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TAG's Message - Always ready

Shape of things to come

Transformation and you

Airmen learn Soldiering skills

Super Wing has new General

Airmen honored at festival

Sharpshooters compete in TAG Match

Museum, school honor troops

Governor welcomes home troops

Soldiers get feet wet in training session

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Pilots hone combat skills

108th JAG top Guard/Reserve JAG

Engineers head from Jersey shore to

G-RAP

News Guard Families Can Use

Real world training

Short Rounds

New Jersey National Guard Enlisted P

Last Round: Cavalry arrives at Gover

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Guardlife StaffGuardlife StaffGuardlife StaffGuardlife StaffGuardlife Staff

Editors

Lt. Col. James Garcia

Capt. Jason Fetterolf

Capt. Jon Powers

2nd Lt. April Kelly

Sgt. 1st Class Kryn Westhoven

Editor-Production

Tech. Sgt. Mark C. Olsen

Staff Writers/Photographers

Sgt. 1st Class Robert Stephenson

Staff Sgt. Barbara Harbison

444MPAD, NJARNG

GuardlifeGuardlifeGuardlifeGuardlifeGuardlife is published bi-monthly using fed-

eral funds under provisions of AR 360-1

and AFI 35-101 by the Public Affairs Office

of the New Jersey Department of Military

and Veterans Affairs for all members of

the New Jersey Army and Air National

Guard. The views and opinions expressed

herein are not necessarily those of the

Department of Defense, the Army, the Air

Force or the National Guard Bureau. Let-

ters may be sent to: GuardlifeGuardlifeGuardlifeGuardlifeGuardlife, Public Affairs

Office, P.O. Box 340, NJDMAVA, Trenton, NJ,

08625-0340. E-mail at: pao@njdmava.

state.nj.us

Cover: Vigilant forceTech. Sgt. Robert W. Lerner and mem-bers of his squad survey deserted build-ings during Quick Reaction Force trainingon July 22. Airmen from the 177th FighterWing and 108th Air Refueling Wing weretrained by Soldiers from the 254th Regi-ment on how to respond to a variety ofsituations in the event of a state emer-gency. Turn to page 7 for the rest of thestory. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen

Inside Cover: Four to goSoldiers from B Company, Detachment1, 628th Aviation Support Battalion, NewJersey Army National Guard, guide aBlack-hawk UH-60L helicopter onboarda C-5 Galaxy. The Galaxy, which is at-tached to the 167th Airlift Wing, WestVirginia Air National Guard, transportedthe Blackhawks to the 32nd Aviation Regi-ment, 8th United States Army, Republicof Korea. On July 31, Army Guard avia-tors flew the four Blackhawks from theSikorsky Facility at Naval Air StationLakehurst to McGuire Air Force Base.Upon their arrival, the Soldiers preppedthe aircraft for transport. On August 2,the Galaxy arrived and in a space ofunder four hours, the helicopters wereloaded and on their way to the Land of theMorning Calm. Photo by Tech. Sgt. MarkOlsen, NJDMAVA/PA.

serve JAG

ey shore to Belize

n Use

rd Enlisted Promotions

ves at Governor's mansion

G u a r d l i f e 4

TAG'S MESSAGE

Always ReadyBy Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General - New Jersey

Few things give me as much pleasure in life thanwelcoming back our hometown troops from over-seas deployments. This June, however, it was a joyand relief to see the men and women of the 102ndReconnaissance Surveillance Targeting Acquisi-tion (RSTA) and the 250th Brigade Support Battal-ion (BSB) returning from their extended tours inIraq.

From that afternoon on a hot and humid Tuesday when ourtroops touched down and within hours embraced their lovedones…to the following Saturday’s official Welcome Homeceremony…I don’t think I stopped grinning that whole week (orsighing with relief).

Back in February, when State Command Sgt. Maj. JeromeJenkins and I traveled to Iraq to visit our 102nd RSTA and 250thBSB Soldiers, I remember standing in awe at the determina-tion of these troops…accepting the unthinkable: a last-minuteextension of an already year-long tour. “Disappointed, but notdeterred” was how I described these Soldiers at that time.Their “can do” attitude amazed me back then…it amazes mestill today.

In July, Governor Jon Corzine personally hosted a barbequepicnic for our returning Soldiers and Airmen. For the fourthtime since taking office, Governor Corzine welcomed troopsand family members to his official residence for a party…thistime, a welcome home party. Burgers, music, games,entertainment…now this is how you say welcome home andthank you! Face-to-face and one-on-one. I hope all the militarymembers and families that attended enjoyed the sunny fun-filled day and realize how appreciated their sacrifices are.

Presently, smaller groups of New Jersey Soldiers andAirmen continue to rotate into Iraq and Afghanistan. Fromsecurity forces to embedded trainers, our people continue tomake a difference and show the true spirit of volunteerism. Somuch so that commanders have had to limit approval ofindividual volunteer assignments with future unit deploymentslooming on the horizon.

And that horizon is drawing closer. While we adjust tomeet the challenges of the next couple of years, we will ensurethat the New Jersey National Guard provides a trained andready force to defend our nation. Trained, ready…and fit tofight!

Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth (left), The Adjutant General - New Jersey,and Governor Jon S. Corzine, Commander-in-Chief of the NewJersey National Guard, watch the volleyball game between Sol-diers and Airmen at Drumthwacket (see pages 12-13 ) for moreabout the event. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA.

A big part of staying fit to fight is keeping ourselves healthyand safe. We are in a dangerous business. We need toconstantly be vigilant and keep safety foremost in our minds.We’ve all seen examples of what the slightest bit of negligencecan do to a sophisticated piece of equipment or – moreimportantly – how it can impact human lives. We cannot allowcomplacency or bad habits to infiltrate our work ethic. We owethis to ourselves, to our troops and to the families that support us.

If you look around during any welcome home ceremony,you cannot miss the civilians – sometimes in embroideredjackets and flight caps – greeting our returning Soldiers andAirmen as if they were family. They are members of variousveterans’ organizations. Having had the honor of attending anumber of their national and regional conventions, I’ve seenfirsthand the support that these groups give the men andwomen currently serving in uniform. These veterans’ organiza-tions have always been staunch supporters of the Guard.

There is a symbiotic relationship that exists betweenmilitary members and all veterans’ groups. Whether sendingcare packages to our deployed Soldiers and Airmen…donatingitems to DMAVA Memorial Homes and Vets Haven…orraising awareness of issues that impact us all…these organi-zations are there for us. And we should be there for them. Asformer brothers and sisters in arms, they have earned ourrespect…as patriotic citizens, they deserve our support.

