According to Lt. Col. Ed Slavin, Recruiting and Retention manager for the NJ Army Guard, “There has never been a better time to take advantage of the education benefits available with membership.  In schools such as Rutgers, the College of New Jersey or Mercer County Community College, the National Guard covers tuition costs up to 15 credits per semester.  In addition, students carrying a full semester load are eligible for $263 per month with the Montgomery GI Bill.” He added, “We can now even pay for graduate school – you can spend your entire enlistment going to college!”

   The National Guard has 31 locations throughout the state; all are within commuting distance from at least one of the 30 participating colleges.  Many units also offer either a $5,000 or $8,000 enlistment bonus for those who qualify.  When the benefit package is added up, a Guard member attending a college in New Jersey can virtually eliminate the need for student loans.

 Jeff Hewittson, Primetime Coordinator said, “The committee awards a trophy to the outstanding player from each game’s winning team and the National Guard has agreed to provide a “Guard of the Game” plaque to the top player from the losing squad.” Hewittson served in Slavin’s Guard unit during the late 60s when both were assigned to a unit at the Trenton Armory, a former Mecca for local basketball.   

 “We’re not trying to throw a net over every high school kid,” said Slavin.  “All we want to do is make people aware of what we have to offer and answer questions they may have.  Maj. Gen. Paul J. Glazar, The Adjutant General and Commander of the NJ National Guard, says that we are one of the best-kept secrets in the state.  I’m trying to dispel that myth. ”    

 The National Guard recruiters will have a table inside the main entrance during the weekend with handouts and information on more than 500 openings in the state.