Photo Caption: Mayor John F. Russo, Jr. (right), Dover Township, was presented the New Jersey Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command’s Leadership Award by Lt. Col. Dennis W. Devery (left), Commander, Recruiting and Retention, New Jersey Army National Guard, at Toms River May 20.

"Mayor Russo's efforts to support the New Jersey Army National Guard have ensured that the community, the state of New Jersey, and the United States of America, are protected by the best trained, best equipped and best educated force in the history of the world," stated Lt. Col. Devery.  "Exceptional leaders like Mayor Russo keeps the New Jersey Army National Guard a strong and ready force capable of safeguarding New Jersey during natural disasters and Homeland Security operations."

Lt. Col. Devery also thanked Mayor Russo for getting the word to his community that membership in the New Jersey National Guard enables them to attend any state College or University tuition free for undergraduate and graduate studies.   Most New Jersey Army National Guard members are part-time and usually serve one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer.   Armories are located at various locations around the state.