On Sunday afternoon, Apr. 18, at 2 p.m., the New Jersey National Guard will open a Family Assistance Center (FAC) at the National Guard Armory in Somerset (Franklin Township) located at 1060 Hamilton Street. The “Grand Opening” of the newest FAC in New Jersey will include Brig. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General of New Jersey; Brig. Gen. Maria Falca-Dodson, Deputy Adjutant General, local elected officials, community representatives, senior members of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard, local veterans organizations, the Salvation Army, and Family Program and Family Support Program personnel from around the state.

     Kathleen Schiessl, a resident of Willingboro, New Jersey will serve as the full-time staff person. Her husband, Staff Sergeant Chris Schiessl is a Guardsman serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Division Support Command that is also located at the Somerset Armory.  The FAC will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and available 24/7 in case of any emergencies.  Mrs. Schiessl can be contacted directly at (732) 937-6290 or via the Family Support Hot Line – 1-888-859-0352.

     The state's first Family Assistance Center was established last year at the National Guard Armory in Cape May Courthouse to specifically serve the families of 253rd Transportation Company personnel who were deployed to Iraq.

     Following the examples of the other FAC's, the Somerset Center will accept donations of professional services, home, automobile, and appliance repair services, household items, clothing, school supplies, toys, and other items.  It will serve the entire spectrum of military families to include National Guard, Reserve, and Active Duty personnel.

     With a limited operating budget, the FAC will depend heavily on volunteers and donations from the local community.  Interested individuals, groups, or organizations should contact.