GoMDL Magazine - Spring/Summer 23

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Watch & Bet with the Best

Get To Know The Deputy Commander

Commander's Note

Strengthening

our community is at the forefront of everything we do in the 87th Force Support Squadron. From the smallest of tasks to the largest of events, our mission is to provide personnel, manpower, morale and recreation services, food service and lodging support, child care, training, education and family readiness capabilities to our joint base service members, their dependents, and guests. We strive to execute our mission with P.R.I.D.E. (professionalism, respect, innovation, development, and engagement).

Our collective PRIDE in our service is on display through this season’s edition of GoMDL magazine. You can also find it in our social media; whether you are following our Facebook page or our Instagram account, you will see the faces, places, and things that give our squadron PRIDE (pro tip: using the hashtags #OTB and #gomdl are great way for us to find you as well!). However, the PRIDE in our service is best exemplified when it is felt. When you enter an FSS facility, purchase an FSS product, or participate in an FSS event, you will feel the PRIDE. That PRIDE, that sense of community, is the thing that makes your FSS the best joint base resource for bringing people together. On average there are 50 different ways that you can be a part of this community each month, offered to you by your FSS with PRIDE. You can find these offerings and more at our GoMDL website. I look forward to seeing you at one of these events and building stronger connections with you.

It has been a sincere honor and privilege to command such an amazing team of military, civilian, and contract personnel. In my brief time here, I have seen the work to rebuild our community connections—internally, and externally. The beauty of these efforts has been that every success and every struggle yielded an opportunity for your FSS to find new ways of building those bonds. It will be an ongoing process that we look forward to navigating with, and for, you. You, our community, are the most important part of the joint base mission’s success. I’m supremely confident as we keep that focus, our community will only grow stronger. As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Ms. Ana Brown is currently the Deputy Commander of the 87th Force Support Squadron for Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst where she provides Manpower, Personnel, and Services support to over 58,000 service members, civilians, and families in the Joint Base Community. In this position, she directs operations for over 1,400 appropriated and non-appropriated fund civilians, Sailors, Airmen, and contractors.

I was previously the senior Air Force Global Strike Command expert and authority on Airman, Family, Community Readiness, and Resilience issues. I provided expert resilience consultation services and guidance to AFGSC CC/CV and staff, 8 AF and 20 AF CCs/CVs and staff, AFGSC directors and staff, 9 Wing commanders and Community Support Coordinators (CSCs) supporting the major command’s mission to organize, train and equip combat-ready forces for nuclear deterrence and global strike operations involving more than 33,000 military and civilian professionals at eight Air Force installations and nine wings that control Minuteman III ICBMS, B-1, B-2, B-52, UH-1N and nuclear command, control, and communication missions in support of U.S. national security objectives.

Throughout my career, I’ve held various positions across DoD with the FA and also with our mission partners, Army and Navy. I am knowledgeable in all core Family Support programs. My success in supporting service members and families is greatly attributed to knowing firsthand the challenges of military life as a military spouse, mother, and DoD Civilian.

Prior to joining government service, I worked for 8+ years as an adolescent and adult educator which has armed me with deep knowledge of adult learning theories and innovative training delivery methods allowing me to convey and expect excellent customer service attending to clients and supporting leadership in accomplishing the mission.

My many years of service thus far, have brought so many gifts and wonderful experiences my way, and I feel like I just keep winning with my newest assignment as the 87FSS Deputy Director. I am already amazed by the caliber of the amazing Airman and Civilians of the 87th Force Support Squadron.

My vision is simple, I fully intend to transparently assist in successfully executing the mission of a first-class organization with top-caliber personnel such as the 87FSS while providing superior service to those we serve.

From Left to Right: A1C Whitley, Ms. Gormley, CMSgt Renadette, Maj Marianetti, Lt Col Curtis, MSgt Hudson, Ms. Brown

Flavors of the Season

Thanks to our readers for submitting these mouthwatering recipes for all to enjoy!

Watermelon

Summer Refresher

Submitted by Mandy Sliney

1 1/2 fresh limes, juiced

1/4 cup rum (optional)

Simple syrup

Blend and pour over ice

Cool Corn Salad -

Submitted by Erin Searls

6 ears of fresh corn, shucked

1 each red and green medium

bell pepper

1 medium jalapeño

1 medium onion

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 tbsp minced garlic

Juice of 2 limes

Salt and pepper to taste

Bring a pot of water to boiling and place corn in for 8 minutes. Remove and let cool.

