NYS DMNA Photo Archive

22 Apr, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait--New York Army National Guard Chaplain (Major) Doug Brock conducts an Easter Sunrise Service for Soldiers of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade on the flightline here on Sunday, April 20. There are 450 members of the New York Army National Guard currently deployed in Kuwait as part of the brigade.

22 Apr, 2014

NEW YORK-- New York Army National Guard 1st Sgt. David Peeler, a member of Joint Task Force Empire Shield, speaks with a Metropolitan Transit Authority Police Officer during a Multi-Agency Super Surge (MASS) security exercise held here on April 21, the same date as the 2014 Boston Marathon. The MASS exercises bring together a number of city, state and federal security forces.

21 Apr, 2014

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J.- New York Army National Guard Soldiers from 4th Finance Detachment navigate a simulated casualty over a six-foot wall as part of a practical evaluation for a Combat Lifesaver course conducted on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst N.J. on April 1 2014. The Soldiers completed CLS as part of their pre-deployment training for Afghanistan

17 Apr, 2014

TABUK, Saudi Arabia--NewYork Army National Guard Col. Albert J. Ricci Sr., commander of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), speaks to Royal Saudi Land Forces commanders after a practice air assault during Exercise Friendship and Iron Hawk 14 on April 10th, 2014, near Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Iron Hawk and Friendship 14 involved U.S. Army forces from the 42nd CAB, New York Army National Guard, and 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and Saudi Arabian ground and aviation forces. Over weeks of practice the two militaries focused on improving their joint operating capabilities, integrating infantry, armor, and aviation assets from both countries in the final event on April 13th, 2014. The 42nd CAB, composed of National Guardsmen from New York, Michigan, Delaware, Indiana, and Kentucky, and soldiers from 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, is currently deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and conducts joint partnerships and exchanges with nations from across the region.

18 Apr, 2014

SHERARD OSBORN ISLAND, Nunavut--An LC-130 Hercules aircraft from the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing flies over Ice Camp One, Sherard Osborn Island, Nunavut during Operation NUNALIVUT on April 15, 2014. The exercise tests Canadian and American forces ability to respond to threats in the high Artic. The 109th Airlift Wing flies the only ski-equipped aircraft in the U.S. military.

15 Apr, 2014

FARMINGDALE NY--Set and costume designer Stev Taylor makes an adjustment to the custom being worn by New York Army National Guard Sgt Joseph Murphy of the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry during the filming of scenes for the Universal Television TV show State of Affairs at Republic Airport here on April 3. Murphy portrayed a Navy SEAL in the TV show.

11 Apr, 2014

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE-- New York Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Marc Sommers an observer with the 105th Airlift Wing Inspection Team New York Air National Guard watches Staff Sgt. Flavio Martinez Officers Joe Brescia and Scott Brownely as they respond to an active shooter incident during a base wide training exercise at Stewart Air National Guard Base N.Y. April 2 2014.

15 Apr, 2014

LATHAM, N.Y. -- Members of the New York National Guard's Family Program Office -- sporting purple to represent military kids of all service members -- joined with headquarters staff members on Tuesday, April 15 to mark the Month of the Military Child. All this month, National Guard Family programs will be hosting activities to mark the sacrifices kids of military parents make.

14 Apr, 2014

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, N.Y. -- Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry board UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters of the 3rd Battalion, 142 Aviation here for a mock air-assault exercise at a Fort Dix, New Jersey training area on April 5, 2014. The Soldiers, who belong to the battalion's A Company, also conducted patrols and performed other task as part of the exercise.

14 Apr, 2014

RESOLUTE BAY, Nunavut--In this Canadian Forces Photo An LC-130 of the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing lands at the Resolute Bay Airport, Nunavut on April 11, during Operation NUNALIVUT 2014, an annual exercise conducted by the Canadian Forces Joint Task Force North. The 109th Airlift Wing is a New York Air National Guard unit who will be using this aircraft to position fuel and supplies for the operation. The 109th Airlift Wing employs the United States Department of Defence’s only ski-equipped aircraft capable of conducting operations in remote Polar Regions.

