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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NationalGuard.mil -- Thu, 01 Oct 2026 New York Guard Strengthens Wildfire Response Capabilities FRANCIS S. GABRESKI AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, WESTHAMPTON BEACH, N.Y. New York National Guardsmen joined state personnel Sept. 16-17 in strengthening wildfire response capabilities and helicopter... (more)
WNYT -- Thu, 01 Oct 2026 Albany Co. Exec. Dan McCoy retires from Army National Guard DELMAR, N.Y. (WNYT)- Master Sgt. Dan McCoy retired from the New York Army National Guard after 37 years of service and was honored at a ceremony in Delmar. McCoy retired during a Sept. 25... (more)
Saratoga Today -- Thu, 01 Oct 2026 Department of NY VFW Donates $5,000 to Support Friends of the NYS Military Museums Global War on Terrorism Campaign The Friends of the New York State Military Museum announced recently that the Department of New York VFW has donated $5,000 to the Friends ongoing Global War on Terrorism campaign to recognize... (more)