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Governor Attends Military Review
Story by Tech. Sgt. Paul Connors, 177FW/PA
Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Kryn Westhoven, 444MPAD, Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, 177FW/PA; Tech. Sgt Paul Connors, 177FW/PA and Staff Sgt. Joseph Donnelly, 444MPAD
TAG at Operation Jump Start

A stunningly beautiful October Saturday at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt provided the setting for the New Jersey National Guard’s 23rd Annual Governor’s Military Review on October 14.

This year’s review was the first for Governor Jon S. Corzine since his inauguration as New Jersey’s Chief Executive and Commander in Chief in January.
Participating in this year’s event were units representing Army National Guard, as well as the 108th Air Refueling and 177th Fighter Wings of the New Jersey Air National Guard.

NJNG Soldiers and Airmen pass before the reviewing stand.

The ceremonies opened with music performed by the 63rd Army Band led by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Durinda Garrison. An airpower demonstration included a formation flyover by a 108th KC-135E Stratotanker and a 177th F-16C Fighting Falcon.
In his introductory remarks Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General of New Jersey, acknowledged the service and sacrifice of the New Jersey National Guard: “It is because of you that today’s National Guard is essential in defending our nation.”
Governor Corzine, who earlier was honored by a 19 Gun Salute fired by A Battery, 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery, spoke of his appreciation for the continued service and sacrifices of the men and women of the New Jersey National Guard by stating “That 19-gun salute, which is pretty impressive, really is for you. It is really about us saying thank you to the 8,300 New Jersey Army and Air National Guard and their families.” He reminded everyone in attendance that service is often combined with the ultimate sacrifice when he named the four New Jersey Army Guardsmen killed in action during their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Governor Corzine, a former United States Marine Corps Reserve Sergeant commended the assembled troops for their professionalism and continued service in defense of state and nation.

Accompanied by Maj. Gen. Rieth, Governor Corzine then reviewed the troops. The reviewing party also included Brig. Gen. (Ret) Kenneth Rieth, Commander of Troops at the original review conducted 25 years ago and Richard Clark, Chairman of the State Veterans Council. Brig. Gen. Frank Carlini served as this year’s Commander of Troops.
The ceremony also included presentation of various awards and promotions to members of the state’s forces. Governor Corzine presented the Purple Heart Medal to Sgt. James Alston for wounds he received while serving in Iraq. Governor Corzine also recognized several civilian residents of the state for their outstanding support of deployed National Guard troops during the last year.

Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, Governor Jon S. Corzine and Brig. Gen. (Ret) Kenneth Rieth review the troops.

This year’s ceremony also saw the deactivation of the 42nd Infantry Division’s Division Support Command and the Governor presided over the casing of that unit’s colors.
The traditional Pass In Review followed and included the 63rd Army Band, the 50th Brigade Combat Team, the 42nd Regional Support Group, the 57th Troop Command, Joint Forces Headquarters-New Jersey, A Battery, 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery; the 108th Air Refueling Wing and the 177th Fighter Wing.

The ceremonies concluded with a final flyover by UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters from 1st Battalion, 150th Aviation (Air Assault).

 

 

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Volume 32 Number 5
Staff / Information
     
(c) 2006 NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
http://www.nj.gov/military