The 21st Civil Support Team (WMD) will hold a Change of Command ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 11:30 a.m. at the Lawrenceville Armory.  Command will be relinquished from Lt. Col. Gerard R. Gagnon to Maj. Jesse M. Arnstein. Dress is duty uniform for military and business casual for civilians. RSVP by Nov. 21 at 609-562-3236 or toby.tirrito@us.army.mil.

For you football fans - The 177th Fighter Wing Honor Guard will be  performing  for the N.Y. Jets game on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 4 p.m.  

DMAVA Flu Shots will be administered on Wednesday, Nov. 28.  Those scheduled to receive the shot at DMAVA Headquarters are to go to Conference Room V (2nd Floor) on the following schedule:

v    9:30 a.m. Group 1 - Front Office, HRD, PAO

v    10 a.m. Group 2 - FD, Veterans, Mercer VSO Office, Veterans Haven

v    10:30 a.m. Group 3 - ID, HSCOE

v    11 a.m. - Group 4 - IASD

From the desk of 1st Lt. April Kelly, 108th ARW PAO

The 108th Air Refueling Wing will help support 2 United Kingdom E-3D AWACS from the 54(R) Squadron, RAF Waddington, who are deploying to McGuire Air Force Base from Nov. 30-Dec. 12.  The AWACS will be flying multiple sorties against our own KC-135E model tankers and KC-10 aircraft from the 305th Air Mobility Wing and the 514th Air Mobility Wing.  The 108th will provide fuel and maintenance support on an as-needed basis due to the similar airframe and state of the art ramp facilities.

The 254th Regiment is conducting a 31B Military Police military occupational specialty course. It is an IDT course at the National Guard Training Center, Sea Girt, NJ commencing Jan. 5, 2008.

The course provides soldiers the military knowledge and skills required to function as a military policeman to include; maneuver and mobility support operations, area security, interment and resettlement and law and order and police intelligence operations.

It is intensive instruction in the latest techniques of self-defense, police ethics, military law, and techniques to searching and responding to anti-terrorism threats.

Minimum required score in aptitude area ST on ASVAB is:

v    95 if administered prior to 2 January 2002.

v    92 if administered 2 January 2002- 1 July 2004.

v    91 if administered after 1 July 2004.

Security clearance required is CONFIDENTIAL.

This is part one of a three phase MOS course. Seats are available. School code is 1004.

For information contact: Master Sgt. Gary Davidson, at 732-974-5912 or

e-mail: Gary.m.Davidson@us.army.mil.

By Samantha L. Quigley, American Forces Press Service

Just in time for the holidays, 13 major recording artists have created a musical "Thank You" for the troops.

"CD for the Troops" will be available for anyone with a valid military identification card to download at no cost from the Army and Air Force Exchange service Web site, www.aafes.com, beginning tomorrow, Nov. 17.

Musicians such as Billy Joel, Brooks & Dunn, the Goo Goo Dolls, Jewel, Josh Groban, Los Lonely Boys, Melissa Ethridge, the Neville Brothers, Sarah McLachlan, the Lt. Dan Band, Montgomery Gentry, the Fray and Five for Fighting contributed to the project.

John Ondrasik, the singer-songwriter who performs under the stage name "five for fighting," spearheaded the project.

Ondrasik  is a staunch support of America's service members.  He hopes the downloadable version of the CD will be available on the AAFES Web site through April. Hard copies of the CD will be sent to troops in theater, military hospitals and Fisher Houses. Onderasik hopes the music "inspires, motivates, provides and avenue for reflection or simply distracts you from a mission few can imagine, much less undertake."

"If anything, let each tune be a small piece of home to carry you forward," he said. "Thank you for all you do, and feel free to shoot me an e-mail with requests for 'CD for the Troops II.'"

From the desk of 1st Lt. April Kelly, 108th ARW PAO

On Sunday, Dec. 9, the 108th Air Refueling Wing will be hosting a Commander's Call to include a Holiday Party for unit members and their families. The 108th will sponsor Operation Youth Deployment where family members will be able to take part in a simulated deployment.

From the desk of 1st Lt. April Kelly, 108th ARW PAO

Last week, 108th ARW Plans Officer, Maj. Francine Main, assisted Girl Scout Junior Troop 23459 when several visiting Cub and Girl Scout Troops earned two Scout Badges.  Maj. Main lead discussions on Military Aviation careers and International Travel.  The interactive presentation stressed the fun and excitement of travel around the world with the need to be cultural ambassadors and responsible aviators.  Master Sgt. Barbara Alcott, JFHQ-HRO, is one of the leaders of Troop 23459.

The Armed Forces Vacation Club is a "space available" program offering Department of Defense affiliated personnel affordable condominium vacations at over 3,500 resorts around the world. Visit http://www.afvclub.com/ for more information.

The DMAVA Suggestion Program is still in effect and the Suggestion Box is located in the cafeteria on the center column wall.

You can find the suggestion form at www.nj.gov/military; click on Blank Forms. Unsigned suggestions may/or may not be answered, depending on their importance.  Unsigned suggestions, if they warrant a response, will be answered at Town Hall Meetings.  All signed suggestions will receive a response from Col. Alan Bunting, TAG-SEA.

If you have any questions regarding this program, call Renee McGuire, 609-530-6983.

With all the talk of identity theft, one group has been completely forgotten: your children.

In 2004, more than 400,000 children were identity theft victims; double the number from 2003.

So how is this possible?  Simple, children are registered for social security numbers almost immediately after being born.  Because they have no history, their records are the perfect opportunity for abuse by identity thieves.

Here are some simple steps to prevent this from happening:

v    Discuss with your child about the importance of keeping their information private and never share that information with strangers.

v    Watch the mail for offers from credit card companies or bills with their name on them; report any suspicious activity to credit bureaus.

For more information on identity theft; go to www.ftc.gov/credit.

There are free tickets available for all military personnel and their families for John Lithgow's Children's Concert, "The Sunny Side of the Street."

The concert is on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 11a.m., at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, in Trenton.   The show is targeted toward elementary school and pre-school kids, but is popular with all ages. 

Anyone interested in tickets can go to the box office at Patriots Theater and present military identification, to be given free tickets.  There is no limit on the number of tickets.  You can call the box office at 609-984-8400.

 More information can be garnered on the website:  www.thewarmemorial.com, or on John Lithgow's website:  www.palooza.com.   This show is headed for Broadway, and in January will be taped for HBO!  

The John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (P.L.

109-364), enhanced the TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) health plan.  Under this new TRS health plan, effective October 1, 2007, certain members of the Selected Reserve may qualify for health care coverage under TRS at $81 for single coverage and $253 for family coverage.  Selected Reserve members who are enrolled or eligible to enroll in a health benefit plan under chapter 89 of title 5 U.S.C. Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP), IRR and ING Soldiers are excluded from purchasing TRS.

Soldiers currently enrolled in the three tier TRS program must have transitioned to the new program by Sept. 30, 2007.  For more information or to enroll contact your state representative listed on  http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit, select the "benefits update" link for the Tricare Reserve Select information page.

New Jerseyans who are active duty military, including the National Guard and military reserves, serving in the war on terrorism, are eligible for automatic extensions of a valid driver license, registration or inspection expiration dates. Go to www.nj.gov/mvc/ for more information.

By Sibley Smith, Directory of Education, Vietnam Era Educational Center at the NJVVM

At 12:30 p.m. on Veterans Day, Sunday, Nov. 11, the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation held its annual Veterans Day ceremony at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial in Holmdel.

Approximately 500 people attended the commemorative event, which was held in the Memorial's courtyard, surrounded by the circular, black granite wall bearing the names of 1,560 New Jerseyans whose lives were lost in the Vietnam War.

The Keynote Speaker was US Army Major Thomas Ace Hallowell of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard (and formerly of the New Jersey Army National Guard).  He has been mobilized three times with the PA National Guard since September 11, 2001, and has served in Germany, Kosovo and Iraq.  In Iraq, he served as an operations officer with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, in Al Anbar Province.  Major Hallowell gave a moving testimony of the valor and commitment he's witnessed among our troops and our veterans.

Kelly Watts, Executive Director of the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation, assisted by Vietnam Veteran and NJVVMF Volunteer George Dousis, announced that the Memorial Foundation recently inducted three Vietnam Veterans into the "In Memory" program.  "In Memory" honors those veterans who had served tours of duty in Vietnam and returned home, but died later as a result of their tour.  Family members were acknowledged, spoke about their loved ones, and placed lit candles in memory of their loved ones at the base of the Fallen Soldier statue.  The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans so honored were Army veteran Anthony F. Januszak Jr., Sayreville, who died Sept. 9, 1991; Marine Corps veteran David A. Novak, Barnegat, who died June 10, 2007; and Army veteran Joseph H. Wilfong, Morganville, who died July 19, 2006.  Pavers, engraved with their names, were added to the "In Memory" walk in the Memorial's courtyard in the shade of the centerpiece Red Oak tree, the State Tree of New Jersey.

