On Feb. 7, 2003, the members of the 253rd Transportation Company, New Jersey Army National Guard will report to their armory at Cape May Courthouse, to begin mobilization training in preparation for active duty service. This action follows the mobilization of the 150th Adjutant General Detachment and the 444th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

The 253rd Transportation Company is commanded by Capt. Michael Ciarrocca and is part of the 119th Corps Support Battalion, New Jersey Army National Guard. The 253rd was one of three New Jersey Army National Guard units activated for during Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield.

At the end of their 3-day preparation, the New Jersey Guardsmen will move to Fort Dix for Soldier Readiness Processing (SRP) activity. SRP concentrates on preparing mobilized soldiers for the realities of extended active duty deployment. These additional Garden State Guard troops are now part of the largest mobilization of Army Guard troops since the Persian Gulf War more than 11 years ago.

The New Jersey Army National Guard’s Family Support program has been activated to help families cope with the absence of mobilized soldiers. The New Jersey Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (NJESGR) also has volunteers available to assist Guardsmen and their civilian employers address any complications that may arise from extended military service.

On Feb. 7 (Friday) from 12 to 1:30 PM the media will have one opportunity to observe the unit. Due to the limited time prior to mobilization, the unit will not be available at any other time. Media wishing to participate must contact Roman Martyniuk at (609) 530-6950 NLT 5 PM Feb. 6 (Thursday).