NYS DMNA Photo Archive

31 Dec, 2010

NEW YORK-- New York Army National Guard Spec. Ahmed Cuffee, from Harlem, keeps watch in Pennsylvania Station on New Year’s Eve 2010 as part of the stepped up security precautions in New York City. Cuffee is a member of Joint Task Force Empire Shield, the New York National Guard’s standing security augmentation force in New York City.

29 Dec, 2010

LATHAM,NY--The 130 members of the New York Military Forces Honor Guard provided military honors at the funerals of more than 10,000 New York veterans and Soldiers in 2010. A team of New York Military Forces Honor Guard members also took first place in the National Guard’s annual honor guard competition held in September 2010 at Fort Snelling, Minn. In this picture a New York Military Forces Honor Guard team carries the casket of New York Army National Guard 1st Lt. Joseph Theinert, who was killed in action in Afghanistan while serving with the 10th Mountain Division.

31 Dec, 2010

NEW YORK--New York Air National Guard Senior Airman Holly Niro, a member of Joint Task Force Empire Shield, watches for suspicious activity at Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport, on New Year’s Eve. Members of the New York National Guard’s security task force in New York City will be on duty throughout New Year’s celebrations to assist law enforcement and other security agencies protect New York State citizens and interests.

24 Dec, 2010

QUEENSBURY,NY--More than 320 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, veterans, military family members and friends from the community pour from the Queensbury Guard Armory on Christmas Eve Morning for an Annual Road March in remembrance of deployed military members over the holidays. It was the largest turn out since the effort began in 2003 and included one area member of the New York Army National Guard home on leave from Iraq -- Specialist Ashley Towers from Corinth.

29 Dec, 2010

NEW YORK - New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Michael Hoblin, left, commander of the 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery in Jamaica, presents the Saint Barbara Order of the Field Artillery to Marisol DeJesus, mother of Sgt. Dayana Portela here Dec. 11. Portela posthumously received the Saint Barbara award after passing away suddenly from a rare form of cancer at the age of 27 on Oct. 26, 2010. Portela distinguished herself as a Supply Clerk and Armorer assigned to Company G, 427th Forward Support Battalion in support of the field artillery battalion. She demonstrated exemplary performance of her duties by recently completing over 15 lateral transfers, moving over 1 million dollars worth of equipment, relaying and recording all logistical operations that was vital to the success of the unit. Portela was also a serving Soldier with Joint Task Force Empire Shield, the New York National Guard’s standing security task force in New York City. Portela served in a key position as a Force Protection Specialist to support the unit mission to detect, deter, and prevent potential terrorist operations. The 258th Field Artillery family assistance center in the unit armory was also dedicated in Portela’s honor during the award presentation. Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Getman, 1-258th Field Artillery.

23 Dec, 2010

New York City-- New York Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Michael Lalonde, a member of Joint Task Force Empire Shield, keeps an eye out for anything out of the ordinary at Pennsylvania Station here on Dec.22. Members of the New York National Guard’s security task force in New York City will be on duty over the Christmas weekend to assist law enforcement and other security agencies.

14 Dec, 2010

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Airman 1st Class Brian Alfano (right) a member of the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing and Staff Sgt. Andrew Dunn, a member of the Air Force Reserve, display the unit insignia of the 22nd Training Squadron’s survival, evasion, resistance and escape course following their graduation here Dec. 2. The course was specially tailored so Guard and Reserve SERE specialists could receive training comparable to their active duty counterparts. Dunn is from the Air Force Reserve Command’s 514th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.

17 Dec, 2010

LATHAM--Allan Attwell, President of the Capital District Chapter of the Battle of the Bulge Veterans thanks Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General, for speaking to his group on Thursday, Dec. 16, the 66th anniversary of the start of that major World War II battle. The Battle of the Bulge was the largest battle in the history of the U.S. Army and several New York National Guard units including the 258th, 991st, 186th and 187th and the 955th Field Artillery Battalions and the 801st and 802nd Tank Destroyer Battalions fought in the Ardennes Campaign in world War II. Mr. Attwell served as an infantryman with the 28th Infantry Division’s 109th Infantry Regiment.

15 Dec, 2010

LATHAM -- Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York, presents the Honor Guard of the Year Award to Spec. Jarad Fatigate, a member of the 1569th Transportation Company who lives in Sherman, Conn. The award, dedicated to the memory of Sgt. David Rostum, an Honor Guard member who was killed in action while serving in Iraq with the 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry, requires members to demonstrate proficiency in funeral detail duties, the manual of arms, and physical fitness, and to pass a board exam on general military and military funeral procedures. Honor Guard members from across the state compete for the honor. Spec. Alisha Somma, a member of the 466th Area Support Medical Company from Waterford, NY was the first runner-up while Spec. Robert Jayne, a member of the 204th Engineer Battalion from Maine, NY was the second runner-up. The New York Military Forces Honor Guard provides funeral services at almost 10,000 funerals for eligible veterans annually and a New York Honor Guard Team won first place at this year’s National Guard honor guard competition.

11 Dec, 2010

TROY, N.Y. -- New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Steven Wickstrom, left and Pvt. 1st Class Kevin Adams mark the Dec. 13, 1636 birthday of the National Guard with a ceremonial cake in front of Soldiers of the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters here during a unit drill Dec. 11. The two Soldiers represent the most senior and most junior representatives of the command to honor the anniversary of the National Guard’s creation. The National Guard celebrates 374 years of service to state and nation on Monday, Dec. 13. Photo by Sgt. John Smith, 42nd Infantry Division.

13 Dec, 2010

LATHAM-- New York Army National Guard PFC George Wade, at 19-years old the youngest Soldier present, and 92-year old John Sidur, a New York Army National Guard veteran of the World War II battles of Okinawa and Saipan, cut the National Guard Birthday Cake on Monday, Dec. 13, during a ceremony at Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters here. Traditionally the oldest Soldier and youngest Soldier join in cutting the birthday cake. Wade, a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade joined the National Guard in 2009. Sidur enlisted in 1940 shortly before the National Guard was mobilized by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and served for five years.

10 Dec, 2010

ROME--Workers put a a restored F-4 Phantom II jet onto its pedestal Dec. 10 at the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome. Perched on a pedestal 15 feet above a small pond at the facility’s southwest edge, the imposing 47-year-old F-4 Phantom jet demands attention.“The elevated pedestal is a fitting place of honor for an aircraft that served its country for more than four decades,” said Col. John Bartholf, EADS Commander. “The display adds to our facility’s visual appeal, while reminding the public and our staff of the Air Force’s proud history.”

7 Dec, 2010

CAMP SHELBY, Miss. -- Specialist Jeremy Southcott, Pfc. Timothy Strong and Sgt. Glen Follett check and refill oil in a "Shadow" aircraft during routine maintenance. The Soldiers are New York Army National Guard members of Detachment 1 (Unmanned Aerial Surveillance), Company B (Military Intelligence), 27th Special Troops Battalion. The UAS Detachment was organized in 2009 and was at Camp Shelby for the past two months to train on and acquire the new surviallance aircraft. Currently, Det. 1 is at more than 75 percent trained and ready to take on a war fighter mission according to Chief Warrant Officer Ronny Blatchford.

5 Dec, 2010

GLENVILLE--Sgt. 1st Class Michael Horner a member of the 1108th Ordnance Company (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) is all smiles after greeting his family after returning from Operation New Dawn.Bases in Kuwait the 1108th mobilized lastDedcember and supervised eight EOD Teams that were spread between three countries in the region.

6 Dec, 2010

STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--New York Air National Guard Master Sgt Kerri Booth, a Loadmaster with the 109th Airlift Wing,explains duties onboard her units LC130 Hercules aircraft to members of a South African National Defence Force Reserves delegation on Sunday, Dec.5. The South Africans toured the base and the unit’s LC130 ski equipped Hercules aircraft. The 109th Airlift Wing supports the National Science Foundation by deploying every year to Antarctica bringing important cargo 11,000 miles to the bottom of the world. Pictured are (from left) South African Rear Admiral Earnst Penzhorn, Director of Naval Reserves; Booth; South African Major Gen. Roy Andersen, Chief of Defence Force Reserves; Brig. Gen. Isaac Osborne, Deputy Commander of U.S. Army Africa; and Brig. Gen.Gen Susan Molefe,Director of Defence Reserves.

8 Dec, 2010

CORNWALL, N.Y. -“ New York Air National Guard 1st Sgt. Jasmin Roman of the 105th Logistics Readiness Squadron grabs a tree for the Troops at Farmside Acres tree farm Dec. 3. The program helps provide Christmas trees to families of activated service members. Airmen from the 105th Airlift Wing helped load the trees for shipment.

3 Dec, 2010

KINDERHOOK, N.Y. -- Brigadier General Anthony German, Chief of Staff of the New York Air National Guard (left) and Chaplain (Capt.) Glen Lightfoot, Chaplain Recruitment Officer for New York , salute President Martin Van Buren’s grave during annual observances at the gravesite of the eighth president on Friday Dec. 3rd. German represented President Barak Obama during the annual event. Wreaths are tradionally laid at the gravesites of past presidents on their birthdays. Van Buren, the first president who was initially a British subject,was born on Dec. 5, 1782.

3 Dec, 2010

ROCHESTER--Kentucky National Guard members, Capt. Cliff Flanagan, 63rd Theatre Aviation Brigade, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gustavo Grande, of Bravo Company 2 Battalion, 147 Aviation Regiment, pre-flight a New York National Guard CH-47D Chinook during training conducted in Rochester, N.Y., Nov. 18, 2010.

18 Nov, 2010

Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines and New York Guard members familiar with the New York National Guard website can easily spot links for the New York National Guard on social media such as YouTube, Twitter, Facebook or Flickr. Those icons are right along the top of the agency’s website at www.dmna.state.ny.us. But what’s with that little red envelope?

5 Dec, 2010

LATHAM -- Sergeant Major David Bimber, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade retired after 42 long and faithful years of service to the New York Army National Guard on Sunday, Dec. 5 at the state headquarters in Latham. His retirement acknowledgment preceded the CAB’s annual holiday party held on the drill shed floor. For these and other holiday party photos, go to the CAB’s Facebook photo section.

29 Nov, 2010

BUFFALO--The six newest members of the New York Air National Guard take the oath of enlistment Sunday morning during a pre-game ceremony at Ralph Wilson Stadium, the home-base of the Buffalo Bills. The ceremony for the new recruits of the 107th Airlift Wing was played during halftime on the Jumbotron for the fans to see. Lt. Col. James Hoch swore in( from left to right) Airmen 1st class Daniel Tremblett, Cara Sturdivant, Keith McArthur, Christina Swanson, Joshua Velez and Joanna Vail.

29 Nov, 2010

WAKELY MOUNTAIN, N.Y. -- Two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from Army Aviation Support Facility 3 based in Latham airlift pre-constructed platforms for the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on Nov. 29 at this remote area of the Adirondack Mountains. The airlifted platforms will allow the DEC to eventually construct a heli-pad as well as a repeater radio station on top of the mountain that will be used by the DEC and other state agencies. Each platform section weighed more than 2000 pounds and were constructed in Colorado and flatbed delivered to the Adirondacks.

24 Nov, 2010

NEW YORK CITY--New York City--Pvt. Stephen Perez, a New York Army National Guard member assigned to Joint Task Foce Empire Shield patrols at Penn Station during start of Thanksgiving travel on November 23, 2010. Joint Task Force Empire Shield augments the security work of New York Police Department and other civilian law enforcement agencies in the city. The more than 200 members of Joint Task Force Empire Shield, the New York National Guard’s standing security force in New York City, will be joining the New York Police Department, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police and other law enforcement agencies in security arrangements aimed at protecting holiday travelers.

18 Nov, 2010

FORT RUCKER, Ala. - Warrant Officers John Hermanson and Chris Seeger represented the New York Army National Guard with distinction on Nov. 9, both receiving the distinguished honor graduate certificate for the Initial Entry Rotary Wing course. They attended flight school for the past 12-16 months and have put countless hours of hard work and sacrifice into this accomplishment. The class consisted of 34 officers, both commissioned and warrant and only four officers were awarded distinguished honor graduate. Hermanson is assigned to Detachment 1, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment (Kongs) and will be flying a CH-47D (Chinook). Seeger is assigned to Co. F, 1st Bn., 169th Air Ambulance and will be flying a UH-6 (Blackhawk). Also in this graduating class was 1st Lt. James M. Hasan who is assigned to Co. B, 3rd Bn., 142nd Assualt Helicopter Battalion and will also be flying a UH-60.

5 Dec, 2010

WEST POINT-- A New York Guard Honor Guard prepares to open the festivities on Saturday, Dec. 4 at the state volunteer defense force’s annual Holiday Dinner. The New York Guard is an all-volunteer force that augments and assists the New York Army and Air National Guard at the direction of the Adjutant General.

18 Nov, 2010

SCHOHARIE-- A WTEN Channel 10 news team films members of the New York Army National Guard’s 3rd Battalion 142nd Aviation as they conduct sling load training here on Thursday, November 18. The helicopter crew trained using a 5700 lb. block of concrete to simulate as a load.

21 Nov, 2010

POMONA-- New York National Guardsmen practice evacuating the victim of a terrorist attack from a contaminated environment at the Rockland County Fire Training Center here on Saturday, Nov. 20. Almost 500 members of the New York Army and Air National Guard, along with volunteers of the New York Guard, the state defense force participated in the weekend exercise along with civilian first responders. The training event tested the skills of the Guard force that is specially trained to rescue victims from contaminated buildings, decontaminate them, and provide medical treatment, and also exercised New York National Guard command and control systems and logistics.

