THE MAGAZINE OF THE NEW JERSEY NATIONAL GUARD Vol. 28 No. 4THE MAGAZINE OF THE NEW JERSEY NATIONAL GUARD Vol. 28 No. 4

GUARDLIFEGUARDLIFE

Guardlife Staff

EditorsLt. Col. Dennis DeveryMaj. Denise Waggoner

2nd Lt. Luz Colon

Assistant Editor-ProductionTech. Sgt. Mark C. Olsen

Staff PhotographersStaff Writers

Roman MartyniukStaff Sgt. Barbara Harbison

Guardlife is a product of the NJDMAVAPublic Affairs Office, the 444th MobilePublic Affairs Detachment, the 177thFighter Wing and the 108th Air RefuelingWing Public Affairs Offices. Guardlife ispublished under provisions of AR 360-81and AFI 190-7. Opinions expressed inGuardlife are not to be considered the offi-cial view of this headquarters, or the De-partment of the Army or Air Force.Guardlife is printed via the photo offsetprocess. 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 CoverOn Nov. 4, the 177th Fighter Wingdeployed to Nellis Air Force Base,Nevada to participate in Red Flagtraining. Capt. William McCrinkpilots an F-16C to the end of run-way for last chance checks andweapon system arming before takeoff. Master Sgt. Emil C. Martinelli,Jr., (back to camera) communi-cates while Tech. Sgt. AlphonsoHuges is under the wing preparingto disconnect the communicationscable from the aircraft. Photo byMaster Sgt. Don Taggart 177 FWMultiMedia Information Center.

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GUARDLIFEVOL. 28, NO. 4

INDEX

TAG's Column Page 3

President Visits AASF#1 Page 4-5

Tech. Sgt. Rakauckas Leads 108th To Victory Page 6

Day In The Life Observed Oct. 22 Page 7

Jersey Guard Hosts D.A.R.E. Camp Page 8

50th PSB Competes In Army-Style Iron Chef Page 9

2002 Military Review Page 10 - 11

Congregation Adopts Soldiers Page 12

Chojnacki Promoted To Brigadier General Page 13

Air Guard Units Honored By State Sentate Page 14

Guardsman Takes Command Of T3BL Page 15

Red Flag Page 16

50th MSB Spends Weekend "On The Road" Page 17

Command Changes Page 18

Armory Re-Dedicated To Jersey City Youth Page 19

Last Round: 1-150th Prepares For Deployment Page 20

GUARDLIFE won first place in theNational Guard Media Contest 2000,

in the funded newspapers, magazine formatportion of the competition.

The award was not announced until the 2002Public Affairs Conference. The 2001 conference

was cancelled because of theterrorist attacks on the United States.

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Homeland Security/Homeland Defense By Brig. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General

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O n September 11th history was madein the National Guard when both thePresident and the Governor acti-vated assets of the New Jersey

National Guard almost simultaneously.In the aftermath of that fateful day, our

national focus has been to change our systemsin order preserve our homeland security. Thecontinuing operations we have been involvedwith since 9/11 are multiple such as deploy-ments overseas in support of Operation En-during Freedom by the 108th ARW, thecontinuing CAP mission of the 177th FW, theday to day Army taskings with each increasedthreat level, and the continuing mission by theArmy at the nuclear power plants.

Most of you have lived these operationson a very personal level because it is personal.Protection of the homeland was the firstmission of the militia and now it has comeback full circle to the National Guard becausewe are the “hometown team.” We have spentthe last 30 to 40 years training for a Cold Warmission and overseas contingency operationsas part of our federal mission with the activeduty. Those deployments will certainly con-tinue. But now the federal mission for home-land security has landed squarely in ourbackyards with the National Guard as a pri-mary support agency for civil authorities and,in some cases, the lead such as the fighter CAPmission of which 74% is provided by the AirNational Guard.

Because it is a federal mission, we mustanticipate that the stand up of NorthernCommand and the new U.S. Department ofHomeland Security will certainly impact onthe way we function eventually. But wecannot afford to wait for direction from thefederal government. On the state side, wehave many initiatives we have started inconjunction with other state departments toimprove our interoperability. For the NewJersey National Guard we are developing ourown comprehensive system to deal withmultiple, sustained events within our bor-ders.

The crowning accomplishment is our

new Homeland Security Center of Excellencewith a state-of-the-art Joint Operations Cen-ter. Part of the command, control and com-munications network of this Center are mobilecommand posts to increase our ability to geton the ground situational reports and hasimmediate contact with forward deployedassets. Of course, the facility is only as goodas the organization and the personnel doingthe work. A fully developed alert process hasbeen built and our plans have been revisedalthough we predict that our plans will al-ways be evolving as we seek to get better.Most importantly we have an active trainingand exercise program.

We have a Weapons of Mass Destruc-tion (WMD) Civil Support Team (CST) –light and we continue to lobby the Secretaryof Defense for a fully funded, full-time CSTbased here in New Jersey. A fully fundedteam will provide us with another mobile

Brig. Gen.Glenn K. Rieth discusses Homeland Security issues with President George W. Bushon Sept. 23. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA.

communications van as well as a mobile labo-ratory capable of onsite biological and chemi-cal analysis. Additionally, we have begun theprocess of identifying teams for a quick re-sponse force in key areas such as communi-cations, medical, civil engineering and security.

