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
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WNYT -- Wed, 28 Oct 2026 Clifton Park Veteran to receive 2026 Veteran of the Year Award SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (WNYT)- Retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Barry Hartman has been named the 2026 Veteran of the Year by the Friends of the New York State Military Museum (FNYMM) and... (more)
Times Union -- Mon, 26 Oct 2026 Naval Militia promotion Michael Golden, an Afghanistan War veteran from Ballston Spa, was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the New York Naval Militia during a ceremony at the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga... (more)
Olean Times Herald -- Wed, 21 Oct 2026 Emergency preparedness program Monday at Little Valley Fire Department LITTLE VALLEY New York National Guard members will be sharing tips on how to cope with a disaster and then recover quickly during a special program at 11 a.m. Monday at the Little Valley... (more)