Dice peppers and onion and place in large bowl. Dice jalapeños (chop seeds and ribs of jalapeño depending on your spice tolerance). Add to diced veggies. Remove kernels from corn cobs and add to diced veggies. Mix in cilantro, garlic and lime juice. Stir.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Delicious No-Bake

Peanut Butter Pie

Submitted by Stacey Viers

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed

2 cups chopped peanut butter cups, either mini or regular size peanut butter cups

1 store-bought regular or chocolate graham cracker crust

Beat cream cheese and peanut butter with an electric mixer until smooth and mix in vanilla.

Beat in powdered sugar until smooth.

Fold in Cool Whip until blended.

Fold in 1 1/2 cups chopped peanut butter cups.

Spread filling into crust. Sprinkle remaining peanut butter cups on top.

Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours before serving

Grape Salad

Submitted by Franshon Lanier

1 block softened cream cheese

1cup sour cream

1 small tub of Cool Whip

1/4 cup white sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar (extra for toasting pecans)

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2- 2 lbs green seedless grapes (Rinsed and dried)

1 small bag chopped pecans

In a large bowl, cream together the cream cheese, sour cream, sugars and vanilla until blended. Add grapes and mix to coat.

Toast pecans in oven for about 3-4 minutes and then toss in extra brown sugar. Sit aside to cool

Cover and refrigerate the grape salad mixture.

Just before serving sprinkle toasted brown sugar pecans across the top.

It's going to be an exciting season and you won't want to miss a single thing!

87th Force Support Squadron

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst New Jersey

Lt Col Alfred B. Curtis, III Commander

Ms. Ana Brown Deputy Commander

All non-87FSS advertising is "Paid Advertising". No Federal endorsement of sponsors or advertisers implied. All information correct at time of publishing; all information subject to change. Comments are welcome. Visit us at www.gomdl.com and leave a comment by clicking the ICE button, search 87FSS Marketing.

CMSgt Megan Renadette Senior Enlisted Leader

is a production of the 87FSS Marketing Department

Time To Travel!

By Lulani Lobdell

What is the purpose of FSS Information, Tickets & Travel?

To offer the best service and discounted military tickets through Air Force Central Ticketing Program and our local vendors; serving as a resource for activities and attractions in the local area; serving as a go-between and offering guidance for vacation planning or direct booking, making it easier for our guests to find the best deals.

What goals do you plan to achieve from this program?

Continuing with our offerings and finding new fun attractions to offer, re-building our leisure trips program, enhancing our resort booking program to help military members find the best deals and have fantastic vacations.

What is the most challenging part of this program?

The most challenging part right now is recovering our leisure trips program, after COVID. We have offered a wide variety of bus trips from Broadway to city cultural activities and we are really focusing on bringing back those programs to benefit our military community with max participation.

What are your most popular events/activities from ITT?

Disney/Universal Military promotion tickets, Broadway trips, Eagles/Jets tickets

What other ITT events and activities do you offer?

Disney Cruise bookings, Disney/Universal resort vacation bookings, American Forces Travel vacation planning assistance

How do you sign up for events and activities through ITT?

Due to the nature of specific military discounts being offered, in person 100% ID check is required in office when signing up for events or buying tickets.

Is there anything else that you would like to add? Check out our upcoming events this spring/summer!

• Harry Potter & the Cursed Child

Broadway Trip Aug 26th

• Phillies/Yankees (MLB) tickets on sale March 1st

Plan Your Trip With Us!

Additional FSS ITT Dix 6045 Doughboy Loop 609.562.4208

Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm Saturday: 9am-4pm Sunday: Closed

FSS ITT Lakehurst 484 Lansdowne Rd Flight Deck Community Center Room 120 Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm Saturday & Sunday: Closed

In addition to being your #1 stop for military discounted popular local theme park attractions, we also carry the military promotion tickets for Disney and Universal (FL & CA).

In 2018 we started the leisure program: full-service Hotel resorts, dining, and ticket packages for Universal and Disney. We book on-property locations for you and take the stress out of planning your vacation, all the while making sure you get your military discount at the best rate possible. We can also assist with military discounted airline, car rental, and hotels through americanforcestravel.com

Shen 732.323.1362

Just a small list of what ITT has to offer... ... call or visit GoMDL.com for more!

Pre-Sale Sports MLB - Phillies & Yankees NFL - Jets & Eagles Broadway Trips Wicked Lion King Radio City Christmas Spectacular

By Lauren Watkins

When you think of libraries you think of books, and yes we’ve got those, but when you visit the 87FSS Librar-E & Resource Commons it’s not just about our 13,000+ collection of items available for check out. It’s about finding a quiet place to study for an upcoming exam; it’s about bringing your family together for a children’s program; it’s about learning the latest in 3D Printing technology. It’s about you. When you come to the 87FSS Librar-E and Resource Commons you will be greeted with a friendly face ready to help you with whatever brings you to the library.

