gordon, team leader. Other staff at the center to help veterans and their families are Jeanne Morrison, Master Social Worker, Rawle Gaskin, Readjustment Counseling Therapist, Darryll Johnson, Readjustment Counseling Technician and Burnice Rice, Trenton Vet Center Office Manager.

The center is open Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with Wednesday and Thursday extended hours by appointment only.

All services provided to veterans and their families are at no cost and clients’ rights are protected by HIPPA. For more information call (609) 882-5744.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Readjustment Counseling Service is having a Memorial Day service and grand opening of the new Trenton Veteran Center located at 934 Parkway Ave., Ewing, N.J., on May 24 at 10 a.m.  A reception will follow the ceremony. If you would like to attend, please call Darryll Johnson with your RSVP at (609) 882-5744 or e-mail at Darryll.Johnson@med.va.gov.

Operation Purple summer camp open to military children

Applications are now being accepted for Operation Purple Summer Camps.  The camps provide unique experiences to more than 2,500 military children coping with the deployment or pending deployment of one or both parents.  The Operation Purple camp program is the only summer camp program that focuses on helping kids deal with deployment-related issues.  Each camp is open to children of any service member of the uniformed services including the National Guard and Reserve. Applications for the camps are available March 15 through May 15, 2006 at http://www.operationpurple.org/.  Each camp is offered free of charge to all participants.  Interested children from military families are encouraged to apply for the camp located nearest their home since travel expenses are not reimbursed.  More than 26 weeks of Operation Purple camps are currently offered in 22 states including Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. A list of camp dates, sites and other information is now available at the web site.. Applications are only available online and will be accepted through May 15.

The 108th Air Refueling Wing would like to extend an invitation to the spouses of New Jersey Army and Air National Guardsmen and women who would like to see an aerial refueling up close.

The wing will be having a spouse-only orientation flight on August 18.  This is a great opportunity for spouses to see the skills needed to fuel an aircraft more than 20,000 feet in the air.  Seats will be on a first-come, first-served basis.  If you are unable to get a seat, don’t worry.  The 108th will have more flights to follow to give everyone a chance to fly.

If you are interested, please call Staff Sgt. Beth Pritchard at (609) 754-4173 or e-mail at elizabeth.Pritchard@njmcgu.ang.af.mil for the form needed to request a seat.

Guard members who would like an orientation flight or would like to nominate their bosses for a flight can also contact Staff Sgt. Pritchard for information and forms.

Operation Oasis Outreach at Sandy Cove, North East, Md., offers a free, 3-day, 2-night time for rest and relaxation for military personnel who were deployed to the Middle East area during OIE/OEF with their spouse and children.  Sandy Cover is located at the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay.  If you are interested, contact Carol Lee Lynch: toll free 1-800-287-4843 or e-mail c.lynch@sandycove.org.

The DMAVA/JFHQ Picnic has been changed to June 9.  It will be preceded by a mandatory Town Hall meeting at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $5 Contact your local representative. DMAVA: Darleen Laarz, 530-6992, Karen Wallace, 530-6766, tina Taylor, 530-7170; Fort Dix Marie Durling, 562-5739; or HSCOE, Kevin Hearns, 530-7069.

“The Moving Wall” is scheduled to visit New Jersey

"The Moving Wall" is the half-size replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has been touring the country for almost twenty years.  When John Devitt attended the 1982 dedication in Washington, he felt the positive power of "The Wall." He vowed to share that experience with those who did not have the opportunity to go to Washington.

On June 14-19, 2006, the Medford New Jersey Township Council will sponsor “The Moving Wall” exhibit at Freedom Park, 86 Union Street, Medford, New Jersey.  Opening ceremonies are planned for Wednesday evening, June 14.  For further information, please contact the Recreation Department at 609-654-2512, or visit www.medfordtownship.com or www.themovingwall.org.

