LATHAM, N.Y. -- New York National Guard recruits Zander Griffin (left) and Andrew Valenza (right) join retired New York Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer Five Brian Smith to cut a cake during ceremonies celebrating the National Guard's 379th birthday at the New York State Division of Military Affairs here on Dec. 11, 2015. Griffin and Valenza, both 17, are some the of youngest New York National members while Smith served for 39 years as helicopter pilot. Smith performed tours of duty in Iraq and Bosnia, took part in humanitarian missions in Central America, and responded to domestic emergencies such as Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy. To recognize his many years of service, Smith was awarded the Legion of Merit at the cake-cutting ceremony. Griffin is part of the 109 Airlift Wing and Valenza is part of Joint Force Headquarters. The National Guard traces its birth to December 13, 1636 in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Raymond Drumsta, 42nd Infantry Division/released)
DMNA Press Releases
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Tap into Morristown -- Wed, 26 Nov 2025 Morristown Resident Logan Foley Promoted to Specialist in New York Army National Guard MORRISTOWN, NJ A local resident has earned a promotion within the New York Army National Guard, recognizing his leadership, professionalism, and potential for continued advancement. Logan... (more)
Times Union -- Tue, 25 Nov 2025 Duty Calls: New commander New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Andrew Prior assumed command of the historic 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment during a ceremony at Camp Smith Training Site in Cortlandt Manor. The... (more)
Rockland Times -- Sun, 23 Nov 2025 Recognizing the Accomplishments of Rocklands Bravest New York Air National Guard Promotion Air Force Major General Michael Bank, the commander of the New York Air National Guard, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Air... (more)