"New Jersey is doing its part and we are so proud of you," said Governor Jon S. Corzine to the Soldiers of the 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion and their families.

The 250-plus Soldiers, who hail from all of New Jersey's 21 counties, were joined by family members, friends, Senators’ Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg, Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General of New Jersey and veterans group leaders at a standing-room-only Departure Ceremony at the War Memorial in Trenton on Jan. 25.

The battalion was leaving for pre-mobilization training at Fort Sill, Okla., and then on to Iraq.

"Freedom isn't free," Corzine said. "It comes with great sacrifice from men and women in uniform, and from families that are here."

During the ceremony, the 1-150th's colors were brought forward and with the

assistance of the Governor, The Adjutant General, Lt. Col. Mark Preston - the unit's former commander and Lt. Col. John Scannell, the current Battalion Commander, the Iraq Campaign Streamer was affixed to the unit's guidon. The streamer was awarded to the 1-150th for wartime service during Operation Iraqi Freedom from November 2004 to November 2005.

"Wherever there was a need for an American Soldier, the New Jersey National Guard has been there," said Maj. Gen. Rieth. "The day that you put the uniform on to serve our nation, each and every one of you are an American hero."

"Years from now you will be able to proudly say you had an impact, a positive impact, on the global war on terrorism," said Scannell.