11 Apr, 2014

Moody Air Force Base, GA --Family members of New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Todd "TJ" Lobraico Jr. watch as a memorial is unveiled in his honor during a dedication ceremony April 10, 2014, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Lobraico was assigned to the 105th Security Forces Squadron out of Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y., and died Sept. 5, 2013, from wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with small-arms fire near Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. His team was serving with Airmen from Moody's 820th Base Defense Group.

1 Apr, 2014

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY - Members of the 106th Rescue Wing Honor Guard conducted training despite snowy weather at FS Gabreski Air National Guard Base on March 31st, 2014.

7 Apr, 2014

FORT DRUM, NY--A soldier with Battery A, 1st Battalion of the 258th Field Artillery Regiment, runs toward Gun 5 moments after it fired in the rain and snow at Fort Drum, N.Y. April 5.

7 Apr, 2014

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, N.Y. -- New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Joseph O’ Connor re-assembles a M249 Squad Automatic Weapon during the New York Army National Guard’s Best Warrior Competition here April 5. About a dozen New York Army National Guard Soldiers from various units across the state took part in the three-day competition, which tests troops’ physical fitness, military knowledge, endurance, marksmanship, land-navigation abilities and other soldier skills. O’Connor is a Buffalo resident and member of the 427th Brigade Support Battalion.

3 Apr, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait-- A New York Army National Guard Soldier assigned to the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion sends Mark 19 grenade launcher rounds downrange during familiarization fire in Kuwait. The battalion is deployed as part of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade.

2 Apr, 2014

NEW YORK- CH-47 Chinook helicopters assigned to the New York Army National Guard's Detachment 1 Company B 3rd Battalion 126th Aviation regiment circle New York City during a training flight on Tuesday, April 1. The aviators, who are based in Rochester, were flying in the New York City area to familiarize themselves with the airspace traffic patterns there in case they needed to respond during an emergency. During the New York National Guard's response to Superstorm Sandy in 2012 CH-47s were used to airlift in supplies. (Courtesy 3-126th Aviation.)

1 Apr, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait--New York Army National Guard Sgt. Anthony Lanham, an aviation operations specialist with the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), is awarded the personal coin of Gen. Frank J Grass, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, for exemplary service while Chief Master Sgt. Mitchell O. Brush, the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the National Guard Bureau, looks on on March 25th, 2014. The 42nd CAB, New York Army National Guard, is deployed to Kuwait to provide rotary wing assets to the region in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

1 Apr, 2014

CAMP BEUHRING, KUWAIT-- New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade conduct their annual M-4 qualification on ranges here on March 26, 2014. The Soldiers are deployed in Kuwait providing Army aviation support to American forces in the region.

30 Mar, 2014

BOLTON LANDING--Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York (right) presents General David Perkins, the commanding general of Army Training and Doctrine Command, with a book on New York's historic armories on Saturday, March 29, during the Adjutant General's Professional Day here. Perkins spoke to more than 200 Army and Air National Guard leaders about adaptive leadership, relating it to the changes in Army doctrine.

27 Mar, 2014

KUWAIT-- Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 642nd Aviation Support Battalion receive awards following a St. Patrick's Day "Fun Run" the unit held on Monday, March 15.

24 Mar, 2014

TROY-- Members of the Division of Military and Naval Affairs staff who attended the STRIDE Adaptive Sports Wounded Warrior Welcome dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy on March 7 posed for a group photograph. STRIDE, based in East Greenbush, helps disabled children, adults and veterans enjoy sporting, exercise and recreational opportunities, Twenty wounded warriors took part inthe STRIDE Snowfest weekend and enjoyed the chance to ski and participate in other winter sports.

