Photo caption: Woodbine resident PFC. Elie G. Jonassaint, Jr., (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. PFC. Jonassaint received the award while deployed as part of Joint Task Force Lempira, Operation New Horizons 2001 in Honduras. Operation New Horizons is an annual nation-building operation, where National Guard and Reserve units are invited to assist in building infrastructure, including clinics, schools, and bridges in Central American countries. "PFC. Jonassaint distinguished himself as a motor transport operator, providing invaluable support to this humanitarian mission. His extraordinary efforts and accomplishments reflect great credit upon himself, the 253rd Transportation Company, the New Jersey Army National Guard, and the United States Army," 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. PFC. Jonassaint 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.