LATHAM, N.Y. -- New York National Guard recruits Zander Griffin (left) and Andrew Valenza (right) join retired New York Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer Five Brian Smith to cut a cake during ceremonies celebrating the National Guard's 379th birthday at the New York State Division of Military Affairs here on Dec. 11, 2015. Griffin and Valenza, both 17, are some the of youngest New York National members while Smith served for 39 years as helicopter pilot. Smith performed tours of duty in Iraq and Bosnia, took part in humanitarian missions in Central America, and responded to domestic emergencies such as Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy. To recognize his many years of service, Smith was awarded the Legion of Merit at the cake-cutting ceremony. Griffin is part of the 109 Airlift Wing and Valenza is part of Joint Force Headquarters. The National Guard traces its birth to December 13, 1636 in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Raymond Drumsta, 42nd Infantry Division/released)
DMNA Press Releases
Loading Press Releases...NY National Guard In the News
Stars And Stripes -- Thu, 19 Feb 2026 Satellite internet service links National Guard troops at Antarctic to outside world Starlink is helping American airmen stay in touch with loved ones during deployments to one of the most isolated spots on Earth, according to members of the New York Air National Guard working... (more)
Oswego County News Now -- Thu, 19 Feb 2026 Oswegos Kimball honored by N.Y. Air National Guard LATHAM Staff Sgt. Dylan Kimball of Oswego has been recognized as one of five of the New York Air National Guard's 5,872 members named Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2026. The New... (more)
The River Reporter -- Wed, 18 Feb 2026 Prepare for emergencies NARROWSBURG, NY The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) and New York National Guard invite river valley residents in NY and PA to attend a free Citizen Preparedness Training course on Wednesday,... (more)