THE MAGAZINE OF THE NEW JERSEY NATIONAL GUARD Vol. 29 No. 3THE MAGAZINE OF THE NEW JERSEY NATIONAL GUARD Vol. 29 No. 3

GUARDLIFEGUARDLIFE

G U A R D L I F E2

GUARDLIFEVol. 29, NO. 3

Index

108th Garners Top Awards Page 3

Conversation With The TAG Pages 4-5

Military Review Pages 6-7

Cunniff Assumes Command Of 108th Page 8

Pistol Team Competition Page 9

"Kicking It Up A Notch" Page 10

Brig. Gen. Wondrack Retires Page 11

Mobilzation Page Page 12

News Guard Families Can Use Page 13

Cavalry Participates In Freedom Ride Page 14

Air Show Success Page 15

Short Rounds Pages 16-18

Army And Air Enlisted Promotions Page 19

Last Round: 177th Receives AFOUA Page 20

GUARDLIFE STAFF

EditorsLt. Col. Roberta Niedt

Maj. Denise Waggoner2nd Lt. Luz Aponte`

Assistant Editor-ProductionTech. Sgt. Mark C. Olsen

Staff PhotographersMembers of the 253rd

Transportation CompanyStaff Writers

Roman MartyniukStaff Sgt. Barbara Harbison

GUARDLIFE is a product of theNJDMAVA Public Affairs Office, the444th Mobile Public Affairs Detach-ment, the 177th Fighter Wing and the108th Air Refueling Wing Public Af-fairs Offices. GUARDLIFE is pub-lished under provisions of AR 360-81and AFI 190-7. Opinions expressedin GUARDLIFE are not to be consid-ered the official view of this head-quarters, or the Department of theArmy or Air Force. GUARDLIFE isprinted via the photo offset process.Letters may be sent to: GUARDLIFE,Public Affairs Office, P.O. Box 340,NJDMAVA, Trenton, NJ, 08625-0340.E-mail at:mark.olsen@njdmava.state.nj.us

About The CoverConvoy DutySgt. Michael J. Spallina (fore-ground) and Staff Sgt. David A.Dickinson (rear) performing con-voy duty in one of the 253rd Trans-portation Company's Gun Trucks.Photo by 1st Sgt. Michael Vey.

Inside CoverJambalaya MREThe MRE that made the New Jer-sey National Guard - EmerilLagasse Connection.

Story on Pages6 and 7

Story on Page15

G U A R D L I F E3

T

108th Garners Top AwardsBy Maj. Denise Waggoner, 108 ARW/PAO

he 108th Air Refueling Wing receivedthe coveted Air National Guard Distin-guished Flying Unit plaque and theCurtis N. “Rusty” Metcalf Trophy at the

125th annual National Guard Association ofthe United States convention. Lt. Gen. DanielJames, Director of the Air National Guard,presented the awards.

Previously, the 108th received both the AirForce Outstanding Unit Award and the AirForce Outstanding Unit Award with Valor de-vice.

"I couldn’t be more proud of the men andwomen of this wing," stated Col. Larry Tho-mas, 108th ARW Commander. "Receivingthese two prestigious awards shows the de-fense community as well as the Americanpeople the ‘stuff’ we’re made of."

The Metcalf Trophy recognizes the airlift orair refueling unit that demonstrated the higheststandards of mission accomplishment. Unitsare evaluated in the areas of exercises anddeployments, human resources, accident ratehistory, accident prevention and significant accom-plishments during the award period. The 108th wasrecognized for outstanding performance for 2002.

In 2002, the 108th ARW completed its wartimemission to near perfection in support of the global waron terrorism. More than 600 wing members weremobilized for Operations NOBLE EAGLE and EN-DURING FREEDOM (ONE and OEF). Deploying toSouthwest Asia for OEF, the wing achieved a 99.5percent mission effectiveness rate while flying nearly700 combat and combat support refueling missionsover Afghanistan. For ONE, the unit maintained 24-hour alert status and flew an average of two combatair patrol refueling missions daily for a total of 2,300hours on 540 sorties. The 108th flew more than 20percent of all ANG tanker missions in support ofthese two operations.

The 108th Security Forces Squadron mobilizedevery available member to support missions at mul-tiple locations worldwide including duty at Guantanamo

Bay, Cuba, to guard Al-Quaeda detainees. SecurityForces deployed to classified sites overseas whileregular forces supported Homeland Defense mis-sions at McGuire AFB and other locations stateside.

The wing also completed the Single IntegratedOperations Plan Operational Readiness Inspectionwhile simultaneously supporting ONE and OEF. TheInspector General identified the Maintenance Opera-tion Control Center, Aircrew Life Support, and Secu-rity Forces as “Exceptional Performers.”

Family support throughout the year was a prioritywith the high level of deployments. Premobilizationbriefings were held for unit members and their fami-lies to cover all aspects of activation. Volunteersmanned phones seven days a week to allow de-ployed personnel to make numerous morale callshome per month. These same volunteers workedcountless hours contacting families so they couldmeet their loved ones when they returned home fromdeployments.

108th Distinguished Flying Unit Award- (left to right) Col. TimothyCarroll, Col. Michael L. Cunniff, Col. Lawrence S. Thomas and Col.Michael Moore. Photo courtesy 108ARW/MultiMedia Center.

G U A R D L I F E4

The TAG's Mid-Term Assessment Of The N.J. National Guard:A conversation with Brig. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant Generalof New Jersey

Brig. Gen. Glenn K. RiethThe Adjutant General of New Jersey

Q The National Guard has be-come a significant player in mili-tary operations both here in theUnited States as well as abroad.As the commander of the NJNational Guard, what do you sayto the soldiers and airmen abouttheir changing role?

A The National Guard is trulyinstrumental to the Total Forceconcept. The active componentneeds the experience, talents, andcapabilities found in such abun-dance among National Guard sol-diers and airmen. The timedevoted to training and the count-less hours of hard work involvedin building specialty skills has re-ally paid dividends. In many cases,our citizen-soldiers leapt into op-erations from a “cold start” to suc-cessfully defeat threats aimed atour families and homes. The NJNGhas been tested under some of themost difficult circumstances onecould imagine and we continue tomeet new challenges as quickly asthey arise. I have never beenprouder to be part of the New Jer-sey National Guard and I could notbe prouder to be your Commander.

Q The Guard has been calledupon to serve a number of Home-land Security missions. Whattypes of deployments are pro-jected for the NJ National Guardin the future?

A I anticipate that both Army andAir components will remain fullyengaged in a wide-range of stateand federal missions across thefull spectrum of operations. Pre-

liminary planning at the Depart-ment of Defense indicates that wewill be involved in security, peace-keeping, and peace-enforcementoperations. Deployments will in-clude direct involvement in Home-land Defense missions anywherearound the world where militaryoperations are underway as wellas support operations here athome.

Homeland Defense and Home-land Security are extremely impor-tant, high visibility missions for theGuard. I believe we will continue tosupport both these missions aslong as America itself is threat-ened. It is absolutely essential thatthe men and women of our Na-tional Guard maintain their war-fighting proficiencies and commontask training in order to be fullyprepared to participate in the totalforce effort to defeat terrorism.

Q How prepared is the NJ Na-tional Guard for it’s missions –both federal and state?

A Since assuming command ofthe NJ National Guard, a numberof significant changes have beenmade to adjust to the continuingOPTEMPO and new “normal”. Ourattendance rate at Army drills isconsistently over 99% and reten-tion is the best ever with an attri-tion rate of 18%. Soldier readinesshas improved with our MOSQ rateup from 74% to almost 80%. Thisis especially important for deploy-ments as evidenced by NewJersey’s ‘Go ‘ rate at Soldier Readi-ness Processing for mobilizations.My emphasis has always been onstrength and that is still my num-

ber one priority in these challeng-ing times. The Air NG strengthremains strong at 97.5% and theycontinue to perform their missionsas a normal course of doing busi-ness. Army strength is a primaryfocus for the entire leadership teamof the National Guard that includesall officers and NCO’s. For ourstate mission, we have developedand opened our Homeland Secu-rity Center of Excellence with astate-of-the-art Joint OperationsCenter. Additionally, we haveimplemented a Task Force organi-zation that compliments the StatePolice in their management of state-wide emergencies. Finally, we havemade the acquisition of a Civil Sup-port Team Heavy (full-time) a pri-ority at the federal level.

Q Benefits for traditional drill-ing Guardsmen are a big issue.

G U A R D L I F E5

"The NJ National Guard is New Jersey’s Hometown Team. We arecommunity-based. We add tremendous value to our local neighbor-hoods, our state and nation."What’s happening at either thestate or federal level to addressthis concern?

A Military leaders as well as mem-bers of the State Legislature, Con-gress, and our Governor allrecognize the need to providehealth care options for the reserveforces. Many Guard families haveno health care coverage at all.According to a report from the Gen-eral Accounting Office, 20 percentof all Guard members have nohealth insurance while 40 percentof Guardmembers aged 19-35 lackadequate coverage.

The House of Representativesjust passed an Appropriations billthat provides some members ofthe National Guard and Reserveand their families with access toTRICARE, the military health caresystem. This is in addition toTRICARE Dental, which previouslywas approved. Under this legisla-tion members of the Guard andReserve who do not have accessto private health care insuranceare eligible to purchase TRICAREcoverage for a modest premium ofapproximately $430 per year forindividual coverage or $1,440 forfamily coverage.

Members of the New JerseyNational Guard already are eligiblefor tuition-free access to all statecolleges and universities to includegraduate school, Law school, ormedical school and as a result ofrecent legislation signed by Gov-ernor McGreevey, the minimumdaily pay for Guardsmen deployedfor State Active Duty was raised to$ 100 and families of reservists

mobilized for either state or federalservice were granted extendedhealth care coverage. Guards-men and Reservists also now haveunlimited Commissary and PX/BXprivileges.

Q What are your priorities forthe New Jersey National Guard?

A My priorities for the next twoyears and beyond include:

STRENGTH - Strength is thefoundation for every endeavor weattempt to undertake. It is themeasurement used nationally toassess force relevance. Thestrength equation requires a bal-ancing of recruiting and retentionversus attrition. It is undeniably themost essential element of soundforce management.

READINESS: The readiness ofour soldiers, airmen, facilities, andequipment is of paramount impor-tance. We must remain relevant,available, and viable in order to beconsidered an asset to both U. S.Northern Command and our gain-ing major commands (MACOM/MAJCOM).

HOMELAND SECURITY andHOMELAND DEFENSE: The Presi-dent, our Governor, and I considerthese programs our top priority.Security both at home and abroadis the number one priority for themilitary.

MOBILIZATION: Calendar year2004 will witness the largest mobi-lization and deployment of New Jer-sey Army National Guard troopssince World War II. More than2,000 personnel are expected tobe mobilized for operations in Iraq,

Afghanistan, Bosnia, andGuantanamo Bay, Cuba. Theseprojected deployments follow closeon the heels of significant NewJersey Air National Guard deploy-ments in 2002-2003.

JOINT OPERATING CAPABIL-ITY: On 1 Oct 03, the New JerseyNational Guard established a JointForce Headquarters. This organi-zational transition makes our Na-tional Guard both more accessibleand responsive to other militaryand governmental agencies andorganizations prosecuting the Glo-bal War on Terrorism. This is thefirst step in moving the Guard for-ward towards a seamless joint op-eration that is better able toaccomplish a wider variety of mis-sions.

Q What is your philosophy ofcommand?

A My philosophy of commandcenters on the core values of: Hon-esty, Integrity, Loyalty, Diversityand Safety. The health, moraleand well-being of our soldiers andairmen is of paramount importancewhich is why I have placed suchemphasis on family readiness andfamily support in the face of somany deployments.

Finally, just as important is theadherence to standards of con-duct. That includes professionalrelationships, discriminatory be-havior or harassment of any type,including sexual harassment. Wemaintain a zero tolerance policy forharassment and I expect all mem-bers of the NJ National Guard to dolikewise.

Military Review Honors Iraqi Freedom GBy Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA

he Annual Military Review was held at the NationalGuard Training Center at Sea Girt on Sept. 7.

The Review began with a flyover by helicoptersfrom the 1st Battalion, 150th General Support Avia-

tion Battalion and a cannon salute by members of ABattery, 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery. After a formalreview of the troops, Governor James E. McGreevey, theCommander-in-Chief and Brig. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, TheAdjutant General of New Jersey, spoke about the accom-plishments of the New Jersey National Guard both athome and abroad. Members of the 108th Air RefuelingWing, 177th Fighter Wing, and the 253rd TransportationCompany who deployed in support of Operation IraqiFreedom were honored during the ceremony.

