Col. (ret.) Carmen Venticinque, Executive Director of ESGR; and Capt. Wayne Girardet, NJDMAVA Director of Government Relations; were on hand to provide information and answer questions on the role the Department has played in Homeland Defense and Homeland Security since Sept. 11. 

"The Guard's participation both here and overseas has been extraordinary," observed Col. Venticinque. "Air Guard pilots have flown some 20,000 sorties since Sept. 11." 

The New Jersey Army National Guard's presence is also prominent throughout New Jersey. Any commuter who drives or takes the PATH into New York City while on their way to work will see Army Guardsmen on duty. 

"New Jersey Army National Guardsmen have been deployed to the Hudson River bridges and tunnels, and have been guarding the state's nuclear reactors since October," noted Capt. Girardet. "In addition, pilots from the 177th Fighter Wing patrolled the no-fly zones in support of Operation Southern Watch, while members of the 108th Air Refueling Wing are serving in Southwest Asia." 

The New Jersey National Guard has been heavily involved in security, logistical support missions, and armed military operations following the terrorist attack against the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. More than 1,700 New Jersey National Guard soldiers and airmen were called to duty both at home and abroad in response to this emergency. Some of the missions and operations that the New Jersey National Guard is currently conducting include: 

The 108th Air Refueling Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard headquartered at McGuire Air Force Base has approximately 400 personnel deployed to undisclosed locations in southwest Asia to provide air-refueling support to coalition forces in the area. These personnel deployed in early December and will be rotating personnel in and out of theater for an extended period. The 108th continues to fly routine air refueling missions in support of the United States Air Force, NATO, and other allied forces participating in peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance missions. 50 air security police were called up in September and deployed to Washington, D.C., and other Air Force bases to provide security to key facilities and government buildings. 

The 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard, headquartered at the Atlantic City International Airport, has been flying combat air patrol missions in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command since the morning hours of Sept. 11. The Presidential Call-up called more than four hundred airmen into federal service. 

More than 150 soldiers of the 50th Brigade of the New Jersey Army National Guard were called to duty on Oct. 2 to provide additional security at three New Jersey airports. After strict screening and specialized training by the FAA, these soldiers deployed to Newark, Mercer County, and Atlantic City Airports where they provide a highly visible, armed force to enhance existing security. Armed Guard soldiers are stationed at every security checkpoint at each airport. 

More than 75 soldiers from the 50th Brigade of the New Jersey Army National Guard were deployed on Oct. 8 to augment existing security at the two nuclear power stations in New Jersey. 

Currently the 2-102nd Armor Battalion of the New Jersey Army National Guard has more than 250 soldiers augmenting police security at key Port Authority facilities in New Jersey including the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, and selected PATH facilities. The Guard has been rotating personnel from different units every two weeks to decrease the impact on employers and families of deployed soldiers. 

"Those deployments have had an effect on the Guardsmen's employers. Especially in small businesses where the loss of a single person can have a big impact on the employers' bottom line. When issues do arise, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is there to help," stated Col. Venticinque. "ESGR is the nationally recognized organization that promotes public understanding and employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Since Sept. 11, there have been very few issues with companies concerning the deployments. In fact, employers have been very supportive of our Guardsmen." 

One of ESGR's goals has been to strengthen the partnership between civilian employers and the military community. One method ESGR has used successfully has been to take the employers on "Bosslifts." Simply put, Bosslifts take employers and business leaders out to the field so they can see first hand the type of training the Guardsmen perform while on Annual Training. Another successful ESGR program is the My Boss is a Patriot. This program acknowledges employers who actively support the Guard and Reserve through award ceremonies. 

Through the combined efforts of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, the New Jersey National Guard are able to provide the necessary support and protection both here at home, and throughout the world.