26 Mar, 2014

ALBANY-- New York Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Raymond Presley IIIreceives the New York State Medal for Valor from Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy during Governor Andrew Cuomo's Veterans and Military Family Summit here on Thursda, March 20. Presley was honored for risking his life to save New York Army National Guard Capt. Timothy Neild on Dec. 9, 2013, after Neild's truck crashed and caught fire on the New York State Thruway. The Medal of Valor is New York's most prestigious military award.

24 Mar, 2014

WESTHAMPTON BEACH NY -New York Air National Guard Staff Sergeant George Liandrakis stacks up during an "active shooter" training scenario on March 8th, 2014. During this training, members of the 106th Security Forces Squadron respond to reports of a simulated workplace shooting.

21 Mar, 2014

LATHAM -- Division of Military and Naval Affairs employee Susan Tousignant was honored for 35 years of service by the Adjutant General, Major General Patrick Murphy, during a short ceremony on Wednesday, March 19. She currently works in the Division of Military and Naval Affairs.

19 Mar, 2014

DOUALA, Cameroon--Congolese national police Capt. Patrick Ossate and New York Army National Guard Specialist Daren E. Mills, a member of the 369th Sustainment Brigade, process Soldiers arriving at Exercise Central Accord 14 in Douala, Cameroon, March 18. The two are part of the Joint Reception, Staging, Onward movement and Integration cell, which manages personnel arriving and departing the exercise.

18 Mar, 2014

NEW YORK--Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 1st Battalion 69th Infantry lead the St. Patrick's Day parade here for the 163rd time on Monday, March 17.The Soldiers of the battalion were joined by the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division Band as well as by Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York, and other key leaders of the New York National Guard. More than 800 New York National Guard members participated in the parade. Lieutenant General Joseph L. Lengyel, the vice chief of the National Guard Bureau joined the battalion's Soldiers during this year's march along with U.S. Representative Peter King.-

17 Mar, 2014

BLOEMFONTEIN,South Africa -- Members of the joint New York Army and Air National Guard team participating in the South African Combat Rifle Competition receive their second place award during a ceremony here on March 11. The ten member New York National Guard Team--composed of five Airmen and five Soldiers--finished second place out of 35 teams and 350 individual shooters.Pictured are (from left) Tech Sgt. Weatherby, Master Sgt. Jose Pena-Rojas Staff Sgt. Mathew Zimmer, Senior Airman Mathew Rosen 1st Lt. Sean Lucas , Staff Sgt. Nicholas Hare, Sgt. Massami Yamakado, 1st Lt. Thomas Beach, 1st Lt. Wesley Roberts and Senior Master Sgt. Edward Stefik.

17 Mar, 2014

COLONIE-- New York Air National Guard Airmen of the 109th Airlift Wing return to the Capital Region from Bagram, Afghanistan on Saturday, March 15. The Airmen were greeted by friends and family after arriving at Albany International Airport following a six month deployment.

14 Mar, 2014

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--New York Air National Guard Technical Sgt. Rachel Taylor, a personnel craftsman with the 105th Force Support Squadron, shares a moment with her daughter prior to the start of a medal presentation ceremony for Airmen of the 105th Base Defense Squadron. Among those recognized was her husband Staff Sgt. Vinh Taylor who was awarded and Air Force Combat Action medal for service in Afghanistan, at Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y. March 2, 2014.

13 Mar, 2014

BLOEMFONTEIN,South Africa-- Members of the joint New York Army and Air National Guard team participating in the South African Combat Rifle Competition receive individual marksmanship awards during the competition here. The ten member New York National Guard Team--composed of five Airmen and five Soldiers--finished second place out of 35 teams and 350 individual shooters. Army National Guard 1st Lt. Thomas Beach, the team captain finished in the number six sport out of all shooters. Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Edward Stefik, the team manager placed second on the NCO/Warrant officer category and Air National Guard Master Sgt. Jose Pena-Rojas and Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Matthew Zimmer, both earned qualification badges. The team competes in a final shoot-off on Saturday, March 15.