Units present included the 50th Brigade, 42nd Divi-sion Support Command, 57th Troop Command, 108th AirRefueling Wing, 177th Fighter Wing, Joint Force Head-quarters-New Jersey and the 63rd Army Band.

Following the Military Review, troops, airmen, andtheir families were treated to a barbeque and carnivalalong with static equipment displays from various unitsof the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard. TheMetro New York Area USO provided entertainment.

T

G U A R D L I F E6

Guardsmen

G U A R D L I F E7

G U A R D L I F E8

I

Cunniff Assumes Command Of 108thBy Maj. Denise Waggoner, 108 ARW/PAO

n a ceremony witnessed by al-most 1,500 dignitaries, familymembers, guests, and militarymembers, Col. Michael L.

Cunniff assumed command of the108th Air Refueling Wing on Oct.26.

Col. Cunniff, formerly the Op-erations Group Commander, re-placed Col. Lawrence S. Thomas,who will be assigned to the JointForce Headquarters-New Jersey,as Director of Operations, NewJersey Air National Guard.

The 108th Air Refueling Wingis comprised of the 141st Air Re-fueling Squadron, 150th Air Refu-eling Squadron, 227th SpecialOperations Flight, and 19 supportunits.

Originally from Cedar Grove,Col. Cunniff received a Bachelorof Science degree in IndustrialEngineering from the New JerseyInstitute of Technology in 1981.

Col. Cunniff joined the AirForce in July 1982. In October ofthe following year he received hiscommission through the Academyof Military Science. Cunniff re-ceived his pilot’s wings at Colum-bus Air Force Base, Miss., in 1983,and after attending F4-D Phan-tom fighter training, joined the108th Tactical Fighter Wing.

During his military career, healso has served as an Instructorand Evaluator Pilot, Chief of Train-ing, Operations Officer, 150th AirRefueling Squadron; Aircraft Main-tenance Officer, Flying Safety Of-ficer, Range Control Officer, andCombat Training Team Chief.

Maj. Gen. Clark Martin (left), Commander, New Jersey Air National Guardpasses the colors to Col. Michael L. Cunniff (right), the new commander of the108th. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Martin Hovath, 108ARW/MultiMedia Center.

New Recruiting Office Open For BusinessOn Sept. 10, (left-right) Maj. Gen. Clark Martin, Commander, New Jersey AirNational Guard, Col. Maria Falca-Dodson, Deputy Adjutant General, Sena-tor Martha Bark, 8th Legislative District; Brig. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, TheAdjutant General of New Jersey, unknown, and Col. Larry Thomas, Com-mander, 108th Air Refueling Wing officially opened the Wing’s recruitingstation in the Moorestown Mall. Photo courtesy 108ARW/MultiMedia Center.

G U A R D L I F E9

T

Pistol Team CompetitionBy Lt. Col. Brian Sharkey, Operations, JFH-NJ

he New Jersey Army Na-tional Guard AdjutantGeneral’s Combat Champi-onship Pistol Team com-

peted in the Winston P. WilsonSmall Arms Combat Champion-ship Oct. 11-18.

The competition was held atthe National Guard MarksmanshipTraining Center at CampRobinson, Ark. The team suc-cessfully completed a combat-ori-ented course of 12 matches andplaced 21st in a field of 63 teams.

The team currently is lookingfor soldiers to participate in thefollowing categories: combat rifle,sniper, pistol, and light machinegun. For more information, con-tact Sgt. 1st Class Dennis Bartonat (609) 562-0756, or Spc. LisaRadev at (609) 562-0757.

The New Jersey Army National Guard Adjutant General’s Combat ChampionshipPistol Team; front row, left to right: Master Sgt. Robert Bork, Joint ForceHeadquarters-New Jersey; team captain Chief Warrant Officer 2 Fred Schipke,5th Squadron, 117th Cavalry; and Sgt. Tim Rawcliffe, 2nd Battalion, 113thInfantry; back row left to right: Sgt. Victor Garcia, 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantryand Lt. Col. Brian Sharkey, Operations, Joint Force Headquarters-New Jersey.Photo provided by Lt. Col. Brian Sharkey.

The New Jersey Army National Guard Men’s RunningTeam placed second in the 19th Army Ten-Miler, held inWashington, D.C. Oct. 5. The Michigan National Guardteam placed first. A record 13,195 runners crossed thefinish line in America’s largest ten-mile race. Members ofthe New Jersey Army National Guard pose for a teamphoto. (l-r): Maj. Mark Piterski, Spc. Anthony Christy, StaffSgt. Donald Bandinelli, Master Sgt. Alex Estrada (TeamCaptain), Master Sgt. Yvonne McGuire, and Maj. JemalBeale. Not pictured Maj. John Sheard. Team CaptainMaster Sgt. Estrada led with a time of 1:06:40. The othertop three finishers were Maj. Sheard (1:06:49), Maj. Piterski(1:07.18) and Staff Sgt. Brandinelli (1:11:30). The times forother team members competing that day were: Spc.Anthony Christy (1:14:10), Master Sgt. Yvonne McGuire(1:32:50), Maj. Jemal J. Beale (1:38:24), Sgt. 1st ClassDavid Stillwagon (1:22:30), Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Krug(1:27:48), Chief Warrant Officer 4 (Ret.) Christopher Per-ron (2:21:33), and Capt. Robert Martinez (1:39:42).

Jersey Guardsmen Place Second In Army 10-Miler

G U A R D L I F E10

I

"Kicking It Up A Notch"By Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PAO

t all started with a postcard sent during OperationIraqi Freedom…“Dear Emeril,Can you please send your favorite recipe for

jambalaya to the Defense Dept. I kicked it up a notch[this is one of Emeril Lagasse’s, trademark slogansfrom his Food Television Network TV show] with abottle of Tabasco, which came with the MRE.

Your fan in the desertMSGT John J. Nicotra”Master Sgt. Nicotra, 177th Fighter Wing dining

hall supervisor, was deployed together with 17 othermembers of the 177th Fighter Wing Services Flightin support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from March 21through July 3. During that period, he served at bothAr’ Ar in Saudi Arabia and Baghdad InternationalAirport.