Wreaths were then placed under the Oak tree and facing the statue by various veteran and service organizations.  Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed an Open House at the adjacent Vietnam Era Educational Center, which includes a museum and research library.

From the 254th Regiment

The Combat Lifesaver Course (CLS) is a 40 hour course taught over three days by the 254th Regiment at Sea Girt. It instructs non-medical soldiers in the latest techniques of self aid and buddy aid. The course is centered on reducing the number of combat deaths due to the three top causes: bleeding from an extremity, tension pneumothorax (lung collapse) and traumatic brain injury.

The instruction and hands-on training includes Tactical Combat Casualty Care, Medevac procedures, improvised litters, and numerous other subjects.

Point of contact for this training at the Regiment is Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Cosmanic at 732 974-4878 or STEPHEN.R.COSMANIC@NJ.NGB.ARMY.MIL.

For questions about this or any other course also contact Master Sgt. Gary Davidson at 732 974-5912 or Gary.m.davidson@us.army.mil. Or see your Unit Readiness NCO.

More information can be found at AKO in the medical knowledge network in med training: HTTP://WWW.CS.AMEDD.ARMY.MIL/CLSP/.

Operation Tribute to Freedom is seeking OIF/OEF Soldiers who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico or the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean, and Soldiers of Middle Eastern descent to share their story at events. If you are interested in participating in this program, send an e-mail to PAO@njdmava.state.nj.us. Responses should include the Soldier's name, contact information, bio with brief deployment history, awards and PAO contact information. Include "Diverse Soldier" in the subject line.

TDY available if necessary, but local/hometown Soldiers are preferred. Responses will be taken on an ongoing basis.

The 254th Regiment (CA) will be holding training courses in the upcoming months at the National Guard Regional Training Institute, Sea Girt.

Inactive Duty Training -

Small Group Instructor Training Course, (SGITC) Jan. 5-6, Feb. 2-3, March 1, 2008. You can learn about personality types and the human thought process, how to control the sharp shooter in class, and how to present the best class possible. Few seats remain, sign up now.

Basic NCO Course,(BNCOC) next course starts in April 2008 .

Military Police (31B10 MOS-T) Phase I, June 7-8, 2008; 5 seats available. Class starts in 3 weeks, get your soldiers registered today.

PRE WARRIOR Leadership Course, three weekends: Jan. 5-6, Feb. 2-3 and March 1-2, 2008; seats available. Tune up those map reading skills, pass Warrior Leadership Course.

Officer Candidate School Class 52 (OCS)- Project officers interviewing candidates at this time.

Active Duty Training -

Combat Medic Training Course (68W Sustainment), Dec. 3-12, 2007, 20 seats will be available. Look for course in ATRRS on Oct. 22.

For more information, contact Master Sgt. G. Davidson, 254th Regiment operations sergeant, 732-974-5912, Gary.Davidson@us.army.mil or your unit Readiness NCO.  You can also visit our school information on ATRSS at https://www.atrrs.army.mil/atrrscc/, school code is 1004.

 

 

Come and say goodbye and relive the good old days at the retirement dinner for Brig. Gen. Charles Harvey on Dec. 15 at the Lawrenceville Army.  The dinner will be held on the drill floor, 6-11 p.m.  Cost is $35 per person and the dress is business casual.

RSVP by Dec. 7 to Marie Durling, 609-562-0739.  Send your check, made payable to DMAVD Employee Activity Fund, to: Joint Force Headquarters, ATTN: Marie Durling, 3650 Saylors Pond Road, Fort Dix NJ 08640.

From the desk of Darlene Laarz, Holiday Committee

The DMAVA/JFHQRS Holiday Party will be held this year on Dec. 14.  The mandatory Town Hall will be at 11:30 a.m., with the holiday party immediately following.  The cost of the event will be $10, which will include a raffle ticket for a big flat screen TV and a meal from Amici Milano's.  Keep the date open so we can celebrate the holiday together! 

On Dec. 12, for the third year, the Midtown Community Elementary School (formerly Ridge Ave) will host a veterans program to honor those who served our country.

We invite the veterans from around our area and our family members. First there will be a small breakfast with the veterans. The high school ROTC will present the color guard and the high school band will play taps.