11 Mar, 2014

FORT HAMILTON-- Members of the 53rd Digital Liaison Detachment gathered at Fort Hamilton on Saturday, March 8 for a brief send off ceremony prior to leaving for post-mobilization training. The five members of the team will deploy to Afghanistan. They are (from left) Maj. Robert Lathrop, Maj Philip Miller, 1st LT Teofilo Espinal, Master Sgt. Jaime Mendez and Master Sgt. Thomas London.

11 Mar, 2014

BLOEMFONTEIN,South Africa-- Members of the joint New York Army and Air National Guard team participating in the South African Combat Rifle Competition here take time out to pose for a picture on Monday, March 10. The 10-member team, composed of five Soldiers and five Airmen, is competing against 350 marksmen from South Africa and other nations. So far three New York Airman and one New York Soldier have received the South African Army Rifle Qualification Badge. All the New Yorkers are in the top 509 shooters and Master Sgt. Jose Pena-Rojas from the 105th Airlift Wing is in the top six.

10 Mar, 2014

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh--New York Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Chatfield, a memberr of the 1569th Transportation Company, with family members friends and fellow Soliders during a bendediction at a pre-deployment ceremony for the 1569th Transportation Company conducted in a hangar at the 105th Airlift Wing March 9 2014. The soldiers will conduct pre-deployment training at Fort Hood Killeen Texas before leaving for operations in Afghanistan. The mobilization and deployment of the 1569th Transportation Company is expected to last one year.

9 Mar, 2014

ROME-- Newly promoted Brig. Gen. Dawne Deskins, commander of the Eastern Air Defense Sector, speaks to members of EADS and guests during her promotion ceremony on Saturday, March 8. Deskins next assignment is at National Guard Bureau, serving as special assistant to Air National Guard Director Lt. Gen. Stanley Clarke dealing with sexual assault and harassment prevention.

6 Mar, 2014

FS GABRESKI AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY - Pararescue Jumpers and Combat Rescue Officers from the 106th Rescue Wing's 103rd Rescue Squadron conduct emergency medical refresher training on February 27th, 2014. The training involved PJ's and CRO's rotating through various lanes, replicating the types of injuries often seen on the battlefield.

3 Mar, 2014

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE NEWBURGH NY -- Twenty New York Air National Guard Airmen with the 105th Airlift Wing Security Forces Squadron New York Air National Guard received 29 medals during an awards ceremony attended by Lieutenant General Stanley E. Clarke III Director of the Air National Guard.

3 Mar, 2014

SCHENECTADY, NY -- New York Army National Guard Sgt. Pamela Daigle (left) and Sgt. 1st Class Karin Tirinato (right) distribute disaster and emergency response starter kits following a session of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program at Union College here on March 1. New York National Guard troops gave disaster and emergency training to more than 400 people who attended the event.

4 Mar, 2014

Rochester -- Spc. Stephanie Heusinger a Soldier from the 222nd Military Police Company and her family talk to Tricare representative Barbara Veeder during the Yellow Ribbon event held at the Raddison hotel on March 1. Soldiers spoke to various network and community resource providers ranging from health and dental services to counselors and veterans affairs.Approximately 150 Soldiers Airmen and individual augmentees and family members were in attendance of the New York Army National Guards Rochester-based 222nd Military Police Companys 90-day Yellow Ribbon event.

27 Feb, 2014

KUWAIT-- Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York, meets with New York Army National Guard Soldiers deployed to Kuwait with the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade on February 8 during his visit to troops there.