Are you looking for technical services? Well, we can help with that. We offer 4 NIPR NET and 12 Commercial access computers that are CAC enabled. If you need to print something we offer cash only print and fax services. Faxing to toll free numbers is free, but for non-toll free numbers costs $0.50/page. We also have a scanner available for patron use. If you need help using technology we offer Tech Talk programs throughout the year, or you can also drop by the library anytime to speak with our Technical Information Specialist, Mr. Chambers, who will be happy to help you with your technology needs. Mr. Chambers also leads a monthly 3D

Fall in Love with

Valley Forge & Montgomery County

A world of adventures rich in American history awaits you in Valley Forge and Montgomery County, PA. Our region is home to not only must-see historical sites but also tons of family attractions, a vibrant arts scene, shopping malls, golf, outdoor activities, and so much more!

For more information valleyforge.org

Valley Forge National Historical Park

For our youngest library patrons we offer Story Time weekly on Thursday mornings at 10am. New this year we have also started offering Story Time in the afternoons on the 1st Monday and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 4pm. Ms. Cathy and Ms. Marie are our Story Time Queens and each week you can expect story time to include a brand-new theme, accompanying activity and take-home craft. In addition to story time, we also have themed parties throughout the year for holidays and special events like International Talk Like a Pirate Day which will be held this year on September 19 from 4pm-5pm.

In the library we have a comprehensive collection of CLEP and DSST Study Guides as well as study guides for most common standardized exams. If you don’t see what you’re looking for on the shelf you can utilize our online resources at www.dodmwrlibraries.org. Just log in with your DoD ID Number and over 50 educational, recreational and informational resources are at your fingertips. We recommend Ebsco Learning Express, a test preparation resource for the whole family, but you can also search academic databases and encyclopedias for educational reference materials.

We host Homeschool at the Librar-E on the 2nd Monday of each month at 10am and 1pm. This 8+ program explores STEM topics such as robotics, coding, and physics in a fun exploratory way! Previous programs have included building a 5ft tall marble run and programming robotic mice through a maze!

While we have programs happening year-round, summer is really the Librar-E’s time to shine! We participate in the Summer Reading Program, from June 19 – August 18 and consists of 9 weeks of reading fun! It is for readers of all ages –just log your reading minutes online and win prizes for reaching various milestones. This year the theme is "Find Your Voice". Explore new voices and cultures during our Family Movie Matinee film series every Monday from June 26 – August 14 (no program Monday, July 3) from 2pm-3pm. Children and Pre-Teens can join us each Tuesday of summer reading from 10am-11am beginning June 20 (no program on Tuesday, July 4) for Camp Librar-E, a weekly program where participants explore and find their voices through a variety of arts, crafts & STEM projects. Camp Librar-E fills up quickly and registration for those limited seats begins 2 weeks before each program.

There are 13,000+ items in our collection covering children, young adult and adult fiction and non-fiction titles and they are all available to you for free! Check out the display next to the front desk for the newest items, updated monthly. If you prefer the movie to the book, we also keep our DVD collection up to date with all the latest monthly releases. Are you a gamer? We have games for the Nintendo Switch, XBox Series X, XBox One, and PlayStation 4 & 5 consoles. We add around 12 new games every month to our collection. Don’t have a console, no problem! We also have a Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 available for check out.

On the off chance that we don’t have what you’re looking for our friendly staff would be more than happy to put in an Interlibrary Loan request and get that item from another library for you.

Our goal at the 87FSS Librar-E and Resource Commons is to serve you. When asked what the best part of her job was, Lauren Watkins, Library Director, said “the best part of the library is the people…helping a patron find the information or resources they were looking for or placing the perfect book in a patron’s hands makes me happy”. Whether you have an informational or technical need, you are looking for a fun place to spend time with your family or a quiet place to study please make sure to keep us in mind!

Hours: M-F 8am-4pm Phone: 800.392.6829

New Jersey certainly earns its Garden State nickname. A quick drive through the state is sure to include sightings of farm after farm producing the Jersey Fresh produce for which the state is known. Look closer and you’ll spot vineyards and wineries among these farms - a major industry driving national attention -and visitors - to New Jersey every year, to the tune of more than $323 million in tourism spending! Each of these wineries cultivates individual experiences alongside distinct varietal blends, eagerly welcoming visitors to see where their awardwinning wines are produced, while enjoying casual fare, live music, seasonal festivals, and of course stunning sunsets over the vines from indoor/outdoor tasting room spaces.

