On Saturday, Oct. 9, 2004 at 10 a.m., the New Jersey National Guard will sponsor a “Salute the Troops” ceremony at the Sovereign Bank Arena in Trenton to honor the 2,000 citizen-soldiers deploying for extended active duty service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

      Troops include members of the 42nd DISCOM (Division Support Command) (Somerset), 50th Main Support Battalion (Teaneck, Jersey City, Dover) 1st Battalion 150th GSAB (General Support Aviation Brigade) (Trenton-Mercer Airport), 642nd DSAB (Division Support Aviation Brigade), 250th Signal Battalion (Cherry Hill, Westfield), Detachment 2, 42nd MP Company (Ft Dix), Detachment 2, Headquarters & Headquarters Company 42nd Infantry Division (Ft Dix), 42nd Aviation Brigade (New York), and the 8th Battalion 229th Attack Helicopter ( New York).

      The event will feature an Official Deployment Ceremony and a Parade of Troops.  In addition to the troops' family members and friends, the event will include participation by Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General of New Jersey, Brig. Gen. Maria Falca-Dodson, Deputy Adjutant General, other local elected officials, community representatives, senior members of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard, veterans organizations, the Red Cross, USO, Salvation Army, Elks, Masons, and Family Program and Family Support personnel from around the state.

      The public is also invited to attend and give the troops a special send-off.

      Media wishing to cover the event must register with Staff Sgt. Stephenson (609) 530-6943 No later than 1 p.m. on Friday Oct. 8, 2004.