26 Feb, 2014

BETHPAGE, NY -- New York Air National Guard 1st Lt. Robert McCoy fields questions after teaching a disaster and emergency preparedness class during a session of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program at Bethpage High School here on Feb. 22. New York National Guard troops gave disaster and emergency training to about 575 people who attended the event. The program is designed to give citizens the knowledge and tools to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. New York National Guard troops, working with experts from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and local emergency management personnel will conduct future training sessions with the goal of teaching approximately 100,000 New Yorkers during 2014. McCoy, of New York City, belongs to the 106th Rescue Wing.

24 Feb, 2014

SARATOGA SPRINGS-- Historian Harry Bradshaw Matthews, Associated Dean of Hartwick College, speaks about the place of the Civil War-era United States Colored Troops in the African American struggle for freedom during a program on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the the New York State Military Musem. Three regiments of federal United States Colored Troops were raised in New York during the Civil War. About 200,000 black men served in the Union Army during the Civil War.

24 Feb, 2014

SOCHI, Russia- New York Army National Guard Sgt. Nick Cunningham, the bobsled driver, and New York Army National Guard Sgt. Justin Olsen, a pusher, along with Army Sgt. Dallas Robinson and civilian Johnny Quinn make their first Olympic four-man bobsled training run aboard USA-2 at Sanki Sliding Centre in Krasnaya Polyana Russia on Feb. 19. The three Soldiers are all part of the Army World Class Athlete Program. The team did not make the Olympic finals, although the U.S. men's two man bobsled team did medal.

21 Feb, 2014

NATIONAL HARBOR Md. -- Members of the New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force the 2013 Outstanding State National Guard Civil Operations Program Award during a ceremony here Feb. 6 2013. The New York Counterdrug Program headquartered at Stratton Air National Guard Base Scotia N.Y. was recognized by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America for its efforts to strengthen community coalitions throughout the state.

10 Feb, 2014

LATHAM--New York Army National Guard SPC Steven Smith of the 42nd HSB prepares to field strip an M-249 as part of the 42nd Infantry Division's 2014 Best Warrior Competition, held at the Division of Military and Naval Affairs flight facility in Latham, NY on February 8, 2014.

18 Feb, 2014

SOCHI, Russia--New York Army National Guard Sgt. Nick Cunningham and Army Sgt. Dallas Robinson, both with the U.S. Army World Class Program, post a time of 56.73 seconds, during the Olympic bobsled competition at the Sanki Sliding Center in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia during competition on Saturday, Feb. 16. The two men finished 13th in the two-man bobsled competition.

12 Feb, 2014

THIELLS, NY -- New York Army National Guard Sgt. Erik Collado (right) gives a disaster and emergency response starter kit to Barbara Peters (left) following a session of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program at North Rockland High School here on Feb. 8. New York National Guard troops gave disaster and emergency training to about 730 people who attended events at the high school here and in Oneida County, and distributed about 630 kits. The program is designed to give citizens the knowledge and tools to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. New York National Guard troops, working with experts from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and local emergency management personnel will conduct future training sessions with the goal of teaching approximately 100,000 New Yorkers during 2014. Each starter kit contains a first-aid kit, face mask, pocket radio with batteries, food bars, emergency blanket and other key items to help citizens in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Collado, of Brooklyn, belongs to the 222nd Chemical Company and Peters is a resident of Nanuet, N.Y. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Raymond Drumsta, Joint Force Headquarters, New York Army National Guard).

14 Feb, 2014

SCOHI, Russia- New York Army National Guard Sgt. Matthew Mortensen (on top) and Utah Army National Guard Sgt. Preston Griffall (steering on bottom) round a curve in their first run of Olympic luge doubles at Sanki Sliding Centre in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia, Feb. 12, 2014. They finished their second run with a combined time of 1:41:703 to end up in 14th place overall.

10 Feb, 2014

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Capital Region G.I. Joe collector Tearle Ashby and fellow action figure enthusiasts display hundreds of vintage to recent G.I. Joe action figures here at the New York State Military Museum as part of the program to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of G.I. Joe. Ashby also led a discussion about the origins of the toy's development from Hasbro. The action figure, first unveiled to toy buyers at the 1964 Toy Fair in New York City, led to decades of child's play with the 12" and later 3 3/4" figures. Portions of Ashby's collection has been on display at the museum since December 2012 as part of the "Toys and Tanks" exhibit, due to come down in March 2013.