G u a r d l i f e 5

SHAPE OF THINGS

TO COME

A 108th Air RefuelingWing KC-135E refuels anF-22 Raptor on its way toan Air Show in RhodeIsland on June 23. Therefueling was part of amedia flight highlightingthe New Jersey Air Na-tional Guard. Photo byStaff Sgt. Eric Erbe,108ARW/CF.

SHAPE OF THINGS

TO COME

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Transformation and youBy Command Sgt. Maj. William R.Kryscnski, 50th Brigade

As you all know, the New JerseyArmy National Guard has begun atransformation process that willoccupy our training priorities overthe next several years.

This transformation is a huge pro-cess that involves consolidating someunits, eliminating several units and de-veloping new units. Old equipment willbe turned in and newer equipment andsystems will be issued. Along withthat process comes many facets oftraining to become familiar with andproficient on the new equipment.

Although the state's overall strengthwill stay the about the same, it willbecome necessary for many of ourSoldiers to become qualified in newmilitary job specialties (MOS) and pos-sibly move from one unit or armory to another.

Needless to say, the transformation process will be achallenge for everyone in the New Jersey Army NationalGuard.

As Soldiers who are part of this transformation process,you have certain responsibilities. Just like we manage oureveryday lives, we will now have to put more emphasis onmanaging our military careers. Soldiers must look at what thenew military occupational specialties will be, like CombatEngineers, Communications specialists, Intelligence special-ists, Military Police, Water Treatment specialists, etc.

In addition, you should look at where these new units arelocated as compared to where you are drilling now. Soldiersmust ask themselves: Is this a better opportunity for me? WillI be closer to home so I can reduce travel costs? Does this newposition provide me with training that can be utilized in mycivilian career as well?

Our Combat Battalions will transform to become lighter,more mobile, shedding the heavy armor of tanks. The decisionfor our former tankers is: Where do I go? Should I be anInfantryman, Cavalry Scout, Mortarman, Artilleryman, WheeledVehicle Mechanic, Emergency Medical Technician, MilitaryPoliceman, Intelligence Analyst, or one of several other jobspecialties that will be available?

When analyzing these opportunities, Soldiers need toknow if they can qualify for one of these new job specialties.What was your GT score when you came into the military? Ifyou want to be an Intelligence analyst (96B), you need a STscore of 105 or higher. If being a Combat Engineer (21B) is of

interest to you, you would need a COscore of 90 or higher to qualify. Mili-tary Policemen (31B) need a ST scoreof 95 or higher. Communicationsspecialties (25B) or systems ana-lysts need ST scores of 100 or higher. We have several Combat Support

Units whose functions will remain thesame, however, under the transfor-mation their overall troop strength willdecrease. Soldiers in those unitsmust decide if they want to changetheir MOS or look for across the stateto find where vacancies exist in theircurrent MOS. The Medical Companyis one such unit that comes to mind.This unit is currently over strengthand many of our qualified EMT/med-ics will have to either change their

specialty or move over to another unit where vacancies existfor Soldiers with medical expertise.

Another Soldier responsibility during transformation willbe to continue your NCO education. Under the currentpromotional system Soldiers who are at the rank of Specialist/E4 can be promoted to Sergeant/E5, however if they don’tcomplete the Warrior Leadership Course, they CANNOT beeligible for promotion to Staff Sergeant/E6. If you are a StaffSergeant/E6 you ARE NOT eligible for promotion to SergeantFirst Class/E7 without completing the Basic NCO Course.

We have many outstanding young E4’s, E5’s and E6’s,who have the ability to be excellent NCO leaders and performat a higher level. However, without a concerted effort on theirpart to complete NCOES they CANNOT be promoted to thehigher rank.

You are the future leaders and decision makers of the NewJersey Army National Guard. A successful transformation cannot be completed without all Soldiers taking responsibility fortheir military careers.

Soldiers have a responsibility to constantly seek outeducation and improve individual job performance and teamproficiency. We need the Soldiers of the 50th Infantry BrigadeCombat Team to step up, accept the challenge and be part ofthe transformation process.

By doing so, our units become more mission capable andready to perform when an actual emergency or crisis occurs.Remember we can only be winners in life if we set goals andtry to achieve them, no matter what obstacles are put in ourpath. Adapt, overcome and move forward at all times.

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One hundred New Jersey AirNational Guard Airmen havevolunteered to be members ofa Air National Guard Quick Re-action Force (ANG QRF) ca-pable of rapidly mobilizing inthe event of a state emergency.

These Airmen already bringskill sets unique to their “high-demand” AFSC’s (Air Force Spe-cialty Codes) such as civilengineering, security police andothers. Now they will have basicknowledge of traditional “Soldier-ing” skills including convoy opera-tions, as well as clearing andsecuring a building.

The QRF idea originated withCol. Ronald Alfors, the Chief ofStaff-Air, as an evolution of theextensive support the Air Guardhas always provided in state emer-gencies. “We have always pro-vided a specialized capability tostate response by leveraging ourmembers’ AFSC training,” statedAlfors. “If Airmen are needed to put boots on the ground forthese other types of missions, they would go through a 72 hourjust-in-time training program at the Joint Training and TrainingDevelopment Center (JT2DC) before hitting the street.”

While the doctrine and plans were in place for thiseventuality, the scenario was never exercised. “This puts acore of 100 people through that just-in-time training up front,while still maintaining the ability to provide training to manymore if needed.”

Taking that vision to reality was truly a joint effort led by Lt.Col. Randolph Slaughter, Officer in Charge of Plans andPrograms and Chief Master Sgt. Richard Bouffard, NCOIC ofPlans and Programs on the Air side with Lt. Col. Brian Sharkeyand Capt. Scott Hofstetter on the Army side. They worked withNew Jersey’s JTF Commander, Col. Stephen Hines, to identifyten core Military Support to Civilian Authorities (MSCA) tasks.Based on time and resources available to conduct the training,indoctrination into six of the ten were included in the syllabusfor the basic course.

The actual training responsibility to make sure that the AirGuard team is ready fell to the NCOs of the first battalion of the254th Regiment led by Sgt. 1st Class Paulo Amado. His team

Airmen learn Soldiering skillsBy Maj. Steven Rothstein, JFHQ/ACOS

of instructors spent several months planning the curriculumleading up to the training exercise. Their expertise ensuredthat the ANG QRF is ready to respond to any MSCA event.

