3/3/09

Jack McGreevey
C/O
Senator Joseph Vitale
569 Rahway Ave.
Woodbridge, NJ 07095

Dear Jack,

It was nice to get a chance to chat with you on 2/26: I now have a better understanding of your concerns about the early formation of the NJ Naval Militia Joint Command.

What is left of the unit is a group of dedicated professionals.

Bill Devereux’s  (who was never affiliated with the NJNM-JC) alleged crimes turned out to be a great embarrassment to the department and the state of NJ (this is my own personal opinion-and of course he is innocent until proven guilty) yet despite that the department still carries out important functions.  ( “http://www.philly.com/inquirer/front_page/20081127_N_J__veterans_official_faked_record__officials_say.html” http://www.philly.com/inquirer/front_page/20081127_N_J__veterans_official_faked_record__officials_say.html)

My point is: Please don’t hold the mistakes of leadership against those who do important work.

When I was at the World War II memorial Dedication I ran into M.G. (Ret) Garratt and among other things I asked him were he had been and what he was up to.  He said that he was at home now.  I asked him why he hasn’t ‘come over with us’ and he said ,” Because no one has asked me”  M.G. Garratt was the  former 42nd Division commander who had his “boots on the Ground” at ground zero on and after 9-11-01 among his many other accomplishments he had direct experience in dealing with state guard units and he knows first hand how valuable they can be. (his bio from when he worked at DMAVA is Included-After he left DMAVA he went on to work for the Office of Counterterrorism)

The NJNM-JC is a force multiplier with capacities to handle much more than waterborne problems.  I often think of it like a “CERT Team on Steroids” A mix of first and military responders with the training and experience to carry on sustained missions (like Katrina/Rita) recovery.

I hope that you will help put the legislation in place that will enable the unit (which trains for free) to be re-stood-up. (see previous letter-enclosed)

Sincerely,

Paul S. Kale