22 Nov, 2010

NEW YORK-- New York Army National Guard Major James Gonyo II accepts the colors of the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry from Col. Geoffrey Slack (right), commander of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, during Change of Command ceremonies at the Lexington Avenue Armory on Saturday, Nov. 20. Gonyo accepted command of the battalion from Lt. Col. John Andonie. Gonyo who received his commission in Fort Benning, Ga., also received his Bronze Star in Iraq. During his 19-year military career, he has served in a variety of assignments, including tactical officer for the NYNG’s Officer Candidate School and commander of the NYNG Counterdrug Task Force, among others.

10 Nov, 2010

ROCHESTER -New York Army National Guard Capt, Eric Fritz took command of New York’s heavy lift helicopter from Capt. Christopher Gagliardo on Saturday Nov. 6 during a Change of Command Ceremony at the Patriot Way Armory here. Gagliardo led Detachment 1 Company B of the 3rd Battalion 126th Aviation Regiment for the past four years, which included a deployment to Afghanistan. The unit also won the Army Aviation Association of America Unit of the Year award for the 126th’s success during Operation Enduring Freedom 07-09. Gagliardo led an inexperience unit to Afghanistan, flying CH-47’s in the most demanding conditions in the world and returning all Soldiers home safely. The regiment is headquartered in Maryland.

16 Nov, 2010

Potchefstroom,South Africa--Five members of the New York National Guard’s Company C 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry, who represented the United States Army at the South African National Military Skills Competition here pose with South African Col William Alberts, (center) the director of the event. The New York Soldiers are (from left) Sgt . David Hansen, from Melrose, NY;Staff Sgt Jeffery Dorvee from Queensbury, NY; Pvt. 1st Class Michael Ellsworth, from Hudson Falls, NY; Sgt 1st Class Troy Mechanick from Hudson Falls, NY; and Sgt. 1st Class Miguel Orabona from Ballston Lake, NY. The Americans finished in 5th place out of 22 teams at the annual event.

16 Nov, 2010

CAMP SMITH--New York Army National Guard Pvt. Daiamy Osario, a New York City resident and a member of the 204th Engineer Battalion’s mess section, prepares vegetables to accompany a turkey dinner the cooks made on Saturday. Nov. 13, as they competed to earn the Philip A. Connelly Award of Excellence in Army Food Service. The mess team from the Binghamton-based battalion, prepared a dinner with all the trimmings for the battalion’s Soldiers conducting weekend training here. They were graded on their ability to produce a hot, tasty meal to the Army standard in field conditions. The New York Army National Guard Soldiers are competing against five other mess sections to be the best in the Army National Guard.

13 Nov, 2010

WEST POINT--Brig. Gen. Steven Wickstrom, Commanding General of the 42nd Infantry Division, addresses members of the Rainbow Division Veteran’s Memorial Foundation, Soldiers of the Division and West Point Cadets after laying the Division’s "Rainbow" wreath at the Gen. Douglas MacArthur Memorial here Nov. 12, 2010. Wickstrom and retired Command Sgt. Major Martin Allen placed the wreath during the time-honored tradition that paid tribute to one of America’s most historic military leaders.

12 Nov, 2010

FORT DRUM--New York National Guard Sgt. Jason Beckwith services a 10 K generator during 27th Brigade Combat Team training on the Standardized Integrated Command Post System conducted at Fort Drum the weekend of Nov. 5-6. Training on the new system required brigade soldiers to learn how to set up new improved DRASH (Deployable Rapid Assembly Shelter) tents, and operate new communications systems, computers and support equipment. The brigade is schedule to deploy to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2012.

9 Nov, 2010

QUEENSBURY--New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt Adam Barber, a member of Recruiting and Retention Command, shows members of the New York Army National Guard’s Recruit Sustainment Program the proper way to move through an obstacle during training here on Saturday, Nov. 6, a recruit Josh Ziter(right) covers him. Army National Guard recruits are enrolled in the Recruit Sustainment Program while they wait to go to basic training.

8 Nov, 2010

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh--Members from the 105th Maintenance Squadron, of the New York Air National Guard’s 105th Airlift Wing tour and receive briefings on capabilities of the reconditioned C-5M Super Galaxy Nov. 5, 2010. A ceremony was held here to mark the completion of reconditioning on the C-5M Super Galaxy. The Joint Air Force effort to recondition the interior of the modernized C-5, lef by the 105th, resulted in a standard pattern that all C-5Ms will follow.

4 Nov, 2010

ROME--New York Air National Guardsmen and Canadian Forces members from the Eastern Air Defense Sector provide a bi-national honor guard, Nov 3, for the home ice opener of Rome’s new minor league hockey team.

3 Nov, 2010

AUBURN--Lt. Col. Arthur Zegers receives the colors of the 102nd Military Police Battalion from Col. Reginald Sanders, commander of the 153rd Troop Command during change of command ceremonies at the New York State Armory here on Oct. 16. The battalion is the headquarters for the 206th, 107th, 105th and 222nd Military Police Companies.

2 Nov, 2010

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE-- New York Army National Guard Spec Casey Monahan, a member of A Troop 2nd Squadron 101st Cavalry, grapples with Isac Chavez, a Brown Belt Assistant Instructor at the Cutting Edge Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu School, during the Army Basic Combatives course held here on October 27. Chavez is the 2010 no Gi Pan-American Champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and was brought in as a guest instructor for the course. 12 Soldiers from across the New York Army National Guard attended the train-the-trainer course conducted by the 106th Regional Training Insitute. These Soldiers will go back to their home units to pass along the combat survival skills they learned.

28 Oct, 2010

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh - Chief Master Sgts’ William Eason and Charles Hamlett, from the United States Air Force Reserve visit the 105th Airlift Wing for a firsthand look at reconditioning progress on the first production C-5M Super Galaxy. This Total Force effort consisting of Air Guard, Reserves, Active Duty and contractors will result in interior standardization and a new look for this aircraft and eventually for the entire C-5 fleet.

26 Oct, 2010

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, Cortlandt Manor-- Area emergency responders work on a Soldier simulating a car accident victim during an emergency preparedness drill conducted here on Saturday, Oct. 23. The exercise involved personnel from Camp Smith Training Site, 106th Regional Training Institute, The 727 MP Co. Force Protection personnel from Task Force Empire Shield, the Peekskill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Continental Village Fire Department, Lifenet of NY, the Peekskill Office of Emergency Management and Garrison Ambulance Corps. The exercise tested the ability of Camp Smith personnel to work with local first responders.

25 Oct, 2010

SCOTIA--New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Shawn Nethaway and his family watch the activities at the farewell ceremony for the 501st Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) held on Monday, Oct. 25 at Stratton Air National Guard Base here. The 501st will deploy to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn.

29 Oct, 2010

NEW YORK - The Wounded Warrior Project has have been fortunate enough to be contacted by the New York Mets. They have asked the New York National Guard to help them with their amazing program," Welcome Back Veterans". The Mets would like to honor Soldiers and their family members that have served in the United States Military. Pictured are Sgt. Donald Leinfelder, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, his wife Megan and children Patrick(7) and Joseph(3).

25 Oct, 2010

QUEENSBURY -- Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Cadet Tracy Pauquette, right, directs New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Adam Barber where to establish security following a mock attack during training Oct. 23. The two were part of a field training exercise at the Soldier Readiness Center here to prepare cadets from the State University of New York Adirondack Community College for future leadership roles. Six Army National Guard Soldiers from the Glens Falls area volunteered their time to support the cadet training, acting as squad leaders or infantrymen for the officers-in-training. For more imagery, visit the Queensbury Army National Guard Recruiting page at www.facebook.com. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Arthur Coon, Recruiting and Retention Command.

22 Oct, 2010

New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Greg Dreisbach, commander of New York’s Joint Task Force Empire Shield briefs current operations to Brig. Gen. Timothy Kadavy, Deputy Director of the Army National Guard during a brief two-day visit to New York Oct. 18-19. Kadavy spent time at the New York National Guard’s MATES site at Fort Drum, a tour of Camp Smith and a visit with the joint security forces of Task Force Empire Shield in New York City. Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Getman, 1-258th Field Artillery.

19 Oct, 2010

FORT DRUM,NY--Private First Class Sixto Flete, a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Batter, 1st battalion, 258 Field Artillery from New York City, and operator of the ANTMQ-52B Profiler, performs a system check on the computer and radio systems of the weather truck during the unit’s live fire missions October 15, 2010 at Fort Drum, NY. The Profiler provides the fire direction center with enhanced data collection and automated analysis of current weather conditions.

18 Oct, 2010

GUILDERLAND, NY--New York Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Angel Ocasio, a member of the 1427th Transportation Co. from Glens Falls, assists Pvt. 1st Class Michael Ellsworth, a Co, C, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry from Hudson Falls, develop a firm firing stance from a kneeling position, during weapons training at the Guilderland Weekend Training Site, Oct 15. Ellsworth is preparing for a South African Military Skills Competition in Pastrami, South Africa, Nov. 8-14.

18 Oct, 2010

STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Scotia--An LC-130 belonging to the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing roars down the runway here on Friday, Oct. 15 as it heads for Antarctica. The plane and its seven-member crew are the first of six ski-equipped C-130s that will spend the 16-week Antarctic summer transporting people and equipment around the southern continent in support of the National Science Foundation.

13 Oct, 2010

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE -New York Air National Guard aircraft maintainers of the 105th Airlift Wing refurbish the flight deck of the first production C-5M. This Total Force effort consisting of Air Guard, Reserves, Active Duty and contractors will result in interior standardization and a new look for this aircraft and eventually for the entire C-5 fleet.

16 Sep, 2010

CAMP SMITH-- New York Guard Staff Sgt Jonathan Peebles models the new uniform being worn by members of New York’s state defense force. The modified Army Combat Uniform features a distinctive New York flag patch, black ranger cap, and gray sewn-on name and service tapes to differentiate this uniform from that worn by members of the Army National Guard. New York Guard members had been wearing uniforms based on the Army Battle Dress Uniform which was phased out beginning in 2005. Stocks of that uniform are no longer easily obtainable.

2 Aug, 2010

TROY-- New York Naval Militia patrol boat PB 230 conducts training in the Hudson River the week on July 30. The New York Naval Militia trains regularly in New York waterways to familiarize boat crews.

7 Oct, 2010

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh - The first production C-5M Super Galaxy is towed into inspection stands here early Thursday morning Oct 7. Aircraft maintainers of the New York Air National Guard’s 105th Airlift Wing are performing an annual inspection that incorporates restoration work to the inspection program. This Total Force effort consisting of Air Guard, Reserves, Active Duty and contractors will result in interior standardization and a new look for this aircraft and eventually for the entire C-5 fleet.

21 Oct, 2010

WEST POINT--Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York, and Major General Robert Wolf ( right) the commander of the New York Naval Militia congratulate retiring Naval Militia Captain Robert Pouch during a retirement ceremony on Friday, Oct. 15 at the United States Military Academy here. Pouch, who served as deputy operations director for the New York Naval Militia was retiring after XXX years of service.

6 Oct, 2010

A Soldier at Fort Rucker, Ala., trained as a voting assistance officer, signs in to receive his instructional books for the Federal Voting Assistance Program held in February, 2010. As part of the effort to ensure that National Guard members are able to vote when deployed overseas, the New York State Board of Elections established a new webpage to allow military and overseas voters to obtain general election ballots by email in addition to the existing fax and mail options. The program, found at www.elections.state.ny.us and clicking the link for "Military & Overseas Voters," complies with the MOVE Act (Military & Overseas Voters Empowerment). For more information about the FVAP, or help with absentee voting, call (800) 438-8683.

5 Oct, 2010

MENANDS-- Brig. Gen. Renwick Payne ( left) the Director of Joint Staff and Command Sgt. Major Robert Van Pelt place a wreath at the grave of President Chester Arthur in Albany Rural Cemetery on Oct. 5; which would have been the president’s 181st birthday. The New York National Guardsmen were representing President Barack Obama and honoring a former president on his birthday. Military units around the nationa fulfill this duty on the birthdates of former presidents. School Children from Menands also attended the presentation.

4 Oct, 2010

FORT DEVENS, Mass--New York Army National Guard Spec. Alex Rodrigues, a Soldier with the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry Regiment fires an M4 during the annual Logan-Duffy Rifle Match between the "Fighting 69th" of New York and the "Fighting Irish" of the Massachusetts Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion 182nd Infantry Regiment here on Saturday, Oct. 2. The two units have conducted the annual match, named for their commanders during the Spanish-American War since 1936. The 1-69th won this years event.

16 Sep, 2010

LATHAM -- Aviators from Army Aviation Support Facilities (AASF) 1, Ronkonkoma and 3, Latham conduct joint AASF rescue hoist operation training in an effort to qualify aircrews on aerial hoist operations to increase avaition facility response to domestic response needs that require a rescue hoist. Training was conducted by members from AASF 2, Rochester. The initial training was with a dummy load, and live loads being conducted in the afternoon and later that night using Night Vision Goggles.

29 Jun, 2010

QUEENS -- Empire Shield Soldiers Sgt. Aaron Hess and Spec. Yuriy Ostrovskiy stand in Terminal 5 here at JFK Airport while on patrol June 29. The Soldiers seen took part in a security surge drill headed by the New York and New Jersey Port Authority Police Department (PAPD). Empire Shield participated by request of the PAPD.