The first course was conducted on June 9-10. Fifty Airmenfrom the 108th Air Refueling Wing received hands-on trainingboth in the classroom at the JT2DC and at a MOUT (MilitaryOperations on Urbanized Terrain) site at Range 12 on Fort Dix.The other fifty from the 177th Fighter Wing were trained duringtheir July drill.

Lt. Col. Daniel Rutkoski is the Officer in Charge of the108th’s QRF. Normally, he commands the Logistic Readi-ness Squadron at the 108th, but during this June weekend, hewas learning and practicing the skills thousands of his fellowguardsmen used in New Orleans after Katrina.

“Much of the training we have received this weekend iswhat we would need in any type of state response,” Rutkoskisaid. “We all remember the pictures of National Guardsmenconducting house-to-house searches in those areas of NewOrleans devastated when the levees broke. If something ofthat magnitude happens in New Jersey, I know that my teamwill be ready to deploy and work seamlessly with the ArmyGuard on those very same types of missions.”

Soldiers from the 254th Regiment train 108th Air Refueling Wing and the 177th Fighter WingAirmen on how to respond to a variety of situations in the event of a state emergency. Photo byTech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, 177FW/PA.

Michael L. Cunniff, commander of the 108th Air Refuel-ing Wing, was promoted to Brigadier General in aceremony was held at The Club, McGuire Air Force Baseon Aug. 2.

The Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, read theoath of office to the new general. Gen.Rieth was assisted by Cunniff’s wife,Diane, pinning on the new rank. Daugh-ters, Alecia and Lauren, and son, Chris-topher, pinned the star on his cap andput the epaulettes on his shirt.

The 108th Honor Guard posted thecolors and brought the general his newone star flag. Wing members, MasterSgt. Rafael Jimenez and Tech. Sgt.Lisel White sang the national anthem.

The General is responsible for twoflying units, the 141st Air RefuelingSquadron, and the 150th Air RefuelingSquadron, flying the KC-135EStratotanker and he supports the 227thSpecial Operations Flight, flying the C-32B. Cunniff commands 19 supportunits with more than 1,300 members.The 108th Air Refueling Wing is a re-serve component of the Air Force’s Air

Super Wing has new GeneralPhotos and story by Staff Sgt. Barbara Harbison, 108ARW/PA

Seeing stars. Newly minted Brig. Gen. Michael L. Cunniff (center) has his stars pinned onby his wife Diane (right) and Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth (left), The Adjutant General of NewJersey, on Aug. 2.

Mobility Command and one of only three“super tanker wings” in the Air NationalGuard.

His military education includesSquadron Officer School, Air Commandand Staff College and Air War College.After receiving his commission from theAcademy of Military Science at McGheeTyson Airport, Tenn., General Cunniffreceived his pilot’s wings at ColumbusAir Force Base, Miss., in 1983. Afterattending F4-D training, he joined the108th Tactical Fighter Wing at McGuireAir Force Base. When the 108th ARWtransitioned to the KC-135E, the Gen-eral attended Combat Crew TrainingSchool at Castle Air Force Base, Calif.Upon his return, Cunniff served as the108th Operations Group commander,instructor and evaluator pilot, chief oftraining, the 150th Air Refueling Squad-ron operations officer, aircraft mainte-

nance officer, flying safety officer, range control officer andexercise evaluation team chief.

Members of the Air and Army Guard, retired 108th and AirGuard personnel along with members of Gen. Cunniff’s familyattended the ceremony.

Brig. Gen. Michael L. Cunniff receives his final set of stars from his children - son Christopher(left) and daughters Alecia (second from right) and Lauren (right).

G u a r d l i f e

G u a r d l i f e 9

Airmen from the 177th Fighter Wing were honored atthe 21st Red, White and Blueberry Festival on July 1in Hammonton.

Wing Airmen have served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait,Qatar, Yemen, Uzbekistan, Djibouti as well as other locationsaround the world. Nearly every military career field at thewing has been deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Free-dom and Enduring Freedom.

Led by Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, Brig. Gen. Maria Falca-Dodson and Col. Randall S. King the Airmen marched to theFestival’s grounds near the Hammonton elementary school.After listening to speeches by Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo,2nd District, New Jersey and local officials, the Airmen spentthe rest of the day enjoying concerts, displays, and of courseblueberries.

AAAAAIRMENIRMENIRMENIRMENIRMEN HONOREDHONOREDHONOREDHONOREDHONORED

ATATATATAT F F F F FESTIVALESTIVALESTIVALESTIVALESTIVALPhotos and story by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, 177FW/PA

AAAAAIRMENIRMENIRMENIRMENIRMEN HONOREDHONOREDHONOREDHONOREDHONORED

ATATATATAT F F F F FESTIVALESTIVALESTIVALESTIVALESTIVALPhotos and story by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, 177FW/PA

For many Soldiers, being proficientwith a firearm is a necessary task forkeeping fit to fight. For some, it canbe a daunting endeavor requiringhours of practice.

But for a select few, proficiency isonly a starting point, and the hours ofpractice put in are needed not to meetthe standard, but to blow it away.

Service members from this elitegroup of sharpshooters gathered at FortDix June 22-24 to compete in the NewJersey National Guard’s 2007 AdjutantGeneral’s Combat Championships.

The event consisted of threematches: Precision Combat Rifle, Com-bat Service Pistol and Combat ServicePistol EIC (Excellence In Competition).Nearly three-dozen shooters aimed forperfection in a competition where a frac-tion of an inch could separate the win-ners from the losers.

Maj. Ken Kurtz, 108th Air Refueling Wing, placed first inthe rifle match, while Tech. Sgt. Donald Smith of that same unittook first place in both the pistol and EIC matches and third inthe rifle match. The 108th also won as a team for all threematches, aided by the contribution of 108th member Lt. Col.Andrew Kuhtik, who took sec-ond place in the EIC match.

First Lt. Benjamin Stoner,250th Brigade Support Bat-talion placed second in therifle match and third in thepistol match. He credits hissuccess to a lifetime of shoot-ing.

“I began my familiariza-tion with firearms when I was10 and my father used to takeme shotgun hunting after Icompleted the N.J. HunterEducation Safety Course,” heexplained. “My father took thetime to show me the properhandling, operation, aiming and firing of a firearm.”

“Good Army Marksmanship training, however, is whathelped me to hone in on my skills and become a bettermarksman,” he added.

For Stoner, this competition is one in a long line datingback to his youth. “My first shooting competition was a “turkeyshoot” at the Moose Lodge in Jackson, where I beat all theadults and took home the turkey for Thanksgiving dinner,” herecalled. “When I was 16, I competed in a National Police

Explorer Youth Pistol Com-petition in Boulder, Colo.,where I placed sixth overall,and first in rapid fire, out ofabout 3,000 competitors.”

