Guardlife

Volume 31 - No. 6
 
New Jersey Soldiers Return
By Lt. Col. Roberta Neidt, NJDMAVA/PAO; photos by the Guardlife Staff

Dec. 11 marked a historical day for the New Jersey Army National Guard. The final group of Soldiers returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom III returned to American soil – just in time for the holidays.

On Nov. 1, the 42d Infantry Division began returning home and for the next six weeks, New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers continued to return home to family and loved ones.

Elements of the Headquarters and Headqaurters Company, 42nd Division Support Command; 1st Battalion, 150th General Support Aviation; 50th Main Support Battalion; 250th Signal Battalion; 119th Corps Support Battalion; Detachment 2, Company B, 642nd Division Aviation Support Battalion;150th and 350th Finance Detachments; Detachment 2, 42nd Military Police Company; and Detachment 2, 42nd Infantry Division; returned to Fort Dix and Fort Drum for demobilization. National Guard leaders met each aircraft that arrived at McGuire Air Force Base, anxious to greet our Soldiers and thank them for an outstanding job. Soldiers bused to Ft. Dix from Ft. Drum were also greeted upon arrival.

Family members, friends and loved ones, along with Family Readiness Groups and American Recreational Military Service (ARMS) greeted the Soldiers at the Doughboy Gym in a heroes welcome. Banners were displayed, balloons were flown and food was aplenty. There was no shortage of tears as the Soldiers entered the gym and loved ones spotted their Soldier walking across the gym floor.

There is no greater gift to a family than having a Soldier return home in time for the Holiday Season!

42nd Discom - First in Support

150th & 350th Finance Detachments - To Support and Serve

150th General Support Aviation Battalion - The Vandals

250th Signal Battalion - The Sound of Might

119th Corps Support Battalion - We'll Find a Way

50th Main Support Battalion - The Arm of Armor

© 2006 - NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs