In the aftermath of the many commemorations and memorial services marking the first Anniversary of the terrorist attacks against America, a number of reports of relatively small yet none-the-less heart-warming occurrences have begun to surface.  One such story involves a small community church in Salem County.  In the long months of national pain and uncertainty following the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 the 175 member Richwood United Methodist Church found a way to ease the monotony and loneliness experienced by some of the 1,700 citizen-soldiers of the Garden State called into service to perform a variety of the Homeland Security (domestic) missions.  They adopted the troops from their local area who were called upon to provide enhanced security at the Salem-Hope nuclear facility.

Caption: Chaplain Major Steven Herman, HQ's Troop and SFC Kieth Johnson C Troop, 5th Sqdrn 117th Cav prepare to distribute holiday gift packages to troops  at the Salem -Hope nuclear facility. 

Pastor Reverend Dr. Steven C. Herman, a 10 year veteran of the New Jersey National Guard and a Chaplain with the 5th Squadron, 117th Cavalry, suggested that the members of his church do something to show their support and appreciation for the exceptional service and many sacrifices made by these Guardsmen during their extended state active duty as part of “Operation Noble Eagle.”  The congregation’s response was immediate and overwhelming.

 “ The good people of Richwood United were well aware of the “quality” the Guard added to our community.” said Herman.  “The dedication and willingness to serve in time of emergency demonstrated by these young men was very much appreciated.”

The focus of the support was to prepare “holiday goodie packages” for each of the 62 troops assigned to the security detail.  “ Being away from family and friends is always a difficult proposition; especially during these “special” times.”  The church members took great pains to wrap each of the gift packages in a manner appropriate to the festive flavor of that particular holiday.  The contents also reflected a variety of traditional holiday treats including cookies, homemade baked goods, candy, and other tasty surprises.

SFC Kieth Johnson of C Troop, NCOIC of the yearlong mission assisted in the distribution of the packages both at Easter and Christmas.  He indicated that the troops enjoyed both the goodies and the good wishes expressed by the members of Richwood United.  “ It’s nice to be thought of.  The holiday gift packages really lifted our spirits.”

Upon hearing the news of the positive effect his efforts had reaped, Chaplain/Pastor Herman replied, “We were only too glad to do it!”