The AG competition stillpresented a challenge. “Firingwith a weapon not perfectlyzeroed and dealing with the10- to 15-MPH wind had tobe the most challenging partof this competition,” he said. “Everything else wentsmoothly, thanks to the greatefforts of the organizers, sup-port staff, and guest instruc-tors from the N.Y. Army

National Guard Marksmanship Team.”Rounding out the competition were Sgt. 1st Class Andrzej

Ropel, who placed second in the pistol match, and Sgt. DonaldSeymour, who took third in the EIC match.

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Sharpshooters compete in TAG MatchPhoto and story by Sgt. Shawn Morris, 444MPAD

Army and Air Guard marksmen participated in the New Jersey National Guard’s 2007Adjutant General’s Combat Championships at Fort Dix on June 22-24.

Results at a glancePrecision Combat Rifle

1st: Maj. Ken Kurtz, 108th Air Refueling Wing2nd: 1st Lt. Benjamin Stoner, 250th Brigade Support Battalion

3rd: Tech. Sgt. Donald Smith, 108th Air Refueling Wing

Combat Service Pistol1st: Tech. Sgt. Donald Smith, 108th Air Refueling Wing

2nd: Sgt. 1st Class Andrzej Ropel, 2nd Battalion 113th Infantry3rd: 1st Lt. Benjamin Stoner, 250th Brigade Support Battalion

Combat Service Pistol EIC (Excellence In Competition)1st: Tech. Sgt. Donald Smith, 108th Air Refueling Wing2nd: Lt. Col. Andrew Kuhtik, 108th Air Refueling Wing

3rd: Sgt. Donald Seymour, 2nd Battalion, 104th Aviation

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The National Guard Militia Museum of NewJersey and Belmar Elementary School participatedin a special event as part of National MilitaryAppreciation Month.

Museum Assistant Curator Carol Fowler explained tothe students that "America Supports You," is a nation-wide program recognizing citizen support for Americanmilitary men and women at home and abroad.

The students seized the opportunity to show theirappreciation by writing letters of appreciation and createda banner proudly declaring: "Belmar Elementary SchoolThanks You For Protecting Our Freedom."

On May 11, Fowler, accompanied by Sgt. BradTrowbridge and Spc. Gabriela Pereira, met with theBelmar Elementary School fourth graders. The childrenenthusiastically greeted their guests and presented themtheir letters and banner.

Belmar Elementary School’s Assistant PrincipalPaul Shappiro attended the ceremony and stated that theevent was “…a tremendous way for our students todemonstrate their appreciation for all the Soldiers that puttheir lives on the line everyday to protect our freedom.”

Museum, school honor troopsBy Carol Fowler, National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey

Spc. Gabriela Pereira (left) and Sgt. Brad Trowbridge (right) hold a packetof letters supporting American troops at home and abroad. The letterswere presented by Belmar Elementary School fourth graders from SusanSmith and Patricia Monahan's classes. Photo courtesy of the Coast StarNewspaper, Manasquan, N.J.

Spouses promoted to Sergeant MajorPhoto and story by Kryn P. Westhoven, NJDMAVA/PA

Ever since they married fourteen years ago the militarycareers of Lisa and Harold Homan have mirrored eachother in rank and responsibility. And now these twoNew Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers share therank of Sergeant Major as they were promoted togetherrecently at the Guard’s Joint Forces Headquarters onFort Dix.

For this husband and wife having the promotion ceremonyat Dix just added another chapter to their lives that seem to

revolved around the installation.“The Guard gave me my husband. I don’t have the hand

receipt, but I am sure I will get one,” quipped Lisa after havingher new rank pinned on by the Brig. Gen. Maria Falca-Dodson,Deputy Adjutant General of New Jersey.

One might think with both being in uniform and FirstSergeant’s at the same time, Lisa handled the 21st CivilSupport Team (CST) at Fort Dix and Harold was Top at 2-113thInfantry, would be tough on a marriage. For this pair it was achance to succeed both personally and professionally.

“I believe it is that we are both in, we know what to expectand we both know the challenges and we each help each otherdeal with those challenges,” said Harold.

Quickly Lisa adds with a laugh “We have NCOPD (Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development) every nighton our way home” as she talked about the pairs commute toand from Langhorne, Pa.

That drive to work is becoming a shorter after the promo-tions as both will be working in Lawrenceville, as Lisa is theChief of Emergency Operations at the Homeland SecurityCenter of Excellence and Harold is the Operations SergeantMajor for the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (BCT).

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Governor welcomes home TroopsPhotos by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA

Maj. Michael A. Bobinis (left to right), Sgt. Brian S. Venerick, 1stSgt. Raymond H. Hoffman, Command Sgt. Maj. Richard VanderClute, Sgt. 1st Class Steven S. Austin, Master Sgt. AlexandroEstrada and Spc. David H. Gaines watch as Governor Jon S.Corzine, Commander-in-Chief of the New Jersey National Guard,holds aloft a volleyball following the game between the Sol-diers and Airmen who deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. Gov-ernor Corzine held a party for New Jersey National GuardAirmen and Soldiers who had deployed in support of Operation'sEnduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, along with their familiesat the Governor's mansion, Drumthwacket, in Princeton on July28. By the way, the final score was Afghanistan 22, Iraq 20.

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G u a r d l i f e 14

With 70 percent ofthe earth coveredin water you wouldthink that everystate NationalGuard unit wouldhave its own watertreatment unit.

However, until thefall of 2006 the NewJersey Army NationalGuard was without aunit that could providethis staple of life.

A group of volun-teers brought more than100 years of civilian ex-pertise in all things wetto the National GuardTraining Center at SeaGirt to give the Soldiersof the 154th WaterTreatment Company ahead start in the train-ing.

In the first of two weekend sessions, members of the NewJersey Water Association, (NJWA) based in Waretown do-nated their time to educating members of the new unit.

“These folks are our neighbors and they are protecting usso we are doing what we can to help them,” said Rick Howlett,NJWA Executive Director.

Many of the 154th’s Soldiers came from the SignalBattalion who originally “worked on phone lines and radios butnow they are working with water,” said Command Sgt. Maj.Howard Wright, 50th Finance Battalion, whose civilian field isrelated to water treatment.