Picatinny Arsenal Morale, Welfare and Recreation Office is proud to announce new opportunities for Veterans.  As part of the Army's "Always a Soldier" program, Picatinny's Frog Falls waterpark and golf course are now open to veterans as well as Active Duty and Retired Military and Reservists.  Frog Falls Waterpark offers annual memberships to veterans through our partnership with Rockaway Township Recreation.   Active Duty and Retired Military and Reservists can purchase an annual membership or visit the waterpark for a $3 daily fee. Guest passes (for non-dependents) can be purchased at the gate for $7 (limit of 4 per visit).   Please call (973) 724-7275 for more information.   Picatinny Golf Course is also open to Veterans.  Please call (973) 724-GOLF for more information.

A retirement reception for Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Sullivan will be held on Sunday, June 11 at The Club at McGuire (former Enlisted Club), McGuire Air Force Base, 3-7 p.m.  Cost is $25.  Uniform is Dress Blues with four-in-hand for Army personnel, Service Dress for Air Force members and business attire for civilians.  RSVP by May 31 to Maj. David Majury, (732) 418-3312, ext 120, or Zandra Ramcharitar, (609) 562-0959.

Retirement Dinner planned for State Command Sergeant Major Richard S. Adkins, Jr.

A Retirement Dinner in honor of State Command Sergeant Major Richard S. Adkins, Jr. will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2006 at the Lawrenceville Armory.  The buffet dinner will begin with a Social Hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m.  Cost of the dinner is $25.  Checks should be made payable to the DMAVA Employee Activity Fund and mailed to Family Programs, ATTN:  Marie Durling, Building 3650, Fort Dix, New Jersey 08640.  Please RSVP by May 19, 2006 to Marie Durling at 609-562-0739 or SSG David Clark at 609-562-0951.

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.

Support our Troops Motorcycle Run

The Freedom Riders “Support Our Troops” Motorcycle Run is scheduled for October 14, 2006 (October 15 – Rain date). 

Registration:  8:30-9:45 a.m., and the ride will depart at 10 a.m.

Starting Location:  Parking Lot  between Burger King and Sears Essentials, Marlton, New Jersey, less than a mile from Route 70 & 73 circle (Olga’s Diner on circle) heading east on Route 70, on right.

Destination:  Travel through the Jersey Pine Barrens approximately 60 miles one way to Sweetwater Casino Restaurant on the Mullica River, Hammonton (mailing address), New Jersey.

Donation:  $15 per rider and $5 per passenger.

Proceeds benefit the Freedom Alliance Foundation providing:

1. Educational scholarships to the children of American’s Military Heroes that have given the Ultimate Sacrifice.

2. For the injured in our hospitals pre-paid long-distance phone cards, gift cards for clothing, food, toiletries, books and magazines.

3. Funding for family members to travel to see and encourage their loved one.

For registration and information on the run go to:  www.citikids.org/freedom.htm

The 2nd annual SGT Nutter 5K Run - 20 May 2006

The second annual Sergeant Nutter 5K Run in memory of SGT Sam Nutter (28 Jan ’66 – 2 Jan ’05) will be held on May 20, 2006.  He was a member of the NJ Army National Guard and served in the U.S. Navy from 1989-1997.  He is survived by his wife Michelle Mallozzi-Nutter and three daughters, Summer Ann, Samantha, and Sarah.

Funds raised during this even are donated to a NJ Army National Guard family in need.

This year’s recipient will be Ashleigh Ryann Gwin, daughter of 1LT Howard and Michelle Gwin of C-5/117th CAV.  1LT Gwin is currently deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and his two year old daughter, Ashleigh, has been diagnosed with Krabbe Disease, a rare genetic disorder that affects the central and peripheral nervous systems.  She has received chemotherapy, a cord blood transplant, and currently receives intense therapies.  She must travel to Duke University in North Carolina for follow-up care and treatment.  You can learn more about Ashleigh at www.caringbridge.org/nj/ashleigh.ryann

All ages are welcome and 45 prizes will be presented to winners in various categories.  Registration will be held from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; the Race will start at 10 a.m. Cost is $12 (postmarked by April 20th), $15 (postmarked by May 5th), and $20 (day of the event).  Call 877-850-0240 to sign up or get additional details.  You can also visit the website at www.nutterrun.com.

