Jeffrey L. Pierson

Jeffrey L. Pierson was not born into a large military family, but his father did precede him in the service. Upon the US entrance into World War II, his father was over twenty-five years of age and had a child— initially grounds for exemption from conscription. Nevertheless, he voluntarily joined the US Army in 1943 and deployed to Europe. Just before the Battle of the Bulge, he suffered a severe, though fortunately non-fatal, head injury. After a successful recovery, he became active in the American Legion. Pierson recalled attending many veteran events with his father. “He really got me thinking about the military as a kid,” he said. “It was sort of inculcated from him.”

In February 1961, Pierson decided to enlist. Nearing his eighteenth birthday, he would likely be drafted soon; but, volunteering for service would allow him to preempt conscription. A friend’s brother, a Guardsman, introduced Pierson to the National Guard and convinced him to take that path over active duty. 

Pierson joined the National Guard at a time of transition. He was one of the first guardsmen to undergo basic training upon enlistment, a process which had been introduced to the organization a year prior. To meet changing uniform regulations, Pierson dyed his boots from brown to black. He also received a brand-new green service uniform, replacing the old World War II-era dress. In December 1961, after completing basic training and an initial six-month active-duty commitment, Pierson returned to New Jersey to become a part-time Guardsman. For some weeks, he unsuccessfully sought civilian work to supplement his National Guard duties.

In March 1962, a severe Nor’easter ravaged the southern half of New Jersey, prompting Pierson to devote extra volunteer time to the Guard. Working with the State police, he assisted in cleanup and recovery operations, including the evacuation of residents—unfortunately, both the living and the dead. At one point, while driving through the flooded streets of Wildwood, Pierson suddenly heard several loud bangs. Though sounding like gunshots, they were not; but rather, the wakes generated by his vehicle were impacting and breaking water-logged storefront windows! He referred to the events surrounding the March 1962 storm as a foundational “first bath” of community service as a Guardsman.

While Pierson did not participate in the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, the year was significant in his personal story, as it marked his entrance into the National Guard Officer Candidate program. For a year, he trained at Sea Girt’s National Guard Training Center, which in the 1960s looked much different than today. Facilities were less-developed, and soldiers had to run over one hundred yards from classes to the bathrooms. Pierson’s class, about one hundred students large, took place in Building 26. He remembered the winter as a rather cold one, since the building’s heating systems were only turned on during breaks between classes. Each night, his superiors marched their men to the ocean to have them “say goodnight to the fish.” Though clearly pointless, Pierson did not mind this extra activity. At the time of this interview, he was the Superintendent of the very same National Guard Training Center. Pierson explained that watching State police and military training at Sea Girt today was “unique,” as it brought him “flashes of memory” from his early training days in the service.

After completing New Jersey Military Academy training, Pierson was commissioned as a second lieutenant and assigned to the 112^th Field Artillery Regiment, which itself had undergone major organizational changes in the broader transition of the National Guard. His Honest John unit was a “free rocket battalion,” meaning that it used unguided munitions. Operators would simply align the Honest John launcher with a certain target before pressing a button to ignite the rocket engine. Accuracy was often questionable, as the wind could slightly shift the course of the uncontrollable rockets.

Pierson’s unit faced several challenges during training. Only in special circumstances could the troops train with live ammunition. Keeping all members of the crew well-drilled on their weapon systems with only dummy rockets proved difficult, and inefficiency was compounded during the winter by cold temperatures. It also proved challenging to find an area for training in the first place. Fortunately, Pierson’s unit solved this last problem by striking a deal with Cape May County to train on their grounds. In addition, there were occasional opportunities for out-of-state training exercises. The 112^th once travelled to the Army Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, for training on regular Army equipment. The trip marked the first time a battalion-sized NJ National Guard unit had travelled out-of-state to conduct such training.

Pierson recalled that he appreciated the “unique” nature of the 112^th and emphasized the good experiences he had serving with it. He participated in over fifty rocket firings. Whenever generals visited Sea Girt, they would attend his unit’s demonstrations.

Aside from routine training duties, Pierson participated in the response to the 1967 Newark race riots, helping to deliver bedding to the Roseville Avenue National Guard armory in Newark so that the facility could house arriving troops. He noted that the events marked the first large-scale joint operations between the NJ State Police and the NJ National Guard. In the aftermath of the riots, the governor of New Jersey inaugurated a collaborative training program between the agencies, Operation Combine, which took place at Sea Girt. Riot control training comprised a significant part of this program.