WINES FOR EVERY PALATE

Throughout the entire state, more than 55 wineries (that number grows every year!) produce wines from their vineyards, part of the more than 1,500 acres of wine-producing vines throughout those 4 AVAs that fill the state. It’s New Jersey’s farming roots that started the state’s wine movement. Today, whether you enjoy bubbly, dry red, crisp white, semi-sweet, or dessert wine in your your glass, we have an award-winning wine for that! New Jersey wineries are waiting, corkscrew in hand, to pour you whatever your pleasure may be.

NEW JERSEY WINE COUNTRY

New Jersey is home to four official American Viticultural Areas, or distinct vineyard zones grouped by region and climate; the Outer Coastal Plain that runs from Cape May to the Delaware River, the Cape May Peninsula (a subAVA of the Outer Coastal Plain), the Central Delaware Valley north of Trenton/ into PA, and the Warren Hills in Warren County. Collaborative wine trails crisscross these zones to create day-trippable excursions within each - a great starting point for your New Jersey wine country adventures. (See below for details on a free app to get your started!)

W i t h i n t h e s h o r e r e g i o n , t h e r e a r e s e v e n w i n e r i e s i n C a p e M a y a l o n e . B e a c h y b r e e z e s , a c o o l g l a s s i n h a n d a n d s u n s e t o v e r t h e v i n e s - w h a t c o u l d b e b e t t e r ? T h e r e g i o n b o a s t s i t s o w n w i n e t r a i l t o e x p l o r e , i n a d d i t i o n t o a c c e s s t o s o m e o f t h e m o s t b e a u t i f u l s a n d y b e a c h e s o n t h e E a s t C o a s t , i f n o t t h e e n t i r e w o r l d .

W H E R E D O I B E G I N ?

F i n d a l l t h e w i n e ( a n d t h e f u n ) w i t h t h e G a r d e n S t a t e W i n e G r o w e r s A s s o c i a t i o n ’ s m o b i l e a p p , a f r e e d o w n l o a d t h a t l e a d s w i n e l o v e r s t o t h e s t a t e ’ s P a s s p o r t P r o g r a m , w i n e t r a i l s , e v e n t s , a n d a l i s t o f w i n e r i e s a n d d e t a i l s o n e a c h . C h e c k i n o n t h e a p p t o s t a r t c o l l e c t i n g r e w a r d s . H i t a l l t h e w i n e r i e s t h r o u g h o u t t h e s t a t e i n t h e p a s s p o r t a n d b e e l i g i b l e f o r a f r e e , o n e - o f - a - k i n d w i n e e x p e r i e n c e .

A B O U T G A R D E N S T A T E W I N E G R O W E R S A S S O C I A T I O N

T h e G a r d e n S t a t e W i n e G r o w e r s A s s o c i a t i o n i s a n o n - p r o f i t o r g a n i z a t i o n o f N e w J e r s e y - b a s e d w i n e r i e s , v i n e y a r d s a n d a l l i e d b u s i n e s s e s . I t s e r v e s a s a c e n t r a l i z e d i n f o r m a t i o n r e p o s i t o r y a n d o f f e r s a u n i f i e d v o i c e a d v o c a t i n g f o r i s s u e s i m p o r t a n t t o t h e e n t i r e r a n g e o f N e w J e r s e y w i n e r y a n d v i n e y a r d o p e r a t i o n s . F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t w w w . N e w J e r s e y W i n e s . c o m a n d d o w n l o a d o u r a p p i n y o u r s e r v i c e p r o v i d e r ’ s a p p l i c a t i o n s t o r e .

E.A.T.

Everything's Always Tasty

By Capt Andrew Gonzalez

The Halvorsen Hall Dining Facility, located on the McGuire side of the JBMDL installation, is open seven days a week, and serves a total of 20,000 guests per month from all around the joint base community: Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, Reserves, civilian, retirees, and their families. Mirroring the diverse population whom they serve, the personnel consist of 61 military, civilian, and contracted employees all working in sync to not only provide meals, but a pleasant experience to the multitude of patrons.

The dining facility was named in 2002 after the late Col Gail S. Halvorsen, who came to fame as the “Candy Bomber” of the Berlin Airlift, earning international goodwill for the United States and the Air Force; Halvorsen devised small parachutes made from handkerchiefs, and, over a period of years, dropped 46,000 pounds of candy in more than 250,000 parachutes to the children waiting below during the Berlin Airlift in the 1940’s. JBMDL members are provided greater variety, availability, food quality, revamped menu options, healthier selections, new aesthetic dining facility serveries, increased operating hours, speed of service, and an overall better dining experience.