When he didn’t get a reply, no one was surprised.When they arrived in Baghdad there was a letter withfive recipes and some photos of Emeril. In late August, a representative of the Food Net-work approached the New Jersey National Guardwith a request for a Blackhawk helicopter. It wasneeded it for the introduction to the "Thanksgiving

with our Troops" show, which was to be taped atMcGuire Air Force Base. Members of the 1st Battal-ion, 150th General Support Aviation Battalion weretapped for the duty.

Back at the 177th, Master Sgt. Nicotra was invitedto attend the show as one of the guests of honor.

At 6 pm on Sept. 26, the actual taping was done.The theme was turkey. For anyone who has not seenthe Emeril show, the layout copied the New Yorktaping except on a larger scale – approximately 1,200active-duty, guard and reserve members attended.The show revolves around Emeril cooking for peoplesitting at a counter.

For the second segment, Master Sgt. Nicotra,along with POW Pfc. Shoshona Johnson and coun-try music singer Trace Atkins were the guests ofhonor. Also at the counter was a cluster of JambalayaMREs with Master Sgt. Nicotra’s postcard. Theshow aired Nov. 16.

On Sept. 27, Emeril and his entourage showedup for the Blackhawk flight. His crew was pilot ChiefWarrant Officer 4 Chris Millevoi, Co-pilot Capt. RyanKelley, with Sgt. Eric Chambers as the crew chief.Once they were in the air, Emeril taped his introduc-tion.

All this goes to prove that all it takes is one letterto "kick things up a notch."

Emeril Lagasse (left) and Master Sgt. John Nicotra (right)during the taping of the Thanksgiving with our Troops showat McGuire Air Force Base. Photo courtesy 305th AirMobility Wing Mulitmedia Center.

Blackhawk crewchief Sgt. Eric Chambers (right) straps inEmeril Lagasse (left) prior to taking off. Photo by Tech.Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PAO.

G U A R D L I F E11

Teaneck American Legion Post 128 CommanderRobert Talbot (left) presents certificates of apprecia-tion to Pfc. Ray Steele (center), and Sgt. 1st ClassAngel Rosado, 50th Main Support Battalion. In addi-tion, the Teaneck American Legion Post and AuxiliaryPost 128 also honored Pfc. Jenny Saldarriaga, Spc.Jacqueline Astete, Sgt. Sarah Loureiro, and MasterSgt. Joseph Zitelli at a luncheon for the residents ofthe Paramus Veterans Memorial Home on Nov. 8.These soldiers helped serve meals and assistedresidents during various activities at the home. Photoby Capt. Alan Mellen, 50th MSB.

50th MSB Soldiers Honored For Volunteerism

Farewell To Brig. Gen. WondrackPhoto and story by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PAO

n Aug. 1, Brig. Gen. Kenneth F. Wondracktransferred from the New Jersey Army Na-tional Guard to the U.S. Army Reserve ControlGroup, after 34 years of service.

Brig. Gen. Wondrack began his career as aprivate in the United States Marine Corps. He servedin combat operations in the Republic of Vietnam withthe Ninth Marine Regiment. After finishing college, heenlisted in the New Jersey Army National Guardwhere he received a direct commission to first lieu-tenant. He was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 117thCavalry where he served as Platoon Leader, Execu-tive Officer, and Troop Commander.

In the ensuing years he served with the 50thArmored Division, the 1st Battalion, 102nd Armor,and the 254th Regiment. His last assignment prior tohis transfer was the Assistant Division Commander,42nd Infantry Division where he served as the pri-mary advisor to the Adjutant General on all mattersconcerning units of the 42nd Infantry Division.

Brig. Gen. Wondrack is a graduate of the ArmorOfficer Basic and Advanced Courses and the StaffOfficer Logistics Course at Fort Knox, Ky. He is a1999 graduate of the Unites States Army War Col-lege and an alumnus of Rutgers University and JohnJay College.

Among his numerous awards and decorationsare the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commen-dation Medal (with one Oak Leaf Cluster), MarineCombat Action Ribbon, National Defense ServiceMedal (with one cluster), Armed Forces Expedition-ary Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal,and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

O

Brig. Gen. Kenneth F. Wondrack at Ground Zero, WorldTrade Center, New York City, Sept. 14, 2001.

G U A R D L I F E12

Cape May Court House600 Garden State ParkwayCape May Court House, NJ 08210CSM(R) Mike Hughes609-465-9610/12Michael.Hughes@nj.ngb.army.mil

State Office – Ft. Dix3650 Saylors Pond RoadFort Dix, New Jersey 08640CW4 Ralph Cwieka609-562-0668Ralph.cwieka@nj.ngb.army.mil

Lawrenceville Armory151 Eggert Crossing RoadLawrenceville, NJ 08648MSG(R) Jane Hackbarth609-671-6681866-834-2631jane.hackbarth@nj.ngb.army.mil

Teaneck ArmoryTeaneck & Liberty RoadsTeaneck, NJ 07666SFC Minnie Hiller or Joanne Grieco201-833-0632Minnie.hiller@nj.ngb.army.milJoanne.grieco@nj.ngb.army.mil

Family Assistance Centers (Army) and Family Readiness Centers (Air)108th Air Refueling Wing3305 Fiebelkorn RoadMcGuire AFB, NJ 08641Tiffany Colby609-754-4479tiffany.colby@njmcgu.ang.af.mil

177th Fighter Wing400 Langley RoadEgg Harbor Twp, NJ 08234Joan F. Searfoss609-645-6248joan.searfoss@njatla.ang.af.mil

Army One SourceThe Army One Source pro-

gram offers information, ad-vice and support, both byphone and online, on a widerange of everyday issues,ranging from parenting andchild-care, education, to finan-cial and legal and deployments.

Army One Source onlinecan be accessed at www.armyonesource.com (user id:army; password: one source),or by phone, toll-free, from theU.S: 800-464-8107, Interna-tional: 800-464-81077, Inter-national collect: 484-530-5889.There are consultants whospeak Spanish, in addition tosimultaneous translation intomore than 140 other languagesalong with TTY/TDD 800-346-9188 are also available.

Mobilization PageCompiled by the Guardlife Staff

The 253rd TransportationCompany is providing transporta-tion support to the 101st Airbornein Iraq.

The 444th Mobile Public Af-fairs Detachment is providing pub-lic affairs support at Ft. Dix. Alsoat Fort Dix is the 150th AdjutantGeneral Detachment, which is pro-

viding mobilization/demobilizationadministrative support.

