Those of us who were on the front lines against superstorm Sandy know how much our brave soldiers and airmen of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard helped to save lives and entire communities.
Our troops were immediately deployed and stayed on the ground with us for several months. They provided reassurance and lifesaving rescue efforts, fed and sheltered displaced residents, and secured our communities. From Sea Bright to Union Beach and all the surrounding towns, I don’t believe there is a resident who wasn’t touched by the efforts of these brave and dedicated men and women.
At a recent budget hearing, Brig. Gen. Michael L. Cunniff, the head of the New Jersey National Guard, provided jaw-dropping statistics that showed the statewide impact of the guard’s response to Sandy:
2,300 soldiers and airmen were deployed;
175 missions took place from Cape May to Warren Counties; An equivalent of 37,250 work days were logged;
7,000 people and their pets were rescued;
2,500 displaced residents were sheltered;
25,000 meals were delivered.
Everyone who is a part of those statistics knows what a huge difference our military members made from a psychological and practical standpoint in overcoming this unimaginable natural disaster.
On behalf of the communities I represent, which include some hit hardest by Sandy, I want to publicly acknowledge and thank the members of the New Jersey National Guard who made such a difference in our communities.
Declan O’Scanlon
Assembly Republican Budget Officer
13th District — Monmouth County