Home Depot Offers 10% Discount to Celebrate 4th

THE HOME DEPOT COMMEMORATES INDEPENDENCE DAY

BY OFFERING A 10 PERCENT DISCOUNT TO U.S. MILITARY PERSONNEL

ATLANTA, JUNE 28, 2005 - The Home Depot(r), the world's largest home improvement retailer, today announced that the company is inviting all active duty personnel, reservists, retired service members, veterans and their families to receive 10 percent off their purchases in recognition of Independence Day. The offer is good on purchases up to $2,000 for a maximum discount of $200 between June 30 and July 4, 2005, at The Home Depot stores, The Home Depot Floor Stores(r), The Home Depot Landscape Supply(r) stores and EXPO Design Center(r) locations.

"This holiday is about celebrating the founding of this great nation and the freedoms we all enjoy," said Bob Nardelli, chairman, president & CEO of The Home Depot. "With that same reflection, The Home Depot recognizes the dedication and sacrifices made by the U.S. military community and its families. Offering military personnel, veterans and their families a discount is our way of saying 'thanks' and helping them create a safe and comfortable home environment."

To qualify, individuals must present proof of military service to the Special Services desk at any The Home Depot store, where they will receive a coupon that is redeemable at any cashier's checkout register. Discount coupons are valid on a single receipt in-store purchase only. See the coupon for details and exceptions.

The discount offer furthers the company's overall commitment to supporting the military community. The Home Depot is the largest retailer with a General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule contract, as well as one of the largest suppliers of building, repair and maintenance products available to the military and all federal agencies through GSA's Hardware SuperStore Multiple Award Schedule Program. In effect since July 1, 2003, the GSA Schedule contract makes it easier for The Home Depot and the military to do business together by offering federal procurement customers a more streamlined procurement process.

Other examples of The Home Depot's commitment to the U.S. military include the launch of Project HomeFront in 2003, through which The Home Depot donated $1 million and 1 million volunteer hours to help military families at home while their spouses were deployed. Last July, a $1 million donation in tools and supplies was made to support U.S. troops in the rebuilding effort in Iraq. In September, the company launched Operation Career FrontSM, a program designed to provide career opportunities to separating and retiring military service members, military spouses and other veterans. In addition, The Home Depot offered a 10 percent discount to all active duty personnel, reservists, retired service members, veterans and their families in recognition of Memorial Day.

The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense, honored The Home Depot this past September with the 2004 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. This past April, the company was the proud recipient of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Distinguished Service Award for its continued support of the military. In June, the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation honored The Home Depot's president, chairman & CEO with the Most Distinguished American Award. The company was No. 1 on the G.I. Jobs list of Top 25 Most Military Friendly Employers for 2004.

Since the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, The Home Depot has had as many as 1,800 of its associates called to active duty. The corporation has extended and enhanced leave of absence benefits for each of its deployed associates. In addition, The Home Depot hired 10,000 veterans in 2003, and 15,000 veterans in 2004.

See the in-store coupon for details and exceptions: This offer is valid and redeemable for a 10% discount on a single receipt in-store purchase at The Home Depot stores, The Home Depot Floor Stores(r), The Home Depot Landscape Supply(r) stores and EXPO Design Center(r) locations. Maximum discount is $200. This offer is not valid on labor or Self-Furnish and Install (SF&I) or Furnish and Install (F&I) program products, including without limitation roofing, windows, siding, HVAC products or custom closets. This offer is not valid on the purchase of gift cards or certificates, with any other discounts or on prior purchases. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer, promotion or special incentive program. Do not send with/as payment on any The Home Depot or EXPO Design Center credit account. This offer is not valid on John Deere(r), Thermador(r), Gaggenau(r), certain Bosch(r) products in certain markets, Miele(r), Dacor(r), Viking(r), Fisher & Paykel(r), Casablanca(r) products and selected Maytag(r) products, including Neptune(r). This offer is not valid at The Home Depot Supply.



For more information, contact:

Emily Tyner

The Home Depot

(770) 433-8211, ext. 83288

Mandatory Increase in Life Insurance

NOTE that increased coverage is MANDATORY unless declined. Ensure this information receives widest possible dissemination.
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Coverage Increases September 1

WASHINGTON-6/15/05-The maximum level of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance coverage will be increased from $250,000 to $400,000 on September 1, 2005.
Anyone in military service on September 1, 2005, will have their coverage increased to $400,000, even if they previously declined or elected lesser coverage. If they still desire no coverage or less than the maximum, they will have to go their Personnel Office and re-elect no coverage or less than the maximum.
Servicemembers can only elect coverage in increments of $50,000. Previously, members could elect coverage in increments of $10,000.
The SGLI coverage amounts available will be:
$50,000 - $250,000$100,000 - $300,000$150,000 - $350,000$200,000 - $400,000
Members in the VGLI Program before September 1, 2005 will not be affected. However, all separating servicemembers covered under SGLI on or after September 1, in an amount greater than $250,000 will able to convert to VGLI at the new higher level.
The premium rates for SGLI coverage will remain the same. Currently, the rate is 6.5 cents per $1,000 per month, or $16.25 per month for $250,000. Therefore, if a member elects the new maximum coverage of $400,000, they will pay $26.00 per month.
SGLI members serving in areas or operations designated by the Secretary of Defense as combat operations or zones of combat will have the premiums for $150,000 of coverage paid for by the Department of Defense. This is only while they are serving in designated areas or operations. Once they are no longer serving in such an area they will once again have to pay the premiums themselves.
The Department of Defense will be paying a death gratuity of $150,000 for deaths that occurred in specified combat conditions on or after October 7, 2001 but before September 1, 2005 or were incurred in the theater of operations of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. This gratuity is in addition to the existing Department of Defense death gratuity that is increasing from $12,420 to $100,000 for the same group of servicemembers.
Story Courtesy of the National Guard Bureau

Looking for Help Again for One of Our Own

The Woodbury FAC has received a request for help from a Guard family that has fallen on hard times. This family has had a break in pay with a job transition and is having difficulty making ends meet temporarily. I would appreciate any donations or help you are willing to give them during this time. Donations would be best made in the form of gift cards, cash or gift cards for local grocery stores. If you would like to help, please contact me at the FAC by phone or mail your donation to:

Heather Altman, FAC Coordinator

658 North Evergreen Avenue

Woodbury, NJ 08096

1-609-847-6232

This family is in immediate need of groceries so if you would like me to come pick up a donation please let me know. If your group would prefer to collect groceries, I can pick those up and deliver them as well. On behalf of this family, thank you in advance for your generosity.

Make a Homepage on AKO for Your FRG

Hi again,
Do you know? Good news for family members when the sponsor has not authorized an AKO account

How to Create a Unit or FRG Homepage on AKO (available now)

First, a big thank-you to the 88th RRC for inviting AKO to visit a few weeks ago. We had a great time teaching unit and family readiness group (FRG) leaders how to create a homepage for their groups in AKO.

It's quick and easy - all you have to do is:
· Login to AKO · Click "Create AKO Content" in the left bar · Choose to "Create a Site" · Choose to create an "Online Community" (low security) or a "Virtual Team" (high security)

Then, just follow the prompts. And that's it! When you've finished walking through the wizard, you will have a brand-new homepage, group, and knowledge center (for storing documents). You can add important links, post pictures, and create a useful and informative homepage for your group or team.
* Verified Family Member Accounts (available now)
Full account holders have always been able to sponsor their family members for AKO guest accounts - it's a great service that extends the power of AKO to all members of the Army Family. To increase security, AKO is now encouraging family members who have not yet registered for an AKO account to sign up for a verified guest account. If you are a full account holder and would like to sponsor a family member for an AKO account, please ask your family member to register for the account called "Family Member Enrolled in DEERS." In the near future, AKO will also invite existing family member accounts to upgrade to verified accounts - please stay tuned for more details.
>> To learn more about different kinds of guest accounts, please see the AKO Account Policy.