Scholarship News!

Scholarships Available for Dependents of Members of U.S. Armed Forces Who Have Lost Their Lives in the Iraq and Afghanistan Conflicts

The New Jersey Community Bankers Education Foundation, Inc. announced the availability of scholarship funds for dependents of members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have lost their lives in the Afghanistan and Iraqi conflicts.

Scholarship funds will be considered for those applicants that have a high school or equivalency diploma and are in pursuit of higher education, including technical or vocational training, and demonstrate a financial need. The Foundation defines dependency as the service member’s spouse, children, stepchildren and grandchildren (or step-grandchildren) and any person for whom the soldier provided one-half of the support in the prior calendar year.

Either the dependent or the service member must have a New Jersey connection. To establish this connection, either the applicant’s permanent address must be in New Jersey, or the Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman’s last permanent residence, or military base, must have been in New Jersey.

The application deadline for the fall 2006 semester is May 31.  Additional information and applications can be downloaded from the League’s website –www.njleague.com.  Questions can be addressed to James Meredith at 411 North Avenue East, Cranford, New Jersey 07016 or by e-mail to jmeredith@njleague.com.

EANG-NJ Scholarships:  Eligibility – The legal children of New Jersey National Guard members who are also members of the Enlisted Association may submit applications for consideration.  Also, any drilling Guardsperson who is a member of this association may submit an application for the CSM Baldassari Scholarship. 

USAA Scholarship:  Open to any drilling Guardsperson (need not be a member of the EANGNJ).  This scholarship is administered by the EANGNJ and funded by USAA.  Previous recipients are not eligible for subsequent awards.  Applications are available at:  http://www.eang-nj.org/scholarships.html

DCA Scholarship for Military Children:  If your mother or father is active duty, reserve/guard, or retired military personnel, or if you are the survivor of a deceased member and you have a military dependent I.D. card, you can apply!  You must be planning to attend a college or university on a full-time basis.  For details and how to apply, go to:  http://www.militaryscholar.org/apply/apply.shtml. 

Freedom Alliance scholarships for children of military heroes: The Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund provides college scholarships to children of military personnel sho have been killed or permanently disabled (100 percent VA rating) in the line of duty during the War on Terror. For more information, go to www.freedomalliance.org/scholarship.htm.

Department of Education Grants: The Department of Education has announced two new grants for the 2006-2007 school year. The Academic Competitiveness and National SMART grants will provide high performing college students with up to $4,000 a year for maintaining a 3.0 or better GPA.  An Academic Competitiveness Grant will provide up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study to full-time students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and who had successfully completed a rigorous high school program, as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education. Second year students must also have maintained a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0. The program will be available for the first time for the 2006-07 school year for first year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2006 and for second year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2005. The Academic Competitiveness Grant award is in addition to the student's Pell Grant award.  http://www.military.com/Education/Content/1,13302,-EN_031506-new-grants,00.html

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.

The National Guard Association of New Jersey will be conducting the following events.  All members are encouraged to participate and mark these events on your calendars:

Business Meeting – The annual Business Meeting will be conducted on May 13, 2006 at the Lawrenceville Armory.  The meeting will begin at 0800 hours (sign-in starting at 0730 hours) and will conclude at approximately 1200 hours.  The attire for this meeting is “business casual.”

NGANJ President’s Golf Tournament – This tournament will be held at Falcon Creek Golf Course at McGuire AFB, NJ on June 5, 2006.  This will be a “shotgun” start beginning at 1100 hours.  The course limit is 144 players, so early reservations are suggested.  A hot buffet dinner will follow at approximately 1700 hours at the McGuire NCO Club, which is located across the street from the course.  This tournament benefits the Scholarship Fund.  Last year, with your help, we were able to award nine (9) $1,000 scholarships to deserving students.  This year, we hope to meet or exceed that goal.