11 Feb, 2014

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY - South African Brigadier General Mashoro Abel Phala speaks with members of the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing in Westhampton Beach on February 8th, 2014. During this visit, General Phala, the South African Defense Attache to the United States and Canada, toured the 101st, 102nd and 103rd Rescue Squadrons, inspecting equipment and speaking with airmen about their mission.

11 Feb, 2014

SOCHI, Russia-- New York Army National Guard Sgt. Justen Olsen (arms upraised) helps lead Team USA into Fisht Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games at Olympic Park in Sochi Russia Feb. 7 2014. Olsen is assigned to the Armys World Class Athlete program.

10 Feb, 2014

TROY-- Soldiers of the 42nd Infantry Division's Headquarters and Service Company get in the right mood for a two-mile ruck march they conducted during drill here on Friday February 8 as part of the February drill weekend by doing push ups with full field pack. "This is a spiritual walk, a reminder of what we signed up to do," said 1st Sgt. Thomas C. Strauss.

7 Feb, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, KUWAIT--Major Gen. Patrick Murphy the Adjutant General of New York shakes hands with Col. Albert Ricci Sr. commander of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) during his visit of the brigade on Feb. 7 2014 on Camp Buehring Kuwait.The 42nd CAB is currently deployed to Kuwait to operate rotary winged aircraft in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

6 Feb, 2014

WESTHAMPTON BEACH NY - Airmen from the 106th Rescue Wing Civil Engineering Squadron de-ice an HC-130 at F.S. Gabreski ANG Base on February 4th, 2014 following a heavy snowstorm the evening before.

5 Feb, 2014

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY - Senior Airman Jonathan Mazura, a member of the 106th Rescue Wing, appears to summarize the region's response to winter as more snow hits New York. The photo was taken on February 3 as Mazura and other wing members worked to keep the HC-130 rescue aircraft based at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base flyable.

4 Feb, 2014

PEGASUS FIELD, Antarctica- An LC-130 Skibird from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing is jacked up on the frozen ice shelf of Pegasus field 16 Jan 2014 after aircrew discovered a landing gear issue. The maintenance crews of the 109th Airlift Wing do not have hangars to work out of while deployed to Antarctica for Operation DEEP FREEZE and must work in the elements and handle unique challenges nearly every day.

3 Feb, 2014

STATEN ISLAND, NY -- New York Army National Guard Pfc. Edwin Olivera distributes disaster and emergency response starter kits at the launch of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program here on Feb. 1. New York National Guard troops gave disaster and emergency training to more than 1,200 people who attended events at New Dorp High School here and in Suffolk County. The program is designed to give citizens the knowledge and tools to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. New York National Guard troops, working with experts from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and local emergency management personnel will conduct future training sessions with the goal of teaching approximately 100,000 New Yorkers during 2014. Each starter kit contains a first Aid Kit, face mask, pocket radio with batteries, food bars emergency blanket and other key items to help citizens in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Olivera, of Queens, N.Y., belongs to the 42nd Infantry Division.

31 Jan, 2014

PARK CITY, UTAH-- New York Army National Guard Sgt. Matthew Mortensen, a native of Huntingdon Station, N.Y. and a member of the 1156th Engineer Company prepares to head down the luge run during the 2013 World Cup Competition here on Dec. 10, 2013. Mortensen, who participates in the Army's World Class Athlete Program, will represent the United States in his sport during the 2014 Winter Games in Russia in February.

29 Jan, 2014

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY - Chief MAster Sergeant Vincent R Fondacaro, a member of the 106th Rescue Wing's Civil Engineering Squadron directs the bases plows in order to clear the runways at FS Gabreski Air National Guard Base following a morning snowstorm.