Continued on page 22

to Begin a Career in

Veterans and Advanced Manufacturing – A Perfect Match

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, veterans make up nearly 4% of the total population of New Jersey1–a number totaling nearly 350,000 as of the most recent census. 2

The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics also reports that in New Jersey, 5.4% of Veterans are unemployed and are seeking employment. 3

Now, the manufacturing industry, DOD suppliers, and government agencies are coming together to rally behind New Jersey’s proud and underserved veteran community. Veterans are being given the resources they need to launch successful career journeys in the advanced manufacturing industry.

New Jersey Defense Community Consortium Wants You!

The New Jersey Defense Manufacturing Community Consortium (NJDMCC) will prepare veterans and their families for meaningful jobs while providing them with countless resources such as:

% Continuing education

% Career support and resume building resources

% Professional development opportunities

% Certification programs

These resources will help veterans transition the skills they learned during their military

service into rewarding manufacturing careers. Most importantly, for veterans and their family members who join, the NJDMCC is no cost.

1 U.S. Department of Veterans - https://www.va.gov/ vetdata/veteran_population.asp

2 U.S. Census Bureau - https://www.census.gov/ quickfacts/fact/table/NJ/PST045222#PST045222

3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - https://www.bls.gov/ news.release/vet.t06A.htm

Nurturing Young Minds

By William Crockett

FSS Youth Programs offer dynamic programs to suit various needs for youth ages 5-18 years of the JBMDL Community. If your youth is interested in organized sports, enjoys being active, loves to learn new things or just hanging out, we have the programs for you! If your youth is homeschooled, we provide gym class once a week, in a fun, safe environment with our Youth Development Professionals.

The Open Recreational Program provides a wide variety of high-quality activities that correspond to the Core Areas - handed down through Air Force Services Headquarters. We encourage the youth’s input when we implement program plans and trips. We want them to feel a sense of ownership in all that we do. Our program incorporates programming from our affiliation with both the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and 4-H.

Core Areas for Open Recreational Programs

Leadership & Service

BGCA Keystone Club This club is geared toward youth ages 13-18 years will have the opportunity to gain valuable leadership and service experience. Teens conduct activities in four areas: academic success, career exploration, community service, and teen outreach.

BGCA Million Members, Million Hours of Service Encourages good character and appreciation for citizenship and provides every Club member with opportunities to serve in year-round Club and community-based volunteer service experiences

BGCA Torch Club This club is geared toward youth ages 9-12 years with activities in four core areas: service to club and community, education, health and fitness, and social recreation.

BGCA Military Youth of the Year One exceptional young person from a Military Boys & Girls Club rises to the role of National Military Youth of the Year. The National Military Youth of the Year serves as both an exemplary ambassador for Military Boys & Girls Club youth and as a strong voice for all our nation’s young people. While receiving scholarship support toward college or institute of choice!

Sports & Recreation

BGCA Triple Play A program to challenge youth to become healthy and active by learning new ways to eat nutritionally, manage stress, maintain physical fitness, and form positive relationships with peers.

National Fitness Competition Competition held twice a year, once in the fall and again in the spring, designed to engage and inspire members of all ages, genders, interests and abilities. These one-day events incorporate a variety of fun, "field day"-style activities. Members have opportunities to "compete against themselves" by tracking their accomplishments and striving for improvement.

In addition to our daily programming, we offer: Instructional Classes Classes available in Martial Arts, Gymnastics, Cheer, Dance, & Piano. Youth Sports & Fitness Offering Basketball, Baseball & Softball, Track, Soccer, Flag Football, and Home School P.E. For youth ages 3-18 years, and we are always in need of Volunteer Coaches to support the Youth Sports Program. American Red Cross Babysitter’s Course This program helps youth provide quality care to children of all ages. The course covers basic childcare, leadership & professional skills, safety, starting a babysitter’s business, and pediatric CPR/ First Aid. The course is available for youth ages 11-18 years.

Continued on page 20

JOHN HEINZ NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE AT TINICUM

TYLER ARBORETUM

PHILADELPHIA UNION AT SUBARU PARK

Photo Credit: Philadelphia Union

Photo Credit: Dave Charlton

Photo Credit: J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

LINVILLA ORCHARDS

Community Events presented by FSS Youth Programs

Month of the Military Child Extravaganza In support and recognition of military youth, families, and service members, FSS Youth Programs hosts the Month of the Military Child Extravaganza in the month of April. This event utilizes indoor and outdoor spaces which provided fun-filled activities. JBMDL community members participate in face painting, temporary tattoos, crafting tie dye t-shirts, yard games, inflatable bounce house, line dancing, inflatable target games, raffle prizes, and soccer. In addition, JBMDL McGuire Fire Company supports the event by providing fire engine tours, firefighter meet-and-greets, and giveaways for youth.