NGANJ Social – The Association’s Social will be conducted on June 24, 2006 at the Ramada Inn in Hightstown, New Jersey.  This event will begin at 1800 hours and will conclude at approximately 2300 hours.  Cost per person is $60.  This includes a full course dinner with DJ and live entertainment.  The attire for this event will be the “dress” uniform for military and formal (suit) for civilians.

National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) 128th Conference will be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico from September 15-18, 2006.  The New Jersey delegation will be staying at the Marriott Pyramid.  Additional information and registration forms will be coming out shortly.

NGANJ 2006 Yearbook – CW5 (Ret) Jack Petrosilli and his Committee (Brig Gen Robert S. Dutko, Sr. and CW4 (Ret) Ken Langer) sent a mailing to all members requesting their support for the Yearbook.  Please return your ads and/or booster request to CW5 Petrosilli by April 15, 2006.

National Guard Association of New Jersey Scholarship applications are being accepted now through March 15th.  For more information, please contact COL Edward Slavin at Edward.slavin@nj.ngb.army.mil.

SGT Ryan E. Doltz Memorial Foundation fund raiser - Tricky Tray

A Tricky Tray will be held at 8:00 p.m. on May 5, 2006 at Dover High School, Dover, NJ.  Proceeds from the Tricky Tray will be used to fund scholarships for deserving students.  Tickets are $8 and the doors open at 6:30 p.m.  For additional information, please call 973-361-2399. 

The New Jersey Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors Program has several part-time employment opportunities immediately available across the state for TDGs and Technicians.  Earn one day’s base pay and one retirement point for a few hours work providing Military Funeral Honors for our Veterans.  If you are interested, please contact SGM Edward Goetschius, Military Funeral Honors Coordinator, at 609-530-7090 or by e-mail at Edward.goetschius@nj.ngb.army.mil.

NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Vietnam Era Educational Center’s upcoming event schedule.

25 March, 1:00pm
“Screaming Eagles in Vietnam:  The 101st Airborne Division during the War”  -- an oral history discussion and slide presentation by NJ Vietnam Veteran Peter Engelhardt.

Peter Engelhardt, of Summit, served in Vietnam from October 1968 through August 1969 with the 101st Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade, which operated out of Landing Zone (LZ) “Sally,” near the ancient imperial city of Hue, and Fire Support Base (FSB) “Whip” in the Ashau Valley near the Laotian border in northern South Vietnam.  Engelhardt was a college graduate who then attended Army Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia.  As an officer in Vietnam, he worked primarily behind the scenes dealing with operations planning and coordination, intelligence assessment, and psychological warfare exercises.  He holds a deep admiration and respect for the airborne infantry “line” officers and their men, whose primary duty was combat.  It is in their honor that he retells the story of his group of “Screaming Eagles,” the nickname for members of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division.

Lecture attendees are asked to RSVP to 732-335-0033.  A $5 donation is suggested.

7 May, 11:00am
NJ Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day Ceremony

20 May, 1:00pm
For Armed Forces Day – “The Originals” – The Women’s Auxiliary Ferry Squadron of WWII – Breaking the Gure ender Barrier in Military Aviation – a lecture by Honey Fulton Parker, youngest sister of one of the first WAFS, Dorothy Fulton.

29 May, 11:00am
Memorial Day Ceremony.

For more information, please call the NJ Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation office at (732) 335-0033. or (800) 648-VETS.

The Vietnam Era Educational Center is located adjacent to the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial off the Garden State Parkway at Exit 116.

Family Readiness Council Grants available.

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. Additional information regarding these grants is available at Family Assistance Centers and Family Readiness Groups throughout the state. Those interested should contact Family Assistance at 1-888-859-0352.