30 Sep, 2010

NEW YORK CITY-- A member of the New York National Guard’s 24th Civil Support Team boards the State University of New York Maritime Academy’s training vessel Empire State from New York Naval Militia Patrol Boat PB 400 during a training exercise on Tuesday, Sept. 28. The members of the Civil Support Team, or CST, are trained to identify the presence of chemical, radiological, or biological weapons or materials. The exercise tested the ability of the CST to work with the Naval Militia and accomplish a mission on the New York City Waterfront.

29 Sep, 2010

CAPETOWN, South Africa--Members of the 106th Rescue Wing from F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, N.Y. took part in the African Aerospace and Defense Exposition 2010 at Air Force Base Ysterplaat in Cape Town, South Africa, on Sept. 24, 2010. The event featured an HH-60 and crew from the 101st Rescue Squadron, Guardian Angels from the 103rd Rescue Squadron and maintenance crew from the 106th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

28 Sep, 2010

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh - New York Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Jackson shows Maj Gen Kenneth Merchant, the Director of Logistics for Air Mobility Command, examples of C-5 cargo bay brackets fabricated by the mechanics of the 105th Airlift Wing. The brackets are due to become standard for the entire C-5 fleet.

27 Sep, 2010

WRIGHT PATERSON AFB, Ohio--Eight New York Air National Guard members who participated in the 14the annual Air Force Marathon at Wright Paterson Air Force Base, Ohio on Saturday. Sept. 18, pose for a photo after the race. Pictured are, from left first row: Master Sgt. Kristy Stearns, Esperance; Master Sgt. Shannon Pingitore, Fort Edward; Master Sgt. Linda Peters, West Monroe, and Senior Master Sgt. Ann Miller, Greenwich. In the back row are, from left: Senior Master Sgt. Donna Roper, Mechanicville; Lt. Col Tammy Street, Clifton Park; Master Sgt. Kimberly Bowman; Universal City, Texas; and Senior Master Sgt. Terry Potter, Fort Edward. All but Peters and Bowman are assigned to Headquarters New York Air National Guard in Latham. Peters is assigned to the 174th Fighter Wing in Syracuse and Bowman is assigned on active duty in Texas. Not pictured is Lt. Col. Emily Derosier a member of the 106th Rescue Wing from Westhampton Beach, Long Island. 12,000 runners took part in the race. Participants were allowed to compete in a half marathon or a full marathon.

24 Sep, 2010

FORT SNELLING, MN--Members of the New York National Guard’s Military Forces Honor Guard participate in a standing proficiency drill during the 2010 Army National Guard Honor Guard Competition at Fort Snelling, Minn. The drill tested their ability in maintaining military bearing and rifle movements. The New York team bested seven other competitors in the grueling, week long, competition which was judged by members of the Third Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard, who perform funeral honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

24 Sep, 2010

FORT DRUM-- A team from the New York Army National Guard’s 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team sends a Javelin anti-tank missile downrange during new equipment training here on Thursday, Sept. 23. Sixty-one Soldiers participated in the live-fire exercise as the 27th gears up for a possible deployment to Afghanistan. The Javelin is the Army’s latest generation infantry anti-tank weapon, capable of knocking out a tank, or busting a bunker more than two kilometers away.

22 Sep, 2010

WASHINGTON -- New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Steven Wickstrom, commander of the National Guard’s 42nd Infantry Division, greets Spc. Ryan Braman during a visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center Sept. 16. Wickstrom and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Jenks were at Walter Reed to meet with wounded Soldiers from the division’s combat brigades from New York, New Jersey and New England aligned for training with the 42nd Infantry Division. Braman, a Soldier from the 101st Airborne Division from Lafayette, Ind. wears a Boston Red Sox baseball t-shirt, which caught the attention of Wickstrom, an Upton, Mass. resident. Wickstrom learned that Braman’s ties to the Red Sox extend to a friendship with Casey Fisk of Byron Center, Mi., son of the former Red Sox great Carlton Fisk. Courtesy photo.

22 Sep, 2010

FORT DRUM--Lt. Col. Mike Hoblin, commander of the 1st Battalion 258th Field Artillery christens an M-119 howitzer belonging to B Battery of during live fire training at the Fort Drum artillery range September 16-19 before sending the first round downrange. This weekend drill was the battalion’s first live fire exercise with its new 105 millimeter guns. The new modern artillery pieces replace the M-102 howitzer’s the battalion had been using.

21 Sep, 2010

CAPE TOWN, South Africa--New York Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathan Noble an aviator with Det 1 A Co 1-224 Aviation Security and Support Battalion flies an OH-58 Kiowa during a demonstration flight here on Sunday, Sept 19. The Army National Guard is participating with other Military forces throughout the world at Air Force Base Ysterplaat, South Africa at the Africa Aerospace & Defence (AAD) 2010 exhibition. The New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing has an HH-60 Pavehawk rescue helicopter on display at the event.

20 Sep, 2010

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA--New York Army National Guard Soldiers from Detachment 1, Alpha Co, 1-224 Aviation Security and Support Battalion, unload an OH-58 Kiowa from a C-5a operated by the New York Air National Guard’s 105th Airlift Wing on Friday Sept.17 at Air Force Base Ysterplaat here. The crew, based at Army Aviation Support Facility #3 in Latham is participating in the African Aerospace Defence Exposition 2010. Seventy members of the New York Air and Army National Guard are participating in the exposition,which kicked off on Sept. 21. The New York National Guard is paired with South Africa through the National Guard’s State Partnership Program

17 Sep, 2010

SYRACUSE--Staff Sgt. Anthony Burgess (center), a master gunner instructor with Charlie company, Warrior Training Center, Ft. Benning, GA, instructs Sgt. Peter Hyland, the unit administrator for 1st Detachment, Headquarters and headquarters company, 27th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, on the new .50 caliber individual gunnery trainer Sept. 15, 2010 at the 27th armory, Syracuse, NY.

20 Sep, 2010

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA--Members of the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing from Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, N.Y., unload an HH-60 Pavehawk from a C-17 Globemaster III at Air Force Base Ysterplaat, South Africa Saturday Sept 18. The Pavehawk and Air Guard Airmen will participate at at the Africa Aerospace & Defence (AAD) 2010 exhibition. The event begins Sept. 21 in Cape Town and is Africa’s premier aerospace, general aviation, defense and security expo that includes a world class air show, dynamic vehicle demonstrations and many other static displays. More than 70 members of the New York Army and Air National Guard are participating in the event. The New York National Guard conducts joint training with South Africa through the National Guard’s State Partnership Program. The C-17 Globemaster III known as Heavy Airlift Wing or HAW, from Papa Air Base, Hungary, routinely supports European Union, NATO and U.N. missions with a strategic airlift and global reach capability.

15 Sep, 2010

WESTHAMPTON BEACH--Airmen from the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing oversee the loading of an HH-60 Pavehawk Helicopter onto a C-17 Globemaster II cargo plane at Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach, Tuesday. The Pavehawk and more than 20 members of the 106th Rescue Wing are departing for Cape Town, South Africa to participate in Africa’s largest air show as part of the New York National Guard’s State Partnership Program with the South African military. While there, the wing will also be participating in joint search and rescue training while in South Africa.

28 Aug, 2010

TARRYTOWN - New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Michael Swezey addresses Soldiers of the 37th Finance Detachment during the organization’s Yellow Ribbon Reintegration program here Aug. 28. More than 45 Soldiers and family members attended the event that provides Citizen Soldiers and their families with access to information about services all related to the transition from Soldier back to Citizen. "This weekend is all about you and your family," Swezey told the group.

15 Sep, 2010

EAST SYRACUSE--Major General Patrick Murphy (far left) the Adjutant General, discusses issues surrounding support to civil authorities with (from left, Col. Doug Mills, the Emergency Preparedness Liasion Officer from the Army for New York; New York Naval Militia Capt. Mark Woolley, and Thomas LaCrosse, the director of Defense Support of Civil Authorities for the Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense; during the New York National Guard’s annual Domestic Operations Conference on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at the DoubleTree Hotel here. The annual meeting brings together key leaders and joint task force commanders from across the New York Military Forces to refine plans for aiding local and state government when directed to do so by the governor.

13 Sep, 2010

LATHAM--New York Army National Guard Sgt. Kevin Ressler steadies the tail of an OH-58 Kiowa assigned to Detachment 1, Co. A, 1st Battalion 224 Security and Support Aviation on Monday, Sept. 13 as he and other maintainers prepare the aircraft for a flight to Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh. Ressler, and four other members of the detachment, will accompany the aircraft to the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition 2010 in Cape Town, South Africa. The helicopter was flown to Stewart ANGB on Tuesday, Sept. 14, to be loaded on board a giant C-5A Galaxy belonging to the 105th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard. That aircraft is due to depart for South Africa on Wednesday, Sept. 15. An HH-60 Pavehawk helicopter and members of the 106th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard is also participating in the air show, as are vehicles provided by the 53rd Troop Command. About 75 New York Soldiers and Airmen are participating.

13 Sep, 2010

QUEENSBURY SOLDIER READINESS CENTER -- A Soldier from the New York Army National Guard’s 466th Area Support Medical Company competes with a visitor here Sept. 11 during the readiness center Interactive Gaming Experience. The event, free to the public, encouraged gaming enthusiasts to visit the new National Guard Soldier Readiness Center and learn more about the National Guard and career opportunities with the 466th or the 1427th Medium Truck Company based here. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Arthur Coon.

3 Aug, 2010

SMITHTOWN-- New York Air National Guard Tech Sgt. Nate Dean,a member of the 106th Maintenance Operations Flight, displays his first fluke of the day,during the annual Soldiers on the Sound fishing trip organized for military members by the Smithtown Bay Yacht Club on July 24. The fish had to be thrown back because it was too small to keep. Members of the 106th Rescue Wing, from F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, were the majority of participants for the event which paired the Airmen with civilians who took them on their boat to fish. The main fish the members sought to catch was the fluke. Out of the 18 boats which were deployed for the event only four regulation size fish were caught. The winning fluke was caught by SSgt. Derek Wallace, 106th Vehicle Maintenance, and it measured 4 lbs 3 ounces.

12 Sep, 2010

Westhampton Beach-- Local officials, leaders and members of the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing cut the ribbon formally opening the Wing’s new 38,000 square foot building housing the "Guardian Angels" pararescue teams on Sunday, Sept. 12.

10 Sep, 2010

CROWN POINT--Chief Petty Officer Wayne Hurlburt mans the helm of a patrol boat on the waters between Crown Point, NY and Chimney Point, Vt on Lake Champlain Sept. 4. as a ferry transports its passengers to the Vermont border. New York Naval Militia Patrol boats provided assistance to the United States Coast Guard and local law enforcement on four weekends in August and September in slowing down boats passing through the location where a new bridge linking Vermont and New York is being built.

8 Sep, 2010

New York--New York Army National Guard Soldiers pose with comedian Stephen Colbert on Wednesday, Sept. 8 at the studios of Comedy Central in Manhattan in front of an M1117 Armored Security Vehicle which was used in the opening of Colbert’s Sept. 8 program saluting US troops. They are (from left) Capt. Shawn Tabankin, Staff Sgt. Kent Theobald, Sgt. Josuha Flint, and Spec. Jeffrey Vucich. Theobald, Flint, and Vucich participated with Colbert in a segement which opened his Sept. 8 program which saluted troops who served in Iraq. Tabankin also appeared on the program.

2 Sep, 2010

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The New York National Guard’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Patrick Murphy dedicates a memorial wreath with Gold Star Mother Mary Burgen during the Veteran’s Day Ceremony here at the New York State Fair Sept. 2.

26 Aug, 2010

NEW YORK CITY-- New York Army National Guard 2nd Lt. Jeff Hansen, a platoon leader in New York’s Joint Task Force Empire Shield, a state active duty security force that operates in New York City, briefs Gen. Craig McKinley, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau on his team’s mission at Grand Central Station August 26, 2010. McKinley, the highest ranking officer in the National Guard, was in New York City to visit city emergency management officials, see the New York National Guard’s task force in action and give a speech.

26 Aug, 2010

LATHAM--Chief Warrant Officer 5 Charles Rodda speaks to members of the Albany press corps about his experiences providing relief to the victims of Hurricane Katrina during a Thursday, June 26 pres briefing at Army Aviation Support Facility 3 here. New York Army National Guard aviators, along with members of the 109th Airlift Wing, talked about their experiences as the fifth anniversary of the hurricane approaches. Other Army National Guard aviators did the same thing at press events in Rochester and Ronkonkoma.

13 Sep, 2010

LATHAM -- Kacie Ost, daughter of Staff Sgt. George Ost and Landon Saunders, son of Spc. Stepanie Saunders (shown), get behind the controls of an OH-58A Kiowa helicopter at Army Aviation Support Facility 3 in Latham on Sunday, Sept. 12. during a tour of the facility. The 42nd CAB was enjoying a Family Day event sponsored by the CAB’s Family Readiness Group, which included a barbecue at Watervliet Arsenal. To view photos of family day, please click on the 42nd CAB Facebook.

30 Aug, 2010

CAMP NATURAL BRIDGE, West Point -- Sergeant Daniel Dukin, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, spent a hot day knocking down targets from the kneeling position at one of West Points Qualification ranges on Saturday, Aug. 28. along with most of the Brigade. For all photos taken of this training event, please click on the Facebook icon and see folder West Point Qualification Range.

25 Aug, 2010

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh - 105th Galaxy Camp students wave to attract attention as New York Air National Guard Major Bruno Gaita, demonstrates ‘popping’ colored identification smoke. The three day camp provides a opportunity for children to learn about what their parents and family members do for the Air National Guard.

23 Aug, 2010

NIAGARA FALLS--Members of the New York Air National Guard’s 136th Airlift Squadron float in the waters of Lake Ontario during a biannual training exercise that teaches aircrew water survival skills in the event of an in-water- emergency. Aircrew members practiced deploying signal devices, such as smoke flares, beacons and flare guns and then took a short ride compliments of the United States Coast Guard, Station Niagara, to deploy their life vests and swim to the awaiting life raft where they mastered entry techniques and deployment of the protective canopy.

23 Aug, 2010

CROWN POINT-- A New York Naval Milita patrol boat monitors boat traffic moving through the construction site where a new bridge linking New York and Vermont is being constructed on Saturday, Aug. 21. The New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs provided the boat at the request of the United States Coast Guard which is enforcing a special navigation zone during the construction of the new bridge

18 Aug, 2010

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT--Members of the New York Military Forces Honor Guard carry the remains of United States Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Ray Fletcher from a plane to a waiting hearse Wednesday, Aug. 18 during an honorable transfer of remains ceremony here. Fletcher and three others were killed in 1944 when the B-25 medium bomber he was piloting crashed into a mountainside on the Mediterranian Island of Corsica. His remains were finally recovered in 1995 and identified in 2009. Fletcher will be interred in Essex Junction, Vermont.

18 Aug, 2010

NEW YORK HARBOR-- Officers from the National Guards of New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands pose before the Statue of Liberty during a security tour of New York Harbor conducted by the New York Naval Militia on Tuesday, August 17. Officers from the National Guards of Federal Emergency Management Administration Region II gathered at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn this week to plan for the creation of a regional Homeland Response Force; a National Guard team that could respond to chemical, biological, and radiological attacks within the area.

17 Aug, 2010

MEADOWLANDS STADIUM, EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery’s Headquarters Battery, Battery A and Battery B assist during the preseason exhibition game opener Aug. 16, 2010, displaying the American Flag on the field alongside military personnel from the active Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. The military servicemen and women appeared before a crowd of more than 80,000 fans who later watched the Giants " Big Blue" defeat the Jets "Gang Green" 31-16.

26 Aug, 2010

ROCHESTER -- Sergeant First Class John Bobeck, Detachment 1, Company B, 126th Aviation talks to local media about his and the 126th’s experiences when they were sent to Louisiana to respond to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina on the 5th anniversary date of the catastrophic event. Bobeck is one of three remaining members of the 126th which also includes Chief Warrant Officer Jim Hall from the 169th Aviation and Staff Sgt. Daniel Krebs from the 126th. "We saw the devastation first hand and it was like a giant hand had swept everything away." Hall said.

17 Aug, 2010

FORT IRWIN, Calif.-- New York Army National Guard Soldiers with the 1569th Transportation Company, based in New Windsor, N.Y., at the National Training Center secure pallets of sports drinks on a flatbed truck. The 1569th brought supplies to a forward-operating base outside the safe zone as part of a convoy with the 298th Transportation Company, based in Franklin, Pa., and the 758th Maintenance Company. The 1569th and other units of the 369th Sustainment Brigade are conducting their Annual Training at the National Training Center here.

16 Aug, 2010

LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. -- New York Army National Guard Sgt. James Ader from the 501st Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal, EOD) congratulates John Sidur after he was presented long overdue recognitions 65 years after his actions in the Pacific during WWII. Sidur, a lifelong Cohoes native a former member of the National Guard’s 27th Infantry Division, received his Purple Heart and New York State Conspicuous Service Star for actions on Okinawa during a family ceremony here August 15. Both Soldiers served in upstate New York’s 105th Infantry Regiment. Ader continues the lineage of the infantry regiment after reorganization this decade into the 501st EOD.

13 Aug, 2010

LATHAM-- Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York, gets his new two-star rank pinned on by his mother, Carolyn Murphy, of Dike, Iowa. Murphy, whose promotion to state Major General was confirmed in March, delayed his pinning ceremony until his mother and other family members could be present.

13 Aug, 2010

FORT IRWIN, Calif. …ldquo; New York Army National Guard Pfc. Quanise Miller (left), finance specialist, 14th Finance Co., and Cpl. Christmally Torres (right), a supply specialist and New York native from the 369th Sustainment Brigade, collaborate to send up a mock nine-line medical evacuation request during a land navigation training exercise here on Aug. 10. The New York City-based 369th has elements going through Annual Training at the National Training Center here.

12 Aug, 2010

Soldiers from the 501st Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Battalion practice urban assault tactics during their pre-mobilization training Aug. 8, 2010 at Fort Drum, N.Y. The unit is preparing to mobilize and deploy to Iraq later this year.

11 Aug, 2010

FORT DRUM--New York Army National Guard Pvt. August Viehweger, an Auburn resident and a member of the 102nd Military Police Battalion uses compressed air to ensure his unit’s M249 Squad Assault Weapons are clean and dry following the previous days range firing, while working at the New York Mobilization and Training Equipment Site (MATES) here on Monday, August 9, 2010.

5 Aug, 2010

Maj. Gen James Kwiatkowski is pinned by his son 107th Airlift Wing Tech. Sgt. Andrew Kwiatkowski and his wife Ranea as his daughter Nicole Dabby looks on during a ceremony held Aug. 4 at Scott AFB. "This is a sacred trust and I will do my best to be effective in the trust placed in me today," the General said. Kwiatkowski, a former commander of the 107th, is the Director of Operations for the Headquarters New York Air National Guard and also serves as the Air National Guard Assistant to the Commander, United States Transportation Command.

6 Aug, 2010

FORT DRUM--New York Army National Guard 1st Lt. Clint Davis, the executive officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Company 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry, discusses the features of an XM-110 sniper rifle with Brig. Gen. Steven Wickstrom, commanding general of New York’s 42nd Infantry Division, during a visit to the 27th Brigade’s annual training at Fort Drum on July 30. The 27th Brigade Combat Team is currently conducting Anual Training at Fort Drum

5 Aug, 2010

COEYMANS--New York Naval Militia Machinest Second Class Robert Hill mans Patrol Boat 230 during a joint operation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in the Hudson River here on Wednesday, August 4. The Naval Militia patrol boat acted as a target for a DEC team on another boat simulating a check for radioactive emissions from a vessel in the river. The operation was part of Exercise Trojan Horse, a maritime security drill run by the State University of New York Maritime College in New York City

4 Aug, 2010

COLONIE--A UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter of the New York Army National Guard’s 3rd Battalion 142nd Aviation in Latham conducts a training run with the Firehawk fire fighting system over the Mohawk River on August 4. The unit practices water bucket and Firehawk operations annually in case they are need to support the civil authorities with fighting wild fires. The Firehawk allows the air crew to siphon 1000 gallons of water in about one minute and deliver it to the scene of a fire. The crew can control the rate of release based on the firefighters needs.

2 Aug, 2010

COLONIE--New York Army National Guard Sgt. Linday Crabtree, a member of the 206th Military Police Company, visits on of the providcer tables during the 30-Da y Yellow Ribbin Reintegration Program event held for the unit at the Desmond Hotel during the July 31-August 1 weekend. More than 500 Soldiers and family members attended the event. The 206th MP Company returned from a tour in Iraq in June.

2 Aug, 2010

BEERSHEBA, Israel - New York Army National Guard Col. David Martinez, right, discusses chemical protection equipment and employment tactics with Dr. (Col.) Gady Sadovsky from the Israel Defense Forces’ Home Front Command and a member of the Home Front Command reserve chemical response battalion. Martinez, the Director of Domestic Operations for the New York National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters, was in Israel for Shared Future 2010, the bilateral military support to civil authorities training exercise between the National Guard Bureau and the Israeli Home Front Command.

30 Jul, 2010

ALBANY -- Service members who appear in Rumara Jewett’s original oil painting now on display at the NYS Military Museum and Veterans Research Center in Saratoga Springs include Logistics Specialist 1st Class James Savaria, USNR, Lt. Col. Robert Mitchell, NYARNG, Lt.Col. Kim Terpening, NYANG and Sgt. Brandon Lee Gibson, USMCR and N.Y. Naval Militia. The service members are posed close to their positions in the painting.

28 Jul, 2010

SCHUYLERVILLE--A New York Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter operating out of Army Aviation Support Facility 3 at the Albany International Airport fills a "Bambi Bucket" in the Hudson River during fire fighting training conducted on Wednesday, July 28. New York Army National Guard helicopters stand read to support state and local fire services in fighting forest and grass fires during the summer months. Helicopter crews train regularly during the summer on the right way to fill one of the 660 gallon buckets and then practice manuevering to drop the water on a simulated fire.

27 Jul, 2010

FORT DRUM--New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Coon, a sniper section leader with the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment, opens the door to a courtyard for his assault team Monday during tactics training here. The 2-108th and other elements of the 27th Brigade Combat Team are conducting Annual Training at Fort Drum.

26 Jul, 2010

FORT DRUM--Spc. Steve Freiberger, a rifleman with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment, fires his M-4 carbine during qualification on a Fort Drum range July 25 during his battalion’s Annual Training. Freiberger is a native of Stillwater. More than 1,000 27th Brigade Combat Team Soldiers are conducting Annual Training at Fort Drum.

22 Jul, 2010

NEW YORK CITY--New York Army National Guard Sgt. Alberto Caceda, a member of the 37th Finance Detachment embraces his fiance Nanci Gentilesca as he gets off the bus at the Lexington Avenue Armory on Thursday, July 22, 2010. Caceda and 25 other members of the detachment returned to their home station after ten months in Tikrit Iraq.

21 Jul, 2010

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Brigadier General Steven Wickstrom, commander, 42nd Infantry Division paid a visit to Fort Drum on July 21, where New York Army National Guard Aviation Soldiers are training for CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force(CCMRF) missions starting Oct. 1, should they be called to active duty. Soldiers at the Virtual Training Center on Fort Drum are demonstrating how to escape from a rolled Humvee using the Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer. Wickstrom also visited Soldiers conducting Nuclear, Biological and Chemical training at Range 3A, later in the afternoon.

19 Jul, 2010

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Specialist Beth Britton, Company F, 1st Battalion, 169th Medical Evacuation engages pop-up targets with her 9mm pistol at Fort Drum’s Range 41A on July 19 during individual weapons qualification in preparation for the 169th’s roll in the CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force (CCMRF) missions. Company F is training in preparation for CCMRF missions on active duty if needed in the event of natural or man-made disasters beginning October 1, 2010.

19 Jul, 2010

ALBANY--Chief Warrant Officer Mark Klimes leads the 42nd Infantry Division (Rainbow) Band in the service medley during a performance on the Concourse of the Empire State Plaza on Monday July 19. The Rainbow Division Band is on a tour across the state as part of it s Annual Training program.

15 Jul, 2010

WEST POINT-- A Soldier from the New York Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion 258th Field Artillery9 right) gives tips on firing the big guns to a West Point cadet during a training exercise at the United States Military Academy’s training areas on Monday, July 12. The National Guard Artillery unit provided guns and Soldiers to help man them and teach the cadets the basics of artillery.

13 Jul, 2010

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Two Soldiers from Detachment 1, Company B, 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment from Rochester assist each other escaping from a 90-degree simulated roll-over at Fort Drum’s Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer Center on July 13. The 126th is training in preparation for CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force missions on active duty if needed in the event of natural or man-made disasters beginning October 1, 2010.

11 Jul, 2010

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Private First Class Harley Jelis (left) and Pfc. Holden Davenport, Headquarters and Headquarters, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade use a fake wound and lots of field dressings to demonstrate to Soldiers of Company B, 642nd Aviation Support Battalion the importance of first aid in a field environment on July 11. The 642nd is training in preparation for CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force missions on active duty if needed in the event of natural or man-made disasters.

9 Jul, 2010

New York State Museum’s Huxley Theater was filled on July 6 for “Restrepo” and a question and answer period with one of the film’s producers and one of the featured soldiers.

13 Apr, 2010

BUFFALO-- New York Naval Militia Petty Boatswains Mate 2nd Class Dawn Burgess (left) is awarded the New York State Military Commendaiton medal during a ceremony here at the Navy Operational Support Center by Chief Warrant Officer Philip Slominski. Burgess was honored for her performance as Coxswain onboard Patrol Boat 281 on May 28-31, 2009 as the Naval Militia was supporting the 2009 ESL Air and Water Show in Rochester. Her boat, along with craft from other agencies were tasked with establishing a restricted zone off Ontario Beach so the air show could be conducted safely. On May 31 high seas forced other boats to quit the restricted zone but Burgess was able to maintain station, allowing the air show to continue. Her actions in this case were lauded by the local Coast Guard Station.

8 Jul, 2010

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- New York Army National Guard Spc. Joseph Ruiz, from the Headquarters Company of the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment in New York City, receives a plaque of recognition for the 8 Soldiers, 8 Missions from NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., June 30, 2010. On July 3, Earnhardt’s No. 88 National Guard Chevrolet featured a special paint scheme in honor of the 8 Soldiers and 8 Missions in which they served. Photo by Sgt. Michael Baltz.