This is how we are planning to fight onthe state side should we have to face anothermajor catastrophic event again. It is alsohighly probable that in addition to fightingwithin our own borders, we will be part of thefederal operations overseas. I know that youhave all been heavily tasked this year but ourefforts have improved our readiness and ca-pabilities. Our mission is an honorable andworthy one. And it is a simple one—toprotect our families, our homes and our wayof life.

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he New Jersey NationalGuard’s Army Aviation Sup-port Facility #1 located at Tren-

ton-Mercer Airport, played host toPresident George W. Bush Sept. 23.

More than 1,000 members of theNew Jersey Army and Air NationalGuard, along with 1,500 school chil-dren, veterans, and area residentsfilled the 25,000 square foot hangar.

The highlight of the visit came for16 New Jersey Guardsmen whenthey were invited to sit on the stagewith their Commander-in-Chief. Atthe direction of Brig. Gen. Glenn K.Rieth, The Adjutant General of NewJersey, this privilege was afforded toindividuals selected by their units as a

President Visits AASF#1Story by Roman M. Martyniuk, NJDMAVA/PA.

Standing room only as more than 2,500 Guardsmen, veterans, school children, and area residents crowd the Army Aviation Support Facility #1at Trenton-Mercer Airport. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA.

President George W. Bush with theSecret Service. Photo by Tech. Sgt.Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA

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reward for their dedication and per-formance since Sept. 11, 2001. Thegroup were Spc. Phillip Faustino, StaffSgt. Monte C. Wilson, Spc. VanessaMarano, Spc. Roquel Rodriguez, Col.Wayne L. Thomas, Maj. Pat Kennedy,Master Sgt. Jerold K. Walker, 1st LtYvonne L. Mays, 2nd Lt. Luz M.Colon, Staff Sgt. Angela Ward, Sgt.Donald Meddings, Sgt. 1st ClassMichael Warner, Sgt. 1st Class Jen-nifer Long, Staff Sgt. Charles F. Cale,and 1st Lt. Joseph Roughneen.

Preparations for the visit beganalmost a week earlier when Col. PaulCiervo, State Aviation Officer andStation Commander for AASF #1was asked to assist in planning thepresidential visit. Facilities and loca-tions were toured to identify the mostappropriate location for the publicevent, decide where to stage themotorcade, and even where to park

Air Force One, the Boeing 757 air-craft the President uses.

Once the decision to use AASF#1 had been made, a whole army ofpeople became involved. Lt. Col.Jorge Martinez and Chief WarrantOfficer 4 Ed Kobiella worked closelywith the Secret Service, state and

NJ Guardsmen Share Stage With President

local law enforcement agencies toensure that the security requirementsassociated with an official presiden-tial visit were satisfied. Maj. MarkPreston mobilized the New JerseyDepartment of Military and VeteransAffairs state maintenance force toassist chief armorer Bill Hutchison tomake ready for the event.

“This truly was a team effort,”noted Col. Ciervo. “Our guys dem-onstrated an impressive, cohesive ef-fort that did the state proud.”

That team was led by Sgt. 1stClass Charlie Bethea, Crew Chiefand First Sergeant of the 1st Battal-ion, 150th Aviation and Master Sgt.Dave Nunlist, Aircraft MaintenanceSupervisor for the flight facility.

“We did everything needed tomake our facility an appropriate venueto host President Bush and a mostwelcome accommodation for all theother dignitaries and guests,” statedCol. Ciervo.

The President delivers a speech on Homeland Security at the Army Aviation Support Facility #1.Video capture by Staff Sgt. Andrew Moseley, 177 FW MultiMedia Information Center.

President George W. Bush greets Guardsmen and members of the public following his speechSept. 23 at Army Aviation Support Facility #1. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA.

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ech. Sgt. Michael Rakauckasof the 108th Air RefuelingWing, Security Forces Squad-

ron, was selected to be this year’steam leader for the Air Mobility Com-mand Defender Challenge Team Oct.21 through 24.

Defender Challenge is a U.S. AirForce Security Forces annual marks-manship competition that draws com-petitors throughout the Department

Tech. Sgt. Rakauckas Leads 108th To VictoryBy Major Ron Turk, Commander, 108 ARW/SFS

Tech. Sgt. Michael Rakauckas takes a bead onthe target while competing at the Sadler CupCompetition Oct. 21 through 24. Photo cour-tesy of Major Ron Turk, Commander, 108ARW/SFS.

of Defense, Department of Energyand foreign security forces teams.This year’s competition involved threeevents: the pistol challenge, the com-bat rifle course and the prestigiousSadler Cup competition. The SadlerCup competition is a full day tacticalexercise that involves combat skillsand teamwork under stressful sce-narios.

