ROCHESTER -New York Army National Guard Capt, Eric Fritz took command of New York’s heavy lift helicopter from Capt. Christopher Gagliardo on Saturday Nov. 6 during a Change of Command Ceremony at the Patriot Way Armory here.
Gagliardo led Detachment 1 Company B of the 3rd Battalion 126th Aviation Regiment for the past four years, which included a deployment to Afghanistan.
The unit also won the Army Aviation Association of America Unit of the Year award for the 126th’s success during Operation Enduring Freedom 07-09.
Gagliardo led an inexperience unit to Afghanistan, flying CH-47’s in the most demanding conditions in the world and returning all Soldiers home safely.
The regiment is headquartered in Maryland.
DMNA Press Releases
Loading Press Releases...NY National Guard In the News
WWNY -- Wed, 10 Dec 2025 National Guard opens recruiting office at JCC ( video) WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) - A dedicated National Guard recruitment office is open at Jefferson Community College. Located in Enrollment Services in the Jules Center, the year-round space... (more)
Times Union -- Mon, 08 Dec 2025 Duty Calls: Local airman among first to earn Armys new combat badge Master Sgt. Scott Potter, a Ravena resident and veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, receives Army Master Infantryman Badge Master Sgt. Scott Potter, a New York Air National Guardsman... (more)
WRGB -- Sat, 06 Dec 2025 Army National Guard honors Van Buren with wreath-laying ceremony in Kinderhook KINDERHOOK, NY (WRGB) Did you know the 8th U.S. President was born and is buried right here in the Capital Region? President Martin Van Buren was from Kinderhook, and his 243rd birthday... (more)