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
Olean Times Herald -- Thu, 08 Jan 2026 NY Air Guard honors Millard Filmore in wreath-laying ceremony BUFFALO The New York Air National Guards 107th Attack Wing honored Millard Fillmore, the nations 13th president, on Wednesday as the wings Mission Support Group deputy commander laid a wreath... (more)
Olean Times Herald -- Wed, 07 Jan 2026 New York Guard gave honors at more than 6,000 funerals in 2025 The New York National Guard said its soldiers and airmen provided military funeral honors at 6,166 graveside services in 2025. According to a news release from the guard, the 69 soldiers... (more)
Stars and Stripes -- Wed, 07 Jan 2026 Air National Guard collects climate data, fuels research station in Antarctica The New York Air National Guard is using ski-equipped versions of Lockheed Martins long-serving cargo plane to collect scientific data on flights to and from Antarctica, according to the commander... (more)