New Jersey National Guard Operations Update

     As of Feb. 11, the New Jersey National Guard is involved in security, logistical support missions, and armed military operations connected with the Sept. 11 Attack on America. At present there are more than 1,750 New Jersey National Guard soldiers, airmen, and Naval Militia personnel called to duty for this emergency.

The 108th Air Refueling Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, has called approximately 400 personnel to active duty and deployed them to southwest Asia to provide 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 also continues to fly routine refueling missions, including refueling the fighters involved in combat air patrols over the northeast corridor. Fifty security police were deployed to Washington, D.C., and Air Force bases to assist in providing security for key facilities.

The 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, has been flying combat air patrol missions in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command since the morning of Sept. 11. Several hundred members of the wing are currently on duty for the emergency including four hundred airmen who were called to federal service by the Presidential Call-up. Wing security police have deployed to selected Air Force bases nationwide to assist with security. The loss of one of the Wing’s F- 16 fighter jets on Jan. 10 has not affected flight operations.

More than 150 soldiers of the 50th Brigade of the N.J. Army National Guard were called to duty by the Governor on Oct. 2 to provide additional security at three New Jersey airports. After screening and training by the FAA, these soldiers deployed to Newark, Mercer County, and Atlantic City Airports where they are stationed at every security checkpoint and are providing a “highly visible, armed force to enhance existing security and reassure the American people’s faith in flying.”

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

Currently the 42nd Division Support Command of the N.J. Army National Guard has more than 250 soldiers augmenting police security at key New Jersey Port Authority facilities including the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, and selected PATH facilities. The Guard has been rotating units every few weeks to decrease the impact on employers and families of deployed soldiers. Duties include security of key buildings and transportation hubs, cargo inspections at river crossings, and traffic control at security checkpoints.

The New Jersey Naval Militia has manned the Emergency Operations Center 24/7 and provided trained operations personnel to augment the New Jersey National Guard. New Jersey sailors are augmenting DoD security at Lakehurst Naval Engineering Station and conducting waterborne patrols at the nuclear power stations.

More than 2,100 inquiries, requests for information, and interviews have been answered by the Public Affairs Office at the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs since Sept. 11. An additional 1,300 images of operations and consequences of the attack have been processed since Sept. 11.

      The next New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal awards ceremony will be held at Wilson Auditorium, Monmouth University, at 11 a.m., on Feb. 20.

The New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal was originally issued in 1858 for those who had distinguished themselves in the New Jersey Militia, but was rarely used until it was reauthorized in 1988. Since its reauthorization, more than 8,500 medals have been awarded to New Jersey combat veterans. In order to receive the NJDSM you must meet all of the following criteria: currently be a resident of New Jersey, have been a resident of New Jersey at the time you entered into military service, have been honorably discharged and have proof of having served in combat while on active duty during wartime. Those recipients whose service was recognized by the award of the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal or equivalent medal will receive a NJDSM with an oak leaf cluster. The DSM can be awarded posthumously to the next-of-kin of a veteran who meets the criteria.

Those interested in applying for the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal should send a written request along with copies of discharge document (e.g. DD Form 214), award citation, honorable discharge, a full name, home address and daytime telephone number to:
NJDMAVA
ATTN: Distinguished Service Medal
P.O. Box 340
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0340