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GUARDLIFEVol. 31, NO. 1

IndexPage 3 TAG's MessagePage 4 GWOT Memorial DedicationPage 5 Brigade HonoredPage 6 CSM MessagePage 7 108th Passes 6,000-Hour MarkPage 8 119th CSB UpdatePage 9 Controlled Burn At Warren GrovePages 10-11 Armor Returns From GTMOPages 12-13 HET Back From IraqPage 14 News Guard Families Can UsePage 15 21st CST TrainsPages 16-18 Short RoundsPage 19 Army And Air Enlisted PromotionsPage 20 Last Round: Rainbow Over Iraq

Family Assistance Centers (Army and Air)

GUARDLIFE STAFFEditors

Lt. Col. Roberta NiedtLt. Col. Kris FrazierCapt. Yvonne Mays

Assistant Editor-ProductionTech. Sgt. Mark C. Olsen

Staff PhotographerStaff Sgt. Robert Stephenson

Staff WritersRoman Martyniuk

Staff Sgt. Barbara Harbison

GUARDLIFE is published bi-monthly us-ing federal funds under provisions ofAR 360-1 and AFI 35-101 by the PublicAffairs Office of the New Jersey De-partment of Military and Veterans Af-fairs for all members of the New JerseyArmy and Air National Guard. The viewsand opinions expressed herein are notnecessarily those of the Department ofDefense, the Army, the Air Force or theNational Guard Bureau. Letters may besent to: GUARDLIFE, Public Affairs Of-fice, P.O. Box 340, NJDMAVA, Trenton,NJ, 08625-0340. E-mail at: mark.olsen@njdmava.state.nj.us

CoverMaking FriendsLt. Col. Sharon Tootell, Com-mander, 119th Corps Support Bat-talion and Spc. Frank Anaya passingout gifts to Iraqi citizens. For storyand photos turn to page 8. Photo byChaplain (Maj.) Jan Koczera, 119thCSB.

Inside CoverHero's WelcomeMembers of the 2nd Battalion,102nd Armor at parade rest prior tothe Welcome Home Ceremony atthe National Guard Armory at WestOrange. Photo by Sgt. 1st ClassRobert Stephenson, NJDMAVA/PA.

Jersey City Armory678 Montgomery Street

Jersey City, NJ 07306-2208POC: Sheila Kelley

sheila.kelly@us.army.mil

Lawrenceville Armory151 Eggert Crossing Road (Armory)

Lawrenceville, NJ 08648-2897POC: Jane Hackbarth

jane.hackbarth@nj.ngb.army.mil

Morristown Armory430 Jockey Hollow Road

Morristown, NJ 07960-0499POC: Sgt. Fred Giberson

fred.giberson@us.army.mil

Somerset Armory1060 Hamilton StreetSomerset, NJ 08873

POC: John Halesjohn.hales@nj.ngb.army.mil

State Office – Fort Dix3650 Saylors Pond Rd.

Fort Dix, NJ 08640POC: CW4 Ralph Cwieka (609) 562-0668

ralph.cwieka@nj.ngb.army.mil

Teaneck ArmoryTeaneck & Liberty Roads

Teaneck NJ 07666-0687POC: Sgt. 1st Class Minnie Hiller

minniehiller@hotmail.com

Toms River Armory1200 Whitesville RoadToms River, NJ 08753

POC: Mike Hughesmichael.Hughes@nj.ngb.army.mil

Woodbury Armory120 Progress AvenueWoodbury, NJ 08096

POC: Heather Altmannjamazonchic@comcast.net

108th Air Refueling Wing3324 Charles Blvd.

McGuire AFB, NJ 08641POC: Tiffany Colby (609) 754-4479tiffany.colby@njmcgu.ang.af.mil

177th Fighter Wing400 Langley Rd.

Egg Harbor Twp, NJ 08234POC: Joan F. Searfoss (609) 645-6248

joan.searfoss@njatla.ang.af.milFor More Information Call Our Toll Free Number 1-888-859-0352

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TAG's Message - Army TransformationBy Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General of New Jersey

Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth (third from right) confers with mem-bers of Republic of Albania's military. Photo by State Com-mand Sgt. Maj. Richard S. Adkins, Jr.

n the post September 11, 2001 world, war is the norm… peace is the exception.

