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
Rome Sentinel -- Tue, 21 Apr 2026 ACHIEVEMENT: Local pair earn Air National Guard promotions LATHAM Two local airmen have received promotions in recognition of their capacity for additional responsibility and leadership in the New York Air National Guard, according to an announcement... (more)
Oneida Dispatch -- Mon, 20 Apr 2026 Dont be afraid: Griffo hosts emergency preparedness training program ROME, N.Y. State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R, C-Rome, recently joined the New York State Citizen Preparedness Corps, the New York National Guard, the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency... (more)
North Country Now -- Sun, 19 Apr 2026 SUNY Potsdam to host free NY Citizen Preparedness Training Program POTSDAM SUNY Potsdam's Center for Preparedness is pleased to announce that the campus will host the NY Citizen Preparedness Training Program on Thursday, April 23, at 12 p.m. in Kellas... (more)