In this painting from the National Guard historical series, members of the 1st Aero Company, New York National Guard, return from the first mass flight--12 JN-4"Jenny" aircraft-- in U.S. history from Mineola, Long Island to Princeton, N.J. and back, that was conducted Nov. 18-19, 1916.
The descendants of the 1st Aero Company, the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing, is based on Long Island today, flying air rescue missions out of Francis Gabreski Airport; the oldest Air National Guard unit in the United States.
The 1st Aero Company was organized as an Signal Corps observation balloon company by the New York National Guard on 30 April, 1908.
One hundred soldiers gathered in the 71st Regiment Armory in New York City eventually formed the company, which in 1915 switched from balloons to airplanes.
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NationalGuard.mil -- Wed, 14 Jan 2026 New York Army Guard Psychologist is Warhammer Champion LATHAM, N.Y. New York Army Guard Maj. Matthew Southard holds a doctorate in clinical psychology, has two masters degrees, is a supervising psychologist for the New York Police Department,... (more)
Newsday -- Wed, 14 Jan 2026 Military funerals in New York: Ceremonies to bid final farewells decline as generation of World War II, Korea war vets dwindles New York's reserve forces, which provide military funeral services for service members, are seeing a generational shift in which they are giving a final farewell to fewer veterans in... (more)
Daily Sentinel -- Tue, 13 Jan 2026 Three earn New York Army National Guard promotions LATHAM Three local residents have been promoted in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership, according to an announcement on Tuesday, Jan. 13, by Major... (more)