On Saturday, June 11 at 10 a.m., the New Jersey National Guard will open its first ever Joint Army and Air Family Assistance Center (FAC) at the 177th Fighter Wing.  The Center will be housed in the newly renovated building 229 and provide support services to the families of any deployed military personnel.

      Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General of New Jersey, who will cut the ceremonial ribbon marking the official opening of the facility, stated: “Our entire military currently is going through a major transformation into a more modern, streamlined, and adaptable force. Missions and operations involving both services are now the hallmark of America's Armed Forces.  We need to re-model our support services to reflect this new structure and direction.“

      The FAC will provide a centralized location serving the families of both Air and Army Guard personnel as well as families of any other deployed military personnel, Guard, reserve, or active duty, throughout South Jersey.

      “This new FAC will allow us to pool the resources available from both the Air and Army National Guard to better and more efficiently care for the families of our soldiers and airmen.  It also highlights the fact that the New Jersey National Guard is ONE family.”

      The new Family Assistance Center is the ninth FAC established in New Jersey.  FAC's have full time staff and provide information and access to resources to military families in need of legal, medical (Tricare) assistance or those concerned with child care issues.  The FAC's also provide umbrella support services to all Family Readiness Groups within their local areas. (Family Readiness groups are support groups comprised of military family members).