NJ National Guard soldiers from Teaneck bid a sad farewell to loved ones at the Teaneck Armory before loading onto buses at dawn to catch a flight to Fort Bliss, Tx. They'll spend the next 2+ months in the New Mexico desert before shipping off to Iraq.
This was one of the saddest and emotional events I've covered, seeing so many young families separated, including young single mothers, saying good-bye to loved ones at dawn at the Armory. For most, this will be the last time they will see their loved one for at least a year.
Tore out my heart.
Video chronicles the last 10 hours, from midnight through the following morning, where they departed on a jumbo-jet from McGuire Airforce Base. This very well might be my best video yet. Shot a lot of tape on this one.
NJ AT WAR; GUARD SAYS FAREWELL TO LOVED ONES
NJ AT WAR; Goodbye ceremony for NJ Guard bound for Iraq
Nearly 2,850 from the New Jersey National Guard’s 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team bound for Iraq, received a heartfelt farewell salute at Fort Dix. Full coverage.
I have been following the Guardsmen from New Jersey National Guard’s 50th Brigade Combat Team out of the Teaneck Armory. 2,800 citizen soldiers are deploying to Fort Bliss, Texas for a summer of intense desert training before they leave for Iraq.
To learn more, see The Record's NJ at War series.
EPA Says Sludge Hill is as clean as it will get
The EPA says only small particles of Ford paint sludge remain in area commonly known as Sludge Hill, despite recent protests of the contrary by local residents. Video takes a look at the cleanup site. Read the story.
This is a story I have worked on for years, and stunningly it is still mired in mis-management, poor communication between the EPA, DEP, and the Upper Ringwood community. There is so much distrust on all sides. To learn more about the Ford sludge dumping, see The Record's award winning reporting: ToxicLegacy.com
KRAV MAGA
The Krav Maga Federation in Teaneck teaches the martial art, which is the original Israeli self-defense system, to people of all ages and abilities. Read story.
This aggressive brand of self-defense is widely practiced in Israel, and teaches students how to defend yourself in a street fight against many assailants. The training is very rigorous.
NJ AT WAR; Single Mom prepares for Iraq
Spc. Marlene Martinez of Ridgefield, NJ, a 21-year old single mother, prepares for deployment to Iraq and separation from her son, Josiah, just 5 months old. Read full story.
I have been following the Guardsmen from New Jersey National Guard’s 50th Brigade Combat Team out of the Teaneck Armory. 2,800 citizen soldiers are deploying to Fort Bliss, Texas for a summer of intense desert training before they leave for Iraq.
NJ AT WAR; Capt James Egan
Captain James Egan is only 29, but already he has seen combat in Iraq. Now he'll be going back as a National Guard captain. Egan has moved back home with his parents in Glen Rock, NJ, as prepares for deployment to Iraq. Read full story.
I have been following the Guardsmen from New Jersey National Guard’s 50th Brigade Combat Team out of the Teaneck Armory. 2,800 citizen soldiers are deploying to Fort Bliss, Texas for a summer of intense desert training before they leave for Iraq.
Madagascar comes to the Bronx Zoo
The Wildlife Conservation Society unveiled Madagascar, a new exhibit at the Bronx Zoo inside the restored historic Lion House. Lemurs, crocodiles, dambas and cockroaches hailing from Madagascar are among the newest residents at the Bronx Zoo. It is the first "green certified" NYC's first renovated landmark building. Read story.
The Bergen County Weights & Measures Task Force is conducting random inspections of gas stations through Memorial day in an effort to ensure motorists aren’t cheated. They recommend that motorist's get out of the car and watch "the sale," as well as double check that the price at the pump matches the street sign.
Gas prices this month have reached the $4.00 per gallon mark. Ouch.