7 Jul, 2010

QUEENSBURY, N.Y. -- The New York Army National Guard welcomed its newest Citizen Soldier on July 4th when Spc. Frank Rosales from Porter Corners, N.Y. enlisted as a Forward Artillery Observer in the Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry. Rosales, a former U.S. Marine, was recruited by a Guard Recruiting Assistant, Sgt. Erwin Dominguez of the 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery. Administering his oath of enlistment were Chief Warrant Officer Two Ryan Comstock from Queensbury, serving in the 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment and 2nd Lt. Dawn Hersey of Stony Creek, serving with the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters. Both officers returned to the Queensbury Readiness Center to administer the oath of enlistment since it was the same location that they first joined the New York Army National Guard. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Arthur P. Coon.

30 Jun, 2010

QUEENS -- New York Guard Capt. John Passarotti and Capt. Robert Patterson are briefed in John F. Kennedy International Airport by Joint Task Force Empire Shield Staff Sgt. Ronnie Redfern, a member of the New York Army National Guard on June 29. The two officers toured various terminals where the JTFES performed a surge drill alongside the New York and New Jersey Port Authority Police Department. The New York Guard is a nonpaid all volunteer force, which augments the Army National and Air Guard in state. Currently, there are members of the NYG attached to the element to assist in daily efforts.

21 Jul, 2010

BRONX--Marie Crooke, the J. Peters Veterans Administration Medical Center patient care center director, Maj. Gen. Fergal Foley, Commanding General New York Guard, Betsy Faden, VA recreation therapist, and Maj. Bob Coulombe of the 65th BDE are seen here during a presentation ceremony of musical instruments, July 30. The instruments were donated from various households to enable veterans to take part in music therapy.

11 Jun, 2010

Gabreski Field Air National Guard Base-- Members of the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing salute as the remains of New York Army National Guard 1st Lt. Joseph Theinert pass by on June 9, 2010. The remains of Theinert, who was serving in Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division when he was killed in action, were flown into the base prior to being moved to Shelter Island where his funeral is set for June 11.

2 Jul, 2010

ALBANY--Producer/director Matthew O’Neill talks about his film “Baghdad ER” at the New York State Museum with Staff Sergeant Craig Macy, a wounded New York Army National Guard Soldier who appears in the film. Macy joined O’Neill for a special showing of his film at the Museum on Thursday, July 1, 2010 in conjunction with the Citizen Soldier exhibit the state museum is mounting.

16 Jul, 2010

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Specialist Joshua C. Smith, Company D, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion makes a hasty exit from the Humvee rollover trainer inside the Virtual Training Facility building on July 16. Company D is training in preparation for CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force missions on active duty if needed in the event of natural or man-made disasters beginning October 1, 2010.

29 Jun, 2010

QUEENS--New York Army National Guard Soldiers, Sgt. Aaron Hess (left) and Spc. Yuriy Ostrovskiy, patrol Terminal 5 at John F. Kennedy International Airport on June 29. The two Soldiers, both members of Joint Task Force Empire Shield, the New York National Guard security force operating in New York City, were taking part in a security exercise headed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department. More than 200 members of the Army and Air National Guard, and the New York Guard, a state defense force, participate in the task force.

14 Jul, 2010

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Throughout the sweltering days of July, Soldiers of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade’s (CAB) supply section ensure that Soldiers keep properly hydrated by adding bags of ice to a "water buffalo" beside the barracks building #473 on the morning of July 14. Loading the water buffalo with ice is Spc. Stephanie Saunders, Pfc. Jeffery Hicks and Staff Sgt. Brian Hudspath. The 42nd CAB is assisting in training other aviation units for CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force missions on active duty if needed in the event of natural or man-made disasters beginning October 1, 2010.

15 Jul, 2010

FORT DRUM, NY -- Soldiers from both Detachment 1, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment and Co. D, 3rd Battalion, 142n.d Assault Helicopter Battalion spent a hot July afternoon getting re-familiarization training on the effectiveness of their M40 Protective Mask at the gas chamber at Range 3A on July 15. Both of these units are training in preparation for CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force missions on active duty if needed in the event of natural or man-made disasters beginning October 1, 2010.

1 Jul, 2010

LATHAM-- New York State Trooper Edward Stefik, who is also Master Sgt. Stefik of the 107th Security Forces Squardon of the New York Air National Guard, recieves the Master Sgt. Joseph Longobardo Trophy for best novice marksman at the annual Adjutant General’s Match from Brig. Gen. Patrik Murphy, the Adjutant General, during a short ceremony at State Headquarters on Wednesday, June 30. Stefik, a 13-year member of the New York State Police and a rifleman on the State Police Special Operations Response Team, has been a member of the 107th Airlift Wing, based at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, for the past two years. Prior to that he served with the 98th Division of the United States Army Reserve and spent a year in Iraq, where he was awarded the Combat Action Badge. The Longobardo Trophy, the New York National Guard’s top award for shooters participating in the annual competition for the first time, is named after New York State Trooper Joseph Longobardo, who was also a member of the New York Air National Guard and who was killed in the line of duty on August 31, 2006.

10 Jul, 2010

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Soldiers from Company B, 642nd Aviation Support Battalion move quickly away from the gas chamber located at Training Area 3A on July 10. The 642nd is training to perform CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force missions starting October 1, 2010 if activated for natural and man-made disasters.

28 Jun, 2010

Troy-- 2nd Lt. Alexander Saxsby conducts a land navigation and map reading class for OCS Candidates Christopher Minarch, Liza Rosado and Kelly Sayward on June 26 at the Glenmore Road Armory. The class was the initial test of a program to provide pre-OCS instruction for New York Army National Guard Soldiers seeking commissions.

2 Jul, 2010

AL SHEEB, IRAQ -- New York Army National Guard Sgt. Alfonso Villacres and Spc. Ronald Simmons from New York, N.Y., from the 37th Financial Management Detachment unit provide finance support to U.S. Soldiers assigned to Joint Security Station Al Sheeb, Iraq, June 17. Villacres’ unit visited JSS Al Sheeb to assist U.S. Soldiers manage their Eagle Cash card funds. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Lukas McWhorter)

25 Jun, 2010

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, CORTLANDT MANOR, N.Y. -- Members of the New York Army National Guard’s 1156th Engineer Company, wearing red helmets, use a jackhammer to penetrate concrete debris as part of their search and extraction training. The troops practiced horizontal breaching techniques during training for the National Guard CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear or High Explosive) Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP). Trainers for the exercise (in blue and yellow headgear) are from the current CERFP Search and Extraction Team, engineers from Company A, 27th Brigade Special Troops Battalion. The Soldiers conducted both individual and team training here at Camp Smith June 21-26 to prepare for the validation of the entire CERFP element for operations, set to occur the following week on July 1. Photo by Lt. Col. Richard Goldenberg, NY Army National Guard.

25 Jun, 2010

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh --the Crew of "the Hudson Valley Hauler" after completing an initial home station flight on the 105th Airlift Wing’s first Avionics Modernized C-5A. The Avionics Modernization Program or AMP replaces existing avionics with a modern, digital flight deck. Pictured are, from left to right: Capt. Ryan Dannemann, MSgt Joseph Cincotta, Lt Col Steven Branche, Chief MSgt Peter McDermott, Maj Philip Leone, and Staff Sgt Ryan Rosa.

24 Jun, 2010

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh--Airmen from the New York Air National Guard’s 105th Airlift Wing and members of the United States Marine Corps Reserve’s Air Refueler and Transport Squadron 452 deploy containment booms across Recreation Pond on the base as part of atest of the bases’ ability to respond to fuel spills. The spill containment exercise is a requirement set by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

18 Jun, 2010

LATHAM--Members of the New York Army National Guard’s 206th Military Police Company wade into a crowd of well-wishers as they return to home station at New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters on Friday, June 18. More than 70 members of the unit from New York’s Capital Region returned to company headquarters here. More than 160 National Guard Soldiers deployed to Iraq with the company and similar receptions occured a Camp Smith near Peekskill, Utica, Rochester, Buffalo and Auburn on Friday.

18 Jun, 2010

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodall meets thanks Private David Selman and members of the New York Army National Guard Recruiting team at Roy Wilkins Park during the NFL’s High School Player Development training camp June 17 in Queens, N.Y. Along with Selman were Private Leroy Poole, Sgt. Tom Davies in background, Private Nur Sadlee and Staff Sgt. Zipora Baez.

11 Jun, 2010

SHELTER ISLAND--The flag-covered casket of New York Army National Guard 1st Lt. Joseph Theinert is borne from Our Lady of the Isle Church on Shelter Island, NY before his family, members of the community and military leaders by the New York National Guard Military Forces Honor Guard on Friday, June 11. Theinert was serving on active duty with the Army’s 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan when he was killed in action by an Improvised Explosive Device on June 4. He was assigned to Troop B, 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry and was age 24 at the time of his death. Brigadier General Patrick Murphy, The Adjutant General of New York and State Command Sergeant Major Robert Van Pelt were among other members of the New York Army National Guard and other services who attended the funeral. More than 2,000 people attended an out door funeral mass. Theinert was the first service member from the community to be killed in action since World War II.

15 Jun, 2010

WINDSOR, NY--Spc. John Stanley from Elmira Heights, prepares lunch as the food service section from the 204th Engineer Battalion’s 204th Forward Support Company competes for the Philip A. Connelly Award of Excellence in Army Food Service award on Sunday June 13. The cooks prepared a lunch at the 204th’s training site in the Windsor Quarry for Soldiers working there as part of their annual training. The food service specialists were evaluated on aspects such as technique, skill, safety consciousness, professionalism, and presentation of product. The menu included roast turkey, gravy, Mexican corn, corn soup, salad, and Florida lemon cake with a cream cheese frosting. The winners of the award, which involves units from across the Army, will be announced in January 2011.

30 Jun, 2010

LATHAM - Private First Class Harley Jellis spent Sunday morning’s drill testing the M-43 Protective Mask on the FIT Analyzer which tests the mask for air leaks. Sitting opposite Jellis and getting his mask tested is 1st Lt. Bryon Bullock. Both Soldiers are part of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade. The FIT testing was part HHC’s annual maintenance checks on their mask inventory.

12 Jun, 2010

COLONIE-- Runners push through the rain on Saturday, June 12, as they cross the finish line during the New York Family Readiness Council’s annual Hometown Heroes Race held at Colonie Crossings Park here. More than 200 runners, including both civilians and New York National Guard members, participated in the fund-raising event. The money raised by the Family Readiness Council is used to assist Guard families in need during deployments.

14 Jun, 2010

ALBANY - Private First Class Corey Hines, 7th Finance Detachment, New York Army National Guard, the youngest Soldier in attendance, assists Brig. Gen. Michael Swezey, commander of the 53rd Troop Command in cutting the Army Birthday cake at the New York State Museum on June 14,on the 235th Birthday of the U.S. Army. U.S Army Active Duty Recruiting Command and New York Army National Guard Soldiers assembled for the event in front of the museum’s Citizen-Soldier display which is a historical tribute to the New York National Guard.

15 Jun, 2010

STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--Col. Timothy LaBarge accepts the colors of the 109th Airlift Wing from Brig. Gen. Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General, during change of command ceremonies held at the base on Saturday, June 12. LaBarge took over from Col. Anthony German who was promoted to Brig. Gen. on Sunday. June 13 and is now taking on the duties of Assistant Adjutant General for Air.

8 Jun, 2010

RANDALLS ISLAND, New York - A member of the reconnaissance section of the 24th Civil Support Team, New York National Guard based at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn takes air samples from a simulated clandestine lab. It was part of an evaluated exercise on June 8 at the New York Fire Department Training Academy at Randalls Island, New York City. As part of the scenario, the 24th was called to a notional crime scene where federal and local law enforcement authorities believed that terrorists may have been creating a chemical or biological agent for use in future attack. The 24th responded to the call and quickly moved to the site, linked with the civil authorities at the scene and went to work to determine the extent and nature of the threat. Army evaluators tested the unit’s abilities through situation injects throughout the day-long exercise.

8 Jun, 2010

CAMP SMITH--Major Mark Michels delivers last minute instructions to PFC Andrew Allen, a member of the 153rd Troop Command, during rappelling training on June 5.The Soldiers were participating in a pre Air-Assault course for the weekend. Michels, also a member of the 153rd Troop Command, was the OIC of the course.

17 Jun, 2010

LATHAM -- Specialist Stephanie Saunders, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade tries her hand at acquiring a target on the "Beam-Hit" computerized/laser pop-up target simulator set up on the drill shed floor on Saturday, June 12.

3 Jun, 2010

LATHAM -- Brigadier General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General, looks on as Philip Imbarrato, New York Chapter Presisdent of the Association of Civilian Technicians, initials a new safety agreement between the union, New York National Guard leadership, and the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Wednesday, June 3. The " New York Army National Guard Voluntary Protection Program Labor-Management Commitment Statement" outlines the ways that supervisors and employees will work together to improve safety at armories and maintenance facilities across the state. Joining the Adjutant General and Imbarrato in signing the agreement are Col. Mark Burke (seated) Director of Aviation and Safety; and (from left) Major Richard Friess, Surface Maintenance Officer, Mr. Lawrence Gallagher, State Safety and Occupational Health Manager; Col. James Lettko, NYARNG Chief of Staff; Col. Philip Pugliese, Director of Logistics; and Col. Curtis Williamson, Director of Federal Human Resources.

18 May, 2010

FORT DRUM, NY--2nd Battalion 108th Infantry Command Sgt. Major John O'Hara draws a bead on the target during M-4 range firing here on Saturday May 14. The 2-108th and 1st Battalion 258th Field Artillery spent their May drill at Fort Drum refining Soldier skills.

