Somerset, New Jersey –  Colonel John Dwyer of Clinton, New Jersey, took command of the 42nd Division Support Command of the New Jersey Army National Guard on 1 December 2001. The 42nd Division Support Command (42nd DISCOM) is one of three major commands in New Jersey with over 3500 soldiers assigned. The 42nd DISCOM is based in Somerset, with subordinate battalions in Teaneck, Sea Girt, Westfield, Yonkers, NY and Northfield, Vermont. The DISCOM provides medical, maintenance, supply, communications, and transportation support to the 42nd Infantry Division. A formal change-of-command ceremony will be held at Somerset on 6 January 2002, where Dwyer will accept the DISCOM flag from Colonel William Bertsch, the outgoing Commander. The press is invited to attend the 1:00 PM ceremony at the Somerset National Guard Armory.

The 42nd DISCOM has been active in the recovery efforts since the 11 September attack on America. DISCOM provided medical personnel and truckers in the immediate aftermath of the attack to serve the rescue personnel and haul emergency supplies. Later, DISCOM operated the donation warehouse that moved over 1200 tons of relief supplies to emergency agencies in New York and New Jersey. Currently, DISCOM troops are training to assume guardposts on the bridges and tunnels across the Hudson later this winter. In the past, DISCOM has been instrumental in providing soldiers and equipment for emergencies like Hurricane Floyd and the Kosovo refugee operation.

In addition to commanding the 42nd DISCOM, Colonel Dwyer is the Public Affairs Officer for the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. He serves as the principal advisor to the Adjutant General on press and media issues as well as the primary public relations contact within the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard.

Prior to being appointed to command the DISCOM, COL Dwyer commanded the 50th Main Support Battalion in Teaneck and has served as the Executive Officer and Full Time Administrative Officer for the 42nd Division Support Command.  COL Dwyer also held several key staff positions in the DISCOM since 1986. Previously he commanded Battery A and Service Battery of the 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery in Morristown.

COL Dwyer is a graduate of Rutgers College of Agriculture and Environmental Science and an honor graduate of the Officer Candidate School at the New Jersey Military Academy. He has completed the Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Intelligence Officer Advance Course, and the Army Command and General Staff  College.  Additionally he has attended many civilian and military training courses during his career.

COL Dwyer resides in Clinton (Hunterdon County) with his wife, two adult children, and three vintage Army Jeeps. His familiy is active in 4-H and are currently raising their 11th Seeing Eye puppy.