We are a nation at war and there is every indication that weare a nation that will be involved in the ongoing global waragainst terror for a prolonged period of time with great uncer-tainty about the nature and location of where this conflict will befought. In order to defeat this uncertain enemy, we must be ableto defuse new crises early and defeat new aggression as soonas it is identified to prevent these situations from escalatingand to limit the potential loss of life, damage to key infrastruc-ture, and adverse impact on our economy.

To accomplish these goals, we will need flexible, rapidlydeployable forces and sufficient depth and strength to sustainmultiple, simultaneous military combat operations. We cur-rently have 364,000 soldiers deployed in 120 countries. Theuncertainties of the future may require even greater numbersof troops deployed in even more locations.

Conventional Force on Force conflicts are still possiblebut the more likely scenario is sporadic insurgencies andopportunistic terror attacks. The unfortunate reality is that ourhomeland is included in the list of potential battle space. Thegood news is that we are adapting to these new challengesNOW.

The entire military is undergoing major changes in struc-ture, training, and staffing, but none more so than the Army.

And our New Jersey Army National Guard is fully involvedin this transformation. Our national defense forces are beingoptimized to allow battlefield commanders to customize ourcombat and support resources to prevail in any conflict of anysize in any type of terrain and successfully engage in simulta-neous, multiple missions.

We need to generate more versatile combat power be-cause we have and will continue to have extended worldwidecommitments. We must create a force that can be responsiveto the Combatant Commanders’ needs.

We must create units that are more relevant to RegionalCombatant Commanders and generate versatile combat powerwith units that are self-contained, more easily sustainable,and more lethal force packages. The Army of the future mustbe organized to ensure maximum capabilities for the full rangeof missions; fully interdependent with the other servicebranches; comprised of adaptive, competent, and confidentsoldiers and leaders; and truly a trained and ready partner inthe Joint Force.

Everything we’re doing is designed to support the soldier.We are part of a proud heritage of fighting and winning ourNation’s Wars. This noble tradition is reflected clearly in ourunits’ lineage and honors … and in the number of bronze stars,purple hearts, and other honors awarded to our citizen-sol-diers.

We are adapting to the current and projected operational

environment. We are creating modular brigades and com-mand and control headquarters to better meet CombatantCommanders’ requirements and to make the best use of thetalent, dedication, and professionalism of our soldiers.

This reorganization will result in more stable combat andsupport forces; a better-balanced force mix including Active,Guard, and Reserve forces.

This new, modular approach to aligning units will providecapability-based units at the Brigade level to Regional Com-batant Commanders with responsive, fully mission- capablecombat and support organizations that operate effectively in aJoint, Combined or Multi-National environment.

The new force structure will provide greater capacity forrapid and “tailorable” force packages and improve strategicresponsiveness for the full spectrum of homeland defenseand homeland security operations.

The Army, as is each of the other armed services, is anindispensable and vital component of the Joint Team. TheArmy will always conduct operations: offensive, defensive,stability, and support in both a joint and expeditionary context.It will continue to provide prompt, sustained, and decisive landcombat power working in concert with air and naval power toensure a synergy that will give the Joint Force capabilities andpower well beyond the sum of its individual parts.

In the past few years, the implementation of the Joint Forceconcept has transformed our organization from one engagedin independent, de-conflicted operations to one capable ofmore effective, more efficient sustained interoperability. OurNational Guard, as part of the Joint Force, is now moving rapidlytowards the ultimate goal of joint interdependence. It’s whatthe commanders on the battlefield need, it’s what our soldiersneed, and it’s what our nation needs.

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50th Brigade HonoredPhotos and story by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA

n March 24, the New Jersey National Guard conducted a WelcomeHome Ceremony for the Headquarters 50th Brigade at the

Lawrenceville Armory.Brig. Gen. Maria Falca-Dodson, the Deputy Adjutant General,

officially welcomed home the Soldiers who deployed to GuantanamoBay, Cuba in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Ceremonywas attended by family, friends fellow National Guard Soldiers andAirmen, the local community, and DMAVA employees.

Twelve unit members received the Defense Meritorious ServiceMedal Col. Frank Caruso, Lt. Col. Royce Lawlor, Majors’ DougBrockmann, Todd Berger, William Morris, David Moses, Paul Nema,Jack O’Connell and Robert Williams, Capt. John Piotrowski, Sgt. Maj.Anthony Cahill and 1st Sgt. Christopher Sheridan.

