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
NationalGuard.mil -- Tue, 22 Oct 2024 New York Guard Helps Floridians Recover from Hurricane PALMETTO, Fla. Forty-three New York Army National Guard Soldiers spent a week assisting the Florida National Guards response to Hurricane Milton. The Soldiers helped clear debris and set... (more)
Times Union -- Mon, 21 Oct 2024 Duty Calls: Air National Guard commander advances to major general Michael Bank of Darien Center, Genesee County, commander of the New York Air National Guard, has been promoted to major general during a ceremony at Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh. New... (more)
Stars and Stripes -- Fri, 18 Oct 2024 Air National Guard planes depart Empire State for 5-month Antarctic mission Five Air National Guard ski-equipped airlifters and 400 airmen are headed to Antarctica for an annual mission supporting research on the frozen continent. The LC-130 Hercules ski-birds of... (more)