Tech. Sgt. Rakauckas was one

of only two Air National Guard mem-bers to be selected to any U.S. AirForce Major Command team, and isthe first Air Guard NCO to ever leadan active duty major command team.After performing in the pistol andcombat rifle courses, Tech. Sgt.Rakauckas’ team kicked it into highgear and won the Sadler Cup compe-tition. They received accolades fromboth the Security Forces Directorand the Air Mobility Command Com-mander for exceptional leadership.

Tech. Sgt. Rakauckas is also anAir Mobility Command Raven. Raventeams receive special training andare frequently assigned as aircrewmembers to provide security to air-craft and personnel when travelingoversees to locations without secu-rity, or to high-threat areas.

Lyons Garners Top Academy AwardBy Maj. Ron Turk, Commander, 108 ARW SFS

Squad leader Master Sgt. Jim Lyons (right) of the 108th Security Force Squadronwas presented with the John Levitow Award for distinguished leadership andacademics at the NCO Academy, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, on Sept. 5.

Master Sgt. Lyons also served as NCOA class 02-6’s class commander. He wasrecognized during graduation for his exceptional leadership and recognized forspending his off-duty time working with other students.

Master Sgt. Lyons is one of more than 100 “Guardians of Freedom” mobilizedfor Operation Enduring Freedom. Master Sgt. Lyons most recently led a squad ofactive duty, guard and reserve security forces on a 90-day mission to Europe. Hehas more than 16 years of active duty and traditional guard service and is a DeputyU.S. Marshal in his civilian profession.

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ast May 30, the Office of theAssistant Secretary of De-fense Public Affairs entered

into an agreement to produce a bookdocumenting Oct. 22, 2002 as “A dayin the life of the U.S. Armed Forces.”

From 10 to noon, Oct. 22, I pho-tographed Sgt. Bruce J. Hars, B Com-pany, 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation,along with Spc. William D. O’Nealand Spc. Quron B. Wynn, both of BCompany, 2-113th Infantry Division,New Jersey Army National Guard, ofTask Force Falcon’s Honor, as theyperformed a perimeter patrol at theSalem-Hope Nuclear GeneratingPlant near Salem. New Jersey ArmyGuardsmen have been an integralpart of the the Homeland Securityforces at both nuclear power plantlocations since 911. And with fewexceptions, almost every unit in theNew Jersey Army National Guardhave guarded the power plants.

The day in the life project wastruly global in scope. United Statesarmed forces across the country andat every imaginable location world-wide were being examined and pho-tographed than at any other time sinceWorld War II. The project was de-signed to “show the emotions, hu-manity, and diversity of the men andwomen serving their country on thatday in history.” It involved both civil-ian and military photographers at 125specific installations, as well as videoproduction teams documenting theproject.

Part of the immediacy of the dayin the life books has been the minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour accountingfor the day being observed. Regard-

Day In The Life Observed Oct. 22Photos and story by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA.

less of the locations, the books de-scribe the numerous activities thatare occuring moment by moment dur-ing the day. Keeping track of thiswas once a nuisance. Fortunatelywith the advent of digital camerasdate and time was automatically re-corded down to the second.

After the book is published thebest photographs will be chosen andassembled into a traveling exhibition.Even though the 125 specific installa-tions were already chosen, militaryphotographers at other installationswere encouraged to provide imageryto support the project. These opensubmission photographers are notguaranteed publication; however, allopen submission imagery will be given

Oct. 22, 2002, 11:26:40 AM, eastern time, Spc. William D. O’Neal (left), and Spc. Quron B. Wynn(right), B Co., 2-113th Infantry Division, both of the New Jersey Army National Guard, perform aperimeter patrol of the Salem-Hope Generating Plant near Salem.

equal consideration, based on imagecontent and technical quality.

The subject matter areas to becovered ranged from human-intereststories to images that show the mas-sive scale of the largest military forceon earth and its wide range of mis-sions.

The book's release date is sched-uled for April 2003, however here isan early sampling of the pictures sub-mitted for the New Jersey ArmyNational Guard.

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The 253rd Transportation CompanyRifle Team pose for a photo at a targetrange on Fort Dix. From left to right,front row, Staff Sgt. Kevin Lewis, Sgt.Harold Prickett, Sgt. Michael Spallina,and Sgt. 1st Class Michael Vey. Left toright, back row, Pfc. John Bertino,Sgt. Marc Stevens, Sgt. DavidDickinson, Spc. Kelly Wilson, Sgt. JohnTrainor, and Pfc. Michael Snyder.This year Vey, Stevens, Eckstein, Wil-son, Bertino, and Snyder were amongthe more than 700 competitors whoparticipated in the 32nd Annual Win-ston P. Wilson Rifle, Pistol, Sniper,and Light Machinegun Championshipheld at Camp Joseph T. Robinson,Ark., Oct. 5 - 11. Photo by Tech. Sgt.Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA.

