BUFFALO-- New York Naval Militia Petty Boatswains Mate 2nd Class Dawn Burgess (left) is awarded the New York State Military Commendaiton medal during a ceremony here at the Navy Operational Support Center by Chief Warrant Officer Philip Slominski.
Burgess was honored for her performance as Coxswain onboard Patrol Boat 281 on May 28-31, 2009 as the Naval Militia was supporting the 2009 ESL Air and Water Show in Rochester.
Her boat, along with craft from other agencies were tasked with establishing a restricted zone off Ontario Beach so the air show could be conducted safely.
On May 31 high seas forced other boats to quit the restricted zone but Burgess was able to maintain station, allowing the air show to continue. Her actions in this case were lauded by the local Coast Guard Station.
DMNA Press Releases
NY National Guard In the News
Nationalguard.mil -- Thu, 17 Apr 2025 New York Guard Hosts Swedish Air Force Leader SYRACUSE, N.Y. The head of the Swedish air force got a first hand look at New York Air National Guard MQ-9 Reaper operations during his recent visit to Hancock Field Air National Guard Base. Maj.... (more)
Air and Space Forces Magazine -- Thu, 17 Apr 2025 Air Guardsmen Pull Off Remarkable Antarctica Rescue A pair of Wyoming Air National Guardsmen and a flight crew from the New York Air National Guard teamed up to play a crucial role in a dramatic rescue earlier this year, helping save the life... (more)
Olean Times Herald -- Wed, 16 Apr 2025 NY Guard member from Allegany County moves on in Best Warrior New York Army National Guard Spc. Christian Habecker, a Houghton resident, was a winner in the annual Best Warrior Competition held April 7-11 at the Camp Smith Training Site near Peekskill. ... (more)