Because the unit is in its infancy stage many of the troopsare waiting to attend the 13-week course at Fort Lee, Va., tobecome MOS-qualified. In the meantime Soldiers are receiv-ing “basics water operations skill”, said Capt. Malinda Dake,Commander, 154th Water Treatment Company.

The training by the civilian experts was a real “eye opener”for the future Water Treatment Specialists noted Dake.

“Soldiers will come away knowing what they are gettingtheir hands into.”

“The training is in basic water sources, water treatment,water quality and safety,” said Howlett, explaining the goals ofthe classroom lessons.

Soldiers get feet wet in training sessionBy Staff Sgt. Joe Donnelly, 444MPAD

Michael Furrey (left), Operating License Instructor for the New Jersey Water Association explains checkingfor water quality to Soldiers of the 154th Water purification and Distribution Company at Sea Girt. Photo bySgt. 1st Class Kryn P. Westhoven, 444tMPAD.

This water education weekend was delivered by fivevolunteer instructors who are no strangers to teaching as theyhave traveled the state instructing Public Health Officials,License Water and Waste Operators and Public Worksmanagers.

The jump start that trainees received from the civilianexperts will not only help them in preparing for their newmilitary jobs but help every one that comes in contact with theirfinished product, H

2O. Soon you will hear call that the water

is fine, drink up.

ROWPU - The Army's WaterPrime Mover

Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Units(ROWPU), use raw water taken from rivers, oceans,lagoons or any other water source and puts itthrough four different filtration processes. Thefiltered water is then treated with chlorine tosterilize it in the final stage of purification beforeit is piped to storage containers for Soldiers’ use.

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From Feb. 24 to March 3, 90 members of the 177thFighter Wing including pilots, crew chiefs,maintainers, munitions and weapons loaders, de-ployed to Tyndall AFB, Fla., to hone their craft atCombat Archer 07-02.

“Forty-six sorties were flown during the weekand not a single mission was canceled due toequipment problems,” stated Lt. Col. Yarko Sos,Commander, 119th Fighter Squadron. “This is a

PILOTS HONE

COMBAT

SKILLSPILOTS HONE

COMBAT

SKILLS

By Lt. Col. John DiDonna, Director of Opera-tions, 119th Fighter Squadron

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Richard Mercado, 83rdFighter Weapons, Tyndall AFB, Fla.

true testament to the outstanding efforts of all thedeployed personnel.”

During the deployment, pilots were able to firelive air-to-air missiles at drones. This training iscritical because it provides pilots with the neces-sary weapon system experience, especially with anupcoming Air Expeditionary Force deployment.

In addition, the pilots fought in air combat train-ing against F-15s to sharpen air-to-air skills andflew simulated homeland defense missions.

“For all involved, the Combat Archer deploy-ment was an overwhelming success and a truereflection of the outstanding performers within the177th Fighter Wing,” observed Sos.

G u a r d l i f e 16

Maj. John F. “Jack”O’Connell, Deputy StaffJudge Advocate, 108th AirRefueling Wing, was re-cently named the recipi-ent of the U.S. Air ForceAward for the Outstand-ing Reserve/Guard JAG for2006.

“It is a distinct honor tobe receiving the Judge Advo-

Harmon Award which honorsthe first Judge Advocate Gen-eral of the Air Force,” said

testament to all the dedi-cated members of the AirForce JAG Corps who areserving throughout the worldand who are contributing tothe fight in the Global War ofTerrorism.”

With a few twists to hisstory, Maj. O’Connell couldbe the model for HarmonRabb, the character on thetelevision show, “JAG.” In O’Connell’s previous life, he spent10 years in the U.S. Navy as a pilot where he flew an F-14Tomcat logging almost 1,000 hours and 200 carrier landingsaboard the USS America and flying combat missions insupport of Operation Desert Storm. Six years later he joinedthe 108th as a member of the JAG section.

O’Connell grew up in South Amboy and attended ChristianBrothers Academy, Lindcroft. He did his undergraduate workat Seton Hall University and the University of Pennsylvania andgot his law degree at the Seton Hall University School of Law.“I felt an obligation, a sense of duty, in the aftermath of theattacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on Septem-ber 11,” said O’Connell when asked the reason he came backinto the military.

Since joining the Air National Guard he has been deployedto Guantanamo, Cuba and left again in May 2007 for hissecond deployment to Iraq. As an Air Guard JAG during hisdeployment to Joint Task Force-Guantanamo, he was at-tached to the 50th Brigade, New Jersey Army National Guard,42nd Infantry Division. He served as the primary operationallaw advisor to the Joint Detention Operations Group Com-

mander and as the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the camplegal office. Shortly after his returnfrom Guantanamo, he de-ployed to Baghdad, Iraq, withthe Multi National Forces –

O’Connell served as a Stra-tegic Planner and Legal Ad-visor to the Deputy Chief ofStaff for Strategy, Plans and

ond Iraq deployment, he willagain be serving as a Strate-gic Planner/Legal Advisor onGen. David H. Petraeus’ staff.When O’Connell is home inNew Jersey long enough torest his hat, his civilian job isas the in-house counsel forNew Jersey Turnpike Author-ity. O’Connell was nominatedfor the award by Maj. Gen.Kurt Cichowski, DeputyChief of Staff for Strategy,

Plans and Assessment, MNF-I, his commander while de-ployed in Iraq. In the award nomination, O’Connell was citedfor serving as the Strategic Planner and Legal Advisor on Multi-National Force Iraq Commanding General’s staff in support ofOperation Iraqi Freedom, developed Desert Protector Strat-egy, which had an immediate and significant impact oncounter insurgency operations and was the Deputy Chief ofStaff’s go-to guy on the ever-evolving Iraqi Constitution.

In between OEF and OIF deployments, he completed thesix-week AOC Course at Air Force Special Operations Com-mand graduating in the top of his class with a 98.5 average.O’Connell has been a leading advocate for a state bar associa-tion sponsored legal assistance program for deployed militarymembers as well as members stationed in CONUS.

Col. Michael Cunniff, Commander, 108th Air RefuelingWing stated, “There is no one better to represent the wing thanMaj. O’Connell on the War on Global Terrorism. I amextremely proud and honored that he has represented the108th on numerous deployments during these past threeyears and all that hard work has proven itself with thisprestigious award.”

108th JAG top Guard/Reserve JAGBy Staff Sgt. Barbara Harbison, 108ARW/PA

cate General’s Reginald C.

Maj. O’Connell. ”It is also a

Iraq (MNF-I). There,

Assessments. On his sec-

G u a r d l i f e 17

For members of the Army Guard’s 110thEngineers Utilities Detachment (EUD)based in Tuckerton, their annual train-ing might have sounded like a govern-ment funded vacation. Their two weeksin Belize was certainly exotic, but wasfar from a vacation as one could get.