Free Theater Tickets

The East Lynne Theater Co in Cape May, NJ is offering 2 complimentary tickets to any NJ National Guard Family member for each upcoming show (see attached flyer). Relax and enjoy a show!These tickets are on a first-come, first serve basis and need at least 24 hours reservation notice.To receive your FREE tickets, please contact NJFriends.org directly at 973-541-1375, email: info@njfriends.org, or contact Gail at East Lynne Theater Company at 609-884-5898 and present your NJFriends.org membership card.Ages 12 and under are always free!Best Regards,NJFriends.orgph: 973-541-1375fax: 973-299-0203email: info@njfriends.org

State Family Readiness Council Business Grant Criteria

STATE FAMILY READINESS COUNCIL

BUSINESS GRANT

All grant applications will either be approved or disapproved by the Finance Committee.

· Families of New Jersey Army and Air National Guard personnel, who are on orders in any duty status continued longer that 90 Days, are eligible to apply for grants.

· Grant applications will be reviewed under the Family Grant or Business Grant criteria.
CRITERIA

· Grants will be awarded during a period of mobilization with a monetary value, not to exceed $5000 for Business Grants.

· Business Grant Criteria requires that a deployed service member must have been self-employed and must have owned their business prior to first notification of mobilization.

· Priority will go to families of deployed guardsmen first.

· Business Grant Criteria requires a copy of the most recent US Internal Revenue Service Tax Return.

· Applications must be completed in its entirety and include all supporting documentation requested. Failure to do so will result in delaying the application process. All grants will be reviewed and awarded on an as needed basis as determined by the Finance Committee contingent upon the availability of grant funds.

· All grants will be reviewed by the Finance Committee and awarded 1 (one) time per business, in a 24 month period. Grants can be awarded during mobilization and up to 1 year upon return.

· Individuals will ordinarily be notified of the Finance Committee decision, within 20 days from receipt of the application/supporting documentation by their respective Family Assistance Center Coordinator and by Council certified mail with requested grant money. If additional information is needed to complete the application process, the FAC coordinator will contact you directly. No one else will be asking you for personal information.

Please contact me at 1-609-847-6232 or by email at Heather.Altman@us.army.mil to apply for this grant or the family grant.

Criteria for State Family Readiness Council Family Grant

STATE FAMILY READINESS COUNCIL
FAMILY GRANT

All grant applications will either be approved or disapproved by the Finance Committee.
· Families of a New Jersey Army and Air National Guard service member, who are on orders in any duty status continued longer than 90 days, are eligible to apply for grants.
· Grant applications will be reviewed under the Family Grant criteria.

CRITERIA

· Grants will be awarded during a period of mobilization with a monetary value, not to exceed $2500 for Family Grants.

· Family Grant Criteria for eligibility to apply requires that a deployed service members immediate family must be experiencing financial hardship and must demonstrate a proof of need. This would include but not be limited to, catastrophic or emergency event, loss of income, medical emergency, bills, and unforeseen major household emergency.

· Priority will go to families of deployed guardsmen first.

· Application must be completed in its entirety and include copies of all supporting documentation, which includes written statements describing the emergency. The Finance Committee requires a “proof of need” statement and how the Family Grant will assist in satisfying the stated need.

· All grants will be reviewed and awarded on an as needed basis as determined by the Finance Committee contingent upon the availability of grant funds.

· All grants will be reviewed by the Finance Committee and awarded 1 (one) time per family, in a 24 month period. Grants can be awarded during mobilization and up to 1 year upon return.

· Individuals will ordinarily be notified of the Finance Committee decision, within 10 working days from receipt of the application and supporting documentation by their respective Family Assistance Center (FAC) coordinator.

· The Finance Committee reserves the right to mail directly the necessary money to companies/creditors on behalf of the family. Names/addresses and account numbers should be included with the application. To pay creditors on your behalf the signature block must be signed for release of your personal information. All written correspondence will come via certified mail. If additional information is needed to complete the application process, the FAC coordinator will contact you directly. No one else will be asking you for personal information.

If you are interested in applying for this grant please contact me at 1-609-847-6232 for the application. If you are a soldier currently deployed and would like to apply from overseas you can email me at Heather.Altman@us.army.mil and I can try and make arrangements for this to be done via mail or email.

Keep the 108th Air Refueling Wing Alive

I sent out a letter today attached to an email with regard to the 108th Air Refueling Wing, part of the NJNG. I would appreciate everyone's support in signing this letter and mailing it back to the address on the bottom of the letter. This unit needs our support to stay alive, please help in this fight to keep the New Jersey National Guard strong! If you did not get the letter, or have any questions, please contact me at 1-609-847-6232. Thanks for your support of our guard and for all you do!

Bereavement Counseling

Department of Veterans Affairs
Bereavement Counseling for Surviving Family Members
@ VHA Readjustment Counseling Service Vet Centers

What is Bereavement Counseling?
Bereavement counseling is assistance and support to people with emotional and psychological stress after the death of a loved one. Bereavement counseling includes a broad range of transition services, including outreach, counseling, and referral services to family members.

Does VA Have Bereavement Counseling for Surviving Family Members?
The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) offers bereavement counseling to parents, spouses and children of Armed Forces personnel who died in the service of their country. Also eligible are family members of reservists and National Guardsmen who die while on duty.

Where Is Counseling Offered?
VA's bereavement counseling is provided at community-based Vet Centers located near the families. There is no cost for VA bereavement counseling.

How Can You Obtain These Services?
Services are obtained by contacting Readjustment Counseling Service at 202-273-9116 or via electronic mail at vet.center@hq.med.va.gov both of which are specific to this specialized service. RCS staff will assist families in contacting the nearest Vet Center.

For More Information Call Toll-Free 1-800-827-1000
Or Visit Our Web Site At http://www.va.gov

Useful Organizations and Websites

Organizations/Websites
By OSD Staff

The following are additional organizations/websites that may be of interest to you as an educator of military children:
Official Department of Defense/Military Family Support Sites:
AF Crossroads: www.afcrossroads.com
Air Force: www.af.mil
Army: www.army.mil
Army Community Service: www.armycommunityservice.org
Army Teen Panel: www.armyteenpanel.army.mil/
Defenselink: www.defenselink.mil
MAP Central: dod.mil/mapcentral/
Mapsite: dod.mil/mapsite
Marine Corp: www.usmc.mil/
Marine Corps Community Service: www.usmc-mccs.org
Military Children and Youth: mfrc.calib.com/mcy
Military Family Resource Center: mfrc.calib.com
Navy: www.navy.mil
Navy Lifelines: www.lifelines.navy.mil
Reserve Affairs: www.defenselink.mil/ra
TRICARE: www.tricare.osd.mil
United Service Organization: www.uso.org
National Organizations and Other Resources:
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology: www.aacap.org/
American School Counselor Association: www.schoolcounselor.org
Children, Youth and Families Education and Research Network: www.cyfernet.org
Educators for Social Responsibility, Talking With Children About War and Violence In the World: www.esrnational.org/guide.htm
Family Education Network: www.fen.com/
FEMA for Adults: www.fema.gov/
Military Brats: www.militarybrats.com/
Military Child Education Coalition: www.militarychild.org/
Military City: www.militarycity.com/
Military Impacted Schools Association: www.esu3.org/districts/bellevue/misa/misahome.html
National Association for the Education of Young Children: www.naeyc.org
National Association of School Psychologists: www.nasponline.org/index2.html
National Association of State Boards of Education National Center for Children Exposed to Violence: www.nccev.org
National Education Association: www.nea.org
National Fatherhood Initiative: www.fatherhood.org
National Military Family Association: www.nmfa.org
National Parent-Teacher Association: www.pta.org
National School Boards Association: www.nsba.org/site/index.asp
Nemours Foundation, Kids Health, talking about the news: kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/news.html
New York University Child Study Center: www.aboutourkids.org
Overseas Brats: www.overseasbrats.com/
Talking With Kids About Tough Issues: www.talkingwithkids.org/
NYU Child Study Center: www.aboutourkids.org/
US Government Responds: www.firstgov.gov/Topics/Usgresponse.shtml

Dictionary of Acronyms and Rank

Have you ever wondered why the military uses acronyms for EVERYTHING? More importantly, do you want to know the difference between an LES and a POA? Well this is the site where you can find all the Department of Defense Acronyms listed in alphabetical order. Visit the site today and learn a foreign language, learn to speak military!

http://www.dtic.mil/doct

Ranks
By OSD Staff

Please visit Defenselinks for information on US Military Rankings and Insignia. Once at this link, choose to view either officer or enlisted rankings located at the bottom of the page.

