Photo Caption: Master Sgt. Ernest F. Rose (right) receives the Meritorious Service Medal from Capt. Michael Princz, commander, 253rd Transportation Company, during an awards ceremony at the 253rd Transportation Company, New Jersey Army National Guard, located at the National Guard Armory at Cape May Courthouse. Master Sgt. Rose received the award upon his retirement from the New Jersey Army National Guard for 31 years of outstanding meritorious service. “You first distinguished yourself by earning the Combat Infantryman’s Badge in Vietnam and continued this success as the foreman of the Organizational Maintenance Shop,” stated his supervisor, Capt. Michael Ciarrocca. “You ensured all Cape May units, past and present could remain ever vigilant with the confidence their equipment was always ready. You also instilled this sense of pride to all the people you have trained leaving a permanent mark and high standard for all.” During his service, Master Sgt. Rose held every maintenance leadership position from motor sergeant to senior maintenance supervisor and was directly responsible for the 253rd Transportation Company’s high state of readiness and ability to meet all deployments, including Desert Storm/Desert Shield. The Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to individuals for outstanding non-combat meritorious achievement or service to the United States.