In just two months one of New Jersey’snewest units sent 27 Soldiers in two rota-tions to support Operation Tradewinds-Belizeto provide build-up, operational and carry-onengineer support for the annual multinationalexercise.

It was New Jersey’s mission to makethe training facilities better in the coastalnation south of Mexico for the participatingmilitary forces from Antigua-Barbuda, Ba-hamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Canada, Do-minican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti,Jamaica, Trinidad-Tobago and United King-dom, to name a few.

The training to combat transnationalthreats, in counter drug operations and con-ducting a disaster response was coordi-nated by Marine Forces South and U.S.Army Southern Command.

Participation in Operation Tradewinds was a first for theunit which features a cross section of engineering skills suchas carpenters, plumbers, electricians and heavy equipmentoperators. The remote annual training provided an opportunityto build unit cohesion and practice newly acquired engineerskills. “A lot of guys got a chance to show what they can doas well as learn from the experts in the unit,” said Sgt. 1stClass Donald Brandinelli, 110th EUD NCOIC.

The engineers used their two Bobcats and assorted poweror hand tools to make the military home improvements inweather that makes the hot, humid days on the Jersey Shoreeasy to take.

Besides the stifling environment the engineers had to dealwith an existing infrastructure that was quite antiquated.

“Years of wiring and rewiring, and transition from theEuropean to American Voltage standard made the utilities partof the project especially challenging,” noted Brandinelli as hetalked about the electrical work on the former British colony.The varied projects kept the electrical section busy withseveral crews in multiple buildings.

“But as far as a pure physical challenge; the constructionof the tent city on nearby Hattieville range took the cake,”

explained Brandinelli.The tent city was built from the ground up and included 24

barracks, an Ammo Supply Point (ASP), medical, and a pairof dining facility tents complete with platforms, tables andelectrical lighting. The power generation was provided by anon-site generator and the electrical distribution network wascustom built and buried during the tent city phase of the projectwhich was completed in just five days.

Follow on support for the operation included earthmovingoperations, furniture construction, plumbing repairs, logisticalsupport and construction of an emergency barracks to quar-antine a group of visiting military that developed cases ofchicken pox.

“The guys out here really gave their all and impressed mewith just how far they were willing to go to accomplish theproject within the allotted time,” said Capt. George Fedorczyk,110th EUD commander.

Despite the difficult working conditions, and the chal-lenges presented by both a tight deadline and shifting projectrequirements, the 110th EUD showed determination and skillin accomplishing the mission for this Caribbean nation of300,000 people.

Engineers head from Jersey Shore to BelizeBy Kryn P. Westhoven, NJDMAVA/PA

Soldiers from the 110th Engineers Utilities Detachment prepare an area for tentsduring Operation Tradewinds-Belize. Photo courtesy 110EUD.

G u a r d l i f e 18

G u a r d l i f e 19

News Guard Families Can UseCompiled by the Guardlife Staff

Family Readiness Grant ProgramFrom the New Jersey State Family Readiness Council

Family Grants are available to New Jersey Guardmembers who have been mobilized longer than 90-days within a one-year period, and their families mustbe experiencing financial hardship.

Business grants are available to New Jersey Guardmembers who have been mobilized longer than 90-daysalso within a one-year period and were self-employedbusiness owners at the time of being mobilized.

The State Council has supported family activities,welcome home events and has awarded grants in excessof $200,000.

For more information on grant criteria or�to apply for agrant�contact a Family Assistance Center or the FamilyReadiness Group nearest you (see boxed list below).

108th Air Refueling Wing3327 Charles Blvd.

McGuire AFB, NJ 08641POC: Laura Forrest

laura.forrest@njmcgu.ang.af.milJersey City Armory

678 Montgomery StreetJersey City, NJ 07306-2208

POC: Janis Shawjanis.m.shaw@us.army.mil

Lawrenceville Armory151 Eggert Crossing Road

Lawrenceville, NJ 08648-2897POC: Jane Hackbarth

jane.e.hackbarth@us.army.mil

Morristown Armory430 Jockey Hollow Road

Morristown, NJ 07960-0499POC: John Hales

john.a.hales@us.army.milPomona NJNG FAC

400 Langley RoadEgg Harbor Twp, NJ 08234POC (Air): Joan Searfoss

joan.searfoss@njatla.ang.af.milPOC (Army): Michael Hughes

michael.hughes@njatla.ang.af.milSomerset Armory

1060 Hamilton StreetSomerset, NJ 08873

POC: John Halesjohn.a.hales@us.army.mil

Teaneck ArmoryTeaneck & Liberty RoadsTeaneck NJ 07666-0687POC: SSG Joe Collery

joe.collery@us.army.milToms River Armory1200 Whitesville RoadToms River, NJ 08753

POC: Maria Morromaria.morro1@us.army.mil

Woodbury Armory658 North Evergreen Avenue

Woodbury, NJ 08096POC: Heather Altman

heather.altman@us.army.mil

Family Assistance Centers

Our Toll Free Number is 1-888-859-0352

C o r r e c t i o n

On page 21 of the March 2007 issue of Guardlifein the caption for the photo "108th gets newCommand Chief" incorrectly stated that CommandChief Master Sgt. Vincent P. Morton was the firstAfrican-American command chief master sergeantin the history of the New Jersey Air NationalGuard.

In fact, Chief Master Sgt. Albert Williams alsofrom the 108th was the first African-AmericanCommand Chief Master Sergeant.

Further, the first African-American Senior En-listed Advisor (this position later became theCommand Chief Master Sergeant) for New Jerseywas Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Vaughn.

G u a r d l i f e 20

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. - “There are two of them. Onehas a bald head and a grey T-shirt, and the other guy hasa dark hat on.”

The man in the blue striped shirt spoke between deepintakes of breath as he crouched between two RutgersUniversity policemen as all three took cover behind the patrolcar. Men carrying guns had invaded the idyllic scenery of thiscentral New Jersey university campus and fired off a numberof shots at students, teachers and children attending summercamp, including the man now shielded by the cops, who hadmanaged to elude the gunmen’s grasp before they were ableto take a number of hostages.

The cops were in touch with their command post whichwas monitoring the campus via aerial shots provided by a Oh-58 Kiowa observation helicopter, which was hovering overhead.

