NEWBURGH--Staff Sgt. Louis Bonacasa (left) and Tech Sgt. Joseph Lemm, both members of the New York Air National Guard's 105th Airlift Wing's 105th Base Defense Squadron, who were killed in action in Afghanistan on Dec. 21 2015, have been awarded the Bronze Star with V for Valor for their actions that day. The two Air Guardsmen were honored for giving their lives to save other Airmen from a suicide bomber. Four other Airmen died alongside them.
DMNA Press Releases
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Times Union -- Mon, 23 Feb 2026 Duty Calls: New York Army Guard psychologist is global competitive hobby champ New York Army National Guard Maj. Matthew Southard, a psychologist, is way more than just a soldier. After duty hours, he competes at the highest levels of a global tabletop gaming community. Southard,... (more)
Spectrum News1 -- Mon, 23 Feb 2026 6 New York Army National Guard soldiers awarded French medals for acts of bravery (video) ROCHESTER, N.Y. A group of National Guardsmen, largely hailing from Western New York, are being honored for their "exceptionally honorable service" in the Middle East. It was... (more)
WROC -- Sun, 22 Feb 2026 Six Rochester-based Soldiers receive French medal for bravery (video) ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Six Rochester-based NY Army Guard Soldiers received French medals for bravery on Sunday. Members of B Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion,... (more)