America's Armed Forces Kids Color Run A Saturday event for family and program members within the JBMDL community. The event is held at Fitness Track McGuire. As part of Armed Forces Day activities in May each year, military bases and dependents participate in America’s Armed Forces KIDS COLOR RUN. Each participant or attendee receives a T-shirt, different colored powder, and a raffle ticket for prizes upon registration for the event. Based on youth’s age group, the track is set up with ½ Mile – 2 Miles, and a 5K untimed run is offered to youth ages 14 years & up. Families join in the fun and douse runners from head to toe in colored powder.

Olympic Day Kick Off Summer Extravaganza Kick off the Summer with an Olympic-Style Field Day. The 87FSS Youth Programs & School Age Care Summer Camp Programs and Youth of the entire community are welcome to participate in Olympic-Style Field Day games, entertainment, and fun events. Program starts with an Opening Ceremony, followed by field sports, batting cages, golf, music, face painting, inflatables, and delicious food.

Kids Day of Play Today is a day of unplugging and getting outside to PLAY! Join us for hours for high energy, fun and engaging activities! From obstacle courses to inflatables, music, food and more! This family-friendly event is geared to having fun and spending time in the great outdoors with our friends and family. Light refreshments and giveaways are just an icing on the cake! So, get up! Get out! Get Moving!

Fish Hawks Saltwater Anglers Youth Fishing Seminar In this Seminar, youth learn about the Sport of fishing, fishing & boating safety, rod casting & knot tying & fish cleaning. Youth will also be able to identify fish & types of species of the Barnegat Bay. Youth will be amongst friends while enjoying the great outdoor scene.

Continued from page 16

Having a Head Chef on the team, such as our very own Mr. Scott Miskey, greatly upgrades the quality of offerings in Halvorsen Hall because he not only guides them to elevate their cooking skills, but he also trains the personnel on new recipes, manages the public and safety guidelines.

The food operations team is constantly innovating and finding ways to improve; it is the combined effort of each airman behind the line all the way up to the manager. Whether it’s implementing a new offering on one of our stations, improving our seating areas with television, or changing our hours to better serve our population, our leaders within Halvorsen Hall are always looking to top themselves year over year. In October 2022, the team unveiled our weekend “Brunch” offering to JBMDL. The team prepared a pasta bar, upgraded salad bar, grill station, and a carving station for pork, prime rib, and more.

If you haven't dined at Halvorsen Hall, please stop by and enjoy our carefully prepared delicious meals with your co-workers, friends, and family members. In a rush? Halvorsen Hall also offers Quick Eats and crafted boxed lunches for those short on time.

Do You Where This Is? KNOW

JBMDL has a large footprint across the state of New Jersey and the installation contains many sights you may not have ever seen before. Then again, maybe you have.

Located at JBMDL Lakehurst many drive by but unless you've actually stopped in to tour around, you may not have noticed it. It's a special place filled with historic items!

If you know where this is, email us at 87fss.marketing@gmail.com with "Spring GoMDL" in the subject line and you could pick-up a "Swag Bag" full of 87FSS goodies. Winner announced in the Fall/ Winter issue of GoMDL Magazine.

Congratulations!

Carmen Santo, a 20+ year Army Reservist, receives his 87FSS "Bag-O-Swag" and FSS Gift Card from 87FSS Marketing for correctly identifying our mystery location in the Fall/ Winter issue of GoMDL. What a sharp eye!

By Krystal Martinez-Cancel

Relax, Repeat!Recharge,

Are you looking for a friendly place to hang out, play video games, relax with friends, and shoot some pool? How about watching your favorite shows and movies on the 120" projector screen with a Yamaha surround sound system? Well than you’re in luck because at The Firehouse, you can!

The perfect place to enjoy those days when you’re looking to get away. The facility is a Recreation Center geared for the service members, E-1 through E-4 but also open to DoD ID Holders on specific days and times during the week.

The Firehouse is equipped to provide a quality recreation center to active personnel and their guests on JBMDL. The Firehouse consists of a gaming room, theater room, music room, outdoor basketball court, outdoor patio, board games, pool tables, table tennis, air hockey, table shuffleboard, dartboards, and foosball.