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From The Deployed 42nd DISCOM CSM: StandardsBy Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Thomas, photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Stephenson, NJDMAVA/PA

he term “Standards” has been acatch-all word that in some way

affects every individual in the militarytoday. Standards in the military cantrace their origin back to the pre-Revolutionary war when Citizen-Soldiers were called upon to face thechallenge of building a new nation outof a wilderness. In the initial stage ofdeveloping an army, certain individualswere unknowingly tasked to set theexample for the newly fledglingContinental Army of militiamen. Theseindividuals were appropriately called“Leaders.”

Never in our nation’s history haveSoldiers faced the unique challengesthey face today. To deal with thesechallenges, today’s leaders need toremember that NCOs are charged toset and maintain standards.

Standards are enforced byconveying the reasons for standardsin a teaching manner and setting theexample. Setting and maintainingstandards instill discipline. DisciplinedSoldiers tackle challenges head-on.Undisciplined Soldiers, those unsureof standards, may buckle underpressures caused by challengingsituations. NCOs, since the days ofthe Revolutionary War, have had toprepare Soldiers for unexpectedchallenges by enforcing establishedstandards.

In today’s operating environment,conditions change rapidly. Soldiers,trained to standard under varying anddiverse conditions, can readily shifttheir efforts as conditions dictate.NCOs must never forget that they arecharged to enforce and maintainstandards. Since 1779, NCOs haveaccepted this challenge and executedtheir duties in all situations. NCO'sare responsible for training Soldiers to

standard while maintaining setstandards themselves and leadingfrom the front. An Army cannot existwithout this fundamental element. AsRudyard Kipling wrote in The Earthen,“The backbone of the Army is thenoncommissioned man.”

Standards had a different meaningfor Soldiers and NCOs of the NewJersey Army National Guard whileserving at their home station orparticipating in Annual Training.NJARNG Soldiers constantly trainedto standard on tasks to becomeproficient in the established tasks toassist them in accomplishing theirmission and to assume a sense ofpride and satisfaction in theseaccomplishments. Today, thesesame NJARNG Soldiers from the 42ndDivision Support Command have seenthe sense of urgency and commitmentthat comes with setting standards inall tasks. The NCO's of the 42ndDivision Support Command haverealized that enforcing standardsmeans more than accomplishing themission. To these NCO's it means by

enforcing the tough standards that areestablished in a combat zone such asIraq, they will help keep their Soldierssafe while accomplishing difficultmissions. It means taking no deviationfrom enforcing the standards forwearing seatbelts on Combat LogisticPatrols (CLP's) or properly clearingyour weapon in the prescribed, safemanner. It means wearing your KevlarHelmet, ballistic eyewear, earplugsand your Interceptor Body Armor (IBA)with SAPI plates in 100 degree heat toset the example for your Soldiers.Rehearsing Battle Drills every daybefore an upcoming CLP may becometedious in nature, but maintaining thisstandard ensures that every Soldierwill respond in the correct manner byinstinct when called upon to do so.NCO's have learned that shortcuts donot save lives, only standards do.

The Soldiers and NCO's of the42nd Division Support Command havemet and accomplished someextraordinary challenges in our pathto Operation Iraqi Freedom III. We willmake our mark on world history withour own special contributions tobringing democracy to Iraq. I havechallenged every Soldier and NCO inthe 42nd Division Support Commandto ensure that the Soldier standardsthat have been set in this Area ofOperations are maintained andenforced by every NCO within thisCommand. These Citizen-Soldiersfrom New Jersey continue to establishnew and higher standards ofprofessionalism and commitmentwhile they proudly serve our state andthe nation.

The family members of these fine,patriotic Soldiers can be very proud oftheir loved ones. They are “First inSupport”.

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108th Passes 6,000-Hour MarkBy Staff Sgt. Barbara Harbison, 108ARW/PA

ince September 2001, the 108th Air Refueling Wing has flown more than 6,000 hours in support

of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.Currently the 108th refuels aircraft that are hauling

supplies in support of OEF and OIF. Flying hoursinclude when the 108th was deployed to Oman forOEF and refueled fighters in theater. Three peoplemake up the crew of the KC-135E: the aircraftcommander, co-pilot and the boom operator. Duringtheir four to five hour flight, they will offload around70,000 pounds of fuel.

