SARATOGA SPRINGS-- The last draftee Soldier on active duty, United States Army Material Command Sgt. Major Jeffery Mellinger (left), presents a United States Flag to outgoing New York State Command Sgt. Major Robert Van Pelt during his retirement dinner here on May 6. Mellinger was drafted into the Army in 1972. He and Van Pelt,also a draftee, were in the same class in the Sergeants Major Academy.
Van Pelt retired from the New York Army National Guard after serving as New York State Command Sergeant Major for ten years. Van Pelt, a veteran of the Vietnam War served in the Active Army, Army Reserve and New York Army National Guard for 42 years.
DMNA Press Releases
Loading Press Releases...NY National Guard In the News
Oswego County News Now -- Thu, 23 Jul 2026 Local residents promoted in Army National Guard LATHAM Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability... (more)
Department of War -- Tue, 21 Jul 2026 New York Guardsmen, Greenland Airports Partner to Improve Lodging Facility The New York Air National Guard, New York Army National Guard and Greenland Airports are working together to improve living conditions for airmen by repairing a long-standing roof issue at... (more)
Times Union -- Wed, 15 Jul 2026 Leaders urge Hochul to sign bill renaming Patroon Island Bridge for Henry Johnson Naming the bridge in honor of Black WWI hero would correct present-day attempts to whitewash history, state Sen. Pat Fahy said ALBANY Under hazy skies from Canadian wildfire smoke that state... (more)