Table of Contents
· TAG's Message
· Family Appreciation Day
· Wing Welcomes Back Airmen
· 50th Opens Bank
· Mobilization Page
· Acting Governor Salutes Troops
· Saluting the Troops
· Class 48 Wins No-Bell Prize
· Town Holds Parade for Soldiers
· A Word from the Chief
· 108th Participates in Exercise
· Four Changes of Command
· Short Rounds
· GSAB & DSAB Deploy
· Army & Air Enlisted Promotions
· Last Round: Somewhere over Iraq
· Family Assistance Centers & Family Readiness Centers
· Guardlife Homepage

Guardlife - Volume 30, No. 3

TAG's Message

Click to EnlargeAs we look back upon the celebration of Thanksgiving and look forward to the coming holiday season, we have much to be thankful for. As Americans, we truly have been blessed in so many ways. America too, has been blessed in many ways… none more obvious than those blessings reflected by the dedication and patriotism of the courageous young men and women serving as citizen-soldiers in our New Jersey National Guard.

This is the third year we celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza and the New Year with troops deployed in various Homeland Defense and Homeland Security Missions.

Once again, our thoughts and prayers go out to those serving on the front lines of freedom; protecting us; protecting America from threats both foreign and domestic. Once again the precious gifts of liberty and freedom are being preserved only by virtue of the service and sacrifice of our fellow citizen-soldiers and airmen who so generously have placed duty to state and nation before their own personal priorities. Once again, our troops are being sustained by the unequalled support of family, friends, and their fellow citizens here at home.

Click to EnlargeThis time of year is especially difficult for the families, spouses, and children of those deployed. It’s even more difficult for those serving so far from home. It’s important to both families and soldiers that we let them know how much they are appreciated and how important they are to all of us. It has been tremendously gratifying to see the outpouring of support for our troops as well as our family programs. From “Salute the Troops” ceremonies to pancake breakfasts to special tributes for Veterans Day, local communities, friends, neighbors, corporate New Jersey, and our elected officials all have demonstrated their collective appreciation for those who have answered the call. This support will never waiver. Our appreciation will never fade.

To each of you, from me, my family, and from our entire extended National Guard Family, we thank you for all you are doing and wish you a most blessed holiday and a new year that may finally bring peace to us all.