BASRA, IRAQ- Members of the New York Army National Guard’s 501st Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) get together with members of the Texas Army National Guard’s 36th Division to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Contingency Operating Base Basra. The New York Soldiers celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in Iraq while their colleagues in the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry marched in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City.
The 501st is serving as the headquarters for Task Force Troy-South, with a mission of clearing improvised explosive devices from critical routes and infrastructure.
DMNA Press Releases
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Stars and Stripes -- Mon, 23 Feb 2026 Congress funds powerful new airlifter on skis for US polar operations The Pentagon has secured $194 million to build the first of a fleet of new ski planes that will support troops flying over the Arctic and Antarctic. Funding approved by Congress last month... (more)
Spectrum News1 -- Mon, 23 Feb 2026 6 New York Army National Guard soldiers awarded French medals for acts of bravery (video) ROCHESTER, N.Y. A group of National Guardsmen, largely hailing from Western New York, are being honored for their "exceptionally honorable service" in the Middle East. It was... (more)
Lockport Sun and Journal -- Mon, 23 Feb 2026 Lockport man among Army National Guardsmen awarded a French military honor ROCHESTER A Lockport resident is one of six New York Army National Guardsmen who received the French equivalent of the Bronze Star on Sunday, for efforts to help rescue 34 French special... (more)