DoD Dictionary...........What is an LES versus a POA?

From this page you can browse the DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. The DOD Dictionary and the Joint Acronyms and Abbreviations master data base are managed by the Joint Doctrine Division, J-7, Joint Staff. All approved joint definitions are contained in Joint Publication 1-02, "DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. As amended through 09 May 2005.
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Military Child During Deployments

Military Child During Deployment
By OSD Staff

Deployment refers to the movement of an individual or military unit within the United States or to an overseas location to accomplish a task or mission. The mission may be as routine as giving additional training or as dangerous as a war. Deployments can be for relatively short periods of time or undetermined time periods that can often last a year or more.
When one or both of a child’s parents/caregivers are deployed, there is necessarily an emotional impact on the child that can often affect performance and behavior at school. As an educator of military children, you need to be aware of reactions and needs of military children during deployments.
There are often a lot of unknowns surrounding a deployment and children are often anxious, stressed and confused when facing such a situation. Schools can be a place where stability and routine can provide security for children during the challenges of deployment and the resulting disruptions to daily life. The classroom routine helps to cushion the impact of deployment that often includes changes in psychological equilibrium and disruption of individual behavior and coping skills.
For more information about the affects of deployment on children, visit the following:
Social, Emotional and Educational Issues of Deployment
Educator’s Guide to the Military Child During Deployment
Parent's Guide to the Military Child During Deployment and Reunion
How Communities Can Support the Children and Families of Those Serving in the National Guard or Reserves - courtesy of the Military Child Education Coalition.
Caring for Kids After Trauma and Death, material developed by the New York University Child Study Center under the guidance of Dr. Robin F. Goodman with suggestions for parents, educators and health care professionals about how to support and assist bereaved children during instances of deployment, injury and death.
Good News Story! The United Through Reading Program connects children to deployed parents through reading aloud on videotape. Click here for more information.

National Guard Information

Life for Families of Deployed National Guard
By Kelli Kirwan

Members of the National Guard are being activated and deployed with increased regularity. They serve side-by-side with their active duty counterparts around the world. National Guardsmen across the country are our nation's citizen soldiers. They are patriots who are also known to their communities as mailmen, businessmen, students, and a whole host of other titles. Unlike active duty families, deployment is not a regular part of their lives, so mobilization can be a real challenge for their families.
Knowing what may be expected of families of National Guardsmen will help teachers, co-workers, and others unfamiliar with military life understand what sacrifices these families may be called upon to make.
Types of Deployments The National Guard has a dual mission in that it serves both federal and state governments. Guardsmen can be mobilized by a state governor to assist with local or statewide emergencies, including fires, natural disasters, or civil disturbances. The President of the United States can also call on the National Guard for federal missions. Guardsmen have participated in Bosnia and Kosovo to help stabilize the region, as well as in the Middle East in the war on terrorism.
Frequency and Length of DeploymentsGuardsmen regularly serve one weekend a month and two weeks during the summer until they are called upon or activated to active duty. Deployments vary in length, depending on the mission. Deployments can be up to a year in length, and in some circumstances extended beyond 12 months.
Challenges for the FamilySpending one weekend a month and the annual two-week separation — the normal time commitment for National Guardsmen — is not disruptive. Activation and deployment, however, can throw families into chaos. Families go through an emotional cycle when a parent is deployed. The family has to adjust, and then, just about the time they have the new routine down, the military member returns and they have to adjust all over again.
Financial preparedness is vital to a National Guard family, especially if the military member makes more in his civilian job than he does on active duty. Some families struggle financially when their military member is activated.
Children of all ages are affected when a parent deploys. Parents struggling with their own emotions may have difficulty in dealing with the behavior changes that often occur in their children. Older children who can verbalize their feelings may find talking with a teacher or other trusted adult can help them deal with their fears. Younger children who are unable to express their feelings may become aggressive or more withdrawn.
Staying or Going as a FamilySome National Guard units are able to stay in the local area when activated. If they are activated to support federal missions, they may be deployed for a year or more. They may be located within the continental United States or sent out of the country. If the family chooses to go with their military member and he or she is in a location within the United States, it is at their own expense and they are not eligible for military housing.
Most Guard families stay in their established community, where they have support networks and family. Even so, they often feel isolated from the rest of the community.
Living on a Military InstallationDepending on the orders, Guard families may or may not qualify for military housing. Even moving closer to military installations can bring a great deal of comfort and support services much closer. For families that have never lived in a military community, they can experience culture shock. The Army provides various programs to help educate and support activated families.
Support ServicesArmy Family Team Building (AFTB) is a spouse education program developed by spouses for spouses. It can help a spouse gain a better understanding of the military culture. There is also now a version designed specifically for the National Guard called Guard FAmily Team Building (GFTB).
Operation Ready helps families prepare for deployment, as well as for the return of their military member and reunion.
Army Community Service provides online information that can help isolated families and provide much-needed support.
If the family is close to an Army installation, Community Service Centers also offer support programs such as Family Advocacy , Army Emergency Relief , and GFTB.
Deployment and activation to active duty can throw families into a tailspin. Most, however, are able to recover, adapt, and make successful transitions to active duty and back to their life as citizen soldiers and airmen.

Displaying the United States Flag

Displaying the United States Flag
Indoors
Multiple staffs – If you display the flag on a staff with other flags around it, place the flag at the center and highest point.
Crossed staffs - Keep the flagstaff higher and on its own right.
Behind a speaker – Hang the flag flat on the wall. Do not decorate the podium or table with the flag. Use bunting for decoration.
Next to a speaker – Place the flag in a stand on the speaker’s right. Use the same placement for a religious service.
In a hall or lobby – Hang the flag vertically across from the main entrance with the stars to the left of anyone coming through the door.
On a casket – Drape the flag with its canton at the head and over the left shoulder of the body. Do not lower the flag into the grave.
Outdoors
On a vehicle – Attach the flag to the antenna or clamp the flagstaff to the right fender. Do not lay the flag over the vehicle.
On a building – Hang the flag on a staff or on a rope over the sidewalk with the stars away from the building.
Over the street – Hang the flag with the stars to the east on a north- south street or north on an east-west street.
Above other flags – Hang the flag above any other flag on the same pole
Other flags, separate poles – Hang all flags on equal poles. Hang the U.S. flag on its own right, hoist it first and lower it last.
In a window – Hang the flag vertically with the stars to the left of anyone looking at it from the street.
Half-mast – This is a sign of mourning. Raise the flag to the top of the pole then lower it to the half way point. Before lowering the flag, raise it to the top again at the end of the day.
Upside down – An upside-down flag is considered a distress signal.
You can retire your tattered, worn out and frayed American flags without cost to you. Send your flags to the Kitchen Table Gang Trust, 42922 Avenue 12, Madera, CA 93638-8866 and we will dispose of your flags in a proper and dignified manner with full honors pursuant to the United States Code. Please, don’t throw your old flags away, send them to us!

