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)
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New York Post -- Mon, 09 Mar 2026 Tragic NYPD cop who died in Mideast was highly decorated cyber security officer and married dad of 6 The NYPD cop who died on National Guard deployment in the Mideast was a highly decorated cyber security officer and married father of six, officials said Monday as his body was flown back... (more)
News 12 Brooklyn -- Mon, 09 Mar 2026 Rockland mourns National Guard major and NYPD officer (video) A New York Army National Guard major who called Rockland County home is being remembered for a lifetime dedicated to serving others. Officials say Major Sorffly Davius, 46, died March 6 in... (more)
WWNY -- Mon, 09 Mar 2026 Ogdensburg welcomes plan for armory (video) OGDENSBURG, New York (WWNY) - Neighbors and city leaders are welcoming the news that a New York Army National Guard unit is expected to return to the Ogdensburg armory, a 30,000-square-foot... (more)