Men and women of the 108th have flown almost1,150 sorties and have off-loaded millions of poundsof fuel while flying tandem in the air. In addition to thehours flown for OEF/OIF, the 108th has flown morethan 3,200 hours in support of Operation Noble Eaglesince September 11, 2001, when the wing launchedits first refueling mission in U.S. airspace after 9/11.Most of these hours have been flown over the northeastquadrant of the United States refueling F-15s and F-16s flying Combat Air Patrols.

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fter months of hard work, sweat, tears, tempers, stress, late nights, early mornings, weekends, it

all came down to one hour in the McGuire theater,watching a slide show with more than 350 otheranxious individuals hoping that their particular areaand the wing as a whole passed the Unit ComplianceInspection (UCI).

The inspectors gave grades on two By LawAreas and 17 Mission Areas. In the By Law Areas –Intell Oversight and Sexual Harassment Educationand Prevention – the wing received a good rating. Asthe team moved through each of the 17 MissionAreas, pockets of the audience relaxed as theirsection received its grade.

While Transportation was recognized for its “BestSeen to Date” HazMat Training Program, they alongwith Supply, Contracting, Munitions, Chaplain, CivilEngineer, Communications and Information, Plans

Wing Passes UCIBy Staff Sgt. Barb Harbison, 108th ARW/PA

and Programs, Services, Financial Management,Personnel, Command Post and Readiness Reportingall received a good rating.

Four sections in the Mission Areas had the bellringing and cheers from the audience for receiving avery good rating from the IG Team. First, SecurityForces’ exceptional teamwork was noted in theInstallation Security rating. Then, Intelligence’sunparalleled training program helped that sectionreceive their high rating. Exemplary training for allaircrew members was only part of the kudos thatgave Aircrew Protection a very good rating. Last, butnot least, the inspectors noted the impressive programbuilt to track the checklist completion that helped theSelf-Inspection Program score its’ very good rating.

Additionally, nine wing members received IG coinsfor their accomplishments during the UCI.

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119th CSB UpdatePhotos by Chaplain (Maj.) Jan Koczera, 119th CSBStory based upon Chaplain Koczera's emails

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I n addition to their regular duties, the 119th Corps Support Battalion, at an undisclosed operatinglocation in Iraq, recently went on a series ofhumanitarian missions visiting area Iraqi families givingthem food, water and presents for the children.

In the first photo (starting at the top) Lt. Col. SharonTootell and Sgt. 1st Class Rosa Cosme enjoy tea withan Iraqi family (the woman hugging Cosme lost herhusband fighting Saddam). Next Maj. William Peace(center of photo) passes out water. In a separatehumanitarian mission, the unit visited area Bedouinsand presented them with gifts. In the third photo Spc.Lisa Hatcher gives some school supplies to one of thechildren. Next, members of the 119th clear a canal.

The sunrise service at Ur (Mesopotamia) – thebirthplace of civilization, went very well. Chaplain(Maj.) Jan Kozera assisted in the preparation of anEaster Sunrise Service for members of the 119thCSB and other Soldiers at their posts. “I had about 60who came with me to attend; we were driving everyconceivable armored vehicle down the road, it wasgreat fun,” stated Chaplain Jan Koczera.

The service, which included music, prayers and abrief sermon, was attended by many of the 119th CSBSoldiers and civilian government employees fromsurrounding military camps. The service wasconducted on a platform built on a house believed tobeen owned by Abraham. Saddam Hussein had itrestored for a planned visit by Pope John Paul VI in1999, which was cancelled at the last moment whenSaddam said that he could not ensure the Pope'ssafety.

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177th Holds Controlled Burn AtWarren GroveBy Tech. Sgt.Mark Olsen, 177FW/PA; photo by Master Sgt. Donald Taggart, 177FW/CF

Airman Top CopSenior Master Sgt. Michael Francis (right), 177th FighterWing Security Forces, poses with Master Sgt. Brian Smith(left) and Airman 1st Class Jason Payne (turret) aftercompleting a convoy security mission. Senior Master Sgt.Francis recently deployed to Baghdad to augment theCannon Air Force Base Security Forces Squadron as theSecurity Forces Squadron Superintendent. Senior MasterSgt. Francis is the 177th's Anti-Terrorism Force ProtectionNon Commissioned Officer in Charge. He is also aLieutenant with the Margate Police Force in Atlantic County.Photo courtesy Senior Master Sgt. Michael Francis.

