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
Department of War -- Wed, 03 Dec 2025 NY National Guard Volunteers Give Lift to Trees for Troops Seven New York National Guard soldiers and airmen joined local veterans Dec. 1 to load 150 Christmas trees onto a truck at Ellms Family Christmas Tree Farm in Ballston Spa, New York. A man,... (more)
WAMC -- Tue, 02 Dec 2025 Trees for Troops delivers holiday spirit to troops from Ballston Spa Trees for Troops began in 2005 as a collaboration between FedEx and the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, the charitable branch of the National Christmas Tree Association. Since 2005, the program... (more)
Army.mil -- Tue, 02 Dec 2025 NY National Guard volunteers give lift to Trees for Troops BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. Seven New York Army National Guard Soldiers and Airmen joined local veterans to load 150 Christmas trees earmarked for military bases around the country onto a truck at... (more)