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Download full resolution image New York Guardsman Receives USO Honor

New York Guardsman Receives USO Honor

New York, NY--General Raymond Odierno, the commander of Multi-National Forces- Iraq congratulates New York Army National Guard 1st Sgt. James Meltz following Meltz's receipt of George Van Cleave Military Leadership Award from the USO of Metropolitan New York, at the organizations annual dinner in Manhattan on Dec. 9.
Meltz, a New York State Trooper in civilian life, was serving as 1st Sgt. of D Company 108th Infantry in Afghanistan in 2008 when he was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor after rescuing Soldiers from a damaged humvee and then joining the company commander in leading the company in repelling a Taliban ambush.
This is the second year in a row in which the New York Army National Guard has represented the Army in receiving the prestigious award, which is presented to one member of each armed service annually.
In 2008 the award when to 1st Sgt. Troy Steward of Buffalo, a member of 2nd Battalion 101st Cavalry, who also served in Asfghanistan.

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NY National Guard In the News

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)

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Dated: Thu, Dec 10, 2009 @ 10:17