253rd Competes In Shooting Championship

t the head of the four groups, Guardsmen wearingblack polo shirts with the National Guard logo,joined with police officers from across the state as

they kept the young “troops” in line.These children weren’t recruits, they were graduates

of the sixth-grade Drug Abuse Resistance Education(D.A.R.E.) program and were at Fort Dix for the thirdannual Summer Leadership Camp. The camp, a jointventure of D.A.R.E. and the Counterdrug Task Force’sDrug Demand Reduction (DDR) program, took place atFort Dix, Aug. 18 through 22. The Camp provided drugawareness education, in addition to team building, leader-ship skills, first aid and fire-safety classes, along withsports, games, activities, and a one-day field trip to anAtlantic City Surf minor league baseball game.

“This is what the National Guard is all about,” said 1st.Lt. Carmen Lugo-Martinez, Drug Demand ReductionAdministrator. “While we are helping to keep the commu-nities drug free, we are also ensuring the future of theNational Guard in that we are preparing the youth of NewJersey to follow in our footsteps.”

Jersey Guard Hosts D.A.R.E. CampBy Staff Sgt. Robert W. Stephenson, 444 MPAD

Spc. Ian Cairns applies finishing touch of camoflauge painting duringthe third annual Summer Leadership Camp, at Fort Dix. Campersattended a minor league baseball game, visited the 108th Air RefuelingWing and toured a KC-135E Stratotanker, and visited the Training andTraining Technology Battle Lab at Fort Dix.

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n one of the more unusual mili-tary competitions, personnel fromthe 50th Personnel Service Bat-

talion and the 50th Finance Battalioncompeted in an international cook-offin hopes of winning the prestigiousPhilip A. Connelly Award, the Army’sversion of the Iron Chef.

On Nov. 9, the New Jersey ArmyGuardsmen went head-to-headagainst the six best food service unitsin the active-duty Army, Reserve,and other Guard units worldwide inhopes of being recognized as the bestArmy field food service unit. This isthe first time a New Jersey unit hasmade it to this level in the annualcompetition. The evaluators judge allaspects of field food service opera-tions. The evaluation took place Biv-ouac area 4A at Fort Dix.

The evaluators were so impressedwith the cooks’ performance, all weregiven merit citations. The 50th alsoreceived a plaque for being one ofseven finalists in the competition.

50th PSB Competes In Army-Style Iron ChefPhotos and story by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA

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Spc. Randall Williams (left), 50th Finanace Battalion offers advice on proportions to Spc.Monique Knighton-Trotter (second from left) and Spc. Maria Gibson (right), both of the 50thPersonnel Service Battalion, while Alfred E. Rudolph (second from right), Philip A. ConnellyAward evaluation team leader observes during the competition for the Philip A. Connelly Awardheld at Fort Dix Nov. 9.

Spc. Maria Gibson chops vegatables for thecole slaw. The menu included oven friedchicken and German chocolate cake.

Spc. Monique Knighton-Trotter ladles out thesteaming Minestrone soup during the ConnellyAward competition.

Spc. Randall Williams places chicken on acooking sheet, while being observed byConnelly Evaluator Mr. Rudolph.

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or some, no matter what branch of servicethey were representing, the day's nervous-ness seemed hugely magnified. Butter-

flies were circling within their stomachs and allthe sweat glands seemed to flow steadily to thepalms of their hands. And even though soldiersand airmen wear their uniforms proudly eachtime they put it on, this morning every littlethread, crease, and shine mattered even more tothem than any other day. What made this day so different was this wasthe first time The Adjutant General, Brig. Gen.Glenn K. Rieth and Governor James E.McGreevey, the New Jersey National Guard’sCommander in Chief, would be inspecting andreviewing the troops. The New Jersey National Guard held itsAnnual Military Review at Sea Girt on Sept. 29.The event was open to the public at the NationalGuard Training Center, Sea Girt, and includeddisplays of tanks and helicopters, a cannon sa-lute, a military band and parade. Every unit ofthe Army and Air Guard in New Jersey wererepresented. Master of Ceremonies, Maj. Royce P. Lawlerexplained that in order for officers and soldiers

2002 Military ReviewBy Spc. Rebecca O’Donnell, 444 MPAD, photos by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA.

Pictured, left to right: WarrantOfficer Durinda Roth saluteswhile the 63rd Army Bandmarches by the reviewing stand.The Colonial Color Guard pro-vided spectators with a vision ofwhat past military paradeslooked like.Troops from every major com-mand participated in this year'sMilitary Review at Sea Girt.Following the Military Review, acarnival and a picnic was heldfor the participants and theirfamilies.

Governor James E. McGreevey (left) and Brig. Gen. GlennK. Rieth, The Adjutant General, inspect the troops.

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to determine their location in thesmoke and confusion of battlethey would look for their unit flags.Prior to battle, it was commonpractive for units to parade theirflags at the end of the day. Thiswas called Trooping the Colorsand it was done so that the sol-diers would recognize their flagduring battle.

The units present were the63rd New Jersey Army NationalGuard Band, the50th Brigade, the42nd Division Support Command,the 57th Troop Command, theNew Jersey Air National Guard,including the 108th Air RefuelingWing and the 177th Fighter Wing,Headquarters State Area Com-mand, and the Salute Command,Battery A, 3rd Battalion, 112thField Artillery.