A Day In The Life...Tech. Sgt. Dave Reaves, 177th Fighter Wing Sheet MetalShop, welds a bead. Tech. Sgt. Reaves was photographedas part of the "Day In The Life Of The 177th Fighter Wing"held in February. The concept is based on the photo booksthat documented a single day in a country. The project wasa combined effort of the 177th MultiMedia Center, AvionicsIntermediate Shop and Public Affairs. Photo by MasterSgt. Don Taggart, 177FW/Communications Flight.

n March 15 and 16, Detachment 1, 177th Fighter Wing, Warren Grove Range, in

coordination with the New Jersey Forest FireService, B Division and Drexel Universityperformed it's annual controlled burn.

Close to 70 people were involved in theoperation, which cleared approximately 900acres as part of a five- to seven-year cyclethat clears different parts of the range.

Controlled burns remove underbrush - awildfire fuel source, opens areas for growthand keeps the woods in healthy condition. Italso provided the Drexel Forestry studentsthe opportunity to study the effects of controlledburning on this type of forest.

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Armor Returns From GTMOPhotos and story by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA

n March 31, the 2nd Battalion, 102nd Armor was welcomed home at the National Guard Armory at West Orange. Family, friedns, elected officials, community members,

along with fellow National Guard Soldiers and Airmenparticipated in the ceremony. The Soldiers were deployed toGuantanamo Bay, Cuba in support of Operation EnduringFreedom.

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HET Back From IraqPhotos and story by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA

embers of the Heavy Equipment Transportation(HET) Platoon, 50th Main Support Battalion,

received a Hero's Welcome at the National GuardArmory in Dover March 13.

Sgt. 1st Class Brian McCracken, Sgt. William Blahut,Sgt. Robert Stillman and Sgt. Schronda Williamsreceived Bronze Star Medals during the deployment.

Brig. Gen. Frank Carlini, welcomed the Soldiershome after a year-long deployment to Iraq in support ofOperation Iraqi Freedom II.

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News Guard Families Can UseCompiled by the Guardlife Staff

Youth Camp DeadlineMay 31

The deadline for the Eleventh Annual NewJersey National Guard Youth Camp, which will beheld July 17-23 at the New Jersey National GuardTraining Center, Sea Girt, is May 31.

Applications are available online at: www.state.nj.us/military/familysupport/. Camper and volun-teer applications can be picked up from FamilyAssistance Centers, or by calling the Family Pro-gram Office at (609) 562-0668. Children, ages 9-12 are invited to apply.

All campers must be the childen, grandchildenor legal dependents of an active or retired memberof the New Jersey National Guard.

Volunteer positions are available for seniorcounselors, junior counselors, safety and secu-rity, arts, sports, beach, administrative, publicaffairs, cooks, transportation and logistics.

For additional information, call the Family As-sistance Center at 1-(888) 859-0352 or the FamilyProgram Office at (609) 562-0668.

FRC Celebrates AnniversaryAnd Offers GrantsBy Roman Martyniuk, NJDMAVA/PA

he New Jersey State Family Readiness Council(NJSFRC), which celebrated its first anniversary

in March, is comprised of more than 20 membersrepresenting a cross section of New Jersey spanningthe corporate, business and employer community;veterans and service organizations and privatecitizens. The NJSFRC has raised more than$100,000 dollars to benefit family programs. TheCouncil sponsored the very successful Family Dayat Sea Girt and has supported each of the Salute theTroops/Welcome Home events for deploying/returning New Jersey Guard units.

The Council has established a new FamilyReadiness Grant Program that will provide bothFamily and Business Grant opportunities to deservingNational Guard families adversely impacted bydeployment. According to Linda Rieth, Council Co-chair, “This is another very important way we canshow our support both for our troops and the familieswho have had to shoulder additional burdens as aresult of mobilizations and extended deployments.”