FSS Firehouse Rec Center

2502 E Arnold Ave

JBMDL McGuire

Monday - Thursday

11am to 4pm

E-1 to E-4, DoD ID Holders

Friday 11am to 4pm

E-1 to E-4, DoD ID Holders

4pm to 10pm

E-1 to E-4 only

Saturday 4pm to 10pm

E-1 to E-4 only

Closed Sundays, Holidays & Family Days

In the bay area, there are lounge chairs and an entertainment system for the guests to enjoy a 60” TV to watch sports games, movies, or just listen to music. Hungry? There is access from inside The Firehouse to Subway. Food and beverages are allowed within The Firehouse but alcohol is not permitted.

Continued on page 28

The basketball court is perfect for those summer pick-up games

The Firehouse Rec Center Continued from page 26

The Music Room features sound proofing panels as to not disturb the rest of the facility. We have a 6-piece Ludwig Drum Set, Yamaha Keyboard, two Yamaha 6-string acoustic guitars, and two Fender electric guitars with accompanying Squire Practice amplifiers. Guitar tuners and instructional beginners guide DVDs are available upon request.

The Gaming Room consists of five 42” LCD monitors and comfortable seating. All consoles have a large number of the newest games and accessories available.

The Theater Room has DVD/Blu-Ray movie capabilities and cable TV readily accessible. The room consists of a 120” projector screen with theater style seating and high-quality Yamaha sound system.

The Firehouse hosts quarterly events open to all DoD ID Holders such as Table Tennis, Madden, Pool, and Basketball tournaments, amongst many other activities. If you have ideas and would like to share, please let us know. We are always here for you and would love to bring something fresh and new!

Congratulations on your assignment to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst from your School Liaisons Nikalea Naida and Angelica DeJesus!

As your School Liaison Officers, it is our responsibility to help make your child’s educational transition to New Jersey a smooth one.

By Angelica DeJesus

School Liaison Program

Who do we serve and what do we do? School Liaison Officers serve DoD Total Force members to include DoD Civilians, Retirees, Guard/Reserve, and eligible family members to include NOAA, USPHS, foreign national employees and contractors assigned. We ensure to advocate for military-connected students through outreach and partnership initiatives with military leadership, local schools, families and community stakeholders both on and off installation. We serve as your primary point of contact for school-related matters for grades PreK-12 and support all service branches at JBMDL. School Liaison Officers not only assist with everyday issues such as helping families understand the many school options and policies for students. They also offer guidance on the Interstate Compact for the Education of Military Children.

“School Liaison Officers (SLO) are one of the most important positions we have in the wings because of the barriers they can break down when it comes to the challenges associated with dealing with schools that serve our military installations. SLO can’t fix every problem we encounter, but what they can do is identify areas that needs to be fixed or changed within the district, city or state. But they can’t engage on member’s behalf if people don’t know who they are nor how to get in contact with them. They can only help when people reach out to them. Too often, I have seen or heard of military members struggling with a school issue, but had not contacted their SLO. Many times, when they did, the problem was resolved. This is why it is important for commanders to ensure the SLO are well known throughout the installation,” stated Brig Gen Devin R. Pepper, USSF, Deputy Director Strategy, Plans, and Policy (DJ5) USSPACECO. Far too many families have shared their struggles and frustration of wishing they had known there was a school liaison who could have help them navigate the school systems when they PCS’d.

Continued on page 32

Qualifications

Benefits

School Liaison Program Continued from page 30

The focus of your School Liaison Officers is to enable parents to make informed decisions for the best educational fit for their child as well as educate schools and community organizations on the unique challenges of military families. It is essential for families to know that there is an abundance of educational opportunities throughout New Jersey including public, private, parochial, charter, and homeschooling and that the schools serving the installation have all established a school choice option for our military families living on base.

What are your school options?

When making educational decisions during your PCS move it is important to note that in New Jersey your public school is determined based off your place of residence. New arrivals to United Communities housing at JBMDL McGuire & Dix have the choice of registering their children at Pemberton Township Schools: Fort Dix Elementary (PreK-5), Marcus Newcomb Middle (6), Helen Fort Middle (7-8), and Pemberton Township High (9-12) or North Hanover Township School District: Endeavour Elementary (PreK-4), Upper Elementary (5-6) and Northern Burlington County School District: Northern Burlington Middle (7-8) and Northern Burlington High School (9-12). Students who attend Upper Elementary will attend Northern Burlington Middle and High. New arrivals to Balfour Beatty housing at JBMDL Lakehurst have the choice of registering their child(ren) at Lakehurst School District: Lakehurst Elementary School (PreK-8) or Manchester Township School District: Manchester Township Elementary (PreK-5) and Manchester Township Middle (6-8) and Manchester Township High (9-12). Students who attend Lakehurst Elementary will attend Manchester Township High School.

