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.”