Minutes later, two New Jersey National Guard UH-60Blackhawk Helicopters swooped in to deposit members of theMiddlesex County Special Operations Reaction Team (SORT)right in the middle of the New Brunswick campus. The SORTimmediately fanned out and advanced on one of the studentbuildings. Gunshots follow.

Under different circumstances this would be the beginningof a frightening situation reminiscent of what took place at theVirginia Tech campus several months ago. But this was nota real hostage situation, just an exercise that involvednumerous state and local law enforcement and emergencyservices agencies. The goal of the exercise was to solidifythe cooperation between agencies which may be calledupon to work together on short notice during a real terroristthreat.

“Our specialization in Homeland Security is providingsupport to law enforcement,” explains Lt. Col. John Sheard of

Real world trainReal world trainReal world trainReal world trainReal world traininginginginging

the New Jersey National Guard. “So primarily from theaircraft side of the house, [support] with the lift aircraft is tobring the Special Operations teams to a location so they candeploy more rapidly and with a show of force.”

While transporting law enforcement reaction teams isimportant, knowing where to transport them is just as important.“With the reconnaissance aircraft, we have the capability oftaking photos from the air, day or night, video downlinktechnology, from the tactical side of the house, to vehicles atthe site, and strategically, we can send that signal throughoutthe state, to the Adjutant General’s office and to the NewJersey State Police office, which is where this all centralizesfrom,” notes Sheard.

Helping to provide that signal is Chief Warrant Officer JerrySteber of the 2-104th Service and Support Aviation Battalion.Steber, who manages the equipment that receives the videosignal from the helicopter, has worked with law enforcementbefore. “Most of the law enforcement agencies that I’ve had apersonal interface with really look to us for the support thatthey don’t have,” says Steber. “It’s a definite asset for themas far as visual and electronic information being provided to thetask force commanders and the command posts when they’redoing these types of operations."

With the help of the New Jersey National Guard, thisexercise ends well according to Detective Douglas Sprague,Deputy Task Force Commander of the SORT.

“We had information that there were three active shooterssomewhere in the building, we assembled the SORT into 20-man assault teams, and we cleared four floors of the buildingand took the bad guys down outside the building.”

All in all, a good day for the good guys, with a little helpfrom the New Jersey National Guard.

Story and photo Sgt 1st Class Robert Stephenson, NJDMAVA/PA

New Jersey National Guard Provides Support To Civil Authorities

A 1-104th Services and Support Battalion UH-60 Blackhawkdeposits a Middlesex County Special Operations Reaction Teamin the middle of the Rutgers University New Brunswick campus

during a hostage scenario. The exercise involved numerous stateand local law enforcement teams, which may be called upon towork together on short notice during a real terrorist threat.

G u a r d l i f e 21

CONCERTS, WAVES, DIVERSITY AND YOUTH CAMP

SHORT ROUNDS

Pre-flight briefChief Warrant Officer 2 John Sodimon (left), 2-104th ServicesSupport Battalion, explains the controls of a UH-60 Blackhawkto camper Jelisa Torres during the 13th Annual New JerseyNational Guard Youth Camp at the National Guard TrainingCenter in Sea Girt on Aug. 2. Photo by Spc. Mark O'Rear,444MPAD.

Unity Day serenadeSpc. Jacqueline Rivera-Buie (left), 250th Brigade Support Battal-ion is serenaded during the Unity Day celebration on June 14, atthe Joint Training & Training Development Center on Fort Dix. Thisyear’s event, “Many Cultures, One Flag” highlighted the differentethnic and special emphasis groups represented in the NewJersey National Guard to enhance cross-cultural awareness har-mony among all members of the New Jersey National Guard.Photo by Airman 1st Class Jason Hilliard, 108ARW/PA.

Splish, splashCapt. Jason Halvorsen, a pilot with the 177th Fighter Wing, useshis mirror to signal for help during water survival training at SixFlags Hurricane Harbor in Jackson on July 17. The United StatesCoast Guard water survival specialists along with wing pilotstrained at Hurricane Harbor because the wave pool gave a greaterdegree of realism to the training than a swimming pool. Photo byTech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, 177FW/PA.

Jammin' at SGMembers of the 63rd Army Band sax section jam during anevening of music on July 6 at the National Guard TrainingCenter in Sea Girt. Under the baton of Chief Warrant Officer2 Durinda Garrison, the 37 Soldiers filled the evening withmusic ranging from standards to rock. The Soldier-musiciansrearranged themselves into everything from a full orchestrato a Motown R&B band.. Photo by Lt. Col. James Garcia,NJDMAVA/PAO.

G u a r d l i f e 22

New Jersey National GuarNEW JERSEY ARMY

NATIONAL GUARD

To Sergeant Major (E-9):Michael R. Cormier

Hermenegildo DevarieHarold E. HomanLisa M. HomanScott L. Lance

David J. Stillwagon

To First Sergeant (E-8):Brett C. Eberlin

Robert W. GerhardtGeorge E. Osborn

Jeffrey C. PelsTerrence D. Taylor

To Master Sergeant (E-8):Dennis B. Brydges

Eric S. EveloJohn R. Geisheimer

Robert J. GrecoThomas W.Longacre

Wayne W. MayAntonio A. Pritchard

Mark R. Rizzo

To Sergeant First Class(E-7):

Eric T. CaveDanny Colon

Danielle E. CorbinWilliam LongEddie Lopez

Dale E. MctigheAmmon Moore

Ronald A. R. OliverElias Rivera

Robert RiveraJamie Wekerle

To Staff Sergeant (E-6):Bryan Addo

John K. BlagojevichB Ernest H. LoodYashica R. Carver

Jeffrey CruzChristopher J. Doster

Ana GatsonDonald H. Gregorowicz

James M. HammerVictor A. Ioffredo Jr.Jeffrey N. JohnsonJeffrey M. Jones

Donald W. Little IIEdwin R. Manzano III

Gary MarreroOrlando L. Mirandaluna

Joseph M. MonteLuis A. Morales

Jacqueline F. MurnaneBenjamin G. Ouckama

Robert W. PhoebusIrene Sanchez

Steven D. SisskinFrederic M. StinerBrian C. Tarquinio

Dinel V. WhiteGregory T. WilliamsMichael J. Williams

To Sergeant (E-5):Briton D. ArnoldFrancis J. Baran

Ana L. BrownSergio T. Chacon Jr.

Adam D. CraigChristopher W. Donohue

Swamy A. DuarteLeandro G. EnriquezRobert R. Farrell Jr.

