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
Stratford Patch -- Mon, 22 Dec 2025 Stratford National Guard Soldier Receives New Rank STRATFORD, CT (Contributed): Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition... (more)
WKTV -- Mon, 22 Dec 2025 The Local Connection to Tracking Santa's Journey This Christmas Eve ROME, N.Y. -- The Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome will support NORAD's annual Santa tracking operation on Dec. 24. The North American Aerospace Defense Command, which includes the... (more)
Rockland County Times -- Mon, 22 Dec 2025 9/11 Benefits Expanded For NY National Guard Responders Former members of the Army and Air National Guard, the Naval Militia and New York Guard who were part of the force which responded to 9/11 attacks in New York City have until Sept. 11, 2026... (more)