Information on Identity Theft

Protecting Your Personal Top Secret
Service Members Must be Vigilant to Prevent Identity Theft
By Mitch Swanda, CFP, USAA Financial Planning ServicesPosted January, 2005
Imagine returning from a six-month deployment to find your credit cards maxed out, your bank account drained, and unfriendly letters in the mail seeking payment for products you didn’t order. This nightmare could happen to you if you become a victim of what the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) calls the fastest growing crime in America identity theft. Within the past year, identity theft affected more than 10 million individuals and cost consumers and businesses more than $53 billion in lost funds and recovery efforts.
Identity theft occurs when an individual uses your name, address, Social Security number (SSN), financial account numbers or other personal information to commit fraud or other crimes. Most identity theft incidents are financially motivated, as the culprits typically use your confidential information to open fraudulent bank or credit card accounts in your name, cash your checks, or use your good credit to secure loans for cars and other big-ticket items.
For victims of identity theft, it can take months or years and thousands of dollars to clear their names. And since evidence suggests that members of the Armed Forces could be at an even greater risk for identity theft than the average American consumer, the need for service members to keep personal information secure is even more critical.
Military Members Make Prime Targets
Why would identity thieves target military members? Consider that personal records of government personnel may be more publicly available than those of civilians, making it easier for ID thieves to obtain information they can use. And, due to frequent PCS moves or deployments, service members may be less likely to stay apprised of their financial accounts and credit report, making them less likely to recognize identity theft before it’s too late.
While no one can guarantee their own protection from identity theft, there are steps military members can take to reduce their risk and minimize the damage if their information is compromised.
Precautions Can Pay Off
If there’s a possibility of being deployed, draft a durable power of attorney with the help of your JAG office. This document will allow a family member or another person you trust to manage your financial affairs, including responding to identity theft if it occurs, during your absence. You also should arrange to have your mail picked up regularly while you’re away.
Separation from the military is another prime window of opportunity for identity thieves. Until recently, the government encouraged all former service members to file a copy of Department of Defense Form 214 (DD 214) with their county courthouse, which made your military service records available to the public. As a result of confirmed identity theft cases resulting from public access to these records, service members are now instructed to keep this form private.
Beyond these military-specific measures, adopting some precautionary habits in your everyday life, such as shredding old financial documents and giving out your SSN only when necessary, can help to safeguard your personal information and minimize your risk of identity theft.
Your financial services providers also may offer services to help you detect identity theft and counteract the effects. Some banks and other financial institutions offer services to help you monitor your credit report and alert you to irregularities. And some renters and homeowners insurance policies now offer protection from identity theft, reimbursing the policyholder for financial losses resulting from the crime.
If It Happens to You
If you suspect that you have become an identity theft victim, inform all organizations that may be able to help isolate the problem: your employer, your bank and other financial services providers, creditors, credit reporting agencies, and the Social Security Administration.
And as you work to prove your identity has been stolen and recover your losses, keep a log of all conversations and correspondence with these organizations, and make records of any additional expenses you incur during the process.
Stay Alert, Stay Informed
The more you know about identity theft, the more prepared you’ll be to protect yourself. The FTC and DoD created Military Sentinel (www.consumer.gov/military), which alerts visitors to common scams and recognized offenders, and provides an online form to report identity theft cases directly to government officials. Also, The USAA Educational Foundation, a non-profit organization providing consumer information to the military and the general public, offers a comprehensive guide on identity theft, available for free at http://www.usaaedfoundation.org/.

Spouses to Teachers

While this program is not yet available to members of the NJ Guard, I thought it was of interest to some and may be something to watch for in the future.

Purpose: Spouses to Teachers (STT) is a pilot project in 6 states (California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Texas and Virginia,) designed to assess the needs of spouses relative to becoming a teacher. The program provides support to spouses of active duty military and Selected Reserves in their pursuit of K-12 teaching positions in the U.S. The various areas of support are: specific information relative to becoming a teacher, counseling and guidance to eligible spouses regarding teacher certification requirements, routes to certification, employment potential, financial assistance, and assistance with employment searches. Limited funding will be provided to eligible spouses to reimburse the cost of tests required for state teacher licensure/certification. Maximum available financial assistance is $600.00 per person. Additional certification exam funding may be approved on a case by case basis. There is a STT web site that provides information and links useful for those spouses interested in a teaching career.

Eligible Spouses:
¨ Spouses of active duty personnel
¨ Spouses of members of Selected Reserve and National Guard
¨ Spouses of members of Individual Ready Reserve recalled to active duty

Primary Audience:
¨ Spouses with baccalaureate degree or higher
¨ Spouses with a teacher certification in one state and are applying for certification in another state
¨ Spouses with less than a baccalaureate degree

Services Provided:
¨ Information regarding state certification requirements
¨ Counseling on certification options
¨ Application assistance for transferring teacher certification from one state to another
¨ Financial assistance to help meet expenses for examinations required for teacher certification
¨ Financial Aid resource assistance
¨ State employment guidance
¨ Spouses to Teachers web site
¨ Spouses to Teachers State Office

Procedures:
¨ State registration required to apply for stipend of up to $600.00 for state teacher certification exams (Additional certification exam funding may be considered on a case by case basis)
¨ State Spouse to Teachers Office prepares vouchers approving the test(s) and amount authorized to be reimbursed
¨ Individuals forwards the voucher to DANTES/Spouse to Teachers with proof of payment and voided personal check
¨ DANTES/STT will process approved vouchers for payment within 15 days of receipt
Spouse to Teachers contact information:
Address: DANTES Troops to Teachers6490 Saufley Field Road Pensacola, FL 32509-5243
Phone: 850-452-1151Toll free: 1-800-231-6282DSN: 922-1151E-mail: stt@voled.doded.mil

Military One Source

'Military OneSource' Solves Service Member, Family Member Problems
By Rudi WilliamsAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 30, 2004 The Defense Department has established a "one stop" place to go whenever service members or family members need assistance with any kind of problem.
It's called "Military OneSource," and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, according to John M. Molino, deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family policy.
"Military One Source is a revolutionary augmentation to the family services we currently have on military installations around the world," Molino explained during an interview with the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service.
Each service had its own OneSource program, and now DoD is bringing them together and calling it Military One Source, Molino noted.
He noted that it's intended to complement assistance offered to military families by the services. Molino said Military OneSource "leverages technology and enables DoD to provide assistance to families and service members via the Internet or a toll-free telephone number."
The services include everything from common, everyday difficulties that might face a family to life's most complicated situations, he noted.
Molino said Military OneSource is available 24 hours a day around the country and around the world. "It's a remarkable way to … step forward into a new generation of providing services," he said. "It's a place where no matter when that situation occurs, the military family member or service member could make a phone call or go on the Internet and begin to get some help."
The military services provide a lot of family services on installations, but Molino pointed out that about two-thirds of military families live off base. "The people who are off the installation tend to be the most junior folks," he added.
"They may not have the financial resources to have two cars, or to get themselves back and forth to the installations to get those services," Molino continued. "So what OneSource does is provide the opportunity to make that phone call and let us bring the services, literally, figuratively and electronically, to your home."
When someone calls Military OneSource for help, the person answering the phone has at least a master's degree in social work or some kind of counseling service, Molino noted. "That person is trained specifically to deal with military issues -- issues that complicate military life. So they're very sensitive to what you ask," he said.
"Some people think they're the only people who ever experienced whatever their problem is, and, of course, they're not," Molino emphasized. "Most everyone goes through different phases and different cycles."
The voice on the other end doesn't make judgments about situations, he noted. "They're there to listen to what you have to say, evaluate it, and give you the beginnings of an answer or actually the answer to your question," Molino said.
Military OneSource runs the gamut of situations: from needing a plumber in the middle of the night to fix a broken pipe, to needing veterinary service for a sick dog. It also handles things like helping families new to an area find childcare, or information about the school system, summer jobs whatever is needed.
"One Source can get all that information and provide it to you in a most efficient manner, whether it be electronically or getting back to you on the telephone," Molino said.
People shouldn't be afraid or embarrassed to seek help from Military OneSource, he said, but he acknowledged some people may be reluctant to ask for help. "You try to convince people that the person at the other end of the phone isn't going to be judgmental about your situation," he said.
Word of mouth is the best way to get the word out about Military OneSource within a unit, he noted. For example, Molino said, "If I'd made a phone call and had a positive experience, I can tell you about it. I can say, 'You know, I tried OneSource one time, and it worked for me. You ought to give it a shot.' Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness; it's really a sign of being smart it's a sign of smartness," Molino said.
What bothers Molino is when people say they don't need help from Military OneSource because of their unit assignment. "I heard that in some units they say, 'We're in an Army Ranger unit,' (or) 'We're in a Navy SEAL unit, and we don't need that kind of support,'" Molino said. "That's utter nonsense! If the pipe breaks in the middle of the night in the home of a Navy SEAL, you need a plumber just as badly as somebody else."
"When you figure out that this is a great resource that provides help, you ought take advantage of it," Molino said.
He pointed out when service members are deployed, they can put their minds at ease knowing that if their family needs help, it's only a phone call away.
Putting himself in that position, Molino said, "I would find it very comfortable to know that my family back home has that option, that service available. And they don't have to wait for the family center to open. They don't have to find a way to get to the family center. My wife wouldn't have to find a way to have the children taken care of.
"We can do things instantly, any time of the day or night," he continued. "If there's a language problem, OneSource is able to provide services in more than 100 languages, usually in less than a minute's delay."
Military One Source also can be helpful to active duty service members. They don't have to take time off from work or training to solve a problem. All they have to do is call Military OneSource, Molino noted.
He emphasized that Military One Source counseling service isn't mental health counseling, or counseling for an illness that might be burdening somebody.
"We have a health care system that provides that service," he noted. "This is a different kind of counseling. It's for folks that experience difficulties day to day. Let's say a service member has been deployed. The family has adjusted to his or her absence. Somebody is walking the dog, taking out the garbage. When he comes back, he has to fit back into the family. Others had performed those roles that he traditionally performed. Sometimes that creates friction."
All families have some degree of difficulty, and most of them manage to work through the problem. But sometimes they need a little assistance, and one toll- free phone call can get them that kind of counseling, Molino said.
Military OnceSource also is available to National Guardsmen and reservists being called to active duty for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
"We found that it works as well for guardsmen and reservists, especially because they tend not to be close to military installations," Molino said. "They can get that kind of support through the armory. The Guard and Reserve components initially went in a different direction with a different provider. Then they realized that OneSource actually was the gold standard, and they shifted over after about six months."
The toll-free numbers for Military OneSource are:From the United States: (800) 342-9647. From outside the United States (where available): (800) 3429-6477. International collect: (484) 530-5747.

