Matawan residents Privates Jessica Brandness and Peter Romanski joined the New Jersey Army National Guard at Fort Dix on September 19.

Privates Brandness and Romanski will attend Basic Training and upon completing basic; they will be trained as a Radio Operator-Maintainers. The Radio Operator-Maintainer installs, operates, and performs preventive maintenance checks and services and unit level maintenance on assigned amplitude modulation radios, Enhanced Position Locating and Reporting System net control stations, radio teletypewriter assemblages, and Army Special Operations communications systems, to include communication security devices and associated equipment. Additional duties include operating manual or automated communications systems.

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 Staff Sgt. Taylor at (732) 545-8903 or visit the New Jersey Army National Guard website at www.state.nj.us/military/army/