Force protection is at the topof the list for New Jersey ArmyNational Guard units. D Com-pany, 3rd Battalion, 112th FieldArtillery, is providing installationforce protection at Ft. Dix. Ele-ments of the 5th Squadron 117thCavalry, are providing force pro-tection at McGuire Air Force Base,Picatinny Arsenal and at the 177thFighter Wing at Pomona. The50th Main Support Battalion is alsoproviding force protection at FortMonmouth. All of these units aresupporting Operation Noble Eagle.

Additionally, individual mem-bers of the 108th Air RefuelingWing and the 177th Fighter Wingare deployed worldwide support-ing various missions.

Finally, the 254th Regiment istraining members of the Free IraqiForce at Fort Knox, Ky.

G U A R D L I F E13

Guardlife’s newest column Family Mat-ters will focus on topics that affect familymembers of New Jersey Army and AirNational Guardsmen.

Families as well as soldiersand airmen should be aware thatreunion is often as difficult as sepa-ration. The better prepared youare and the more you understandabout the phases of reunion, theeasier things will be.

The five phases of reunion are:Pre-entry; Reunion; Disruption;Communication, and Normalcy.

"Pre-entry" refers to the daysimmediately preceding the returnof the service member. Familymembers and the soldier or air-man both are anxious about see-ing one another and returninghome to some sense of normalcy.Things become hectic and timedoesn’t seem to go fast enough.

"Reunion" refers to the firsttime the service member is re-

united with their loved ones andcontinues for the first several days.One may experience a range ofemotions ranging from joy andexcitement to relief and tension.The return date or reunion loca-tion may change or be postponedwhich may add to the intensity ofthese emotions. Focus on thepositive and celebrate the fact thatthe family is together again.

"Disruption" occurs as thefamily begins to get back to theirdaily routine. Problems may oc-cur because roles and responsi-bilities are no longer clearlydefined. A spouse may have anew sense of independence.Resentment may surface. Jeal-ousy occurs. Unresolved issuesreturn. It is important to commu-nicate openly and honestly as youaddress each issue that arises.

"Communication" is essen-

Family Matters: The Five Phases Of Reuniontial in reaching the final stage.Each family member should begiven the opportunity to expresstheir feelings in defining and nego-tiating roles, whether new or old.Decision-making should involveeveryone who is impacted.

"Normalcy" occurs when thefamily settles into their new rou-tine. While duties and responsi-bilities may be different than theywere pre-deployment, new rou-tines are established and personalgrowth continues.

Understanding that thesephases are “normal” in reunionwill help families cope. Expectdoubts, worries, and change.Share your feelings and commu-nicate. Listen to your loved one'sconcerns and try to imagine his orher position. Remember your com-mitment to one another and besupportive.

News Guard Families Can UseCompiled by the Guardlife Staff

Scholarship Programs AvailableCompiled by the Guardlife Staff

The application window for the2004 Scholarships for MilitaryChildren program, for $1,500 aca-demic scholarships ends Feb. 18.

For more information go onlineto, www.militaryscholar.org.

The National Guard Associa-tion of New Jersey ScholarshipCommittee will award nine $1,000Scholarships in 2004.

The deadline is Mar. 15. Appli-cations are available online atwww.nganj.org/scholarships.

The Enlisted Association ofthe National Guard of New Jerseywill award six scholarships to As-sociation members' children in2004. for more unformation go towww.eang-nj.org.

Guard Members Receive Un-limited Commissary Benefits

The Department of Defenseannounced that with the signing ofthe National Defense Authoriza-tion Act for Fiscal Year 2004, ef-fective immediately, Guardmembers will be permitted unlim-ited access to commissary stores.

For more information logon to:www.commissaries.com/

G U A R D L I F E14

A

Cavalry Participates In Freedom RidePhoto and story by Sgt. 1st Class Kennth A. Hamilton, 250th Forward Support Battalion

t 7 am, all was quite in WarinancoPark, Roselle, when members of NewJersey Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 be-gan to set up the assembly area for the

Ride for Freedom VIII Motorcycle Run to theNew Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial inHolmdel.

In the distance, the rumble of motorcyclesbegan to echo throughout the park as thou-sands of bikes lined up at the registrationarea. Bikers paid the $2 entry fee to covertolls, expenses, and a donation to the NewJersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial Founda-tion and Education Center.

By 9:30, the rumble of motorcycles wasmuffled by the UH-1 Huey Helicopter from theNew Jersey Army National Guard, Troop D,5th Squadron, 117th Cavalry, which hoveredabove the rows of bikes and then landed onthe soccer field. After shutting down, the crewChief Warrant Officer 5 Rex Powell, ChiefWarrant Officer 2 George Anglim, Chief War-rant Officer 2 Stephen Glowzenski and Mas-ter Sgt. David Nunlist permitted the crowds ofspectators to get a closer look at the aircraft. Veter-ans pointed out the helicopter to their family mem-bers while other veterans said that seeing the aircraftland brought back many memories.

Two hours later, the Police-escorted motorcadebegan heading out of the park and onto the downtownstreets of Roselle toward the New Jersey VietnamVeterans Memorial Foundation and Education Cen-ter. Thousands of residents lined both sides of thestreets and waved American flags or held up hand-made signs saying “Thanks Veterans.” Along theroute people in cars beeped their horns and gave thethumbs up or the peace sign. As the motorcyclecolor guard drove by, veterans and children stood,saluted, and cheered for the thousands of veteransand supporters who followed on their bikes.

Arriving at the PNC Bank Arts Center, the bikersparked and walked up to and gathered around theNew Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundationand Education Center. Several veterans’ organiza-

tions presented memorial wreaths and shared prayersand stories honoring servicemen and women killed inaction or listed as missing in action.

At the ceremony’s closing, a bagpiper began toplay Amazing Grace, while the UH-1 Huey helicopterflew over the Vietnam Memorial in a tribute to allveterans past, present, and future.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Stephen Glowzenski (center) poses withRolling Thunder President Bill Parker (right). Photo by Sgt. 1stClass Kenneth A. Hamilton.