In 1975, the 112^th Field Artillery Regiment was converted to a quartermaster unit and renamed the 154^th Supply and Service Battalion. Pierson regretted his shift away from his initial career field of artillery, which he felt had been “in my blood.” Nevertheless, in the quartermaster role, Pierson felt that his unit contributed more to defense efforts than before, as logistics units were in high demand, while the Honest John rockets were aging into obsolescence.

After the unit’s transition, Pierson became coordinator for equipment and ammunition training programs at Sea Girt. He ensured that the units were well-supplied with modern equipment during reorganization periods. Pierson also kept track of unit personnel, as well as both Army and civilian instructors, to facilitate effective exercises.

After his service in that role, Pierson transferred to active duty in the regular army, to increase his prospects of promotion to colonel, as there were “too many colonels” in the NJ Guard at the time. He drove to his new post at Fort Sheridan, Illinois alone through a severe snowstorm, a seemingly inauspicious beginning to the newest chapter in his career. Pierson’s trepidation quickly dissolved as he developed good relationships with his new co-workers. One, a lieutenant colonel, had worked at Nate’s Hot Dogs in Wildwood during his college days. Not only that, but six months later, Pierson served under a colonel who had become engaged to his girlfriend in Wildwood. “It’s unbelievable,” Pierson chuckled. “You come to the middle of the United States and [you meet] two people that know where Wildwood, New Jersey is.”

During his time in the Midwest, Pierson served as the 4^th Army’s Training Division Section Chief. He managed Army personnel, ammunition supplies and facility conditions. Pierson also supervised the National Matches (civilian rifle and pistol marksmanship competitions) at Camp Perry, Ohio. He enjoyed his duties and life in the Midwest to such a degree that he and his wife Sally left with “tears in our eyes” at the end of his term. Likewise, his children came to love Illinois and were reluctant to leave. Pierson returned to the Midwest on several occasions, most recently (at the time of this interview) for the annual National Triplet Convention with his grandchildren.

Returning to New Jersey, Pierson found himself selected as the new Chief of Staff of the NJ National Guard. Though his two-hour, 105-mile commute to Somerset, New Jersey meant that he often slept away from home overnight, Pierson became used to this schedule. After two years, a new Adjutant General assumed command and replaced him with his own pick.

Pierson complimented President George H.W. Bush’s “bold stroke” at repelling Saddam Hussein’s forces during the Gulf War: “I think he did it with the right people, and hence he had the right success.” Pierson did, however, note that the situation in the NJ Guard was “kind of crazy” due to the mobilization occasioned by the Gulf War. As a lieutenant colonel, Pierson was not mobilized, but many lower-ranking officers and their men were sent overseas, where they did “a fantastic job.”

Pierson took a moment to note the importance of education in relation to his story. He described himself as an “average student” in high school, and in college he enjoyed business courses. When Pierson initially joined the National Guard, ironically, he had not cared much for academics, yet as he rose through the ranks, he began to value education more and more. While on active duty, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Administration with Roger Williams University (using GI Bill benefits), and then a Master’s with Fairleigh Dickinson University. Pierson became an adjunct professor for the latter school, teaching for several years.

Education opened many significant doors during Pierson’s career. With his experience, he became the first National Guard officer to serve as a Division Chief, and he held the position of Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Training. Later in his career, Pierson was offered the position of Assistant Chief of Staff, but because his parents were ill, he declined, opting instead to return home to New Jersey. Ultimately, he achieved the rank of Brigadier general. Despite the prestige of that position, Pierson explained that he preferred the rank of colonel, due to the widespread interaction with both superiors and subordinates that the rank required. As a General, much of that interaction was lost.

Pierson said he recognized that he could not have been the leader he was if not for the “tons and tons” of “superb” National Guard officers who he served alongside of during his career. The most outstanding officers were those who had provided career mentorship. “I’d go to combat with any one of ‘em in a heartbeat,” he said, adding, “Same with most of the enlisted people.”

When asked about his salary, Pierson chuckled. In general, he felt that military pay was lacking in comparison with civilian compensation for similar responsibilities. As an enlisted person, Pierson made only $87 a month. Four-star generals, he added, who controlled the “armies of the world,” earned less than CEOs on Wall Street. Nevertheless, Pierson clarified that he felt adequately paid for his service. Though he did experience tough times and, in some cases, took on a second job, he appreciated his military benefits and retirement package.

