In this painting from the National Guard historical series, members of the 1st Aero Company, New York National Guard, return from the first mass flight--12 JN-4"Jenny" aircraft-- in U.S. history from Mineola, Long Island to Princeton, N.J. and back, that was conducted Nov. 18-19, 1916.
The descendants of the 1st Aero Company, the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing, is based on Long Island today, flying air rescue missions out of Francis Gabreski Airport; the oldest Air National Guard unit in the United States.
The 1st Aero Company was organized as an Signal Corps observation balloon company by the New York National Guard on 30 April, 1908.
One hundred soldiers gathered in the 71st Regiment Armory in New York City eventually formed the company, which in 1915 switched from balloons to airplanes.
DMNA Press Releases
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The Boerne Star -- Tue, 17 Feb 2026 Wounded warrior to receive wheelchair after Boerne event Injured in 2024 chopper crash, soldier honored at Black Rifle Coffee Co. A program linking physically challenged service members and first responders with better mobility is helping give... (more)
Times Union -- Mon, 16 Feb 2026 Duty Calls: Painting of Revolutionary War hero-turned-traitor being restored Supersized work depicting heroic moment in Continental Army Maj. Gen. Benedict Arnold's life to go on display in 2027. A huge painting depicting a heroic moment in the Continental Army... (more)
Daily Freeman -- Sun, 15 Feb 2026 Military news: New York Army National Guard members promoted The following area residents serving in the New York Army National Guard were promoted: * Montanah Pancake of Saugerties, assigned to Bravo Company, New York Recruiting and Retention Battalion,... (more)