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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National Guard.mil -- Fri, 26 Jun 2026 Last N.Y. Guardsmen Return Home From Operation Epic Fury TROY, N.Y. The last of 500 New York National Guard Soldiers who deployed to the Middle East with the headquarters of the 42nd Infantry Division returned to New York from their deployment... (more)
Batavia Daily News -- Thu, 25 Jun 2026 Medina soldier receives Army National Guard promotion LATHAM Two area New York Army National Guard members have been promotied in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership. The promotions included: Liam Castricone... (more)
Army.mil -- Wed, 24 Jun 2026 NY Army Guard aviation brigade hones domestic response readiness during Vibrant Response 2026 CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. Forty New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the 42nd Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade coordinated aviation support during Vibrant Response 2026, a large-scale... (more)