After the end of the Cold War, Pierson retired from the National Guard, with a total of 42 years of service! In 1999, he was hired by the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office to head their Corrections division, which was suffering from a lack of federal accreditation due to poor performance. Pierson spearheaded a reform plan and secured a high-rating accreditation for the facility within eight months, a feat which had hitherto never been accomplished in such a short period of time.

Terrorism was spreading around the time Pierson served as an “Undersheriff.”  He recognized the dangers of terrorism through work connections, as one of his colleagues had arrested one of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing suspects. More significantly, however, Pierson himself had known a victim of terrorism-related operations. Some years prior, he had lived next to a young man, Georgie, who wanted to join the military. Since Georgie’s father had been a marine, Pierson suggested that he follow in his footsteps. Georgie took this advice, enlisting in the Marines and deploying to Lebanon on active duty. Unfortunately, he became the final fatality of the US involvement in the Lebanese Civil War. During the withdrawal from the country in the aftermath of the 1983 Beirut terrorist bombings, an enemy sniper shot him dead. The teary-eyed Pierson felt that he had given Georgie the right advice; and his emotional expressions conveyed sincere sentimentality.

On 9/11, Pierson was at work in his office. After watching the second airplane hit the World Trade Center, he knew that a terrorist attack was afoot. The method of destruction used in the 9/11 attacks shocked the world, but Pierson emphasized that explosive-style terrorism was not the only means of violence. He emphasized the growing threat of bioterrorism—the intentional spread of disease. To inform others of this unconventional method of devastation, Pierson taught a sixteen-hour course about how to protect against bioterrorist threats. In general, he stressed the key role of bystander observance and action to prevent further terrorist attacks and crimes.

Following 9/11, collaboration between police and military services increased greatly.

Pierson believed that President George W. Bush’s decision to create the Department of Homeland Security was a prudent one, as it allowed many security organizations to share their intelligence more effectively. Pierson also felt positive about the growing number of collaborations between NJ State Police/National Guard units and those of other countries, as exemplified by the OMLT (“omelet”) military medical training partnership with Albania.

Pierson praised the NJ National Guard’s service in the anti-terrorist wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, particularly lauding the flexibility of the troops. Some units, for example, had been trained stateside as artillerymen; yet, when tasked with performing security duties in Iraq, they adapted quickly and performed “excellently.”

In his forty-two-plus years of duty, Pierson never saw combat. He felt confident that he could have served well under fire, but nevertheless expressed happiness that he never had to do so. Pierson did have an opportunity to return to active duty and deploy near the end of his military career, which could have potentially put him in a front-line role. Though he had wanted to do so for adventure, he ultimately declined the offer because of family obligations.

Though he concluded his active-duty career, Pierson remained involved with the military and veteran communities. Working for the NJ Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, he delivered speeches to junior scout groups, schools, and veterans’ organizations each year and was an active member of the American Legion.

Pierson remains engaged with local civil safety. In 1980, a military friend convinced him to join his local fire department. Several decades later, he served as the President of that very company, which has also enlisted two of his children. His son has served for twenty years, and a daughter was the first female firefighter in the department. His fire career also led to his involvement with different safety councils.

For future generations, Pierson stressed the importance of serving one’s country, and recommended that all high school and college graduates serve two years in some government employment. “I’m a firm believer that everybody should do something for their country,” he explained. “Whether it be in the military or in civilian government service. Whether it be in the Peace Corps, or serving in the United Nations.” Pierson believed that such service would help Americans better understand the functions and actions of their government and military:

“It would mature the people better… going in to take the big government positions… And perhaps we would be able to stay out of more wars… I don’t want to see, in my grandchildren’s time frame, I don’t want to see them in fights, battles… but if we have to, I would hope that they would step up and serve.” 

Since his interview, Pierson was elected as a Cape May Freeholder. In the position of Director of Health and Human Services, he is responsible for oversight of Crest Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Department of Community Affairs & Mental Health Administration, Department of Human Services, Division of Aging & Disability Services, Health Department, Mosquito Control and Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Jeffrey Pierson also serves as a liaison to many Human Services and non-profit agencies and commissions in Cape May County.