The Family Readiness Group attached to the 3rd Battalion 112th Field Artillery at the Morristown Armory on Western Avenue received $3,000 from local police and fire fighting organizations Sunday.
More than 180 members of the National Guard were deployed from the armory in February, said 1st Sgt. Norman Zubick. That deployment likely will last a little longer than a year, he said. The Guardsmen are serving in a military police capacity, and come from many parts of the state, not just Morris County.
The family readiness group, comprised of wives, mothers and girlfriends of those serving in Iraq, offers emotional support and financial counseling for those whose loved ones have been deployed.
Jerry Mantone, who represented the Madison Elks Lodge 1465, presented the group with checks from about six police and fire organizations totaling $3,000.
Kenneth Keyworth, a member of the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department Company 3, also gave the group two American Flags -- one signed by family members for their loved ones overseas, and a second to be sent to the servicemen and women to sign and return to the armory.
About a dozen families came to show their appreciation and to sign the flag.
"By coming to these meetings, it helps," said Sharon Johnson, of South Hackensack. "It relaxes my mind a little bit."
Johnson's husband, Sgt. 1st Class Willie Johnson, is serving in Iraq.
Sheila Hladik, who has a son, Spc. Robert Hladik, in Iraq, said she appreciated the efforts of the readiness organization.
"This group is wonderful," she said. "I don't think there's been anything like this.