28 May, 2010

ALBANY--Members of the New York Army National Guard Honor Guard participate in a Memorial Day observation held at the New York State Purple Heart Memorial here on Friday, May 28. The ceremony, sponsored by the New York State Museum, was conducted in conjunction with the Citizen Soldier Exhibit that opened on May 27. The exhibit highlights the history of the New York Army National Guard since the Spanish American War.

12 Jun, 2010

COLONIE - 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, Headquarters and Headquarters Company commander Capt. Michael Squires runs the last leg of the Army Physical Fitness Test with Staff Sgt. Jerry Swain to motivate him to get across the finish line at the Colonie Town Park Bike Trail on June 12.

27 May, 2010

ALBANY - Col. Eric Hesse, New York National Guard Inspector General (left) and Maj. Joseph Chodnicki, New York National Guard Deputy Training Officer study the Task Force Phoenix display on the New York Army National Guard in Afghanistan, during the opening of the Citizen Soldier exhibit at the New York State Museum on May 27. The exhibit, "Citizen Soldier: The New York National Guard in the American Century" officially opened for the Memorial Day weekend on Thursday, May 27. The exhibit runs through March 2011.

25 May, 2010

JOINT FORCE HEADQUARTERS, LATHAM -- New York State Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Van Pelt reads off the names of all 31 New York Army National Guardsmen who died in Iraq and Afghanistan dating back to New York's first fallen Soldier, Sgt. Heath McMillin on July 27, 2003. "Memorial Day for us is a time to remember those who have given their lives in the ultimate sacrifice to their country." said New York's Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Patrick Murphy. "People might forget what the day is really about. It's not just another holiday with a three-day weekend, it's about remembering those who have given their lives for their country." The memorial ceremony took place at the New York National Guard Headquarters on May, 25. Members of the National Guard leadership and troops across the state will participate in local ceremonies and events later this week and throughout the Memorial Day weekend.

26 May, 2010

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh - President Barack Obama reaches out to shake hands with greeters on the morning of May 22, 2010. The President met military personnel, family members and guests before taking a short flight aboard Marine One to attend a West Point Graduation.

19 May, 2010

ALBANY--A World War II-era M-8 armored car is manuevered into position by its owner, vehicle collector Greg Wolanin, as the centerpiece of a New York State Museum exhibit honoring the service of New York Army National Guard Soldiers. The 101st Cavalry Group of the New York NationalGuard operated M-8s during their service in Europe in 1945. The exhibit, titled "Citizen Soldier" opens on May 28 and will run through March 2011.

18 May, 2010

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Florida--New York Air National Guardsmen from the 106th Rescue Wing watch as Space Shuttle Atlantis blasts into orbit on May 14, as one of the unit's HH-60 Pavehawk's stands ready to launch if a rescue effort is needed. The 106th Rescue Wing supported a Space Shuttle misson for the d107th time on May 14 as Mission STS-132 took off for the International Space Station. The Wing's 101st, 102nd and 103rd Rescue Squadrons each provided different assets to support the Space Shuttle Recovery Program which, in the case of a evacuation by the space shuttle crew, they would have been availble to rescue the astronauts.

16 May, 2010

GUILDERLAND - Private First Class Harley Jellis (center), Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, learns how to call in a 9-line notification to Explosive Ordinance Disposal after identifying a roadside bomb while conducting squad tatics at Guilderland Rifle Range, May 16. Mentoring Jellis are Sgt.'s Daniel Dukin (left) and Ceth Morocco (right). Overseeing the training is 1st Sgt. Joseph Marino.

17 May, 2010

LATHAM, NY-- Col. Dave Martinez (left) Director of Joint Operations; Brig. Gen. Renwick Payne, Director of Joint Staff for the New York National Guard; and Gen. Godfrey Ngwenya, Chief of the South African Defence Force; are briefed on New York National Guard capabilities and organization during Ngwenya's visit the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters on Monday, May 17. Ngwenya is in the United States for a week visiting American military leaders and facilities. South Africa is paired with New York as part of the National Guard's State Partnership Program in which state National Guards develop bilateral relationships with developing nation's militaries.

13 May, 2010

NEW WINDSOR, NY -New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt Kenneth Tauber, an avionics journeyman with the 105th Maintenance Squadron, introduces students from Washingtonville Middle School to the Air Guard's avionics communication and navigation career field during a Y2Kids event held in the Army 2nd Aviation Detachment hangar located at Stewart International Airport. Y2Kids is an annual hands-on, interactive career exploration activity geared for middle school children.

1 Jun, 2010

GUILDERLAND - Sergeant Ally Andolina, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade finds and plots each given point on a topograpghical map of the Guilderland Rifle Range area on May 15 while conducting squad tatics training.

24 May, 2010

CAMP SMITH -- Specialist Paul Vanbuskirk (center) and Staff Sgt. James Clark, Company E, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion wait to take their turn in the Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer rollover simulator located in the training center building during May drill weekend. The simulator is used to prepare troops to escape from their vehicle under full tactical conditions. Members of the 142nd were at Camp Smith validating their yearly training requirements.

11 May, 2010

BASRAH, Iraq--Soldiers of the New York National Guard's 206th Military Police Company monitor the Iraqi Emergency Response Battalion search and seizure procedures during a training course held at the Basra Operations Center in Basra, Iraq March 15, 2010.

6 May, 2010

HANCOCK FIELD, SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- National Guard Bureau Chief, U.S. Air Force General Craig R. McKinley and The Adjutant General of New York, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Patrick Murphy receive a rundown of the capabilities of the MQ-9 Reaper, Remotely Piloted Aircraft from US Air Force Tech. Sgt. Eric W. Schenck at Hancock Field in Syracuse, NY on May 5, 2010. McKinley and Murphy were getting a tour of the school house responsible for all MQ-9 Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft maintenance training for the US Air Force. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeremy M. Call, 174th Fighter Wing.

5 May, 2010

FORT HAMILTON, N.Y. -- Lt. Col. Kelly F. Hilland, left, Director of Family Programs for Joint Force Headquarters, New York Army National Guard, congratulates Army Sgt. Sarah Johnson for her service at the Fort Hamilton Women's History Month Observance at the post fitness center March 19. Hilland spoke proudly of her driving force that lead to her successful military career. "I was important to me to be a positive example for my peers," she said. "What you think is what you become. If I didn't believe in that quote, I would not have accomplished my goals. I believe in myself that I would fulfill my dreams. Fast-forward to now, I'm proud and glad to say that I have." Hilland, Johnson, the Director of the Fort Hamilton family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation and family member Rebecca Rodriguez, who is an active member of the Fort Hamilton Community Action Committee, were all guest speakers at the observance. Photo by Bruce Hill, Fort Hamilton Public Affairs.

4 May, 2010

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE--Members of the Recruit Sustainment Program from New York City get ready to conduct an urban assault drill during weekend training at Camp Smith over the May 1-2 weekend. About 125 new members of the New York Army National Guard spent their drill practicing pugil stick fighting, rapelling, drill and ceremonies, and basic room-clearing skills armed with Airsoft rifles that resemble M-4 carbines. The RSP program helps new recruits prepare for basic training, said Warrant Officer Douglas Sherman, the program coordinator.

3 May, 2010

Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh--Two members of the 105th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard move a simulated casualty off a C-130 belonging to the 109th Airlift Wing as part of an exercise designed to test the ability of the base to accept wounded personnel and then transfer them to local emergency providers who take them to area hospitals. The exercise Golden Eagle II, tested the National Disaster Medical System.

30 Apr, 2010

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Members of the Jamaica, N.Y. based 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery conduct small arms weapons qualification training here April 24, 2010. The artillery troops fire and qualify with pistols or M16 / M4 automatic rifles.

27 Apr, 2010

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait -- New York Army National Guard Sgt. John Conley, a technician in the 1108th Explosives Ordinance Disposal Team, walks out to a suspicious package in a bomb disposal suit to plant a disposal charge during a controlled detonation exercise here on April 5. The Pleasantville, NY resident was taking part in a demonstration for Brig Gen. Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York, during his trip to visit troops in Kuwait and Iraq. The Soldiers of the 1108th are responsible for responding to unexploded ordnance and bomb threats in the Camp Arifjan area and also providing training to troops coming into the area of operations. The company, based in Scotia, was mobilized last year

23 Apr, 2010

MOUNT MORRIS, N.Y. -- New York Army National Guard Spc. Larry Sloan (left), and Spc. Amber Davis (right), examine a snake Sloan foraged during survival training near the Mount Morris Dam Thursday, April 22. The two Soldiers are crew chiefs with the 249th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) based in Rochester which was conducting survival training at Mount Morris Dam, a facility owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Soldiers taking part in the exercise boiled and ate the snake.

22 Apr, 2010

FORT DIX-- The Soldiers of the 369th Sustainment Brigade's Color Guard render honors to Brig. Gen. Steven Wickstrom during a Brigade Review held during the April 10-11 training weekend here.

20 Apr, 2010

CAMP SMITH--The members of the 107th Security Forces Squadron marksmanship team, who won the combined arms prize at the annual "TAG Match" shooting competition at Camp Smith April 16-18, pose with their trophy. The members of the winning team are, from left, Staff Sgt. Ryan Mang, Staff Sgt. Warren Jones, Tech. Sgt. Daniel Owczarczak and Master Sgt. Edward Stefik…. The 107th Security Forces Squadron is part of the New York Air National Guard's 107th Airlift Wing, based at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

16 Apr, 2010

Verplanck-- New York Naval Militia Senior Chief Petty Officer Frank Rogers replaces the starboard propeller on Patrol Boat 400 while servicing the craft at the Viking Boat Yard here. The New York Naval Militia maintains a fleet of patrol boats which can be crewed when necessary to provide security support to the Coast Guard and local police agencies on New York's waterways.

15 Apr, 2010

WATERVLIET--New York Army National Guard Sgt. Donald Leinfelder explains to Ray Gaston, Watervliet Arsenal support division chief, how a similar armor kit may have saved his life during a 2005 firefight in Iraq. Since 2004 the Arsenal team has produced more than 15,000 gunner protective kits and 6,000 overhead protection kits. The Arsenal has ended production of those kits as the Army switches to new types of armored vehicles.

15 Apr, 2010

ROME-- Tech Sgt. Andrew Preston and Tech Sgt. Christopher Kent, Eastern Air Defense Sector Alpha Flight Weapons Directors, discuss aircraft weapons information just after finishing a simulated mission at the Sector Operations Control Center in Rome, N.Y. Both were named best Scope operators in the Sector following the Top Scope competition that wrapped up April 7.

14 Apr, 2010

FORT Mc COY, Wis.-- Soldiers from the New York Army National Guard's 827th Engineer Company react to contact during an April 1 live fire training exercise at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. The live fire route clearance training was one of the last training missions the Soldiers conducted before departing for Afghanistan on April 8.

13 Apr, 2010

Harlem, NY-- The Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 442nd Military Police Company stand in formation Saturday during their Deployment Ceremony held on Saturday, April 10. The company, commanded by Capt. Tara Dawes, who served in the unit in Iraq as an enlisted Soldier, is due to deploy to Fort Dix New Jersey on April 19 for post-mobilization training. The Soldiers will serve in Iraq.

12 Apr, 2010

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh-- Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood speaks with Brig. Gen. Verle Johnston, the commander of the 105th Airlift Wing, on Friday, April 9, 2010. Mr. La Hood was touring Stewart Airport and visited the new airbase fire station which provides protection to both the Air National Guard Base and the airport, which is operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

8 Apr, 2010

BASRA, Iraq-- Brig. Gen. Pat Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York, shakes the hand of 206th Military Police Company member Spec. Tracy Bryant during a visit to the Basra Logistics Support Area on April 7. Murphy, the commander of the New York National Guard was visiting the 206th and other New York Army National Guard units in Iraq and Kuwait along with Command Sgt. Major Robert Van Pelt, the New York State Sgt. Major has part of the Joint Monthly Access for Reserve Components program which allows both Army Reserve and National Guard leaders to go see their troops deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan.

6 Apr, 2010

MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Fla -- Western New York Tim Horton’s owner Robert Burns (on left) and his son Jared Burns inspect the cockpit of an Air Force KC-135. The two employers along with more than 35 other local employers had the opportunity to tour the KC-135 on a recent ESGR funded trip to the 927th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Fla. as part of a combined New York Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Bosslift for the Employer Suppport of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program by the 107th Airlift Wing and the 914th Airlift Wing at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Base. On March 25 more than 35 Niagara and Erie county bosses boarded one of Team Niagara's C-130 bound for MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Fla. The trip was designed to educate the employers the vital role that Guardsmen and Reservists play in today's military. Team Niagara consists of the New York Air National Guard's 107th Airlift Wing and the Air Force Reserve's 914th Airlift Wing. As a result of the Base Realignment and Closure Committee the two collocated wings are now associated, working together flying and maintaining the same air frames.

2 Apr, 2010

NEW YORK -- New York Army National Guard Maj. Sergio Hidalgo, a native of the Dominican Republic, received a promotion to the rank of lieutenant in the New York City Police Department (NYPD) March 26 at One Police Plaza. Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly acknowledged Hidalgo for his outstanding work with the New York City Police Department. Fellow Army Guard officers from the 369th Sustainment Brigade congratulate Maj. Hidalgo following his promotion to police lieutenant with the NYPD. From left, Majors Daniel Harris, Sergio Hidalgo, Miguel Castillo and James Gonyo from the 369th Sustainment Brigade.