Military Family Week

Congress Passes Resolution Creating Military Family Week
A resolution, sponsored by U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR, 3rd), designating the week of June 12 as National Military Families Week passed the House of Representatives on June 8 and the Senate on June 9. The resolution was sponsored in the Senate by Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE). Along with supporting the designation of the week as National Military Families Week, the resolution recognizes the sacrifices being made by, and the strain being placed on, the families of members of the Armed Forces. In his remarks introducing the resolution, Representative Boozman stated: "We have seen an increased awareness of the sacrifices these men and women have been making. Yet, there are many more people we have overlooked. There are husbands and wives who remain here in the United States while their spouses are making an enormous sacrifice. They are here working and caring for children and other family members left behind. These families face unique challenges while their loved ones are deployed. Yet, they remain resilient because of the wonderful support system they have here at home."
Representative Boozman also urged all U.S. citizens to get involved in their local communities to support military families and “to remember these people, not only in their thoughts and prayers, but by their deeds and actions." The text of the resolution, H.Con.Res. 159, is:

109th CONGRESS1st SessionH. CON. RES. 159CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Recognizing the sacrifices being made by the families of members of the Armed Forces and supporting the designation of a week as National Military Families Week.
HCON 159 EH
109th CONGRESS1st SessionH. CON. RES. 159CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Whereas the people of the United States have a sincere appreciation for the sacrifices being made by the families of members of the Armed Forces while their loved ones are deployed in the service of their country;
Whereas military families face unique challenges while their loved ones are deployed because of the lengthy and dangerous nature of these deployments;
Whereas the strain on military family life is further increased when these deployments become more frequent;
Whereas military families on the home front remain resilient because of their comprehensive and responsive support system;
Whereas the brave members of the Armed Forces who have defended the United States since September 11, 2001, continue to have incredible, unending support from their families; and
Whereas the week of June 12, 2005, has been proposed to be designated as National Military Families Week: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That the Congress--
(1) recognizes the sacrifices of military families and the support they provide for their loved ones serving as members of the Armed Forces; and
(2) supports the designation of a week as National Military Families Week.
Passed the House of Representatives June 8, 2005.

Make Your Marriage Stronger

PREVENTION AND RELATIONSHIP ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (PREP) Marriage Enrichment Workshop


The New Jersey National Guard Family Programs staff and your Chaplains have teamed up to offer you a truly out-standing program known as “PREP”. This program has proven so effective in recent years that it has been featured on 20/20, 48 Hours, Oprah, and in many articles of the printed media.

PREP offers a fresh approach. It is basic and straightforward. The workshop and the materials teach couples the skills they need to nurture a lasting love. Couples spend most of their time in special discussions or practicing skills. Key topics include expectations, commitment, fun, forgiveness, friendship, feeling understood, and sensuality.

PREP is NOT therapy, and is unlike anything to which you have been exposed. No encounter group or sharing of personal concerns, no dry psychobabble…simply thrilling insights into a more loving, growth filled relationship! PREP begins with teaching effective communication skills, and then addresses problem resolution strategies that work, how to discover the hidden issues in every relationship, and then move into forgiveness, fun, friendship and sensuality.

Our first Enrichment Workshop will be held at the Hyatt in Princeton, New Jersey. Check in at the hotel will be Friday night April 22 between 7:00 and 9:00 PM. The workshop will be held on Saturday 23 April and conclude at Noon on Sunday 24 April. Please see attached sheet for the listing of other Marriage Enrichment Workshops scheduled with the dates and locations you may choose from.

All spouses will be on ITO’s (Invitational Travel Orders) and soldiers attending will be in SUTA status for the weekend. Dress for the weekend is business casual for soldier and spouse. This weekend will be at virtually no cost to you since your hotel room and meals have been contracted at the hotel. At the conclusion of the weekend, you will complete your Travel Voucher for your reimbursement for mileage.

Attached you will find a registration form, information sheet, and workshop dates & locations. If you have any questions or need any further information please call the Family Program Office at 609-562-0668 or 609-562-0739.

Sincerely
Ralph W. Cwieka
CW4, NJARNG
Family Program Director

Prevention and Relationships Enhancement Program
(PREP) The Marriage Enrichment Workshop

Workshop Dates and Locations

Hyatt Regency Princeton 22-24 April 2005
102 Carnegie Center
Princeton, New Jersey 08540

Radisson Hotel 3-5 June 2005
915 Route 73
Mt Laruel, New Jersey 08054

Sheraton Edison Hotel 24-26 June 2005
Raritan Center Parkway
Edison, New Jersey 08837


Sheraton Edison Hotel 5-7 August 2005
Raritan Center Parkway
Edison, New Jersey 08837


Sheraton Edison Hotel 12-14 August 2005
Raritan Center Parkway
Edison, New Jersey 08837


Sheraton Edison Hotel 9-11 September 2005
Raritan Center Parkway
Edison, New Jersey 08837


Sheraton Edison Hotel 23-25 September 2005
Raritan Center Parkway
Edison, New Jersey 08837


Check-in for each conference will be on a Friday evening from 7-9 PM at the hotels.
Workshops will begin on the Saturday morning at 8:30AM and conclude at approximately 4:30 PM. Workshops on Sunday will begin at 8:30 AM and conclude at approximately 12 noon. The last hour at the workshop will be devoted to completion of spouses Travel Vouchers for mileage reimbursement. All meals have been contracted with the hotel at no cost to the attendees. Dinner Friday evening will be on your own.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKING YOUR MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT WORKSHOP
ARRANGEMENTS


PICK YOUR LOCATION AND DATES

CALL THE FAMILY PROGRAMS OFFICE MONDAY THRU FRIDAY BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8:00AM TO 5:00 PM, TO REGISTER YOUR LOCATION AND DATE. SPACE IS LIMITED AT EACH LOCATION AND DATE. LOCATION AND DATE WILL BE ON A FIRST CALL AND REGISTER BASIS. FAMILY PROGRAM PHONE NUMBERS
609-562-0668, 609-562-0739 609-562-0742


COMPLETE THE ENCLOSED REGISTRATION FORM AND MAIL
YOU’RE FORM TO THE FAMILY PROGRAMS OFFICE. ADDRESS IS ON THE FORM.


ONCE WE RECEIVE YOUR REGISTRATION FORM WE WILL MAIL
YOUR INVITATIONAL TRAVEL ORDERS TO YOU ALONG WITH ANY OTHER INFORMATION.

