New York City-- New York Governor David Paterson pins two-star rank on New York Guard Commander Major General Fergal Foley, the commander of the New York Guard, the state's volunteer, unpaid force which augments the New York National Guard and assists with operations and training.

State Major General Foley retired from the New York Army National Guard as a Colonel in 2006. He assumed command of the New York Guard this year and his promotion was recently confirmed by the New York State Senate.

The New York Guard, one of 26 Congressionally-authorized state defense forces, provides National Guard forces with additional skills and manpower when training, preparing for mobilization, and in state emergencies.