Once the units had marchedinto position and a nineteen-gunsalute was rendered, the Gover-nor, along side of The Adjutant

General, inspected the troops.Medal and honors were then pre-sented including the MeritoriousService Medal, the Ernest J. Gre-gory Internal Review Award ofMerit, the Chief of Staff Army,Supply Excellence Award, the2002 New Jersey Governor’s Airand Space Special Award, the 21stAir Force Armstrong Trophy, theColonel Richard A. NewmanAward for Food Service Excel-lence, the Master Sergeant(RET) James A. Goddard Out-standing Supply Sergeant Award,and the New Jersey NationalGuard Outstanding FamilyReadiness and Support Award.

Brig. Gen. Rieth assured ev-eryone that the New Jersey Na-tional Guard were making adifference on the global war onterrorism.

"The New Jersey NationalGuard is fully engaged across afull spectrum of operations, from

peacekeeping in Bosnia, to play-ing a key roles in Operation En-during Freedom, and OperationNoble Eagle," said Brig. Gen.Rieth, before turning the podiumover to the Governor.

"I want to first say thank allthe members of the New JerseyNational Guard and their fami-lies, for your service, your dedi-cation, your courage andcommitment to our state and na-tion," said GovernorMcGreevey. "The Army and theAir National Guard is playing acritical important role in protect-ing our nation."

Following the review abarbeque was held and carnivalgames were held for family mem-bers who attended the event.

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n the aftermath of thecommemorations andmemorial services

marking the first anniver-sary of the terrorist attacksagainst America, a numberof stories of smaller heart-warming occurrences havebegun to surface.

One such story involvesa small community churchin Salem County. The 175-member Richwood UnitedMethodist Church adoptedthe troops from their localarea who were called uponto provide enhanced secu-rity at the Salem-HopeNuclear Generating Plant.

"The good people of RichwoodUnited were well aware of the 'qual-ity' the Guard added to our commu-nity," said Pastor Reverend Dr. Steven

Congregation Adopts SoldiersBy Roman Martyniuk, NJDMAVA/PA

C. Herman, a 10-year veteran of theNew Jersey Army National Guardand chaplain with the 5th Squadron,117th Cavalry. "The dedication andwillingness to serve in time of emer-

Maj. (Chaplain) Steven Herman and Sgt. 1st Class Keith Johnson, 5thSquadron 117th Cavalry, prepare to distribute the holiday gift packagesto troops serving at the Salem-Hope Nuclear Generating Plant.

gency demonstrated is verymuch appreciated." The focus was to pre-pare “holiday goodie pack-ages” for each of the 62troops assigned to the secu-rity detail. The church mem-bers took great pains to wrapeach of the gift packages in amanner appropriate to thefestive flavor of that particu-lar holiday. The contentsalso reflected a variety oftraditional holiday treats in-cluding cookies, homemadebaked goods, candy, andother tasty surprises. Sgt. 1st Class Keith

Johnson of C Troop, NCOIC of theyearlong mission assisted in the distri-bution of the packages. "It’s nice tobe thought of. The holiday gift pack-ages really lifted our spirits."

Sgt. Eric Schuman (left) watches as a M880Short Range Training Round exits the tube ofa M120 Mortar while Spc. Antonio Mijaro(back to camera) ducks during the Oct. 26-27drill at Fort Dix. Photo by Sgt. Brian Reed,2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry.

Staff Sgt. Steve Katkics, Readiness NCO, Headquarters and Headquarters Company 50thBrigade and Detachment 2, 42nd Military Police Company, 42nd Infantry, briefs troops duringpre-mobilization at Fort Dix. Photo by Roman Martyniuk, NJDMAVA/PA.

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ol. Eugene Chojnacki was pro-moted to Brigadier General ata ceremony held at the 177th

Fighter Wing Sept. 14. Brig. Gen.Chojnacki is the Vice Commander ofthe New Jersey Air National Guard,based at the Fort Dix.

Brig. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, TheAdjutant General of New Jersey andMrs. Barbara Chojnacki, the wife ofCol. Chojnacki, conducted the offi-cial pinning ceremony.

Brig. Gen. Chojnacki was born inCamden on Aug. 29, 1945 and gradu-ated from Edgewood Regional HighSchool, Tansboro in 1963. He earneda Bachelor in Industrial Educationfrom Trenton State College in 1967and Master in Business Administra-tion from Southern Illinois University

in 1976. Military education includesAir Command and Staff College, andNational Security Management.

After graduating from Under-graduate Pilot Training, Reese AirForce Base, Texas, in 1969, Brig.Gen. Chojnacki completed C-141Atraining and was assigned to DoverAir Force Base, Del. In 1971, thegeneral attended Helicopter Transi-tion Training at Sheppard Air ForceBase, Texas, and was assigned to the20th Special Operations Squadron,Cam Rahn Bay, Republic of Viet-nam, as an UH-IN Pilot. During hiscombat tour, he flew 120 missionsover Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.He served as a Helicopter InstructorPilot at Hill Air Force Base, Utah until1973. In 1977, he joined the New

Jersey Air National Guard where heserved in a variety of positions includ-ing executive support officer, deputycommander for resources and sup-port group commander.