6. DRESS FOR THIS WEEKEND WILL BE CASUAL BUSINESS ATTIRE.



Thank you for following the above instructions this will make the process for registration run smoothly. Looking forward to seeing you at this weekend retreat. If you have any questions at all please call me at 609-562-0668


Sincerely

Ralph W. Cwieka
CW4, NJARNG
Family Program Director

REGISTRATION FORM
New Jersey National Guard
Marriage Enrichment Retreat


SOLDIER’S NAME:______________________________________

SOLDIER’S SSN: _________-_________-___________

SPOUSE’S NAME:_______________________________________

SPOUSE’S SSN: ______-________-_________ (for ITO orders)


(Street Address)

______________________ _________ _____________
(City) (State) (Zip Code)

TELEPHONE NUMBER Daytime: ( ) _____-__________
Evening: ( ) _____-__________

Hotel Location and Date Attending: ______________________________

Email Address: ____________________________________________

Miles from Home of Record to Hotel: _____________

UNIT OF ASSIGNMENT: _______________________________________

Please return to:
NEW JERSEY ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
HEADQUARTERS STATE AREA COMMAND
ATTN: CW4 RALPH W. CWIEKA
3650 Saylors Pond Road
Fort Dix, New Jersey 08640-7600

Australia Opens as MWR Destination

Off-Duty Travel Opens Australia as Vacation DestinationBy Tim Hipps Special to American Forces Press Service
ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15, 2005 – Military travelers can purchase vacations to Australia for about the same cost as a getaway to Europe simply by visiting a military-sponsored Web site.
Authorized Morale, Welfare and Recreation patrons can go to the Off-Duty Travel Web site and click on "Joint Services Travel Specials" to begin a step-by-step process for building itineraries to a vacation Down Under. After preparing the itinerary, they can visit a supporting Information, Ticket and Reservation office or Information, Tickets and Tours office to finalize the booking, confirm arrangements and pay for the vacation.
"We're estimating these packages will be 10 to 30 percent less expensive than anything else they're going to be able to find," said Dan Yount, chief of Army Leisure Travel Services at the U.S. Army Community and Family Support Center.
MWR patrons can purchase eight-day trips from Los Angeles to Sydney, including lodging at three- or four-star hotels with some tours, starting as low as $1,300. It can be even more affordable for soldiers on rest-and-recuperation leave from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
"If someone is on R&R leave out of either Iraq or Afghanistan, the government will fly them any place that is shown as their destination on their leave orders," Yount explained. "So when they're planning their R&R leave, and enter Sydney, Australia, as the leave destination, the Transportation Office will arrange transportation to Sydney.
"For soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan supporting OIF and OEF," he continued, "this is a benefit that could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go on a great vacation with Uncle Sam paying a major part of the expense."
The Australian packages are a Combined Army, Navy and Marine Corps ITR/ITT program available to active duty people, members of the Reserve components, retired military, family members, and Defense Department civilians.
"Any authorized MWR patron (who) can provide proof of DoD affiliation is eligible," Yount said. "This kind of a product hasn't been available on a lot of military bases since 1999, when the Army and Navy parted company with commercial travel contractors providing leisure travel services on many installations. And it's never been available at a price this low."
Military personnel assigned to OIF or OEF and approved to take authorized R&R leave can click on the "R&R Troop Travel" link for more information. MWR patrons can also click on the "Great Travel Deals" link. The deals include numerous vacation packages to all eight of Australia's states.
Yount said prices fluctuate based on the season, but noted that there is no bad time to visit Australia. "Australian seasons are the opposite of ours, with winter occurring in June, July and August, and summer starting in January," Yount said. "Weather patterns are much milder than a winter in the northeastern United States or the Midwest."
New York, Los Angeles and Honolulu are the embarkation points. Travelers can make arrangements from their nearest airport as part of the travel package using a Qantas code-share partner, or they may make their own travel arrangements to those destinations.
If travelers do not have access to a local ITT or ITR office, they can make arrangements via e-mail or telephone. A deposit that includes the full price of the airline ticket and a percentage of the land packages will be required upon booking. Travelers will have until 45 days before departure to finish paying for the package.
"Somebody who wants to book a year out is going to be able to take their time paying, and it probably won't be painful at any one time," Yount said. "If somebody wants to pay all at once and leave in a week or two, that's their privilege, too. If they make (the reservation) within 45 days, they have to pay immediately."
Yount said the Australian vacation's affordability is tough to beat. "We regard this opportunity as a great example of MWR in action to provide affordable, top-quality services and products at a price unavailable off the base," he said.

Helmets to Hardhats

Jobs for Former and Current Guardsmen

Helmets to Hardhats is a nationwide non-profit program that helps Guardsmen, Reservists, transitioning military and veterans find quality careers in the construction industry. We have recently partnered with the National Guard to provide this FREE civilian job search program to you.There are currently many civilian job openings from California to New York and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to apply for them while they are available.If you are interested in a civilian career with high pay and great benefits, please register with us today. It is free to you and once you register, you can begin to show which careers you are interested in and we can help you along the way. Please click here to register now. Thank you for serving our country! Sincerely, Helmets to Hardhats (866)741-6210

State Family Council Announces Grant Program

The State Family Readiness Council is currently taking applications for their grant program. There is a very short application process and information for this can be obtained through your local FAC office. Family grants requested can be up to $2, 500.00 and the Small Business Grants can be up to $5, 000 (you must have had the business PRIOR to your deployment). There are a few requirements and they can be obtained through your FAC Coordinator. If you have experienced a financial hardship or extenuating circumstances because of your deployment, regardless of income, I encourage you to complete the grant paperwork, you never know unless you try! Please call during business hours to get copies of the paperwork and receive help if necessary.

Cherry Hill A Copmany 250th FRG

I had the honor to attned the 250th's meeting last night and take part in their vigil marking the year anniversary since their soldiers' departure for Iraq. In honor of their soldiers, the group planted a mighty oak on the front lawn of the armory. Members adorned the tree with a yellow ribbon to show their love and support.

Chaplain Williams was present and said some very inspirational words to the group and we believe, had his first official "tree blessing". In addition, there were sentiments shared by group members, poetry read, stories told and each member placed a shovel of dirt into the base of the tree as a symbol of their unity and commitment to the troops overseas and their safe return. It was a very touching and moving moment and one I know I will never forget.

After the ceremony, the group moved inside for cake, snacks and to watch a video that one of the soldiers made of their deployment and sent home to be watched at the vigil. In all, it was a great evening and thank you to all those that made the night possible. HANG IN EVERYONE..........ONE YEAR DOWN, NOT LONG TO GO!!!

FRG Members Could Use Some Help..........Time to be An Army of One!!!

A Company 250th out of the Cherry Hill Armory could use some help in assisting two of their families. One of our families experinced a house fire and did not have renter's insurance. The FRG has been tremendous in helping this family with their needs and shoudl be commended for their commitment and generosity.

In addition to assisting this family, one of their FRG members had a heart attack last week. While this member is doing well and is at home, resting at home may be an issue. We are looking to fill several weeks of our own version of "Meals on Wheels" for this member so she can recuperate. If you would like to volunteer to make and deliver a dinner to them one night, please contact me at the FAC and I will make the arrangements with you.

Great Adventure Confirmation I Need Your Ticket Orders ASAP

The date for Great Adventure is confirmed. It will be September the 24th. Tickets will be $17 a piece. Tickets may be purchased for extended family. There will be a parking fee of $10 per car (if we sell over 3000 tickets, however, this will be reduced).

I need your firm ticket orders as soon as possible! Please contact me if you have any questions.

You have the 411 BUT do you have the 211???

At our monthly FAC meeting we had an opportunity to meet Tom TOronto, a representative from United Way who came and spoke to us about this exciting new initiative. He informed us that many of the calls taken in at the 911 call centers are Non-emergency calls and are people looking for resources that do not require police, ambulance or fire dispatch. In an effort to provide people the resources and referrals they are looking for you can now call 211 and receive information and referrals on a variety of topics and issues. Please remember this along with your Military One Source as future sources of information, as well as of course, your FAC center.

Non-Emergency Help Line Start Up: 2-1-1 provides all residents of New Jersey with a single, easy to use system for information and assistance. Dialing 2-1-1 will provide resources and referrals to callers about issues including: basic human needs resources: food banks, clothing closets, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance; Support for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities; Support for Children, Youth and Families: childcare, after school programs, NJ FamilyCare, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services; Physical/Mental Health Resources; Employment Supports. More information is available: Dial 2-1-1 or visit: www.NJ211.org.

