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

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

      An Atlantic City 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.

      Staff Sgt. James J. Waller, Logistics Readiness Squadron, received the Meritorious Service Certificate, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding performance and achievement.

      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.

      Waller performed distinguished service in both Operations' Noble Eagle and Iraqi Freedom. In Iraq , he served as a member of a 16-person fire team providing escort/security for coalition and local national convoy.   This team was first U.S. Air Force unit to serve under U.S. Army control since WWII.  The team encountered numerous small arms fire; rocket propelled grenades, mortars, mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) attacks during convoy operations.  According to his platoon leader, Waller “Displayed remarkable heroism and courage under fire” serving as a gun truck operator and gunner during Army convoy operations in Iraq.  Additionally he served as a Security Forces augmentee at the 177th, providing force protection for one thousand fulltime and traditional personnel and resource protection for $325 Million worth of F-16C weapons systems.

      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.  Chief Master Sergeant Michael R. Francis, also of the 177th Fighter Wing, was awarded the Meritorious Service Award while Retired Chief Warrant Officers Ken Langer and Jack Petrosilli received Meritorious Service Certificates.

      The National Guard Association of the United States is a nonpartisan organization representing nearly 45,000 current and former Army and Air National Guard officers.  It was formed in 1878 with the goal of obtaining better equipment, standardized training and a more combat-ready force by petitioning Congress for resources.