Guardlife Corrections

On page 6 of Volume 29, Number 2, the title of the story:A Day In The Life Of The 253rd By Capt. MichaelCiarrocca, Commander, 253rd Transportation Com-pany, and the cutline for the picture did not print. Listedin the photo are members of the 253rd TransportationCompany as they prepare for a convoy run. (l-r) Spc.Anna Maggi, Pfc. Nicola Harvey, Sgt. Russell Smith,Pvt. Andrew Scott, Staff Sgt. Gracie Henderson, un-known, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mickey McGuire.Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Edward C. Camp, 253rdTransportation Company.

Air Show SuccessBy 2nd Lt. Luz Aponte`, 177FW/PAO,photos by Master Sgt. Don Taggart, 177/FWMultiMedia Center

housands of vacationers,beachgoers and onlookerscrowded the Atlantic Cityboardwalk, for the Atlantic

City Salutes the 100th Anniversaryof Powered Flight Air Show Aug.27.

The Atlantic City Air Show wasthe first major aviation show stagedin Atlantic City in more than a de-cade and the first along the Board-walk in more than 50 years. Theevent featured a variety of aircraft,from F-16 fighters to KC-135E

G U A R D L I F E15

T

refuelers to P-51 Mustangs fromWorld War II. The three-hour per-formance began with the Army’sGolden Knights elite parachute unitperforming precision aerial maneu-vers while falling to earth at speedsreaching 120 miles per hour andthen landing dead center on target.The Thunderbirds dazzled onlook-ers as they flew nail biting patterns,sometimes splitting off and makingdaring turns at nerve racking lowaltitudes, just a few hundred feetabove the waves. The show endedwith a B-17 Flying Fortress passingin review while the strains of Amaz-ing Grace were heard over the pub-lic address system. P-51 Mustangs flash by during the Air Show.Army Golden Knights parachute team.

G U A R D L I F E16

Short Rounds: Blum, Saxton Visit T3BL,250th CoC And Open Houses

119th Holds Open HouseMaster Sgt. Henry L. Frasier demonstrates a field radioduring the 119th Corps Support Battalion open house heldSept. 7. The 119th recently relocated to the HammontonArmory to better meet its federal and state missions.Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PAO.

50th Holds Open HouseA 50th Finance Battalion Guardsman along with friends andfamily members tour one of the many displays during the50th’s open house held Nov. 1. The 50th recently relocatedto the Flemington Armory. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class DeclanCallan, NJDMAVA/PAO.

Saxton And Blum Tour T3BLCol. Thomas W. Simpson, Commander, Training andTraining Technology Battle Lab, briefs Congressman H.James Saxton, 13th District, Lt. Gen. H. Steven Blum,Chief, National Guard Bureau and Brig. Gen. Glenn K.Rieth, The Adjutant General of New Jersey Oct. 20.Congressman Saxton and Lt. Gen. Blum visited variousfacilities at Fort Dix and McGuire Air Force Base. Photo byTech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PAO.

250th Change Of CommandOn Oct. 26, Lt. Col. Loretta Thomas (left) assumed com-mand of the 250th Signal Battalion from the outgoingcommander Lt. Col. Kevin C. Heggarty. Photo by Sgt. 1stClass Declan Callan, NJDMAVA/PAO.

G U A R D L I F E17

Short Rounds: New Air Chief, ScholarshipsAnd Family Members Meet Governor

Guardsman Receives Scholarship2nd Lt. Eric Lubow (right), B Company platoonleader, 250th Signal Battalion receives a $1,000scholarship from Maj. Gen. William H. Russ (left),Commanding General, CECOM, Fort Monmouth. Lieutenant Lubow was awarded the Signal CorpsRegimental Association’s Alfred J. Mallette schol-arship at the 2003 Fort Monmouth Signal Ball.Photo by Capt. William Augustus HooFatt, III.

Chief Master Sgt. Paul M. Gunning wasappointed by Brig. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, theAdjutant General of New Jersey, as the StateCommand Chief Master Sergeant for NewJersey on Sept. 5.

Chief Master Sergeant Paul M. Gunningwas born on May 20, 1950 in Somers Pointand graduated from Mainland Regional HighSchool, Linwood, in June 1968. His Profes-sional Military Education includes AdvancedPersonnel Systems Management where hewas a distinguished graduate the Senior NCOAcademy Defense Equal Opportunity Man-agement Institute and the Chief Master Ser-geant Executive Course.

Chief Gunning joined the Air Force in July 1969. Hegraduated from Medical Service Specialist School atSheppard Air Force Base, Texas in February 1970. In April,he was assigned to 6217th USAF Hospital, Ching ChuanKang (CCK) Air Base, Taiwan where he served as NCOIC

of the physical examination section andwas a Shift Leader in the emergencyroom. In July 1972, Chief Gunning wasassigned to Sandia Army Hospital,Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. In Sep-tember 1973, Chief Gunning was honor-ably discharged from the Air Force. The following April, Chief Gunningjoined the 177th Fighter InterceptorGroup, New Jersey Air National Guard.In October 1975, he was hired as atechnician at the 108th Tactical Hospi-tal where he served in avariety of posi-tions including health technician,personnel superintendent, military per-

sonnel management officer and director of strength.Among his numerous awards and decorations are the

Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, AirForce Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters andthe Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

Family Members Meet With GovernorOn Nov. 24, family members of deployed New Jersey NationalGuardsmen met with Governor James E. McGreevey (centerback) at the State House to share their experiences andhardships caused by deployments. Governor McGreevey tookthe time to hear their stories and offer his assistance in makingtheirs and future deployments easier on families. Front row (l-r):Mary Vey, Buffi Hinker, Toni Presnall, Jamie Burrows, SharonPolyak, Tahira Damon, Kathy Hardy and Cynthia Ortu. Back row(l-r): Maritza Gonzalez, Lisa Eisele and Cindy Spallina. Photo byLt. Col. Roberta Niedt, PAO/NJDMAVA.

G U A R D L I F E18

Short Rounds: New CSMs, Main Weds Cav,Santa Visits and Vans Wrapped

Main Support Battalion Weds Cavalry1st Lt. Viviene Fanco Escalona (left), B Company, 50th MainSupport Battalion and 1st Lt. Joseph Patrick McNamara (right),A Troop, 5th Squadron, 117th Cavalry, both of the New JerseyArmy National Guard, were married at Chapel One, McGuire AirForce Base on Sept. 6. 1st Lt. Escalona is currently serving withthe Army Force Protection at Fort Monmouth while 1st Lt.McNamara is serving at McGuire Air Force Base. Photo by StaffSgt. Michael Druz, JFHQ-NJ.