Brig. Gen. Chojnacki has flownmore than 2,000 flight hours on avariety of aircraft including: the T-41,T-37, T-38, C-141A, UH-IN, and theTH-IF. His awards and decorationsinclude: the Distinguished FlyingCross, Meritorious Service Medal,Air Medal, Air Force CommendationMedal, Air Force Achievement Medal,and the Air Force Outstanding UnitAward with Valor Device.

Chojnacki Promoted To Brigadier GeneralBy Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA

Maj. Gen. Clark W. Martin (left) and Mrs. Barabara Chojnacki (right) watch as newly promotedBrig. Gen. Eugene Chojnacki (center) speaks. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Shawn Mildren, 177 FWMultiMedia Information Center.

In order to gain a better per-spective on the Air Guard’s abilityto sustain a particular operatingtempo and the impact on retentionrates, NGB is conducting a surveyon the mobilization process, thesustainable level of effort that theANG can plan for the long term,and finally, quality of life issuesassociated with the mobilizationand today’s high tempo. The sur-vey, can be accessed at www.angsurvey.xservices.com until 8 amon Jan. 13.

Survey responses will be con-fidential and anonymous; Air Na-tional Guard officials will see onlysummarized data. The plan is toanalyze the responses to the sur-vey and then brief the AdjutantsGeneral and unit commanders onthe results early next year.

Mobilization Survey

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The first Warrant Officer Advi-sory Board professional developmentday was held on Nov. 2 at Fort Dix.Brig. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adju-tant General set the tone of the day.

“Presently we have 137 warrantofficers but need another 40 to justmaintain the current vacancies,”stated Brig. Gen. Rieth.

Chief Warrant Officer RickAndrews and Command Chief War-

rant Officer Al Curving organized theevent around previous developmentday models with one major differ-ence. Because warrant officers havesuch diverse backgrounds, roles andresponsibilities it is difficult for theirparent unit to justify time away froma critical drill weekend. So the devel-opment day assumed twin-workinggroups, one of a recruitment role andone of developing and mentoring the

current warrant members so that theNew Jersey Army National Guardhas consistency and defined goalswhich every member of the warrantofficer’s corps can practice or im-prove on, in their daily workday.

The meeting then divided intovarious working groups and provided70 plus prospective future warrantswith an insight into the life of awarrant officer.

Warrant Officer Professional Development Day HeldSgt. Patrick O’Flaherty, 444 MPAD

Air Guard Units Honored By State SenateBy Roman Martyniuk, NJDMAVA/PA, photos by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA.

oth the 108th Air Refueling Wingand the 177th Fighter Wing werehonored by an official resolution by

the New Jersey Senate in the Senate cham-bers Oct. 31.

The resolutions, introduced by StateSenator Peter Inverso (Republican-14thDistrict), himself a former member of the108th Air Refueling Wing, and signed bySenate Co-Presidents Richard J. Codey(Democrat-27th District) and John O.Bennett (Republican-12th District), recog-nize service and contributions made byNew Jersey Air National Guard in themonths following 911.

The 177th Fighter Wing was placed onactive duty within an hour following the firstattack against the World Trade Centers.Wing pilots have flown and continue to flya record number of sorties providing CAP(Combat Air Patrols) coverage over theNortheast.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, the 108th AirRefueling Wing has been providing aroundthe clock, in-flight refueling to aircraft fromthe Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and alliedair forces involved in both Operations En-during Freedom and Noble Eagle.

From left to right: Brig. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth,Brig. Gen. Eugene Chojnacki, Master Sgt.Kurt Williams, Col. Barry Johnson, State Senator Peter Inverso, Maj. Gen. Clark W.Martin, Senior Airman Jose Anaya, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Thomas and Capt. James Layton.

From left to right:1st Lt. Scott Cleveland, Brig. Gen. Eugene Chojnacki, Staff Sgt. KeithAtwell, Brig. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth,Col. William Maiorano, State Senator Peter Inverso,Maj. Gen. Clark W. Martin, Master Sgt. James Lyons, and Lt. Col. Richard Buckley.

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Youth Camp Applications Now Available

Youth Camp applications are available online atwww. state.nj.us/military/family support/ or throughyour units. The deadline is May 15. The Camp willrun July 6 through 12 at the National Guard TrainingCenter at Sea Girt and is open to the children, grand-children and legal dependants, ages 9-12, of active,former, and retired NJNG members. Cost is $100and includes meals and all activities, which includes,sports, arts and crafts. Special programs includedrug awareness, child safety, health and fitness. Formore information call or e-mail Chief Warrant Of-ficer 4 Ralph W. Cwieka at (609) 562-0668 or e-mail: ralph.cwieka@nj.ngb.army.mil

ol. Charles Ragucci assumedcommand of the Training andTraining Technology Battle Lab

(T3BL) at Fort Dix Nov. 3.Col. Ragucci is the first traditional

Guardsman to assume command ofthe facility. He currently serves as theConstruction Facility Management Of-ficer, New Jersey Department of Mili-tary and Veterans Affairs.

