In a refreshing demonstration of bi-partisan support for the troops, Assemblymen Nick Asselta (R) and Jeff Van Drew (D) who represent the 1st Legislative District in the New Jersey General Assembly are scheduled to attend tonight's weekly meeting of the 253rd Transportation Company's Family Support Program at the National Guard Armory in Cape May Courthouse. Brigadier General Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Command Sergeant Major Richard Adkins, the highest-ranking officer and enlisted member, respectively, in the New Jersey National Guard will also be in attendance. The meeting will begin approximately 7:30 p.m.

When asked about his constituents' serving in uniform, Assemblyman Asselta responded by saying, "The young men and women who serve our nation are one of our greatest resources. These brave individuals are willing to place their lives on the line so that every American can embrace freedom, and other countries may be liberated in the same manner. My legislation, A887, will broaden New Jersey's recognition of their invaluable service and treat the men and women of the National Guard as true veterans."

Assemblyman Van Drew added his feelings. "As our soldiers continue to serve in Iraq defending our freedoms and liberating the Iraqi people, we cannot forget the loved ones they leave behind. U. S. troops put their lives on the line to ensure that our home is safe. The least we can do is ensure that their families are being taken care of until they return home."

According to Mary Vey, family support volunteer, "The weekly meeting usually draws between 40-50 family members. One of the primary functions of the Family Support Program is to ensure that the needs of Guard families are identified and addressed in a timely manner. Both Assemblymen were here on May 7th when we presented the "Blue Star" banners to our 253rd families." The "Blue Star Banner" is presented only to those families who have a member currently serving on active duty in the Armed Forces. Vey's husband Michael, the unit's First Sergeant is one of 16 253rd unit members who were deployed to the Persian Gulf during "Operation Desert Storm."

The 253rd is one of only three New Jersey Army National Guard units mobilized to participate in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom and currently is attached in support of the 101st Airborne Division.

With the increasing reliance on the National Guard and reserve, more and more missions are being assigned to what used to be "part-time" citizen-soldiers. Three Army Guard units from New Jersey were mobilized for Desert Storm and deployed to the Persian Gulf. Since then, New Jersey troops have been involved in both Homeland defense and Homeland Security missions, peacekeeping missions in Bosnia and Kosovo, Humanitarian assistance missions in Africa and Central America, and in training exercises all around the world.