Students grades three through five have a writing contest to see who will read their writing to the veterans during the program.  The students will sing a variety of patriotic songs. Veterans will receive tokens of the student's appreciation.

Following the program, the veterans will have a chance to speak to the entire school population. Then the vets will be placed in smaller groups with our students to share special thoughts with them.

If you wish to participate, call Brenda Cook Johnson, Educational Media Specialist/ Librarian, 732-776-2200 extension 3401.

From the desk of Ronald Slate, Supervisor of Visual, Performing and Practical Arts, Springfield Public Schools

Springfield, NJ - Florence M. Gaudineer Middle School would like to extend an invitation to all of our service men and women to our performance of Rogers and Hammerstein's South Pacific on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. The performance will take place at Jonathan Dayton High School's Halsey Hall Auditorium, 139 Mountain Avenue, Springfield, NJ 07081.

The school plans to honor our local service organizations such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Jewish War Veterans, and the Vietnam Veterans Association along with active members of our armed forces at this performance and would like to have you join this celebration.

Students and faculty are sure this will be a special evening for our students, veterans and community.

From the desk of Paul Serdiuk, DMAVA HRD

The annual New Jersey State Employees Coat Drive started on Nov. 1 and will run through Nov. 23.

Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth is asking for your support of this worthwhile effort in helping those in need before the cold weather sets in. This year DMAVA has been approved to donate all the coats that we collect either to the Veteran's Homes, Veteran's Haven or to a local charity organization.

Coats must be clean and in serviceable condition. Coats for men, women and children will be accepted. The drop-off point for DMAVA Central is located in the front foyer of the building.

Additional information can be obtained from DMAVA's Coat Drive Coordinator, Paul Serdiuk at 609-530-6878.

Thank you for your support in helping other New Jerseyans who are less fortunate.

From the desk of Joseph K. Dunleavy, Environmental Specialist

The state has hired a new contractor to implement the Governors Executive Order pertaining to recycling at all State owned and operated facilities. This guidance is targeted for the workforce within the DMAVA Lawrenceville complex and West Trenton NJARNG locations only. The contractor and the Treasury Department have provided new collection containers for recyclable items.  These containers are to be placed on the loading dock prior to the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month so that the collection truck can pick them up. Please inform all personnel of the requirements. 

All aluminum & steel cans, plastic and glass bottles (coded 1 & 2) need to be placed in the "Decorative Containers" or the blue containers with round openings, in the Headquarters Building for disposal.  Please no caps or lids!  These items will be collected on Fridays at the loading dock. 

The new company will be conducting participatory audits and notify the Governors Office of participation rates.  Encourage everyone in your office to recycle office paper, white paper, colored paper, Post It T notes, newspaper, magazines, envelopes, folders, junk mail, and paper wrappers.

The Veterans Cemetery Advisory Council of the Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery is offering the sale of Grave Blankets for placement on grave sites in the Doyle Cemetery for the 2007 holiday season.

The blankets are 2 feet by 3 feet and cost $30.  They must be ordered by Nov. 30. Profits from the sale of the grave blankets will benefit the beautification of the cemetery.

Call 609-758-7250 or visit www.state.nj.us/military/cemetery for more information.

The Federal Benefits Open Season for 2008 is almost here!  Don't miss out on this opportunity.  Federal employees can enroll or make changes to their enrollment in Federal Employees Health Benefit and in one of the seven dental plans, three vision plans and set up flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care. 

Flexible spending accounts are easy.  You pay for a wide range of common, out-of-pocket dependent and health care expenses and then receive reimbursement from your dependent and/or health care flexible spending account(s).  By setting aside pre-tax dollars, you reduce your taxable income, thereby paying less in taxes and saving money. 

Eligible non-medical expenses for the dependent care account include child care and adult daycare.  Eligible expenses for the health care account include co-payments, co-insurance, deductibles, over-the-counter medicines like cold remedies, prescription drugs, vision and dental expenses, and much more.

Current 2007 Participants:  you MUST re-enroll to participate in 2008.  Enrollments do NOT carry forward year-to-year.

Visit www.FSAFEDS.com to learn more about the FSAFEDS Program.

To find out more about the other available programs, visit http://opm.gov/insure/. Or call Sgt. Jacquelyn Bertrand at 609-562-0866.

The Department of Defense will open the nomination season for the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award on Nov. 1, 2007.  National Guard and Reserve members and their families are eligible and encouraged to nominate employers who have gone above and beyond in their support of military employees.  Nominations will be accepted at www.esgr.mil from Nov. 1, 2007 to Jan. 21, 2008.  The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the U.S. government's highest recognition given to outstanding employers.