Col. Ragucci has served in theNew Jersey Army National Guard formore than 32 years. He enlisted inFebruary 1970 with the 5th Squadron117th Cavalry. After nine years asenlisted, he served an additional fouras a warrant officer before attendingOfficer Candidate School at the NewJersey Military Academy in Sea Girt.Upon commission as a second lieuten-ant, he served with the 2nd Battalion113th Infantry, Division Support Com-mand, and the 50th Main Support Bat-talion. He is a graduate of RogerWilliams University with a Bachelorof Science in Public Administration

Guardsman Takes Command Of T3BL; New Labs DedicatedStory by Roman Martyniuk, NJDMAVA/PA. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kryn Westhoven, 444 MPAD

and has completed the United StatesArmy Command and General StaffCollege. His military awards includethe Meritorious Service Medal and theArmy Commendation Medal.

The ceremony also included thededication of Phases I and II in theexpansion of the T3BL. The Labserves as a national center for simula-tors and simulations; a distance learn-ing hub; and a battle staff training site.

The Phase I facility is the The-ater of War hub that has the capabilityto link with multiple locations world-wide. Phase II includes four NightFighting Lanes, a Close Combat Tac-tical Trainer bay to accommodate anM-1Abrams and Bradley Fighting Ve-hicle Company. It will also be linked tothe Consolidated Logistics Mainte-nance Training Site at Lakehurst, theArmy’s Leader Development Centerin Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and othertraining facilities.

The Urban Night Fighting Lane at the Trainingand Training Technology Battle Lab.

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From Oct. 26 to Nov. 9, 177thFighter Wing members participatedin Red Flag, a large scale combatexercise at Nellis Air Force Base,

177th Fighter WingBreaks Ground ForNew Communica-tions Building

Red Flag: Bombs, Bullets, And Las VegasPhotos by Master Sgt. Don Taggart, 177 FW MultiMedia Information Center.

Groundbreaking for the new177th Fighter Wing Communica-tions and Security Forces buildingwas held Sept. 14. Pictured are (l-r)Maj. Gen. Clark W. Martin, Com-mander, New Jersey Air NationalGuard; Brig. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth,The Adjutant General; Congress-man Frank LoBiondo, Second Dis-trict, New Jersey; and Col. MichaelCosby, Commander, 177th FighterWing. The $6.3 million, 27,000square foot facility is scheduled forcompletion in March 2004.

Nevada. Red Flag gives pilots theirfirst ten combat missions, which getsthem used to a combat environmentprior to actual combat, as well as

working with other services in a jointforce employment. This is prepara-tion for the wing's deployment toSouthwest Asia.

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embers of Company B 50th Main Support Battal-ion spent Nov. 16 and 17, driving across the state– from New Egypt to Vineland, Bordentown to

Dover, Fort Dix to Woodbridge, and other locations –transporting armor and artillery equipment to NationalGuard units throughout the state.

Transportation company drivers were assigned, twoper vehicle, to tractor trailers and 5-ton trucks to get tanks,personnel carriers and other vehicles from one site toanother. Once in place, the equipment will be used fortraining. To keep the vehicles moving, the men and womenof Company B will also be on the road with “wreckers” –the Army’s version of a tow truck – in the event of anyvehicle breakdown. Mechanics and other support person-nel will also be ready with their expertise.

Company B, is located in Dover, and commanded byCapt. Chad R. Thiemann.

50th MSB Spends Weekend “On the Road”By Staff Sgt. Barb Harbison, NJDMAVA/PA.

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Trucks from the 50th Main Support Battalion on the road. File Photo.

Santa Claus attends to the children of 250th Signal Battalion membersduring the unit's annual holiday dinner which was held at the WestfieldArmory on Dec. 8. Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Stephenson, 444 MPAD.

Spc Awilda Vasquez (r) of the 50th Main Support Battalion looks on asMichael Leone (l), a retired Navy veteran who resides at the ParamusVeterans Memorial Home in Teaneck, writes down all the places he sawaction during the Second World War. Guardsmen supported theholiday dinner hosted by American Legion Post 128 in Teaneck, Dec.7. Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Stephenson, 444 MPAD.Scholarships Available

The Retired Officers Association (TROA) is offeringone-hundred $1,000 grants. For information abouteligibility, applications, and deadlines, go towww.troa.org and look for the Educational Aid buttonon the home page. Application is by the website only.

254th To Develop OCS Wall Of AchievementThe 254th Training Regiment if developing a OCSWall of Achievement based on the one at Fort Benning.For more information or an application contact Lt. Col.Kenneth Schechter at (732) 974-5900.

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ol. Charles A. Harvey Jr. assumed command ofthe 57th Troop Command, New Jersey ArmyNational Guard from Col. Carlo J. Accardi at the

National Guard Armory in Atlantic City on Oct. 6.Col. Harvey was born in Philadelphia and graduated

from Mastbaum Vocational Technical High School in

Command Changes: 57th and 1-150th ReceiveNew Commanders

Seven generations of Troop Commanders. (l-r) Col. Len Tharney, Col.Dennis J. Dougherty, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey L. Pierson, Sr.; Col. WillamC. Lowe, Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Sullivan, Col. Carlo Accardi, and Col.Charles A. Harvey, Jr. Photo by Maj. Carl Palmer, 444 MPAD.

t. Col. Robert F. Vicci assumed command of the 1stBattalion, 150th Aviation, located at the ArmyAviation Support Facility #1 at Trenton-Mercer

Airport on Nov. 3.Lt. Col. Vicci was born March 2, 1958 in Plainfield.