PCS’ing is difficult enough for our children and in an effort to support our military connected students through their transitions, assigned to each of the schools serving our installation, are school embedded Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLC) and the Anchored4Life program. The school embedded MFLCs support our militaryconnected students throughout the school year by providing non-medical support on issues such as transitions, reintegration, deployment, and many more. The Anchored4Life club is a peer-to-peer club that connects youth while building change and resiliency skills. Families who choose Fort Dix Elementary, Endeavour Elementary, C.B. Lamb Elementary, Upper Elementary, Samuel Busansky Elementary, Denbo-Crichton Elementary, Marcus Newcomb Middle or Helen Fort Middle, will have a team ready to welcome your military-connected student to the school and help them feel comfortable in their new environment.

Interested in supporting our military children?

The Defense Department celebrates military children annually during the month of April. Join us as we celebrate more than 1.6 million military children who face many challenges and unique experiences as a result of their parents’ service. The School Liaison Program has coordinated several activities and events that will be held throughout the month of April both on base and at the schools such as a Month of the Military Child (MOMC) Proclamation Signing Event, “Chalk Your Walk” activity, military ball, MOMC assembly, “Purple Up! New Jersey on April 19” activity and many more.

Serving where you serve!

This is but a brief description of what we do to serve our military community. As your School Liaisons we understand that transitions are more than just permanent changes of station. Children move to new schools, and they also move within schools. They transition from parents being deployed and home again to moving OCONUS to CONUS. Rest assured that whatever transition your military-connected children are navigating, your School Liaison Officers are available to help improve their academic experience, promote social and life skills, offer vocational guidance and build education partnerships to help our military-connected children thrive.

Meet Your School Liaison Officers!

Nikalea Naida began her DoD Civilian service over seven years ago, serving in multiple positions in the Child Youth and School Services.

Prior to her time in DoD Civilian service, she worked in the Early Childhood and Elementary Education settings for both non-profit and for profit sectors.

Angelica DeJesus entered the DoD Civilian service over six years ago providing support to service members and families while working at the Fleet and Family Support Center and S.H.A.R.P. program.

Prior to her serving as a DoD Civilian, Angelica worked in the non-profit sector, as an educator, case manager, and administrator of various programs.

For more information contact our offices or visit our Facebook page @JBMDL School Liaison Services.

FSS Compass

Find your way around JBMDL!

Next page for JB MDL Lakehurst Map ▶

The entire 87th Force Support Squadron phone listing, complete with addresses, is available for download at:

Wawa and The Wawa Foundation are proud to partner with the USO to honor, salute and celebrate our nation’s heroes and to raise funds for the USO.

USO Center Support

Philadelphia International Airport

Airport USO Delaware Center

Shipping 15,000+ care packages to deployed service members

Wawa Hoagie Day

Celebrating those who serve

$9.7M raised since 2011

Proudly supporting USO programs to benefit service members and their families!

“Taste of Home” Care Packages

VIETNAM VETERANS HONORED IN THE HEART OF NEW JERSEY

By KERI A GIANNOTTI, Director of Education and Outreach at

INTRODUCTION

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation is committed to sharing the experiences of the Vietnam War Era and its enduring legacy with future generations. The Foundation oversees the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Vietnam Era Museum located in Holmdel, NJ.

THE MEMORIAL

The Memorial honors New Jersey’s Vietnam War Veterans, especially the 1,562 men and one woman who never returned home. Their names are listed individually on the Memorial by the date of casualty. Designed by Hien Nguyen, a naturalized American citizen who left Vietnam thirteen years prior, the Memorial opened on May 7, 1995, New Jersey’s Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day.

The 200-foot diameter pavilion features 366 granite panels engraved with the names of New Jersey soldiers who died or remain missing in action forming a circle meant to enfold visitors in an embrace. Access tunnels symbolize the transition from the safety of the civilian world to the harsh reality of war. Tree-lined entrance walkways evoke images of soldiers on tactical patrol. The red oak, New Jersey’s state tree, stands at the pavilion’s center, providing shade and comfort to visitors, and extends its branches out to the names on the Memorial as a “Welcome Home!”

The War Dogs Memorial, Purple Heart Memorial, New Jersey Gold Star Family Monument, Vietnamese American Monument, and Women’s Mediation Garden tell an inclusive story of the Vietnam War.

MAKING A VISIT

The Memorial and outdoor monuments are free to visit and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Vietnam Veteran tour guides are the heart of our organization. Weaving in their personal stories makes no two tours alike. Tours are available Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more at https://www.njvvmf.org/.

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall, Photo Credit Jillian Decker.

the NJVVMF

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