Eligibility criteria includes unforeseen emer-gencies, financial hardships and quality of life issues.Business grants are up to $5,000 and family grants

$2,500. Those interested should contact their localFamily Assistance through the hotline at 1-888-859-0352. Additional information is on the Council’swebsite at help@njguard families.com.

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Marriage Enrichment SeminarsSeminars are being offered to all Soldiers/

Airmen and their spouses. The seminar focuseson improving communication skills.

Radisson Hotel, Mt. Laurel: June 3-5Sheraton Hotel, Edison: June 3-5 and 24-26;

Aug. 5-7 and 12-14; Sept. 9-11 and 23-25.For more information contact Family

Programs at (609) 562-0739.

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21st CST Trains At Leonard WoodSpc. Bill Addison, 444th MPAD; photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Stephenson, NJDMAVA/PA

or a unit that hopes it will neverhave to do its job, the members

of the New Jersey NationalGuard’s 21st Civil Support Team(CST) are far from lazy.

That’s because the 22 Armyand Air National Guard membershave a unique mission: to provideno-cost support to civil authoritiesat a potential domestic Chemical,Biological, Radiological, Nuclearand explosive threat.

“We’re a force multiplier, we’rethe first line of defense forhomeland security on the militaryside of the house,” said Lt. Col.Jerry Gagnon, Commander, 21stCST.

“We’ll advise, assist, assessand identify what agents aredownrange. We have the trainingto call upon follow-on forces witha reach-back capability from ourunified command suite, which isour communication vehicle,”according to Gagnon.

No CST can respond to a threatwithout first completing a strictvalidation process. The Fort Dixbased unit deployed to FortLeonard Wood in March to con-duct Initial Collective LanesDiagnostic training, a process thatwill prepare them for their vali-dation testing in June.

“I want to make sure we givethe Governor and the AdjutantGeneral an active unit as soon aswe can,” said Gagnon as hesupervised the loading of the CSTvehicles onto a Mississippi AirNational Guard C-17 cargo planeduring the March exercise.

“No other unit has performedan air movement prior to vali-dation,” said Air Force Maj. JesseArnstein, Deputy Commander.

One of the unit’s biggestobstacles lay in actually getting tothe school. “We had to identify thehazardous materials in order todevelop a load plan,” said Sgt. 1stClass Terrance Taylor, NuclearBiological and Chemical ReconNCO.

“Everything we’re going toneed in the field, we’re going tobring with us,” said Gagnon. “Wehave an analytical laboratory thatwe travel with so we can assessand identify right on site about 90percent of the chemical andbiological warfare agents that areout there in the world.”

“We’ve worked a lot of longhours to achieve this,” notedTaylor. “This takes us one step

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A member of the Mississippi Air National Guard guides a member of the CSTduring the loading of the C-17.

Retiree NoticeNJNG retirees are eligible

for a subscription to GuardLife.Email us your name andaddress: barbara.harbison@njdmava. state.nj.us; call609-530-7088 or write:NJDMAVA, ATTN: PAO-BJH,PO Box 340, Trenton NJ 08625-0340.

closer to validation.”"Most of the Soldiers and

Airmen who comprise the unitcome from other military occu-pations," observed Gagnon. “Eachmember gets between 800 and1,800 hours of additional trainingto utilize the equipment [that'sbeing loaded] on this aircraft rightnow.”

"Now that they’ve completedtheir training, they’ve got time toput it to good use."

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Short Rounds: 50 MSB And Girl ScoutCookies

Cookies For The TroopsThe Girl Scouts of Troop 310, Service Unit

Council, Camden County, delivered the highlyprized Girl Scout Cookies for the troops March6.

From left to right: adults are Evelyn Vega,Margie Seay, Kim Long, Napule Green, MarieDurling (doorway far right), Girl Scouts from leftto right: are Elanna Vega, Ashlee O’Donnell andAlison Long.

To date, 1-150th General Support AviationBattalion Family Readiness Group and NewJersey National Guard Family Programs hasshipped more than 105 cases of cookies todeployed troops in Iraq. Photo courtesy 1-150thFamily Readiness Group.

