Photo Caption: Maj. William Heineman (right), Executive Officer, Recruiting and Retention, New Jersey Army National Guard, congratulates Blackwood resident Edwin J. Pierce (left) after Pierce had enlisted in the New Jersey Army National Guard at Fort Dix on May 22.

Pvt. Pierce, who is currently a student at Highland High School, has been assigned to Battery D, 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery, located at the National Guard Armory in Cherry Hill.   He will attend Basic Training at Fort Jackson, S.C., and after completing Basic, he will begin his advanced individual training as a Cannon Fire Direction Specialist.   The cannon fire direction specialist serves as a member of a field artillery fire direction element.

Anyone interested in joining the New Jersey Army National Guard and wants to attend college tuition free, while earning a part-time income and serving their community, state and nation should call Sgt 1st Class Krug at (856) 486-2681 or visit the New Jersey Army National Guard website at www.state.nj.us/military/army/