For questions regarding the nomination process, please contact New Jersey ESGR at 609-562-0156.

The New Jersey Bar Association established and administers 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 cannot be represented by military lawyers can use this program. The program currently offers assistance to the following areas: family law, employment law, veterans' benefits 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, call toll free 1-888-541-1900 for referral or visit the New Jersey State Bar Association web site at www.njsba.com and click on the button for the Military Legal Assistance program.

To ensure veterans with emotional crises have round-the-clock access to trained professionals, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun operation of a national suicide prevention hot line for veterans. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson said: "Veterans need to know these VA professionals are literally a phone call away. All service members who experience the stresses of combat can have wounds on their minds as well as their bodies. Veterans should see mental health services as another benefit they have earned, which the men and women of VA are honored to provide." VA's hot line will be staffed by mental health professionals in Canandaigua, N.Y. They will take toll-free calls from across the country and work closely with local VA mental health providers to help callers. The toll-free hot line number is 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255).

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 Cindy Leese at cindy.leese@njdmava.state.nj.us or call 609-530-7056.

From the desk of Amanda Balas, State Youth Coordinator

Operation Military Kids project in New Jersey is sponsoring a photo contest.  The theme is "Families in the Military." Any youth of a military family in any branch of the service, including active duty, National Guard and Reserves is eligible to enter. 

The age categories for entries are grades 2-5, grades 6-8 and grades 9-12.  Photos can be black and white or color and can be in digital or 35mm format.

Photos must be taken by the youth and should capture a unique moment or setting their family life or in their community that means something special to them.  They will be judged on originality and creativity.  First and second places will be awarded in each age category.

Contact Amanda Balas, N.J. National Guard State Youth Coordinator, for entry forms and more information at 609-562-0742 or Amanda.balas@us.army.mil. Deadline for submissions is Jan. 14, 2008.

The Army Information Line (1-800-833-6622) is designed to help all Soldiers and their Family members whether they are deployed; stationed stateside or overseas; are brand new to the Army; or are 30 year veterans.

In addition to The Army Information Line, Army Well-Being's Army Families Online Web site www.ArmyFamiliesOnline.org recently welcomed its 2-millionth visitor this year.

The Army Information Line also celebrates its 25-year existence of providing information and referral services to those Soldiers and Family members.

From the desk of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hughes, Family Assistance specialist

Our Military Kids (OMK) provides tangible support to the children of deployed and severely injured National Guard and Military Reserve personnel through grants for enrichment activities and tutoring that nurture and sustain the children during the time a parent is away in service to our country. OMK grants are made to honor the sacrifices military parents make and to ensure that the children have access to activities and support that help the children better cope with challenges arising during a parent's deployment or injury recovery. For additional information go to www.ourmilitarykids.org

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 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

Now that the summer is almost over, thoughts of how to spend next summer or your next vacation week, can start to pop into your mind.  "Can we go someplace better or different, nearer or farther from home, all without breaking the bank?"

One place to consider if Florida is one of your next vacation places is Shades of Green in Orlando.  Minutes from the Disney attractions, this resort is also close to golf, dining and other Florida attractions.

Their web site, www.shadesofgreen.org can give you tours of their rooms and family suites, the local attractions and other amenities that are offered by the resort.  The rates are reasonable and will be a opportunity to visit Orlando with your family.

Are you looking for a different place to visit to find history, food and performances of a good variety?  Think about visiting the United States Military Academy. 

While there you can tour the historic grounds, find lodging and meals, go to the visitor center where you can purchase something to remember your visit and then enjoy live entertainment at the second-largest theater in New York - the Eisenhower Hall theatre.

The list of upcoming entertainment includes stage productions of musicals and plays, ballet, and music - orchestra, jazz and individual performers.  Three performances in September included acrobats, opera and a comedian.

Individual ticket prices range from approximately $25-50 for most performances.

The post is open to civilians; everyone 16 and older must present photo ID.

Find out more information about Eisenhower Hall at http://www.ikehall.com/.  To find out more about the United States Military Academy, visit http://www.usma.edu/.

 

Join the Philadelphia Phantoms on Military Appreciation Night as they take on the Norfolk Admirals on Friday, Dec. 7 at 7:05 p.m., at the Wachovia Spectrum.  The Phantoms will have historical displays on the concourse and will also be remembering the anniversary of Pearl Harbor.  Tickets for the game are only $10 for U. S. Veterans and U. S. military personnel (regular price $19). To order your tickets, call Nick Milillo at 215-952-5772 or visit:

http://ev15.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=PR:PR:5553564554&linkID=global-wachovia&shopperContext=&caller=PR&appCode=&prc=USVET. 