28 Jan, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait--Marines from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit board a UH-60 Blackhawk operated by the New York Army National Guard's A Company, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Attack Helicopter Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, on Jan. 20, 2013, near Camp Buehring, Kuwait. The Marines practiced conducting an air assault and clearing an enemy-held village as part of the joint training exercise.The 42nd CAB, New York Army National Guard, operates rotary winged aircraft in the region in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and regularly trains with other U.S. military branches to enhance joint service capabilities.

23 Jan, 2014

New York Army National Guard Sgt. Nick Cunningham (front) jumps into a bobsled during competition in Utah Olympic Park in Park City Utah on Dec. 7. Cunningham, a bobsled driver, is one of four New York Army National Guard Soldiers who will participate in the Winter Olympics in February. Also on the team is Sgt. Justin Olsen, another bobsledder and 2010 Olympic Gold Medal winner, and Sgt. Tim Mortensen and Staff Sgt. William Tavares, who are both members of the luge team.

24 Jan, 2014

SYRACUSE, NY--Members of the New York Army National Guard after receiving the Order of St. Maurice Medal Dec. 14. From left: Sgt. Maj. Daniel Ames, 42nd Infantry Division, Brig. Gen. Raymond Shields, the Director of the Joint Staff for the New York National Guard, Lt. Col. Aron Sacchetti, 42nd Infantry Division, and New York State Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Wicks.The Order of St. Maurice is presented by the National Infantry Association to Infantrymen who have made outstanding contributions.

17 Jan, 2014

KUWAIT--New York Army National Guard Spc. Jeffrey Pieper and Spc. Sarah Bryant, soldiers with A Company, 642nd Aviation Support Battalion, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, fuel an AH-64 Apache operated by 4th Battalion, 227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Cavalry, now under the 42nd CAB, during a Forward Arming and Refueling Point exercise on Jan. 15, 2014, near Camp Buehring, Kuwait. The 42nd CAB, New York Army National Guard, is based in Kuwait and has assumed command of Army aviation assets in the region as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (N.Y. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Harley Jelis/Released)

16 Jan, 2014

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE-- A member of the New York Guard's 56th Brigade works to help a member of the United States Marine Corps Reserve preparing for a deployment prepare a will on January 6, 2014. The New York Guard, the state's volunteer defense force augments the National Guard during emergencies and assists during mobilizations. The unit traditionally helps the Marine Reserve units that are based at Stewart with their mobilizations.

16 Jan, 2014

LATHAM, NY- New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Raymond Shields (center), Director of Joint Staff for New York, briefs his Lousiana NAtional Guard counterpart, Brig Gen. Barry Keeling during a visit to the New York National Guard's Joint Operations Center on January 15. Keeling and other members of his staff were in New York for a visit to exchange information on best practices in dealing with disasters and other state emergencies.

16 Jan, 2014

SCOTIA N.Y. -- Air National Guardsmen construct a tower made of spaghetti and marshmallows during a team building exercise Jan. 11 at the 109th Airlift Wings first Leadership Development Course. The three-day course held by the 109th AW chiefs council at the Naval Operations Support Center Jan. 10-12 2014 covered topics including Profession of Arms performance review writing time management and career management.

15 Jan, 2014

CAMP Buehring, Kuwait-- Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion 142nd Aviation take a break with United States Air Force dog handlers during training here on Jan. 10. The Air Force dog handlers were familiarizing their animals with the process of getting on and off a helicopter. The 3-142nd Aviation Soldiers are deployed as part of a task force lead by the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade.

14 Jan, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait-- New York Army National Guard Soldiers of A Company 642nd Aviation Support Battalion setting up a fueling point on the flight line here during operations on January 13. The 642nd Aviation Support Battalion is in Kuwait as part of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade's operations in support of U.S. forces in that country.

