FORT DRUM-- Lt. Col. James Gonyo, commander of the New York
Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion 69th Infantry displays the crucifix carried by Sgt. Joyce Kilmer, a famous poet and member of the 69th Infantry’s intelligence section who was killed in action in World War I. Kilmer’s crucifix has been handed down from commander to commander since then and carried on a daily basis. Kilmer, who wrote the poem "Trees" penned the poem "Rouge Bouquet" about death on the battlefield shortly before his own death.
DMNA Press Releases
Loading Press Releases...NY National Guard In the News
Altamont Enterprise -- Thu, 26 Feb 2026 Flynn has key role in NATOs Allied Joint Force Command in Netherlands Sean Flynn, a New York Army National Guard officer and Delmar resident, is now a two-star major general serving as the top United States officer in the North Atlantic Treaty Organizations... (more)
Niagara Gazette -- Thu, 26 Feb 2026 NY Air Guard's 107th Attack Wing recruiters earn top award The recruiters of the New York Air National Guards 107th Attack Wing have earned the Air Guards top recruiting award in the state. The 10 recruiters earned the Patriot Team award for exceeding... (more)
Task and Purpose -- Wed, 25 Feb 2026 National Guardsmen awarded French valor medal for rescue of allied special forces Six New York National Guard soldiers flew an all-night rescue mission in 2023 to reach an ambushed team of French commandos. They just received valor awards from the French army. Six pilots... (more)