LATHAM -- Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York, presents the Honor Guard of the Year Award to Spec. Jarad Fatigate, a member of the 1569th Transportation Company who lives in Sherman, Conn.
The award, dedicated to the memory of Sgt. David Rostum, an Honor Guard member who was killed in action while serving in Iraq with the 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry, requires members to demonstrate proficiency in funeral detail duties, the manual of arms, and physical fitness, and to pass a board exam on general military and military funeral procedures.
Honor Guard members from across the state compete for the honor. Spec. Alisha Somma, a member of the 466th Area Support Medical Company from Waterford, NY was the first runner-up while Spec. Robert Jayne, a member of the 204th Engineer Battalion from Maine, NY was the second runner-up.
The New York Military Forces Honor Guard provides funeral services at almost 10,000 funerals for eligible veterans annually and a New York Honor Guard Team won first place at this year’s National Guard honor guard competition.

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