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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Pike County Courier -- Tue, 27 Jan 2026 Preparing for Emergencies class Narrowsburg. Get free instruction from members of the New York National Guard on how to prepare for disaster or emergency situations. The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) and New York National... (more)
Poughkeepsie Journal -- Tue, 27 Jan 2026 Traveling out of Stewart Airport? What to know about parking, tracking flights Stewart International Airport in New Windsor, Orange County, is owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. If you're going to be traveling out of Stewart Airport, with spring... (more)
VFW.org -- Mon, 26 Jan 2026 Harlem Hellfighters Recognized VFW remembers the Harlem Hellfighters, members of the 369th Infantry Regiment who last year received the Congressional Gold Medal More than a century after their sacrifices in World War I,... (more)