Sean S. FisherAndres F. Giraldo

Piacenta M. JacksonKamala I. Lane

Andres S. LebronAngelo J. Martinez

Ervin L. MunizVicki L. Okeyo

Diego J. Ortiz-ColonDavid S. Pawski

Kenneth H. PayneRichard L. RaghnalJoseph M. SchornoRudolph V. Taurino

Manuel Larranaga Jr.Melissa D. Lee

Michael J. LippincottEduardo Mendez

Christopher L. MessingerGary A. Mitana

Kenneth J. Moore IIWilliam A. MorereJames E. NelsonDonald M. NowellDavid A. Nunez Jr.Dawn J. PasqualeDavid A.Pinero Jr.Gabriel A. RiveraHenry Rodriguez

Christopher J. RoigR Frank D. Osabal

Elizabeth M. RoslakDennis A. S. RyanMichael P. SantosJason S. SchrieverStefanie M. ScullySachika L. Soto

James J. B. StanlyKenneth S. Tisch

Eric E. TorresDwan A. Wilson

Joshua R. WilsonJonelle F. Windham

To Private (E-2):Daniel D.Abbate III

Jennifer AbreuDwayne L. Barnes

Shaquioa S. BlalockMichael G. BrennanThomas R. Brewer

Marc A. CadetMarlyn M. CalderonStephanie C. Cargua

Samuel A. CastenadariosStephen Cofield Jr.

Corey C. DavisEdward A. Debiase Jr.

Abel A. DuqueHeather M. Dutko

Frank L. EavesRafael M. Espinosa

To Specialist (E-4):Stacey BeveridgeThomas E. BodenLeopold M. BrownIsaias C. CastilloMartin G. CooganBrian C. Darling

Steven A. Garratano Jr.Cesar E. HerediaJeffrey A. HowardJuan M. Marrero

Douglas R. MenutDaniel T. Miller

Maria S. OuckamaOnel Pagan

John J. Reese Jr.Amanda R. RepiciLisandro Rosario

Jair D. J. SandovalAndrew D. VargasMaria C. Zodiaco

To Private First Class(E-3):

Kenneth A. AdolfoFrancisco J. Alcantara

Jorge I. Alicea Sr.Orlando A. Baez

William J. Berneck IIIJorge F. Bodden

Ivania T. BritoChristopher J. Cellinesi

Carthaniel Crum Jr.Ryan L. Davenport

Alexander J. DejesusJames J. Diana

Christopher J. EndicottTiffany M. Eubanks

Tireke J. GabrielMatthew T. Gambale

Starr R. GardnerRyan W. GriffithSamuel I. Guerra

Samuel G. JohnsonAshanti W. Jones

Bryan L. JonesDeanna R. Kaiser

Kirk A. Kirlew

G u a r d l i f e 23

Guard Enlisted PromotionsRichard C. Fleming

Christopher R. ForvourRolando R. Garcia

Harrison E. HillRussell E. Hoyd

William R. Klix Jr.Carl J. Kunst

Eric M. KupplerBarry C. Lomax

Pedro J. Lopez IIIMontano G. E. Lux

Lolita D. MarketBrandon J. MartinMichael J. MartynJenilee I. MendozaLeonard A. MondileDamien H. Montoya

Jayme G. PfitzenmayerRobert W. Ponsart

John W. PoseyJoseph J. Przyb

Curvey A. Purkett Jr.Justin M. RambertJonathan Reyes

Chucks M. RichardsRobert J. Richards

Rebekah L. RobinsonMichael A. Ryno

Philip SaladinVanessa Salazar

Matthew TonkinsonTamer Turgun

Danilo I. VargasdiazEric D. Warren

Joseph G. WellsBryant P. Whittington

NEW JERSEY AIR

NATIONAL GUARD

To Chief Master Sergeant(E-9):

Lance C. Endee

To Senior MasterSergeant (E-8):Edwin Cintron

Michael J. Rakauckas

To Master Sergeant (E-7):Felicia M.Bittner

David M. BurrJames P.DolcyKathy A. Freed

Byron B. JaramuzchettDonald F. Manseau

Raymond J. Miller Jr.Antonio L. Pagan

Frank J. Picarella Jr.Anthony L. SavinoJulie A. SchechterGeorge A. Sikaffy

Matthew D. Sturges

To Technical Sergeant(E-6):

Richard T. BadeyDavid J. BaileyIsrael Caraballo

Stephan Q. ClantonShannon M. FallenMichael V. FerreriMichael J. GeorgeCharles E. Hester

Gary A. HoppJustin G. Jump

Joseph A. LandreeGregory R. MascaroMarlon L. McKinneyChristopher G. Mock

John W. Morrill

Sondra L. RamosChristopher R. Ruhs

Rachel M. SeviRussell J. StanleyFrancisco J. Vega

To Staff Sergeant (E-5):Roger A. Alston

Charles D. Applegate Jr.Harold A. Beard Jr.Bryan J. Berthold

Nicholas J. CelentanoMichael V. Ceralde

Joel ColonPaul Durante

Gretchen L. HayesBilly J. Hill

Nelva P. IriasWilliam R. Laguer

Nicholas J. LanthierSean M. Latimer

Michael M. MartinAndrew J. Merlock Jr.

Raymond NievesJohannes J. C.PortoTyrice J. Pressley

Thomas RiveraRaul Rivera-Lopez

Luis A. Rodriguez Jr.James M. Scott II

Larry A. Shervington Jr.John C. Sidorek

Michael A. SteckIsiah L. Thomas

Nathan J. ThomasJoey R. Vargas

Keith R. Williams

To Senior Airman (E-4):Melissa Cortez

Amanda J. Forbes

Samie S. LeighTina N. MarchesanoJohn W. MosqueraRyan A. Osmola

Rebecca A. PattersonRick T. Robinson

Cristina I. SanchezAhniesha C. Wallace

Sebastian Zelazny

To Airman First Class(E-3):

Winston F. CooperAimee D. FigueroaKeith M. Graham

Danielle M. HansburyDalonte HendersonJustin W. HendrixWalter D. MassaRichard L. Ortiz

Tillary R. Raymond-JonesEduardo Rodriguez

Michael T. ThompsonChristine D. Todd

To Airman (E-2):Folami A. Shorter

To Airman Basic (E-1):Samantha J. Hoff

Vito P. JonesKevin A. KelleyGeorge R. Oliver

Stephanie Viciana

CongratulationsTo All!

Compiled by Master Sgt.Daniel J. Calderale

(Army)and Master Sgt.

Paul B. Thompson, Jr. (Air)

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

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PaidPermit No. 514PALATINE, IL