Members of Delta Company, 50th Main Support Battalion,pose for a group photograph after arriving at their basesomewhere in Iraq. Since the transfer of authority betweenthe 701st and the 50th on Feb. 5, the battalion hassuccessfully conducted more than 200 missions and drivenmore than 300,000 miles. One of the most difficultoperations ever planned and executed by the battalion was

the 590-mile Ground Assault Convoy from Kuwait to Iraq.The Convoy was executed under the cover of darkness,something the battalion had not trained for, and wascompounded with dismal road conditions, along withawkward intersections and turns. All this was accomplishedwith no injuries, accidents or loss of equipment. Photocourtesy 50th Main Support Battalion.

50th Main Support Battalion Supplies Iraq

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Short Rounds: Troop Command, Financier Re-ceives Medal, Mail Call And Chiefs

New Commander At 57thLt. Col. John DiNapoli (left) accepts the 57th Troop Commandguidon from Brig. Gen. Frank Carlini (right), DeputyCommander Joint Force Headquarters - New Jersey duringTroop Command's Change of Command ceremony at theNational Guard Armory in Lawrenceville March 6. Duringthe same ceremony Lt. Col. DiNapoli was promoted tocolonel. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Stephenson,NJDMAVA/PA.

Mail CallOne of the most holy of military duties is the collecting anddisbursing of mail. Performing that duty is (left to right)Capt. Eric Rautenberg, Sgt. Donald Gregorowicz and 1stSgt Jack Cipolla of the 150th General Aviation SupportBattalion. Photo by Lt. Col. Mark Preston, 150th GSAB.

Financier Receives Purple HeartSgt. David Michaels, 150th Finance Detachment, receivedthe Purple Heart from Maj. Gen. Joseph Taluto, Commander,42nd Infantry Division. Sgt. Michaels was also presenteda commanders coin by Brig. Gen. Thomas Sullivan.Michaels is the first NJARNG finance Soldier to receive thePurple Heart as the result of wounds for duty in Iraq. Photocourtesy 350th Finance Detachment.

Chiefs InductedSix Chief Master Sergeants were inducted in a ceremony atthe McGuire Officers’ Club April 2. (L-R) Chief MasterSergeants' Carl Howard, Dominick Galione, Jean Perry,Robert McCarty and Robert Hare of the 177th Fighter Wing.Not pictured is Chief Master Sgt. Edward Rockhill, 108thAir Refueling Wing. Photo by Chief Master Sgt. JamesLeopardi. 177th Fighter Wing.

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Short Rounds: Signal And GSAB, Vest ProjectAnd Freedom Salute

250th Meets 150thAt an undisclosed location in Iraq, members of the 250thSignal Battalion and 1-150th General Aviation SupportBattalion pose for a group photograph. Back row, l-r, Capt.Joe Pipas, 2nd Lt. Wasyel Danysh, Cpl. Jeff Hiles and Sgt.Steven Felmey. Front row, l-r, Sergeants' First Class BertPanfile and Sgt. 1st Class James Mannino. All are formerfull time employees of the J6 (Information Technologies)deployed to Iraq. All are members of the 250th except for2nd Lt. Danysh who is a member of the 1-150th. Photocourtesy of the 250th Signal Battalion.

Members of the 253rd Transportation Companywere honored March 19 at the Army NationalGuard’s Freedom Salute Campaign held at theWildwood Convention Center. The troops werehonored at a breakfast and given various awards(see photo) for their service. Command Sgt. Maj.(Ret.) Michael Hughes received special recognitionfor his groundbreaking work in setting up the NewJersey National Guard's first Family AssistanceCenter. The Freedom Salute Campaign is designedto recognize Army National Guard soldiers, theirfamilies, employers and others who have supportedthem as they answered the call to duty in fightingthe Global War on Terrorism – both at home andabroad. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen,NJDMAVA/PA.

Freedom Salute Honors 253rd

State Collects Vests For TroopsOn April 11, Acting Governor Richard J. Codey joined BrigGen Maria Falca-Dodson, Deputy Adjutant General, lawenforcement officials and other National Guard membersat the West Orange National Guard Armory to assist inpacking approximately 1,750 used bulletproof vests thatwere collected as part of the Acting Governor’s Body ArmorInitiative. The vests are being shipped to troops in Iraq tostrengthen military vehicles against bombs. Acting GovernorCodey launched the initiative in January and establisheddrop off points for the vests at several of the state’s NationalGuard armories. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen.

