Four Members of the 253rd Transportation Company, stationed at the National Guard Armory at Cape May Courthouse, received the Army Achievement Medal, one of the Army's highest peacetime awards at a recent awards ceremony at the armory.

Cape May Courthouse residents Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Di Cola and Staff Sgt. Ramon Tarin along with North Cape May resident PFC Christopher Clifford received the Army Achievement Medal for their service with 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.

"They distinguished themselves, providing invaluable support to this humanitarian mission. Their extraordinary efforts and accomplishments reflect great credit upon themselves, the 253rd Transportation Company, the New Jersey Army National Guard, and the United States Army," stated Capt. Michael Ciarrocca, Commander, 253rd Transportation Company.

Cape May Courthouse resident Spc. Joseph Horn received the Army Achievement Medal upon his retirement from the New Jersey Army National Guard after 21 years of service. "Spc. Horn distinguished himself as a loyal, competent soldier. During his career, he brought credit to himself, the 253rd Transportation Company, the 119th Corps Support Battalion and the New Jersey Army National Guard," said Capt. Ciarrocca.

162 members of the 253rd 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.