This year’s Youth Camp will begin Sunday July 16, 2006 and will end with closing ceremonies on Saturday July 22, 2006.   There are many activities scheduled for the week at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ.  The campers will be able to enjoy the beach, arts and crafts, archery, sports and presentations by other organizations.  Campers ages 9-12, Helpers ages 13-15, Junior Volunteers ages 16-17 and Volunteers ages 18 and up are all encouraged to attend.  The fee for campers is $100.00 and volunteers are free.  For an application, please go to http://www.state.nj.us/military/familysupport/youth_camp.html.

Fitness Corner - Ernest Razzano, Certified Fitness Trainer, ISSA

Exercise and Abdominal Pain

Most physiologists agree that moderate to intense exercise affect intestinal absorption and blood flow to the gut. Since substances must be absorbed from the intestinal wall into the blood, reductions in blood flow suggest fewer opportunities for absorption. Abdominal cramping is an indication of an interruption in oxygen (and hence blood supply) to the gastrointestinal area when the body prioritizes oxygen to the working muscles instead of the gastrointestinal area.

During exercise, blood flow patterns change. Through the action of the sympathetic nervous system, blood is redirected away from areas where it is not essential to those areas that are active during exercise. Only 15 to 20 percent of resting cardiac output go to muscle, but during exhaustive exercise, like leg workouts, the muscles receive 80 to 85 percent of the cardiac output. This shift is accomplished by reducing blood flow to the kidneys, liver, stomach and intestines, which cause the feelings of nausea associated intense workouts. Also, the red blood cells which carry oxygen to the working muscles as well as the entire body gets diverted to the working muscles which leads to feelings of being light-headed due to lack of sufficient oxygen to other systems.

On this day in history

Today is Friday, May 5, 2006. It is the 125th day of the year with 240 days remaining.

- 1494 - Christopher Columbus sighted Jamaica on his second trip to the Western Hemisphere. He named the island Santa Gloria.
- 1847 - The AMA (American Medical Association) was organized in Philadelphia, PA.
- 1862 - The Battle of Puebla took place. It is celebrated as Cinco de Mayo Day.
- 1865 - The Thirteenth Amendment was ratified, abolishing slavery in the U.S.
- 1891 - Music Hall was dedicated in New York City with Tchaikovsky as guest conductor. It was later renamed Carnegie Hall.
- 1917 - Eugene Jacques Bullard becomes the first African-American aviator when he earned his flying certificate with the French Air Service.
- 1925 - John T. Scopes, a biology teacher in Dayton, TN, was arrested for teaching Darwin's theory of evolution.
- 1930 - 1st woman to fly solo from England to Australia takes-off (Amy Johnson)
- 1935 - Jessie Owens of the US, sets then long jump record at 26' 8¼"
- 1942 - US begins rationing sugar during WWII
- 1945 - The Netherlands and Denmark were liberated from Nazi control.
- 1945 - A Japanese balloon bomb exploded on Gearhart Mountain in Oregon. A pregnant woman was killed in the only fatal attack of its kind during World War II.
- 1948 - 1st air squadron of jets aboard a carrier
- 1955 - US performs nuclear test at Nevada test Site
- 1956 - Jim Bailey became the first runner to break the four-minute mile in the U.S. He was clocked at 3:58.5.
- 1958 - US performs atmospheric nuclear test at Enwetak
- 1961 - Alan Shepard became the first American in space when he made a 15 minute suborbital flight aboard Freedom 7.
- 1965 - 1st large-scale US Army ground units arrive in South Vietnam
- 1966 - Willie Mays broke the National League record for home runs when he hit his 512th.
- 1970 - US performs nuclear test at Nevada test Site
- 1983 - US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
- 1987 - France performs nuclear test at Muruora Island
- 1987 - The U.S. congressional Iran-Contra hearings opened.
- 1997 - "Married With Children" final episode on Fox TV

Mark your Calendar

6-12 May - National Nurses Week
9 June - DMVA/JFHQ Picnic, Lawrenceville Armory
14 June – Trenton Thunder Military Appreciation Day
14 June - Flag Day
15 June – Unity Day
16-22 July – National Guard Youth Camp (Sea Girt, NJ)