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Army And Air Enlisted PromotionsMaster Sgt. Daniel J. Calderale (Army) and Master Sgt. Paul B. Thompson, Jr. (Air)

Lisa RadevJohn A. Radzimski

TimothyJ.Roughgarden

Michael E. RuzickaAriel Sandoval

Julio A. SantosriosRobert L. SpraguePaul D. Stengele

David W. ThurstonGaudencio E. VenturaBrian E. Washington

New Jersey AirNational Guard

To Master Sergeant(E-7)

Christopher M. AdlerMelissa BrunoJune I. Kelly

Radames Soto, Jr.Janal D. Thomas

Harry F. Waugh, IVTo Technical

Sergeant (E-6)Darren W. Babnew

John T. BantaFelicia M. Bittner

Keith W. Elliss, Jr.Debra M. Green

Raymond J. Miller, Jr.Patrick M. Ogle

James E. Simmons, IIIChristopher M. Smith

Thomas TorresChristina Vidro

Todd A. WoodwardTo Staff Sergeant

(E-5)Andrew J. Biscieglia

Tina C. ChaffinsDennis W. Conk

Richard L. Coppinger

Michael A. CostelloThomas M. FechMichael V. FerreriRyan R. Hoffman

John P. HoppChristopher J. Johnson

Stephen J. LisiSherri A. Potts

To Senior Airman(E-4)

Joseph J.Andryszewski

Eligio BatizWilliam R. BoundsAlexander CherenaTonya J. Cleveland

Andrew M. ConstantinePedro E. Cuadra, III

Tara M. CullenPaul Durante

Jason T. FeibischRoss M. Feibisch

New Jersey ArmyNational Guard

To Master Sergeant(E-8)

Edward Barnes, Jr.Michael Carnivale, Jr.

Gary D. HaddicanPeter S. Kube

To Sergeant FirstClass (E-7)

Eugene Kirby, Jr.Ignacio Lorenzo

Robert W.Stephenson

Gilbert P. VanderbiltTo Staff Sergeant

(E-6)Hayden W. Brown

Gloria J. BurrusChristopher J. Geskey

Joshua A. MalaroHassan S. Marshall

Warner L. OrtizJohnie Williams

To Sergeant(E-5)

Richard D. Biglin, Jr.Cesar A. Caraballo

Arthur E. EsannasonRoger L. Galvez

Alexander B. GelfandMark A. Gibbs

Jonathan P. HernandezMatthew M. KlineDavid W. LenzJorge A. Marin

Glenn M. OlszykSgt. Adrian L. Ortiz

Glenn A. OvalleVihal PatelEddy Pierre

Humberto S. Prieto

David L. GoodwynJessica Y. Hendrickson

Gary J. JaconskiNicholas L. Joseph

Justin M. KelleyTomasz Kwintiuk

Joel Maldonado, Jr.Massa, Jessica A.Miracle G. MaysOmar J. Navarro

Michael J. Pando, Jr.Danielle N. Reid

Carlos A.Rodriguez, Jr.

Luis A. Rodriguez, Jr.Ramon A.Rosario

Rynisha V. Thompson

CongratulationsTo All

State of New JerseyDepartment of Military and Veterans AffairsPO Box 340Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0340

Last Round: Rainbow Stretches Over Iraq

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PaidPermit No. 294

Tucker, GA

By Staff Sgt. Duane M. Brown, 22nd MPADFORWARD OPERATING BASE, LIBERTY,

TIKRIT, Iraq — In ceremonial fashion, honoring a jobwell done and welcoming the new, the 42nd InfantryDivision assumed responsibility of Coalition efforts inMultinational Division - North Central, Iraq, Feb. 14.

In the ceremony, the torch was passed from Maj.Gen. John R. S. Batiste, 1st Infantry Divisioncommander to Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Taluto, 42ndInfantry Division (ID) commander, signifying an officialtransfer of authority.

More than 22,000 Soldiers, more than 1,400 ofwhich are assigned to the 42nd DISCOM, New JerseyArmy National Guard; are under the command of the42nd ID will support the multinational Division-NorthCentral Iraq.

The 42nd was formed on August 5, 1917 at CampMill on Long Island, New York. It was composed ofmen from 26 handpicked states and the District ofColumbia. Then Col. Douglas MacArthur, DivisionChief of Staff, said, “The Division stretches like arainbow from one end of America to the other.”