Military Idol???!!!

Are you a soldier who loves to sing? Do you sing in your car, the shower? Do you dream of singing on stage in front of a live audience? Well it's time to stop dreaming and start doing. Log on to http://www.Militaryidol.com for details on the first Military Idol competition to see if you have what it takes to be number one. Thirty-six Army installations will be hosting Military Idol starting this August. This multi-week competition will combine the popularity of the TV show American Idol with the talents of our military performers, and is sure to be a win-win situation for all involved. The top "Idol" at each installation will advance to compete in the national Army-wide competition for bragging rights as the Army's top "Military Idol" and a chance to win $1,000.

MSIJOC

Servicemembers and veterans severely injured in Iraq and Afghanistan have inspired two new initiatives to help them and their families through difficult times. The first is a call center, with its title and phone number hard to memorize but worth the effort: the Military Severely Injured Joint Support Operations Center (MSIJOC) with "care managers" standing by at 1 888-774-1361 (24/7 Family Support). In addition Military.com has partnered with the MSIJOC to provide an online career center for severely injured servicemembers at http://www.military.com/support. A second initiative is traumatic injury insurance for the military. By Dec. 1, it will provide from $25,000 to $100,000 in financial help to service members or veterans injured severely. The payments will be retroactive, to Oct. 7, 2001, to cover members severely wounded
in Afghanistan or Iraq. More details can be found at http://www.military.com/Opinions/0,,Philpott_060105,00.html

FREE BASEBALL CAMP

Baseball Camp available FREE for children of deployed soldiers and airmen. Former Major League Baseball player and retired Trenton Thunder coach, Steve Braun, has offered to conduct a summer baseball camp on Saturday and Sunday, 16-17 July 2005. The two-day camp is provided free to children of New Jersey National Guard soldiers or airmen who are, or have been, deployed overseas during the Global War on Terrorism. Boys and girls, ages 7-16, are invited to apply through their respective Family Assistance Centers or by calling 1-888-859-0352. The first day of the camp will kick off at 8:30 a.m. (Children should arrive at 8:00 a.m.) with a short parade to the playing fields adjacent to the Lawrence Township Intermediate School. Parents should park in the school parking lot. The day will include batting, base running, and field position training by Steve Braun and his professional coaching staff. On Saturday, campers will have a hot dog and soda picnic for lunch and the first day of camp will end around 4 p.m. On Sunday, the camp will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 11:30 a.m. At 12 noon, on buses donated by the Stires Bus Company, the campers will travel to Waterfront Park and receive free admission to the Trenton Thunder game (parents are invited to attend the game at their own expense). Campers should bring money for food or snacks at the game on Sunday. Buses will return the campers to the playing fields at the conclusion of the game for pick-up and transport back home.

Can You Help????

Parent in need of a job: The Toms River FAC has a deployed soldier’s mother living in the Berlin, NJ area in need of a job. She completed the Medical Coding course at Camden County College and also took the American Academy of Professional Coders nationwide test for certification and passed. Her credentials are known as CPC-A meaning apprentice. She prefers a job in medical coding, but right now needs work, so she is seeking anything which she has experience, including accounts receivables and cost accounting which covers financial statements. If you can assist e-mail or call me and I’ll provide the link up.

NJ Youth ChalleNGe Program

NJ Youth ChalleNGe Program: Do you know of someone who needs a second chance or would like to help provide one, then the New Jersey National Guard ChalleNGe Youth Program is for you. The Challenge Program has a five-month residential program with a 12 month follow-up post-residential program for 16-18 year olds who no longer attend any secondary school. The aim of the program is to develop educated, well-rounded and productive citizens of the State of New Jersey. The next NJ Youth ChalleNGe Program Class starts on September 11, 2005. For details and an application go to: http://www.state.nj.us/military/challenge/index.html or call 1-800-997-5587.
- The cadet must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States and New Jersey.
- The cadet must be between 16-18 years of age.
- The cadet must be free from legal involvements; including probation, parole or any pending court matters.
- The cadet must be drug and alcohol free.
- The cadet must be a volunteer.
- The cadet must be officially withdrawn from High School.

Marriage Enrichment Seminar

The next Marriage Enrichment Seminar is scheduled for June 24-26 at the Sheraton Edison Hotel in Edison, NJ. Remember, there is no cost involved and the soldier attends in a paid SUTA status. The June Seminar is filling up fast, so if you and your spouse are interested in attending, please call the State Family Programs Office at (609) 562-0742 to make your reservations.

Father's Day at Cardstore.com

Cardstore.com is providing a Father's Day card service for troops and their families. This service is free for forward-deployed U.S. troops serving in the Middle East, and costs 99 cents for those assigned elsewhere. The company said it will make the process as easy as possible for U.S. military personnel and their families to remember Dad on his special day. They can visit the company's Web site and select greeting cards online, or create their own by uploading a photo, and then adding a personal note to the inside. To take advantage of the 99-cent offer, enter promotion code usdad99 at checkout. Cardstore.com will then print and mail the cards in time for Father's Day on June 19. www.cardstore.com

Rolling Thunder Event

The Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 invites everyone to attend a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans rally on Saturday June 18th 5-9 PM at Miller Air Park, Route 530, Berkeley Township, NJ. Live music, food and beverage vendors. No alcohol permitted. For additional information call (609) 971-3544.

DMN Information for National Guard Members Deployed in the War on Terrorism

New Jersey National Guard and Reserve Members
"Active duty National Guard personnel and reservists serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the war on terrorism are being given automatic extensions if their driver's license, vehicle registration or inspection sticker is expiring."
In response to Executive Order #54 which was signed by Governor James E. McGreevey on April 1, 2003, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) has issued Administrative Order 2003-01.
The order entitles active duty National Guard and Reserve members serving in the war on terrorism (including Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom) or Operation Iraqi Freedom to automatic extensions of valid driver license, registration and inspection expiration dates.
MVC does not have the ability to code the records of active duty members on our system or to actually change the expiration dates of your documents, as applicable. Therefore, we have decided to provide you with official paperwork to display to law enforcement should that be necessary. The law enforcement community will be notified of the extension process.
Please carefully read the attached administrative order and comply with the instructions should you meet the extension eligibility requirements.
The extension will not result in a reduced fee at the time you are able to renew your driver license or registration. Therefore, if it does not represent a physical or financial hardship to renew in accordance with the expiration dates displayed on the applicable documents, or to have your vehicle inspected, I would urge you to do so accordingly.
If you have any questions regarding the administrative order, contact the MVC call center toll free from within NJ at 888.486.3339, or 609.292.6500 from outside of NJ (toll call). If any issues remain unresolved, please contact your commanding officer.

Subsidized Child Care for Deployed Troops

Subsidized Child Care Available for All Deployed Troops: Thousands of deployed National Guard/Reservists are now eligible to receive help with daycare near their home. The department of defense has launched "Operation Military Child Care" to help families that aren't near bases pay for childcare. National Guard, reserve, and active duty personnel serving in the war on terror are eligible for the aid. In the past help was only available for people living near a military base leaving many families, especially members of the National Guard/Reservists to fend for themselves. The amount of assistance will depend on family income, geographic location, Military and DOD childcare free policy and funding availability. Applications are set to be processed within one to five days of receipt. For more information or an application, please call 1-800-424-2246 or go to www.naccrra.org/MilitaryPrograms/index.php?program=omcc

Camden River Sharks Discounted Tickets

Someone has asked me to forward you information on programs we run with the military.

We are actually hosting a Military Appreciation Day here on July 4th. On that day members of Charlie Company from Fort Dix, New Jersey will be honored on the field prior to the game. These soldiers are all recovering from various injuries.

We are offering any military that day a $16 ticket. This includes a ticket to the game, hot dog, 20 oz soda and a t-shirt celebrating the day.

