Teaneck Guard Unit on the “Run”

On Saturday morning, December 6, 2003, the 50th Main Support Battalion (MSB), New Jersey Army National Guard led by Lieutenant Colonel Roch Switlik, Battalion Commander will participate in a “Battalion run” through the streets of Teaneck.

According to Captain Alan S. Mellen, Battalion S-1, “ The 50th MSB has 26 troops attached to the Jersey Guard’s 253rd Transportation Company now serving in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. We have more than 80 additional personnel mobilized for extended active duty providing security at Picatinny Arsenal and other military installations throughout the state as part of Operation Noble Eagle III. This “Battalion run” is our way of showing our solidarity with our fellow citizen-soldiers and, at the same time, an opportunity to remind the people of Teaneck and the rest of Bergen County, that many of the troops serving both Homeland Defense and Homeland Security missions come from right here in the middle of this community.”

The runners will depart the armory at 9:00 am and travel a total distance of approximately 3 miles while winding their way through the streets of surrounding neighborhoods. The Teaneck Police Department will provide an escort to avoid any traffic problems.

A brief awards and promotion ceremony will be conducted on the main drill floor of the armory immediately following the conclusion of the run

With more than 800 assigned personnel, the 50th MSB is the largest battalion in the state and one of the largest units in the United States Army. The unit is under the Command of Lieutenant Colonel Roch Switlik and has been headquartered at the Teaneck Armory since 1994. Their primary mission is to provide transportation, maintenance, supply, medical and other combat service support. The 50th MSB also has units stationed in Jersey City, Dover (Morris County), West Orange, and Lawrenceville.

The Teaneck Armory recently opened a Family Assistance Center to assist families of National Guard and reserve troops mobilized for extended active duty service. The armory long has been an important part of the north Jersey community; in addition to hosting indoor soccer leagues and various trade shows, the armory also has served as a motion picture production facility, provided rock groups with a venue to set up and test their portable sound stages; and provided various sporting events with a spacious and versatile indoor arena.

**** In the event of a winter snow emergency, the event will be rescheduled.