Toms River resident Pfc. Xiomara Velez (right) is congratulated by 2nd Lt Marcello Dos Santos after enlisting in the New Jersey Army National Guard on Jan. 3.  Velez will serve with the Joint Force Headquarters Detachment, located at the National Guard Armory in Fort Dix as an Administrative Specialist, after she completes basic training at Fort Sill, Okla.

      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 Curry at 609-402-7993 or visit the New Jersey Army National Guard website at www.state.nj.us/military/army