Given the number of missions and
the wide variety of
deployment locations around the world involving
members of our New Jersey Army and Air National Guard,
it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to refer to our citizen-
Soldiers as members of the New Jersey International
Guard. Regardless of the fact that we’ve had Soldiers and
Airmen deploy to three continents and across the entire
breadth of the United States, I want to assure each of you,
and your families, that regardless of where you may
deploy, or for however long, you’ll always remain an
important part of our New Jersey Guard family.
Together with State Command Sergeant Major Richard
S. Adkins, Jr., and other members of my staff, I’ve had
the opportunity to personally visit our deployed troops in
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Italy; Germany; the Sinai; Kuwait;
Turkey; and Iraq. Despite the fact that you are
federally mobilized, you still remain my concern, my
responsibility and you remain my Soldiers and Airmen. And let me just say, You’re all doing an outstanding
job! You’re making a difference and you comprise an
extremely important component in our nation’s national
defense forces.
There is no doubt that what we’re doing in this Global
War Against Terrorism is absolutely critical to America’s
safety and security. From convoy escorts through the
most dangerous areas of Iraq to serving as MP’s in
Germany. From flying record numbers of in-flight air
refueling missions to participating in the multi-national
Observer Force in the Sinai. From providing security at
military installations and nuclear facilities here in New
Jersey to flying air patrols in the skies over the northeast
quadrant of North America. From providing critical transportation,
maintenance, and supply support on the front lines;
from Guantanamo to Turkey. From Burlington to Baghdad;
each and every day, you demonstrate the truly unique
aspect of the citizen-soldier …our ability to answer
the call
to arms…and to adapt successfully to effectively perform
whatever mission we are called upon to fulfill. Whether you’re serving in Southwest Asia or somewhere
in New Jersey; whether deployed in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom or Noble Eagle;
whether Army or Air, you represent New Jersey at its best.
You perpetuate the rich tradition and glorious history of
our
New Jersey National Guard. And, most important, you
continue to make us proud of your unequalled dedication,
professionalism, and patriotism.
You have the full support of your families and communities
back home and the full support of the entire New
Jersey National Guard and the entire New Jersey Department
of Military and Veterans Affairs. It’s up to each
and
every one of us here at home, and each and every family
member, to support our troops. They have answered the
call to serve... they have courage, determination, and
fortitude...but they also have hearts. Wherever they are
for
however long, they need to know they are appreciated,
thought of, and missed. Time and geography may conspire
to distance us from each other ... but nothing will ever
overcome the bonds of family. I’ve said this before
and I’ll
say it again ... and I’ll keep saying it throughout
the duration
of any deployment involving our New Jersey Soldiers and
Airmen...”We are family. We will always be family.” |