LATHAM -- Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York, presents the Honor Guard of the Year Award to Spec. Jarad Fatigate, a member of the 1569th Transportation Company who lives in Sherman, Conn.
The award, dedicated to the memory of Sgt. David Rostum, an Honor Guard member who was killed in action while serving in Iraq with the 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry, requires members to demonstrate proficiency in funeral detail duties, the manual of arms, and physical fitness, and to pass a board exam on general military and military funeral procedures.
Honor Guard members from across the state compete for the honor. Spec. Alisha Somma, a member of the 466th Area Support Medical Company from Waterford, NY was the first runner-up while Spec. Robert Jayne, a member of the 204th Engineer Battalion from Maine, NY was the second runner-up.
The New York Military Forces Honor Guard provides funeral services at almost 10,000 funerals for eligible veterans annually and a New York Honor Guard Team won first place at this year’s National Guard honor guard competition.
DMNA Press Releases
Loading Press Releases...NY National Guard In the News
Times Union -- Mon, 14 Sep 2026 Duty Calls: Army Guard soldier promoted at historic battle site A New York Army National Guard soldier was able to be promoted at a historic site and favorite family vacation village. Alex Hammond was promoted to major in the New York Army National Guard... (more)
Utica Observer Dispatch -- Fri, 11 Sep 2026 EADS airmen, alumni gathered in Rome for 25th 9/11 Memorial Service On Sept. 11, 2026, at 10:45 a.m., upwards of 200 U..S. airmen and civilian staff of the Eastern Air Defense Sector of the 224th Air Defense Group (EADS) gathered at the 9/11 memorial located... (more)
WKBW -- Fri, 11 Sep 2026 Remembering 9/11, 25 years later: The stories of National Guardsmen, journalists who were there that day (Video) NEW YORK New York paused Friday to mark 25 years since two hijacked planes crashed into the twin towers, killing nearly 3,000 people. Two retired National Guardsmen from Western New York... (more)