It's A WrapThe New Jersey Army National Guard Recruiting andRetention Command recently wrapped six minivans for useduring high school visits, college career fairs and carnivals.Photo by Sgt. Crystal Kim, NJARNG/RRC.

Seven Complete CSM SchoolSeven New Jersey Army National Guardsmen graduatedfrom the Sergeants’ Major Academy in Classes 28 and 29at Fort Bliss, Texas. Bottom row (l-r): Command Sgt. Maj.Anthony Marino, Command Sgt. Maj. Cora Byrd and Sgt.Maj. James Rodgers. Top row (l-r): Command Sgt. Maj.Charles Thomas, 1st Sgt. Richard Waldrop, Sgt. Maj. MarkSlachetka and Master Sgt. Timothy Maskery. Photoprovided by State Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Adkins.

Santa Visits T3BLPfc. Santa Claus visited the Training and Training Technol-ogy Battle Lab (T3BL) to drop off presents for the childrenof the T3BL staff on Nov. 2. Approximately 225 soldiers andfamily members enjoyed a traditional holiday feast.

G U A R D L I F E19

New Jersey ArmyNational Guard

To Sergeant First Class (E7):Staff Sgt. Christin AuriemmaStaff Sgt. Dilok BoonmemaStaff Sgt. Donald R. Clarke

Staff Sgt. Thomas S. CranmerStaff Sgt. Joseph A. Della Vella

Staff Sgt. Valerie A. HopkinsStaff Sgt. Esly A. Panduro

Staff Sgt. Angel A. RosarioStaff Sgt. Thomas SimpsonTo Staff Sergeant (E6):

Sgt. Kenneth BoudreauSgt. Lawrence J. Cascio

Sgt. Stephen R. CosmanicSgt. Mitchel D. Costa Jr.Sgt. Eugene Coulter Jr.Sgt. Gloria A. Crossley

Sgt. Samuel A. Demaio IIISgt. George H. DudleySgt. Michele JacksonSgt. David J. JensenSgt. Gary W. Lambert

Sgt. Gregory M. LakaszykSgt. William J. McdonnellSgt. Lucinda J. MirandaSgt. Rafael A. MoralesSgt. Ronnell L. Pulley

Sgt. Melissa A. ResidesSgt. Daniel RosasSgt. Wilfredo Ruiz

Sgt. Richard M. StandishSgt. Robert G. Thompson

Sgt. Mauricio R. VegaSgt. Jeffrey F. Williams

To Sergeant (E5):Spc. Charles W. Bastien Jr.

Spc. Richard G. BerminghamSpc. Anthony L. Evans

Spc. Angel O. Ferrer Jr.Spc. Wilfredo Foronda

Spc. Edward S. FrancoeurSpc. Jerome Grant

Spc. Alina N. GutierrezSpc. Robert J. Hanratty Jr.Spc. William Martinez Jr.Spc. Elizabeth A. Michlik

Spc. Jorge L. MoranSpc. Jose A. Padin Jr.

Spc. Roberto C. RamosSpc. Diana M. RodriguezSpc. Luis G. Rodriguez

Spc. Yamil E. RojassuarezSpc. Max E. Solorzano

Spc. Thomas F. ThrowerSpc. Hui M. Tian

Spc. Sigfredo R. Torres Jr.Spc. Andrew Vanderplaats

To Corporal (E4):Spc. Steven R. Clarke

Spc. Daniel P. LeonardTo Specialist (E4):Pfc. Lauren G. Baxter

Pfc. Antonio Berdecia Jr.Pfc. Mariana K. Beshai

Pfc. Curtis R. Boyd

New Jersey Army And Air National GuardEnlisted Promotions

Pfc. Curtis O. Buck Sr.Pfc. Damian P. CaceresPfc. Daemion A. Clarke

Pfc. Adam D. CraigPfc. Edyta Czerniak

Pfc. Dimitri E. DanfordPfc. Denise M. Davis

Pfc. Richard O. DejesusPfc. Aakash P. DesaiPfc. Scott R. Dhein

Pfc. Anthony J. Filosa Jr.Pfc. Mark J. Fischer

Pfc. Cesar O. FuentesPfc. Steven N. FuquayPfc. Alfredo C. Godoy

Pfc. Keith P. GouldPfc. Nicholas S. HeurichPfc. Jonathan HillebrandPfc. Dewey A. Johnson IIIPfc. Matthew J. Kryscnski

Pfc. Paulo A. LopesPfc. Robert E. Mcguire

Pfc. Jessica L. McmahonPfc. Eliezer MiesesPfc. Alfatir S. Milton

Pfc. Ingrid V. MinacapelliPfc. Ryan J. Nettleton

Pfc. Vicki L. OkeyoPfc. Saul Ramirez

Pfc. Vinod P. ScanoPfc. Santokh Singh

Pfc. Brandon TraisterPfc. Simone A. Whyte

To Private First Class (E3):Pvt. Erica V. AlfaroPvt. Mario C. Boyd

Pvt. Jennifer C. BriggsPvt. Jack J. Brown

Pvt. Glenn A. CabusoraPvt. Orlando A. Cestona

Pvt. Ana K. CordobaPvt. Hipolito A. Falcon

Pvt. Yanira FebresPvt. Vincent C. Giles Jr.Pvt. Julian R. HarrisonPvt. Kristofer HarrisonPvt. Kenneth G. Iorio

Pvt. Matthew R. JenkinsPvt. Robin A. JohnsonPvt. Naji A. MitchellPvt. Keith T. Muller

Pvt. Olatunbosun OlatunjiPvt. Jonathan Palmaperez

Pvt. Roxie PerezPvt. Mariusz R. Piotrowski

Pvt. Daryl R. ReedPvt. Enoc Rivera

Pvt. Vincent R. RoettgerPvt. Carlton I. Sargent II

Pvt. Andrew E. ScottPvt. Heidi A. Strain

Pvt. Wendy C. VarnerTo Private Second Class (E2):

Pvt. Alex V. BauzaPvt. Catherine BaylorPvt. David T. BowdishPvt. Deronie A. Cole

Pvt. Joseph P. Defelice

Pvt. Eric J. EasterPvt. William D.HarpePvt. Derrick HarrisPvt. Hamdan JaludiPvt. Sherley JosephPvt. Daniel Medina

Pvt. Gregory R. MellasPvt. Abraham C. Pendon Jr.

