"I have nothing to say but good things about the New Jersey National Guard's contributions to this national emergency," said Saxton, chairman of the panel. "They are a model of regionalized efforts between the state and federal governments. Garden State's forces are engaged in security, recovery and logistical support operations."

New Jersey Guardsmen have been active throughout New Jersey and in the regional New York City to Washington area. More than 1,150 soldiers, airmen and naval militia of the Guard have been called to duty for the emergency. Active units include: 

>Members of the 177th Fighter Wing in Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic County who have operated F-16 Fighting Falcons called the "Jersey Devils" patrolling eastern skies under the North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) Command since Sept. 11. 
>Members of the 108th Air Refueling Wing based at McGuire AFB, who have sent security personnel to Washington to secure federal buildings, as well as support daily air refueling missions for combat air patrols along the East Coast.
>Soldiers from the 50th Brigade who are bolstering airport security at Newark, Atlantic City and Mercer County airports, as well as New Jersey's two nuclear power plants.
>Soldiers from various units who are protecting tunnels and bridges, controlling traffic, inspecting cargo, working at the Fresh Kills Landfill in New York, supporting Salvation Army managing donations at the Military Ocean Terminal in Bayonne and other duties.

"The New Jersey National Guard has been operating its Emergency Operations Center on Fort Dix seven days a week, 24 hours a days since Sept. 11," Saxton said. "They are reliable, tireless public servants who are making our state safer."

Saxton asked New Jersey's National Guard Adjutant Gen. Paul Glazer and New Jersey Deputy Commissioner for Department  of Military and Veterans Affairs, Mike Warner, to come to Washington to testify before the panel about New Jersey's plan of training and homeland security.

Members of the panel were impressed by the NJ Guard, which responded quickly on the day of the attack and evolved into its newer, security-based roles. New Jersey could become a model for other states' homeland defense plans.

"The Guard responded quickly to the World Trade Center attack in terms of search and rescue," Saxton said. "Then it smoothly adapted to new needs of homeland security."