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
NY National Guard In the News
Southnews.net -- Tue, 19 Nov 2024 US Northeast dealing with hundreds of bushfires in windy conditions NEW YORK CITY, New York: Firefighters in New York said on November 17 that a voluntary evacuation overnight helped them protect more than 160 homes from a stubborn wildfire near the New Jersey... (more)
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NationalGuard.mil -- Mon, 18 Nov 2024 New York Army National Guard New York Air Guard Woman Excels at South Africa Competition POTCHEFSTROOM, South Africa - New York Air Guard Senior Airman Vincenza Costanzo was the top-scoring woman at a week-long South African National Defence Force Military Skills Competition. ... (more)