By Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, 177FW/PA

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Stephenson, NJDMAVA/PA

     A Mays Landing resident was among eight recipients of the 2006 National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) awards during an awards ceremony hosted by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the American Legion at the Lawrenceville American Legion Post 414 on Oct. 12.

     Chief Master Sergeant Michael R. Francis, Security Forces, 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, was awarded the Meritorious Service Award, which recognizes individuals for significant contributions to the United States Government, the Armed Forces, or the National Guard Association of the United States .

     The ceremony honored community leaders, lawmakers and members of the New Jersey National Guard who, by superior performance, acts of heroism or service of a meritorious nature, made a contribution to the goals of the Association, to the purpose and effectiveness of the National Guard, or the stability and security of the United States .

     In his citation Francis is cited as representing the model NCO in every respect. He was mobilized following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 and spent nearly two years in support of Operation Noble Eagle. As a result of his deployments both in the United States and abroad, Francis literally built the 177th's Antiterrorism program from the ground up and was subsequently responsible for the Wing being cited as the first Air National Guard unit to be found in full compliance of all Antiterrorism requirements during a Unit Compliance Inspection. Francis volunteered to lead a 13-person Security forces team on a deployment to Romania and Crete in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, which was later followed by a six-month deployment to Baghdad , Iraq , supporting coalition forces for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

     Also receiving awards were Congressman Rush Holt, 12th District of New Jersey, who received the Charles Dick Medal of Merit; and State Assemblyman Jack Conners (District 7), Mayor Glenn D. Gilmore ( Hamilton Township ), and Eric S. Spevak (Managing Partner – Adinolfi & Spevak) was awarded the Patrick Henry Award. Staff Sgt. James J. Waller, also of the 177th Fighter Wing, and retired Chief Warrant Officers Ken Langer and Jack Petrosilli received Meritorious Service Certificates.