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:

www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/portal/page/itc/MHF/MHF_DETAIL_0?current_id=20.20.100.30.0.0.0.0.0

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.

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, family members and the American Legion family.  When you get on the site, click on "Scholarship Information" in the "Useful Links" block.

Are you covered by the NGANJ Group Life Insurance Program?  As a member of either the Officers or the Enlisted Association, you are entitled to enroll in your Association Life Insurance Program.  This special program provides from $5,000 to $50,000 of Life Insurance for you, "round the clock".  Premiums range from as little as $2 per month and may be payroll-deducted from your drill check.  Family coverage is also available at low rates designed for you as a member of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard.  Think of it!!  No aviation exclusions...No hazardous duty restrictions...No war clauses.No checks to write.  Dependent coverage includes spouses and all children.  Information can be obtained by contacting retired CWO Jack Petrosilli at 609-530-6843, or retired Brig. Gen. Robert S. Dutko Sr. at 609-273-1004.  Enrollment forms can be obtained by calling retired Col. Frank L. Carlone, Program Coordinator at 732-249-8335.

The Enlisted Association is seeking members to help give our state a larger voice.  The Association speaks on legislative issues that benefit military members and families. The association works 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 Militia Museum of New Jersey has put together a National Guard Veteran Retiree Oral History Program.  In the past, the NJNG has not conducted oral exit interviews of commanders, full-time personnel, and retirees to preserve history.  The museum is going to institute a volunteer program to try to catch up. If you wish to participate, contact the museum at 732-974-5966. 

Vet Career Connect is a program designed to connect military service members with New Jersey employers. Vet Career Connect matches veteran's specific abilities, drives and interests with jobs requiring those specific abilities.

Participants complete a Caliper Profile, which is an on-line self assessment. They will receive an Individual Developmental Guide outlining personal motivators and areas of developmental opportunity. Participants will then have the opportunity to place the results of the Caliper Profile, their resume and military achievements onto a database which will be viewed by New Jersey-based companies who have indicated a strong interest in employing veterans.  

Vet Career Connect program is available at no cost to service members. In order to participate in this program, or if you have additional questions please email or call Barbara Foos, Project Administrator, at 609-524-1228 or bfoos@calipercorp.com. 

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

 

November 27, 28, 29	Quaker Bridge Mall
January 8,9, 2008	Woodbridge Center
February 5, 6, 7	Moorestown Mall
March 4*, 5, 6	Paramus Park Shopping Center
April 1, 2, 3	Voorhees Town Center
May 6*, 7, 8	Ocean County Mall

*Medal ceremonies begin at 10:30 a.m. on these dates.  The kiosk will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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

 =================

Free guided tours of the Memorial are offered on the first Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Nov. 29, 6 p.m. -  Salute to Patriotism Gala, with special guests U.S. Army Gen. Frederick J. Kroesen, N.J. Air Guard Brig. Gen. Robert S. Dutko and members of the 514 Air Mobility Wing.  DMAVA will present Vietnam Service Medals, Distinguished and Meritorious Service Medals.  Advance registration required.

Dec. 1, 6 p.m. - Holiday Lighting Ceremony at the N.J. Vietnam Veterans Memorial: Christmas Tree, Hanukkah Menorah, and Kwaanza Candles.

Dec. 8, 1 p.m. - Ghosts in the Landscape: Vietnam Revisited, a photo gallery display and book discussion by the author/photographer, N.J. Vietnam Veteran Craig J. Barber.

Jan. 19, 1 p.m. - The U.S. Air Force in the Battle of Khe Sanh, an oral-history presentation by N.J. Vietnam Veteran, ret. Maj. Gen. Clark W. Martin, U.S. Air Force.

Feb. 2, 1 p.m. - In the Navy in Vietnam, an oral history presentation by N.J. Vietnam Veteran and Monmouth University President, ret. Vice Adm. Paul G. Gaffney II, U.S. Navy.

Mar. 1, 1 p.m. - American Vietnam Veterans Who Wouldn't Come Home, an oral-history discussion about American ex-patriots recently encountered on a trip to Thailand by Steve Lonegan, Mayor of Bogota, N.J.

 

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For further information call 1-800-648-VETS or visit www.njvvmf.org.