Photo caption: Howell resident Staff Sgt. Paul Lukas (left) received the Army Achievement Medal from Brig. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth (right), The Adjutant General of New Jersey, during a ceremony at the 253rd Transportation Company's headquarters at the National Guard Armory at Cape May Courthouse. Staff Sgt. Lukas received the award for meritorious service at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La. "Staff Sgt. Lukas extraordinary efforts and dedication were instrumental in completing the missions. Staff Sgt. Lukas displayed the highest military standard while at the Joint Readiness Training Center. Staff Sgt. Lukasis a credit to himself, the 253rd Transportation Company, the 119th Corps Support Battalion, the 57th Troop Command and the New Jersey Army National Guard," stated Capt. Michael Ciarrocca, Commander of the 253rd Transportation Company. The Army Achievement Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a non-combat area, distinguish themselves by meritorious service or achievement. Staff Sgt. Lukas is one of the 162 members of the 253rd that were mobilized Feb. 7. The 253rd Transportation Company is part of the 119th Corps Support Battalion, New Jersey Army National Guard and was one of three New Jersey Army National Guard units activated for during Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield. The 253rd is now part of the largest mobilization of Army Guard troops since the Persian Gulf War more than 11 years ago.