Pvt. David S. RiveraPvt. Jacob R. Rodriguez

Pvt. James L. RosePvt. Anthony Viera

Pvt. Andrew F. Wirth

New Jersey AirNational Guard

To Chief Master Sergeant (E-9):Senior Master Sgt. Roxanne RyanSenior Master Sgt. Richard Smith

To Senior Master Sergeant (E-8):Master Sgt. Howard R. Dawson Jr.

Master Sgt. Bethelee A. RosaTo Master Sergeant (E-7):

Tech. Sgt. Randy ButtersTech. Sgt. Louis Conzo, II

Tech. Sgt. Deanne M. CooroughTech. Sgt. Edward B. Davis

Tech. Sgt. Donald G. EdwardsTech. Sgt. Dilcia English

Tech. Sgt. David M. FalkowskiTech. Sgt. Timothy Grover

Tech. Sgt. Katie HinesTech. Sgt. David J. HoganTech. Sgt. David J. KovakTech. Sgt. Jill M. Moore

Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey S. RedrupTech. Sgt. Dominick A. Siciliano

Tech. Sgt. Dawn K. ValoisTech. Sgt. Richard B. Viggiano

Tech. Sgt. Courtney WisdomTo Technicial Sergeant (E-6):

Staff Sgt. Dennis Bradley, IIStaff Sgt. Charles J. Caruso, Jr.

Staff Sgt. Trivina A. ColemanStaff Sgt. Paul B. Connors

Staff Sgt. Deanne CooroughStaff Sgt. Edward Davis

Staff Sgt. David FalkowskiStaff Sgt. Bryan E. Hawkins

Staff Sgt. Paul J. Heriegel, Jr.Staff Sgt. Joseph Hill, III

Staff Sgt. Denise M. MartinezStaff Sgt. Amy Nevells

Staff Sgt. Robert E. Powell, Jr.Staff Sgt. Charles A. Redford

Staff Sgt. John H. Sacchetti, Jr.Staff Sgt. Julie A. Schechter

Staff Sgt. John A. TurnerStaff Sgt. Dawn Valois

Staff Sgt. Edwin A. VisaldenStaff Sgt. Michael Wagoner

Staff Sgt. Thomas P. ZonsiusTo Staff Sergeant (E-5):

Senior Airman Anthony J. BrancaSenior Airman Tara Cook

Senior Airman Eric S. Defalcon

Senior Airman Brian S. FlynnSenior Airman Joseph Gargin

Senior Airman Samantha GerofskySenior Airman Bryan Hawkins

Senior Airman Joseph F. Higgins, IIISenior Airman Johann H. Hintz

Senior Airman Francis W. JonesSenior Airman Shannon M. KingSenior Airman Brian C. NaldzinSenior Airman Dennis Phile, IISenior Airman Thomas Pruss

Senior Airman Rachel SeviSenior Airman John Turner

Senior Airman Bethany ValoisSenior Airman Joshua A. WilsonSenior Airman George Wylie, Jr.

To Senior Airman (E-4):Airman 1st Class James D. BoehmerAirman 1st Class Marlene I. CarrionAirman 1st Class Nicholas E. CobianAirman 1st Class Thomas W. Curtis

Airman 1st Class Michele L. DebartolomeisAirman 1st Class Michelle A. Ent

Airman 1st Class Kelly HintonAirman 1st Class Matthew B. Jordan

Airman 1st Class Nancy M. Kennedy

Airman 1st Class Shannon KingAirman 1st Class Brooke E. Mcgaha

Airman 1st Class Corey E. McPhersonAirman 1st Class Juan M. Ortega Hernandez

Airman 1st Class David PabonAirman 1st Class David Pairman Basicon

Airman 1st Class Michelle F. PerezAirman 1st Class Isabel Pinto

Airman 1st Class Luminada SantiagoAirman 1st Class Nicholas A. Schaeffer

Airman 1st Class Christian SkierskiAirman 1st Class Gary B. Sills

Airman 1st Class Mallory L. SuarezAirman 1st Class Jordan M. Supino

Airman 1st Class Barbara J. SzymanskiAirman 1st Class Dawn Young

Airman 1st Class William Waydelis, Jr.To Airman First Class (E-3):

Airman Allison R. AnholtAirman Alicia K. Balseiro

Airman James D. DempseyAirman Mildred EstevezAirman Ninet FernandezAirman Rondell L. FisherAirman Sharon R. Fuchs

Airman Eric KelloggAirman Andre L. LazaroAirman Kent M. McGahaAirman Ryan L. Monroe

Airman Jeovanny E. MoscosoAirman Paul T. Patterson

Airman Matthew C. ReAirman David W. Reese

Airman Berry F. Robey, Jr.Airman Christina K. Toussaint

To Airman (E-2):Airman Basic Vienna L. SmithAirman Basic Erin E. Steen

Congratulations.

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

PRESORTED STANDARDU.S. POSTAGE PAIDTEMPLE HILLS, MDPERMIT NO. 4004

Last Round: 177th Receives AFOUABy 2nd Lt. Luz Aponte`, photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen

I n an informal ceremony held Oct. 5, members of the177th Fighter Wing watched as Senior Airman MatthewMcCune, a crew chief, unveiled the Air Force Outstand-ing Unit Award (AFOUA) emblem on one of the wing’s F-

16C Fighting Falcon aircraft."I’m honored and extremely proud of the Wing for

receiving this award," said Col. Michael Cosby, Com-mander, 177th Fighter Wing. The wing received the awardfor exceptionally meritorious service from January 1, 2000thru December 31, 2001. This is the first time the 177th hasreceived this award.

The AFOUA, established by the Department of De-

fense in 1954, recognizes units that have distinguishedthemselves by exceptionally meritorious service or out-standing achievement that clearly sets the unit above andapart from similar units. The 177th was one of the first unitsto have its aircraft flying after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Congressman Frank LoBiondo, 2nd CongressionalDistrict, stated: "The efforts of the 177th Fighter Wing havebeen essential to America’s homeland defense and thisaward honors those efforts. Congratulations to the menand women of the 177th Fighter Wing on receiving the AirForce Outstanding Unit Award for their ongoing homelanddefense efforts as part of Operation Noble Eagle."