19 Apr, 2010

LATHAM - Sergeants Ceth Morocco (left) and Daniel Dukin, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), knock-out as many elevated pushups as they can on the drill shed floor during a rigorous physical training workout Sunday morning, April 11. CAB Soldiers conducted "round-robin" station training where pairs of Soldiers perform a timed event , jump up and run around in a circle of chairs until they advance through all ten stations

30 Mar, 2010

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- New York Army National Guard Chaplain Candidate 1st Lt. Mark Getman delivers a sermon during Jewish Services March 28. Getman, from Lawrence, N.Y., is training to serve as the chaplain for the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery. With Getman at the military training course is Chaplain Candidate 1st Lt. Raziel Amar, from Brooklyn, N.Y. and assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation. The training program at Fort Jackson includes instruction for potential military chaplains to perform ramp services for fallen troops, field religious services and Soldier Counseling. Other training included Casualty Notification Duty, Grief Counseling, Religious Support for Mass Casualties & Battlefield Wounded.

14 Apr, 2010

LATHAM - Lieutenant Colonel Mark Slusar (left) transfers the 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Battalion's colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Jorge Vasquez, the incoming Command Sergeant Major for the 142nd in a change of command ceremony on Sunday morning, April 11 on the drill shed floor in Latham. Vasquez replaced the long-time battalion Command Sergeant Major Christopher Imbarrato, who deployed with the 142nd in 2008-09.

29 Mar, 2010

LATHAM- Spec. Wiliam Hoch, a member of the 105th MP Co. was picked as the New York Army National Guard's Soldier of the Year, Sunday, March 28 following a weekend of competition and boards conducted at Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters. Hoch, a student at Medialle College in Buffalo, was picked as the best junior enlisted Soldier in the 10,600-member New York Army National Guard. Staff Sgt. Joshua Todd, an instructor with the 106th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) was the Traditional NCO of the Year, while Sgt. Sean Cronin, a unit administrator with the 204th Engineer Battalion was the AGR NCO of the Year.

29 Mar, 2010

BUFFALO-- Major Henry Pettit accepts the colors of the New York Army National Guard's 2nd Squadron 101st Cavalry from Col. Geoff Slack, the commander of the 27th Brigade Combat Team during Change of Command ceremonies at the Masten Avenue Armory here on Saturday, March 27. Pettit replaces Lt. Col. Dave Dunkle, who took the unit to Afghanistan in 2008.

26 Mar, 2010

RONKONOMA--Chief Warrant Officer Herbert Dargue, an Army pilot since 1967, gets doused with Champaign after completing his last mission with the New York Army National Guard on March 26, 2010. Dargue, who has more than 21,000 hours flight time in military and civilian helicopters, will be honored by his unit. Dargue is an expert at flying in New York City's congested airspace.

26 Mar, 2010

COPIAGUE, LONG ISLAND, N.Y. -- Members of the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing Color Guard appeared with Army Honor Guard Soldiers at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Copiague, N.Y. March 25 for the National Medal of Honor Day ceremony. The event honored members of the military who were awarded the Medal of Honor for their service and focused more specifically on Medal of Honor recipients from the State of New York. The event was organized by Moe Fletcher and included guest speakers Jim McDonough, Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Richardson, USAF (ret), Air Force Cross Recipient, and Dan and Maureen Murphy, the Gold Star Parents of Lt. Michael Murphy, a Medal of Honor recipient. Photo by Staff Sgt. David J. Murphy, 106th Rescue Wing.

24 Mar, 2010

CAMP BLANDING, FLA-- New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Onix Lugo, a member of Target Acquisition Platoon Sergeant for Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery Regiment, holds an IV bag for a simulated casualty during his unit's mass casualty exercise at Camp Blanding, Florida, March 13.

10 Apr, 2010

LATHAM - The 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade participated in a Medical Readiness Weekend on Friday, April 9 at the brigade headquarter's here in Latham. Specialist Robert Nowatchik (seated) watches anxiously as Sgt. Michaelangleo Calvarido of MEDCOM prepares to draw blood for lab work as part of a comprehensive medical review that included eye and dental exams.

22 Mar, 2010

NEW YORK -- Gary Sinise, at right, and Jeff Vezain perform with the Lt. Dan Band at the New York Army National Guard’s armory on Lexington Avenue March 18 in tribute to the Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry. Sinise, an acclaimed actor who stars in the CBS hit television series CSI:NY has won both Emmy and Golden Globe awards and was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as Lt. Dan Taylor in the mega hit movie Forest Gump. He teamed up with Vietnam veteran Kimo Williams to form the Lt. Dan Band in 2004 and has entertained tens of thousands of U.S. military personnel all over the world. Proceeds from the event will benefit the SSG Chistian P. Engeldrum Memorial Scholarship Fund. Chris Engeldrum was a NY City Firefighter assigned to Ladder Company 61 in the Bronx, responded to the terror attacks on September 11, 2001 and went on to serve with the “Fighting 69th” in Iraq. Engledrum was killed in action on November 24, 2004.

22 Mar, 2010

New York-- Led by Lt. Col. John Andonie, the battalion commander, the Soldiers of the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry head up Fifth Avenue during the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City on Wednesday March 17. . The 69th Infantry has led the NYC parade for the past 159 years in honor of its Irish origins and heritage. Photo by Sgt. Errol Cadet.

24 Mar, 2010

STATEN ISLAND--New York Naval Militia Petty Officer Kurt Schneider tracks the distance between the pier and Patrol Boat 440 during a training exercise at Stapleton Navy Pier here on March 23. Petty Officer Ken Stefandel was manuevering the high-tech watercraft during coxswain qualification training. Petty Officer Kurt Schneider, NYNM (right) assists with reporting the distance to the pier.

18 Mar, 2010

NEW YORK - Members of the Irish Defense Forces 58th Reserve Infantry Battalion render honors as Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment pass outside Saint Patrick's Cathedral following the mass of Saint Patrick in New York City March 17. The 69th Infantry, famous for its part of the Civil War's Irish Brigade, has long historic ties to its Irish heritage. The 69th Infantry has led the city's Saint Patrick's Day parade up 5th Avenue for the past 159 years.

15 Mar, 2010

LATHAM - It was time to drop the gloves at drill on Saturday, Mar 13 at the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) headquarters in Latham during a block of instruction in combatative training. Specialist Amelia Dingman (left), a member of the CAB and certified assistant instructor in combatatives, monitors Specialists Christina Sammons and Stephanie Saunders as they practice a move where the defender on the bottom can control the attacker by drawing her closer to minimize movement.

16 Mar, 2010

NEW YORK--The family of Spc. Wilfredo Urbina, a member of Company A, 1st Battalion 69th Infantry, views a portait of the Soldier, who was killed in Iraq, during a special Portrait Presentation Ceremony at the Lexington Avenue Armory in Manhattan on March 15th. Artist Phil Taylor from the American Fallen Soldier Project devoted more than 80 hours to the painting of Urbina who was killed in November 2004. From the left is niece Sydney Urbina, sister Jeanin, Mother Jeanette and father Agusta. The honor guard Soldier is Pfc. George Dominguez from the Bronx, assigned to Co A, 1st Battalion 69th Inf.

14 Mar, 2010

CAMP BLANDING, Fla-- Artillerymen from the New York Army National Guard's A Battery, 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery Gun Three team fires a high-explosive round from their M119A2 howitzer during the unit's gun crew qualification March 12 on Camp Blanding, Florida. The Battalion is conducting Annual Training at the facility through March 20.

12 Mar, 2010

LATHAM, NY-New York Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer Mark Bowden greats his children after returning from deployment to Afghanistan on Friday, March 12. Bowden and nine other New York Army National Guard aviators flew missions designed to spot insurgents laying improvised explosive devices during their deployment.

11 Mar, 2010

NEW YORK -- New York Army National Guard Soldiers from Joint Task Force Empire Shield conduct Subway Evacuation Training at the MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority) Training facility in Brooklyn March 4. The training facility on Coney Island provides first responders and now National Guard personnel familiarity with emergency procedures and response for assisting the MTA. Soldiers don protective masks as smoke fills the subway car, replicating fire. Photo by 1LT Mark H Getman, 1-258th Field Artillery.

10 Mar, 2010

CAMP BLANDING, FLA--Capt. Thomas Woods, fire direction officer for the New York Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery Regiment, plots a point on a map prior to briefing with the battalion commander March 9 here. The battalion's staff officers were learning "MDMP" -- the Military Decision-Making Process -- which is shorthand for an organization and planning system meant to help leaders develop their operations plans efficiently. "MDMP is where the science of leading meets the art of leading," said Maj. Peter Mehling, the 1/258's executive officer. "It's the means by which you take a higher-headquarters mission and break it down into clear, understandable guidance for your subordinate units."

9 Mar, 2010

CAMP BLANDING, FLA--New York Army National Guard Spc. Latrell Sellers, of Beacon (left), demonstrates a step in replacing the breech of an M119A2 howitzer as (from left) Pfc. Matthew Olivari of Newpaltz, Sgt. James Reynoso of Brooklyn and Pvt. Ali Hedhili of Amenia watch. The artillerymen are members of the New York Army National Guard's Battery A, 1st Batallion, 258th Field Artillery Regiment, which deployed to Camp Blanding, Fla., for annual training.

8 Mar, 2010

HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Syracuse-- Col. Kevin Bradley, commander of the New York Air National Guard's 174th Fighter Wing Commander taxi's past Airmen, their friends and family members as 174th F-16s take off from the base for the last time on Saturday, March 6. Bradley's F-16, and another plane, left the base during a ceremony marking the end of a 63-year old tradition of manned fighters at the 174th, and then landed at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield at Fort Drum after touring the state. The planes will be flown to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base from there. The 174th Fighter Wing now operates the remotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper.

7 Mar, 2010

TROY, N.Y. -- Retired National Guard Maj. Gen. Gus L. Hargett, Jr. addresses members of the New York Army National Guard on behalf of the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) at the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters in Troy, N.Y. March 6. Hargett, the former Adjutant General for the state of Tennesee, has been a lifelong member of NGAUS and now serves as president of the organization that lobbies on behalf of the Army and Air National Guard to ensure elected leaders provide for the members of the National Guard and the readiness of the force. “We are the oldest lobbying organization in our nation’s capital,” Hargett told the troops, “since 1878 working to make equipment, resources and benefits available to our National Guard.”

5 Mar, 2010

HORSEHEADS-- Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 827th Engineer company stand at attention on Feb. 21, as the 89th New York Guard Band performs the National Anthem. The band performed at the 827th's deployment ceremony held at the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center in Big Flats, NY. Staff Sgt. Theodore Albright, Master Sgt. Jeffrey Mancuso and Staff Sgt. Norma Billings of Headquarters Co., 204th Engineer Battalion, stand at attention as NY Guard Sgt. Joseph Baldanza, Spec. Marianne Zic and the 89th NY Guard Band play with Capt Douglas Hedwig conducting. The 827th Engineer Company specializes in building and repairing roads, and are mobilizing for deployment to Afghanistan. The 89th NY Guard Band performs at military ceremonies throughout the state, and has been called upon to augment the NY National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division Band. The New York Guard is a state-only volunteer force which assists and augments the New York National Guard.

3 Mar, 2010

HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Syracuse-- New York Air National Guard Lt. Col. D. Scott Brenton is doused with Champaign by his daughter and Col. Kevin Bradley, the commander of the 174th Fighter Wing, following Brenton's final flight in an F-16C on Tuesday March 2. Brenton is among the select group of pilots who have flown more than 4,000 hours in the F-16. The 174th, which has flown fighters at Hancock field for 63 years will say goodbye to their last two F-16s during a special ceremony on March 6.

21 Feb, 2010

LATHAM -- Six aviation Soldiers and two 42nd Infantry Division Soldiers competed for top honors to be selected as the 2010 Soldier of the Year, the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year and the Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) Soldier of the Year at the brigade level, Feb. 20 at the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigades headquarters in Latham. This years selectees were Spc. David Murray, Soldier of the Year, Sgt. Lance Allen, NCO of the Year and Staff Sgt. Leanne Delaney, AGR Soldier of the Year. Following the brigade level of competition, the selected Soldiers will advance and compete at the New York State level at Camp Smith next month. Front row from left are: Spc. Raya Clement, 42nd Special Troops Bn, Spc. Stephanie Saunders, 42nd Combat Avn. Bde., Sgt. Lance Allen, 142nd Assault Helicopter Bn. and Staff Sgt. Leanne Delaney, 42nd Special Troops Bn. Back row from left are: Staff Sgt. Eric Swartzenberg, 642nd Avn. Support Bn., Spc. David Murray, 142nd Assault Helicopter Bn., Staff Sgt. David Dargan, 42nd Combat Avn. Bde., and Spc. Russell Duquette, 642nd Avn. Support Bn.

26 Feb, 2010

LATHAM-- New members of the New York Miltary Forces Honor Guard prepare for dress blues inspections during training held the week of Feb. 22-Feb. 26 at Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters. The Honor Guard provides funeral honors for all Army veterans entitled to them. All members of the Honor Guard go through training to help them execute their duties.

25 Feb, 2010

BASRA, Iraq--New York Army National Guard Soldiers of the 206th MP Company, posted in Basra, examine a map during a recent training exercise on quick reaction force missions. As American military forces in Iraq draw-down, Soldiers are learning to do new missions. The company's 3rd Squad, 2nd Platoon recently cross-trained on the QRF mission with 3rd Squad, 2rd Platoon, led by Staff Sgt. Anthony Boodoo. The day's training also included escorting a British convoy.

