Photo Caption: Newark resident Maurice Barnard (left) is congratulated by Sgt. 1st Class Louis Diaz, Recruiting and Retention NCO, after Barnard enlisted in the New Jersey Army National Guard at Fort Hamilton Military Entrance Processing Station Oct. 12.

      Pfc. Barnard, a student of Montclair State University, has been assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry located at the National Guard Armory in Newark.  Following Basic Training at Fort Benning, Ga., he will attend Advanced Individual Training as an Infantryman.  The Infantryman's role is to be ready to defend our country in peacetime and to capture, destroy and repel enemy ground forces during combat.

      Anyone interested in joining the New Jersey Army National Guard and wants to attend college tuition free, while earning a part-time income and serving their community, state and nation should call Sgt. 1st Class Diaz at (973) 484-8717 or visit the New Jersey Army National Guard website at www.state.nj.us/military/army/