For days other than July 4th, we could offer the food and ticket package w/o the t-shirt for $10.00

We would love to have more military groups visit our stadium so please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Randy Newsome
Camden Riversharks
(p) 856-963-2600, ext. 104

State Park Passes

Park Passes: The Family Assistance Center has been issued Park Passes for 2005. If there are any dependent family members of New Jersey National Guard soldiers deployed who need a Park Pass, please e-mail or call me so they can be mailed or picked up at the Woodbury FAC.

Recall Notice on Meat

Attention full-time staff, please make all efforts to contact Traitional Members "As Soon As Possible" concerning this recall.
This e-mail serves to inform all 108th ARW Personnel of a USDA recall of the follwing Meat Products. The meat products being recalled were stocked, and may have been sold in the McGuire commissary. The 305th Public Health office is actively investigating the incident and will issue a statement at the conclusion of their investigation. If you have purchased these products, follow the directions in the USDA recall notification below.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information For... Consumers & Educators Scientists & Researchers Businesses Constituent Groups FSIS Employees You are here: Home / FSIS Recalls / Open Federal Cases / Recall Notification Report 026-2005
Recall Notification Report 026-2005 Product(s) Recalled: Frozen Ground Beef Patties and Meatballs
Production Dates/Identifying Codes: The products subject to recall include:
Packages of "Murry's 100% PURE BEEF Jumbo Beef Patties." Each package contains 6-6.4 ounce patties. The item code, "06716" is listed on the label. The patties were produced on April 1, 2004 and were distributed to retail customers in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
20-ounce packages of "MURRY'S FAMILY OF FINE FOODS Gourmet Meatballs, Oven Ready, Cooks in 15 Minutes." The item code, "63101" is listed on the label. The meatballs were produced on April 1, 2004 and were distributed to retail customers in Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C.
10-pound boxes of "MURRY'S Steaks and Other Fine Foods, 01357, 4B WIDE 100% ALL BEEF PATTIES, NET WT. 10 LBS. The patties were produced on April 1, 2004 and were distributed to food service customers in Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
10-pound boxes of "MURRY'S Steaks and Other Fine Foods, 01340, 2 OUNCE 100% ALL BEEF PATTIES, NET WT. 10 LBS." The patties were produced on April 1, 2004 and were distributed to retail customers in Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
All of the products subject to recall contain the production code "40104" and bear the establishment number "EST. 516A" inside the USDA seal of inspection.
Problem/Reason for Recall: The product may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7.
How/When Discovered: Product was tested by a state of New Jersey lab and found positive for Escherichia coli O157:H7. The testing was prompted by the report of an illness.
Federal Establishment: 0516A M Murry's Inc. 1501 Willow Street Lebanon, PA 17046
Consumer Contact: Gary Gold, Senior VP Food Store Division, 301-420-6400 ext.825
Media Contact: Ira Mendelson, Pres. CEO, Chairman, 301-420-6400 ext. 800
Quantity Recalled: Approximately 63,850 pounds
Distribution: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia
Recall Classification: Class I
Recall Notification Level: Retail and Institutional
Press Release: Pennsylvania Firm Recalls Ground Beef Products for Possible E. Coli O157:H7
Direct Notification Means: The firm has notified its customers verbally and will do so in writing.
FSIS Follow-up Activities: Effectiveness checks by the FSIS, Office of Field Operations (OFO).
Other Agencies Involved: New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Department of Defense
FSIS Contacts:
FSIS Recall Coordinator: (215) 597-4219 Recall Management Staff: (202) 690-6389 Media Inquiries: (202) 720-9113 Congressional Inquiries: (202) 720-3897 Consumer Inquiries: 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854); TTY, 1-800-256-7072 Web Site: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/ (FSIS Main Page) or http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls/ (Recall Information)
Date of Recall Meeting: June 09, 2005
Recall Case Number: 026-2005
MSgt Alphonza E. Chase NCOIC Bioenvironmental Engineering 108th Air Refueling Wing, New Jersey ANG 1818 Manor Road McGuire AFB, New Jersey 08641-5406 Com: (609) 754-5769 DSN: 650-5769 FAX: (609) 754-5767 DSN 650-5769

ARNG Mobile Event Team

The National Guard Bureau is executing an aggressive new program to promote the ARNG. We are looking for 35 soldiers for ADSW to start immediately as part of the ARNG's Mobile Event Team. Travel is a must for these soldiers as they will be going from city to city deploying a recruiting lead generation system, working some of the largest events in the country.
Positions available are two officer slots: (WO1, CW2, 2LT, 1LT or CPT). All soldiers must have completed BCT and AIT.
To be considered:the applicant must submit a photo in uniform (BDU's preferred), a Biographical Record Brief (attached below), a letter of recommendation from your unit leadership and a letter of endorsement from the State Recruiting and Retention Manager (RRM).
All soldiers must meet current height and weight standards and present a professional appearance in uniform. Applications are received on a rolling basis to the POC below via email. Selected soldiers will be notified ASAP and only applicants selected will be notified. If you are selected a LOI will be forwarded to you on the mission and training time lines. Orders will be cut by the State RRF and funding for the soldiers ADSW and travel will be provided by NGB in a by name request for the selected soldier.
These soldiers must be capable of performing the following duties after receiving appropriate training:
Traveling with the ARNG NASCAR Event Show Car System to races, various youth events and other locations
Providing demonstrations of ARNG individual and squad equipment and operations for large crowds
Operating a new, large Physical Fitness Challenge at events
Visiting various active duty military installations to promote the ARNG with active Army, USMC and Navy personnel
Following up on leads
We require good representation of MOS's, male and female soldiers, and diversity in race and ethnicity.
Openings are available immediately. The first few weeks of the program all, soldiers will receive intense training on ARNG recruiting and operation of the equipment.
Special skills required are:
Public speaking and an ability to communicate with various audiences in a positive manner
Knowledge and passion for the Army National Guard (we want the soldiers who are deeply committed to the ARNG and want to promote it to the American public)
Professional appearance in uniform
Physically fit
Ability to travel for long periods of time
Ability to act independently while focusing on the team
Qualified for the Government Travel Card
Ability to work cooperatively with others under pressure after long duty hours
Desire to make a big difference
Trained in how to prospect for leads for local RRNCOs
Trained in how to take and distribute digital images called eshots
If a unit to which these soldiers belong comes up on an alert or mobilization list, that will take the priority over this assignment. If a soldier's unit is already on alert they should not apply for this program.
These soldiers will be traveling across the nation for many months without being able to return to their homes. Therefore, they must be free of personal issues that may disrupt the core mission of the team.
If you are selected we will provide a notification of the events that your team is scheduled to work. We have four mobile event systems that are organized to provide maximum support to the ARNG accessions program. These teams conduct one-on-one prospecting while working with the local RRF teams and have a significant impact on ARNG accessions. States that support this request with sharp soldiers will be considered in the scheduling of the event systems.
Send all requested information to Gregory.Galligan@ngb.army.mil for review and consideration.
CPT Greg GalliganOIC, Mobile Event Team703-607-0138 (Office)703-597-5369 (Mobile)703-607-3628 (Fax)

Summer Program for Children at Woodbury FAC

WELCOME TO SUMMER
Now that the kids are out of school.......what do I do?
Bring them to the Woodbury FAC Summer Program
The programs will include arts and crafts, games, learning centers, story time and lots of other fun things to do for children of all ages (activities will be geared to elementary ages)

Who: All military children (must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, this is NOT daycare)
What: Woodbury FAC Kids Summer Program
When: Monday thru Friday 9:00am - 12:00pm Starting June 27, 2005
Where: Woodbury FAC
658 North Evergreen Avenue
Woodbury New Jersey 08096
Why: To keep your kids busy this summer and bring families together for support and conversation while the kids play.

Please note that children MUST have an adult present to participate and REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! This will allow us to plan for supplies, field trips, snacks and other things required to make the program run smooth. To register, please email Heather Altman at njamazonchic@comcast.net. Please include the following in your email:

Your Name:

Name of Servicemember, Branch and Unit:

Days of week you plan on attending:

Names and Ages of Children:

We are also looking for volunteers to help so if you have some free time and would like to volunteer to help please let me know. We will be actively looking for donations to run this program (money, supplies, free trips etc.) so please contact me if you would like to make a donation or have any contacts that may be willing to do so!