23 Feb, 2010

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION-- New York Army National Guard Soldiers from 2nd Squadron 101st Cavalry, headquartered in Buffalo, board a C-130 operated by the New York Air National Guard's 107th Airlift Wing on Thursday, Feb. 18. The Army Guard members were heading for a long-weekend drill at Fort Picket, Virginia. The 107the transported 350 members of the New York Army National Guard to Picket for training there.

23 Feb, 2010

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR HICKAM, Hawaii -- As part of Operation Deep Freeze, Airmen at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, held a retreat ceremony Feb. 16 after the last LC-130 Hercules belonging to the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing left the continent. The 2009-2010 season of Deep Freeze, the Department of Defense's logistical support to the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctic Program in Antarctica, is wrapping up as personnel re-deploy from Antarctica and New Zealand. In this file photo from 2007, a maintenance crew conducts a post-flight check of an LC-130 Hercules on the ice runway near McMurdo Station, Antarctica, during Operation Deep Freeze. Ski-equipped LC-130s, crews and support personnel from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing from Scotia, N.Y., supported the 13th Air Force-led Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica, Operation Deep Freeze. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo (RELEASED)

22 Feb, 2010

HORSEHEADS--Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 827th Engineer Company, NYARNG, load a chartered jet at the Elmira-Corning Regional Airport in Horseheads, NY, February 21, 2010, heading to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, for additional training before heading off for a 10 month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

19 Feb, 2010

WALTON - New York Army National Guard Sgt. Randelle Mcumber and her boyfriend Matthew Kiesow take some time together during the mobilization ceremony for members of the 827th Engineer Company held at the State Armory here on Thursday, Feb. 18. Mcumber, a logistic's specialist assigned to the company's Detachment 1, said she is "is anxious to go" . "The sooner we go and do this, the sooner we come home," she said. "I think it will be a good experience." The Soldiers reported to the company's main armory in Horseheads following the Thursday ceremony. The company will deploy from the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center at the Elmira Airport to Fort McCoy Wisconsin on Sunday, Feb. 21.

21 Feb, 2010

HORSEHEADS-- Several hundred family members and friends gathered at the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center here Sunday, Feb. 21, to say goodbye to members of the 827th Engineer Company has they departed for post-mobilization training at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. The Soldiers are slated to deploy to Afghanistan following their train-up.

11 Feb, 2010

MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.--Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Obrochta 107th Airlift Wing C-130 load master, ensures that a pallet of water bottles destined for delivery to Haiti are secure during a relief mission executed on Monday, Feb. 8. The New York Air National Guard crew delivered 18,270 water bottles to Haiti during this mission. "Everything needs to be secured for flight." said Obrochta. "If it is not bolted down, it gets strapped down" he added. The 107th has provided crews along with aircraft for the transportation of supplies into and evacuees out of Haiti since four days after the earthquake hit.

18 Feb, 2010

BUFFALO--Capt. Jeffery Miles, commander of the New York Army National Guard's 827th Engineer Co. shares a moment with his daughter Oliva and wife Heather, during a mobilization ceremony for the Soldiers heading to Afghanistan with the company on Thursday, Feb. 18 at the Conneticut Street Armory here. Eighty Soldiers from the Buffalo-based 152nd Engineer Support Company are mobilizing to deploy with the 827th, based in Horseheads. About 300 people turned out for the event. This will be the second overseas deployment for about 25 percent of the unit. The unit is comprised of various tradesmen, college students, public and private employees from the region. The unit's primary mission for Operation Enduring Freedom will be to build roads in the rugged and undeveloped regions of Eastern Afghanistan. Miles praised his soldiers hard work in preparing the mission as well as their performance during past state emergencies in the region including the floods which struck Western New York last August.

11 Feb, 2010

New York Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class David Peeler from the 101st Signal Battalion assists Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) Police Officer Bailey in Penn Rail Station checking passenger tickets in waiting area Feb. 4 during Operation Empire Guardian Multiple agency security surge (MASS) operations. Peeler serves with the New York National Guard's Joint Task Force Empire Shield, the homeland security effort to assist New York City law enforcement. Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Getman, 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery.

9 Feb, 2010

UTICA--Capt. Rick Redmond and Sgt. 1st Class Robert Marshall, the commander and acting First Sgt. Of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion 108th Infanty join the captains of the Lebanon Valley College Dutchmen, Anthony Longo (left) and Utica College Pioneers, Aaron Jeffrey, in dropping the puck to open their game Saturday, Feb. 6 in Utica. The event was part of Military Appreciation Night at the Utica Auditorium. Members of the unit along with Recruit Sustainment Program soldiers stood in formation on the ice during the singing of the National Anthem

8 Feb, 2010

PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti--While on a Haiti relief mission picking up critically injured Haitians, aircrew from the 107th AW had the honor of meeting former President Bill Clinton. (From left to right) Staff Sgt. Brian Waite, 107th C-130 flight engineer, 1st Lt. Joe Neglia, 107th C-130 pilot, President Bill Clinton and Maj. Greg Miller, 107th C-130 pilot.

3 Feb, 2010

LATHAM--Brigadier General Patrick Murphy meets the press Wednesday afternoon at Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters folloing the announcement by New York Gov. David Paterson that he had been selected to replace Major General Joseph Taluto as Adjutant General of New York. “Brigadier General Murphy is an outstanding officer who brings with him a wealth of experience integrating the National Guard and active military components into State emergency and security planning, homeland defense, and anti-terrorism activities,” Governor Paterson said. “He has played a critical role in the New York National Guard’s response to flooding in Western New York, providing emergency aid to other states, and refocusing the National Guard’s Joint Task Force Empire Shield into a more capable security force in New York City.” Brigadier General Murphy, a 32-year veteran of the Army National Guard, is currently serving as the New York National Guard’s Director of Joint Staff and Assistant Adjutant General, responsible for the National Guard’s State emergency and homeland security operations.

30 Jan, 2010

NEW YORK-- New York Army National Guard Major Tanya Pennella greats her daughter Angelina Pennella after returning from 10 months service in Iraq with the 53rd Army Liaison Team. Pennella and other members of the small, specialist unit, returned to their headquarters at the Park Avenue Armory in Manhattan on Saturday, Jan. 30. The members of the 53rd provided specialists to man both U.S. and Iraqi headquarters in Baghdad and also provided members of the U.S. commanders personal security detachment.

30 Jan, 2010

NEW YORK--Lt. Col. Norman Easy, a member of the New York Army National Guard's 53rd Army Liaison Team, speaks with a reporter from Channel 2 after returning the unit's headquarters at the Park Avenue Armory on Saturday, Jan. 30, after spending most of 2009 serving in Iraq. 30. The 53rd a small specialized unit, provided a personal security detachment for the commander of multi-national troops in Iraq and also provided specialist officers to work in both U.S. and Iraqi headquarters in Baghdad.

28 Jan, 2010

JOINT FORCES HEADQUARTERS, Latham--Major General Joseph Taluto, the Adjutant General, speaks to members of the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs staff on Thursday, Jan. 28, as he announces his plans to retire after a 44-year career in the New York Army National Guard. Taluto enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1965. During his career he commanded at various levels, including command of the 42nd Infantry Division in Iraq in 2005. He has been adjutant general of New York for the last four years.

26 Jan, 2010

ROME, NY--Command Chief Master Sgt. W. Allen Usry, command senior enlisted leader for NORAD (the North American Aerospace Command) and U.S. Northern Command, and Senior Airman Heather Price, anEastern Air Defense Sector Tracking Technician and the EADS Airman of the Year for 2009, cut the cake during the unit's Annual Awards Banquet Jan. 15. The award winners will now compete at the unit's higher headquarters, First Air Force as well as at the state level

26 Jan, 2010

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. - Representative Maurice Hinchey outlines plans to construct a solar energy complex at Stewart ANGB during a press conference held at the base on Monday, Jan. 25. The federal governnment will spend $4 million to construct a solar array that will up to three quarters of a megawatt of electricity, satisfying half of the bases power needs. The array will occupy four to six acresat the site. U.S. Rep Maurice Hinchey detailed the future solar energy complex being built here later this year. The project is the largest solar initiative in the Hudson Valley and will assist toward meeting the Air Force�s goal of all bases using 25% renewable resources by the 2025.

25 Jan, 2010

TUXEDO, NY--Barbara Allen and her sons Trevor, Collin, Sean and Jeremy, pose with a picture of her husband, 1st Lt. Lou Allen, who was killed in Tikrit, Iraq in June 2005, during a ceremony honoring Allen and his family held on Friday, Jan. 22 at George F. Baker High School, where Allen taught. Allen, who was assigned to the 42nd Infantry Division, was killed in a non-combat incident. His portrait was painted by Phil Taylor of the American Fallen Soldiers Project who honors Soldiers by painting their portraits for their families.

22 Jan, 2010

NIAGRA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION--Members from the New York Air National Guard's 107th Airlift Wing,and members from the 914th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve talk to the local media upon arriving home after completing aid missions into and out of Haiti. (from left to right) Staff Sgt. Brian Waite, 107th C-130 flight engineer, Capt. Justin Pautler, 107th C-130 pilot, Capt. Richard Konopczynsky, 914th C-130 pilot and Tech Sgt. Rick Ackley, 914thC-130 flight engineer.

20 Jan, 2010

GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA -- Airmen from the New York Air National Guard's 106th Civil Engineering Squadron (CES), 106th Rescqu Wing out of Long Island, N.Y., disembark from a plane at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Jan. 16, 2010. The 106th CES is here for a two-week deployment for training and will provide engineering and logistical assets to the naval station in support of Operation Unified Response, providing humanitarian assistance to Haiti. The Airmen arrived on a flight from their sister wing, the New York Air National Guard's 107th Airlift Wing from Niagara Falls. JTF Guantanamo photo by Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Nistas.

15 Jan, 2010

LATHAM - Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, prepare to do some cold weather weapons familiarization at nearby Guilderland rifle range by using the 'Beam-Hit' system set up on the drill shed floor. The system simulates a timed target acquisition with small pop-up targets that register a hit when the beam strikes the bulls-eye.

16 Jan, 2010

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh-- Airmen from the 105th Airlift Wing's Logistic Squadron load cargo belonging to New York Task Force 1, New York City's FEMA-sponsored urban search and rescue team on board a C-17 bound for Haiti early Saturday morning, Jan. 16. Two C-17s from the 21st Airlift Squadron at Travis Air Force Base, California, picked up the 80-person team and transported them to Haiti. The 105th Airlift Wing stored the teams' equipment while they waited for transportation to participate in the earthquake relief effort.

15 Jan, 2010

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh-- Members of New York Task Force 1, the New York City Urban Search and Rescue Team, roll through the gates of Stewart Air National Guard Base on Thursday, Jan. 14, to prepare for a possible deployment to Haiti. The team brought their equipment and personnel to the base, 70 miles north of New York City, to wait for pickup. Members of the 105th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard secured their gear and stand prepared to assist in helping them depart for Haiti when an aircraft is available.

13 Jan, 2010

NEW YORK -- Brigadier General Michael Swezey, Commander of the New York Army National Guard's 53rd Troop Command speaks to members of the 27th Financial Management Company during their Freedom Salute Ceremony on Sunday, Jan. 10. The unit, based at the Whitestone Armory, spent 10 months in Kuwait supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

11 Jan, 2010

LAKE PLACID, NY--The National Guard # 88 sled tears down the track at the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex driven by race car driver Melanie Troxel, with New York Army National Guard Spec. Matthew Powers serving as brakeman. The two were participating in the 5th Annual Lucas Oil Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge Presented by Whelen Engineering on Jan. 10. The event raises money for the U.S. Olympic Bobsled Team. Twenty Soldiers from Company B, 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry participated in the race with NASCAR and National Hot Rod Association drivers. (Photo by A1C Ben German, 109th Airlift Wing)

9 Jan, 2010

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo -- New York Army National Guard Capt. Elizabeth Ramsey, of New York City, leads a discussion during a mock trial held as part of the Fundamentals of Criminal Law college class she teaches at the Laura Bush Education Center. Ramsey, a logistics officer in the 369th Sustainment Brigade and a public defender in Elizabeth, N.J., has deployed to Kosovo for a year as part of Mulit-National Task Force East.

5 Jan, 2010

LAKE PLACID, NY--A New York Army Natgional Guard Soldier from the 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry keeps his head down while serving as brakeman on a sled speeds down the Mount Van Hoevenberg bobsled track during the Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge in 2009. The weekend of Jan. 9-10 20 members of Company B 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry, based in Morrisonville, will participate in the 2010 edition of the race.

10 Jan, 2010

LATHAM -- Sergeant First Class Robert Ravert, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade gets some time behind the wheel of a Humvee for familiarization training using night vision goggles to maneuver around the State National Guard Headquarters parking lots after hours on Jan. 8.

7 Jan, 2010

BUFFALO--New York Air National Guard Col. Timothy Vaughan, Commander of the 107th Mission Support Group of the 107th Airlift Wing,(left) joins University of Buffalo Executive Vice President James A. Willis in honoring President Millard Fimore on Thursday, Jan. 7, the 210th anniversary of his birth. Col. Vaughan laid a wreath from the White House on Fillmore's grave marker at Forest Lawn Cemetery. The New York National Guard and other military services assist the White House in laying wreaths to commemorate New York presidents. In the Albany area the Guard lays wreaths at the graves of Presidents Chester Arthur and Martin Van Buren. Fillmore, who died in 1874, was president from 1850 to 1853 and was the last member of the Wig Party to serve as president. He was founder of the University of Buffalo.