Photo Caption: Cape May resident Igor I. Nikitin (left) is congratulated by Maj. William A. Heineman (right), Executive Officer, Recruiting and Retention, New Jersey Army National Guard, after Nikitin enlisted into the New Jersey Army National Guard at Fort Dix on August 29.

Pvt. Nikitin, a graduate of Middle Twp. High School, has been assigned to Detachment 2, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd and 113th Infantry Battalion located at the National Guard Armory in Newark. He will attend Basic Training at Fort Knox, Ky., and after completing basic; he will begin his Advanced Individual Training as a BRADLEY Fighting Vehicle System Mechanic. The BRADLEY Fighting Vehicle System Mechanic performs unit maintenance on, and recovery operations of the improved tow vehicle, infantry fighting vehicle, cavalry fighting vehicle, fire support vehicle, multiple launch rocket system, and the 113 family of light armored vehicles, including the automotive, turret, fire control and chemical protection 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 Sgt. McCarthy at (609) 465-3491 or visit the New Jersey Army National Guard website at www.state.nj.us/military/army/