He received a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and hiscommission as a second lieutenant from the United StatesMilitary Academy, West Point, N.Y., on May 27, 1981.

After attending the Initial Entry Rotary Wing Courseat Ft. Rucker, Ala, Lt. Col. Vicci was assigned to HunterArmy Airfield, Savannah, Ga., where he served as an AirCavalry platoon leader. Lt. Col. Vicci joined the NewJersey Army National Guard in 1988 and took commandof C Company, 5-117th Cavalry. Since 1995, he has beenassigned to the Headquarters State Area Command wherehe served as administrative officer, state safety officerand the general safety officer.

1966. He joined the New Jersey National Guard in March1967. He received his Bachelor of Arts in BusinessAdministration from Trenton State College in 1986. Hereceived his commission as a Second Lieutenant from theOfficer Candidate School at the New Jersey MilitaryAcademy located in Sea Girt, N.J., in July 1978 andcompleted the Quartermaster Officer Basic Course. Hehas also completed the Quartermaster and Field ArtilleryAdvance Officers Course, and the Command and GeneralStaff College. He is a United States Army War CollegeGraduate of the Class of 2002 where he earned a MasterDegree in Strategic Studies.

In addition to commanding the 57th Troop Command,Colonel Harvey serves as the Assistant Chief of Staff forOperations. His previous assignment was as the AssistantChief of Staff, Chief Training Branch for the HQ’s StateArea Command. Prior to this assignment served as theExecutive Officer and Full Time supervisor of the 57thTroop Command, Headquarters State Area Command.Prior to this assignment, he was the Commander of the119th Support Battalion. He served as the Supply Manage-ment Officer for the United States Property and FiscalOfficer for New Jersey and Company Commander Com-pany A, 250th Supply and Transportation Battalion.

Lt. Col. Robert F. Vicci (left) and Col. Charles A. Harvey, Jr. (right)during the 1st Battalion, 150 Aviation Change of Command Ceremony.Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA.

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On Sept. 13, Jersey City Mayor Glenn D. Cunningham (left) and Brig.Gen. Glenn K. Rieth (right), The Adjutant General, joined state and localofficials in a ceremony re-dedicating the armory to the youth of JerseyCity. Last June, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, theDepartment of Human Services, into an agreement to establish a YouthActivity Program in the Jersey City National Guard Armory. Photo byStaff Sergeant Robert W. Stephenson, 444 MPAD.

Armory Re-Dedicated ToJersey City’s Youth

Pro Patria Award Presented

Guardsmen pose with the Governor and the TAG during the EmployerSupport of the Guard and Reserve Pro Patria Award ceremony on Nov.26 at Drumthwacket. (l-r) Brig. Gen. (Ret) Robert S. Dutko, Sr., NJESGRChairman: Brig.Gen. Glenn K Rieth, The Adjutant General of New Jersey,Staff Sgt. James Maribo, Chief Master Sgt. Dave Obetz, 1st Lt. TracyMcGriff, Governor James E. McGreevey, Master Sgt. Michael Francis,2nd Lt Pamela Robinson, Spc. Michael J. Williams, and Senior AirmanPeter Bach. Photo by Roman Martyniuk, NJDMAVA/PA.

Brig. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General and members of the lateLt.Col. (Ret) Steve Wilfing's family unveil a memorial to Lt.Col. Wilfing.Veterans’ Haven, a transitional housing program for homeless veterans,was founded in November 1993 byLt.Col. Wilfing. Since the start of thisprogram, 410 homeless veterans have successfully completed the pro-gram and become productive members of society. Photo bt Staff Sgt. BarbHarbison, NJDMAVA/PA.

Veterans' Haven FounderRemembered

TAG Presents Check To Cemetery

Brig. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth (center), The Adjutant General, presents a checkfor $5,600 on behalf of the members of the New Jersey Army and AirNational Guard to members of the Cemetery Advisory Council for theCemetery Advisory Council Memorial Fund for the purchase of trees,benches, and pavers at the Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans MemorialCemetery near Arneytown during the Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11.Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark C. Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA.

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

BULK RATEU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPermit No.

Last Round: 1-150th Prepares For DeploymentPhoto by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA.

Members of the 1st Battalion, 150th Aviation, Sgt.Edward Phillips (left) and Sgt. Frederick Derry (sec-ond from left), along with Sgt. Bryan Clarke (secondfrom right) of the Delaware Army National Guard,braved the Artic deep freeze at Fort Dix Dec. 8 and 9to train for deployment to sunny Panama next year.

Three UH-60A Blackhawk helicopters and 45 troopswill be leaving mid-January for a five-month deploy-ment in support of Operation New Horizons. NewHorizons is a nation building program that developsinfrastructure - schools, clinics, roads, and bridges inCentral American countries.