13 Jan, 2014

FORT DRUM--Spc. Steven Smith, an automated logistics Soldier with the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters Support Company, strips a M249 light machine gun while competing in a Best Warrior Competition at Fort Drum N.Y., Jan. 10. Smith, one of seven soldiers from the 42nd Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion to compete, won the competition and will proceed to the divisional level.

10 Jan, 2014

BUFFALO--Col. John Higgins, commander of the New York Air National Guard's 107th Airlift Wing, placed a wreath on the grave of President Millar Fillmore on behalf of President Barack Obama at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, N.Y., on Jan. 9, 2014. The wing places a wreath on the grave of the Fillmore, who served as president from 1850 to 1853 on the anniversary of his birth on Jan. 7, 1800. A major snow storm forced the ceremony, held in conjunction with the University of Buffalo, which Fillmore founded, to Jan 9.

10 Jan, 2014

FORT HAMILTON NY-- Brig Gen. Kent D. Savre commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers North Atlantic Division listens as Major General Patrick Murphy the Adjutant General of New York makes a point during a discussion about joint responses to emergencies during a discussion here on Thursday Jan. 9. At right is Todd Rosenblum Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas Security Affairs. The participants discussed a number of issues that occurred during the combined state/federal response to Hurricane Sandy. The group was also briefed on Joint Task Force Empire Shield Operations in New York City.

9 Jan, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait-- Members of the the New York Army National Guard’s Company B 642nd Aviation Support Battalion wait to receive deployment patches during a ceremony at Camp Buehring, Kuwait on January 1. The unit, based in Ronkonkoma, deployed to Kuwait in December to provide support to U.S. Forces there.

8 Jan, 2014

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION-- A New York Army National Guard Soldier assigned to the 427th Brigade Support Battalion heads for his vehicle as he prepares to deploy with one of four New York National Guard Initial Response Forces (IRF) stood up to assist local officials as Artic cold and driving snow descend on the Buffalo NY area on Tuesday Jan. 7. At the Direction of Governor Andrew Cuomo the New York Army and Air National Guard mobilized more than 260 Soldiers and Airmen and had another 100 on standby.

7 Jan, 2014

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. - New York Air National Guard Technical Sgt. Richard Ball of Tonawanda, N.Y. and a member of the 107th Airlift Wing, packs his cold weather gear Jan. 7 in preparation for missions as part of the New York National Guard initial response force for Operation Polar Vortex. With heavy lake effect snows and wind chill warnings forecasting three feet of snow and temperatures at or below zero, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo mobilized 300 members of the New York National Guard to prepare to assist civil authorities during the storm’s passage this week. Members of the New York National Guard’s 107th Airlift Wing in Niagara Falls, 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry and 105th Military Police Company in Buffalo and the 174th Attack Wing in Syracuse will all provide Soldiers and Airmen along with vehicles to support local authorities as needed.

6 Jan, 2014

STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Scotia-- U.S. Senator Charles Schumer inspects and LC-130 "Ski Bird" aircraft flown by the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing during a visit to the base on Friday, Jan. 3. Col. Shawn Clouthier, the wing commander, provided the Senator with a tour of the aircraft and then presented a briefing on the wing's mission of support for National Science Foundation research in Antarctica and Greenland.

2 Jan, 2014

USS HARPERS FERRY, Arabian Gulf--A New York Army National Guard helicopters flown by Company A , 3rd Battalion 142nd Aviation is guided onto the deck of the USS Harpers Ferry by Navy Boatswains Mate 2nd Class Brynn Proudfoot, from Houston, Mn, on Dec. 26, 2013 during deck land qualification trials. The Army National Guard aviators and Navy conducted joint training to build familiarity with each other's equipment and procedures, including landing different models of rotary wing aircraft on Navy Dock Landing Ships (LSD's).The aircraft are part of the task force lead by the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade in Kuwait.