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United States Military Academy, West Point -- New York Guard Staff Sgt.Louis Amigroni stands in formation with four other Honor Guard members during the presentation of a POW/MIA missing man ceremony at the New York Guard and Naval Militia's Holiday Gala here Dec. 5.
During the honorary formation, the five cover bearers furnished the head gear of the United States Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, representing men from each branch who were not in attendance.
The Gala is an annual event held to promote camaraderie and fellowship among the state's service members from the NY Guard, the NY Naval Militia, Division of Military and Naval Affairs, and the Office of Homeland Security, during the holiday season.28 Dec, 2009
STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE - Tech. Sgt. Michael O'Halloran, public affairs manager for the 105th Air Wing, gets in the holiday mood Christmas Eve as he gives blood here Dec. 24. The drive was able to collect approximately 106 pints of blood that will be put to good use by the N.Y. Blood Center.23 Dec, 2009
SYRACUSE--New York Air National Guard Master Sgt. Donna M. Giambalvo packs a box at the Oncenter Complex in Syracuse, NY on 22 Dec. 2009. Giambalvo was volunteering at the Annual Salvation Army Food and Gift drive supplying needy families with gifts for their children and food for their Holiday meal.20 Dec, 2009
CAMP SMITH--(Left to Right) New York Guard soldiers and siblings Capt. Lubamyr Shchur, HQ, Capt. Scarpelli-Havraniak, 244th Medical Clinic, and Sgt. Maj. Taras Szczur, HQ enlist their nephew, 17 year old Michael Schur of Tarrytown, New York into the New York Guard at Camp Smith, NY on Saturday, December 19th.
Standing by Private Schur are (left to right) his sister Nina, father Steven, mother Sonya, uncle Michael Havraniak, (front row left to right)brother Mark, grandmother Emily, and Sgt. Maj. Szczur's fiancee Yvanna Iannelli.
Sgt. Maj. Szczur, a former United States Marine Corps sergeant, has served in the NY Guard since 2001. He recruited his brother Lubamyr and sister Sophia into the service, and now his nephew Michael. Newly enlisted NY Guard Private Michael Schur is active in community affairs, having made two trips to Mexico and one to Haiti with his church group to aid the poor of those nations. He is also active with the Boy Scouts of America. Michael plans on applying to the United States Military Academy at West Point.28 Dec, 2009
NEW YORK CITY--New York Army National Guard Soldiers (from left) Sgt. Edgar Rosales, Sgt. Benedict Taylor, and Sgt. Michael Decaprio monitor traffic at a New York City subway station on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. The three Soldiers, all from New York City, are part of the New York National Guard's Joint Task Force Empire Shield, which provides a full-time security presence in New York City. The 200+ Soldier and Airman task force operates at the direction of New York Governor David Paterson and augments police and other civilian security services in the metropolitan area. Rosales is a member of the 1569th Transportation Co., Taylor belongs to the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion, and Decaprio is a member of the 727th Law and Order Detachment New York has had National Guard members on duty full-time since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.22 Dec, 2009
ROME, NY--New York Air National Guard Staff Sgts. Karen Hurley and Corey Reynolds, both members of the Eastern Air Defense Sector's Alpha flight, take a peek at Santa's progress around the world from the North Pole.
The air defense controllers at EADS track Santa Claus over the eastern U.S. during his Christmas Eve journey across the nation as a component of the North American Aerospace Defense Command. EADS personnel will work diligently through the night on Christmas Eve to maintain ongoing contact with Santa as he continues his travels across the states.
To track Santa Claus around the world go to this web address to follow along: http://www.noradsanta.org/.25 Dec, 2009
QUEENSBURY, NY (12/24/2009)-- Led by New York Army National Guard Soldiers Pfc. Matthew Jones (left) an Albany resident, and Pfc. Seth Wieland, who lives in South Glens Falls; almost 100 New York Army National Guard Soldiers and Civilian set out on a 3.8 mile hike that began and ended at the Queensbury Readiness Center on the morning of Christmas Eve.
This is the sixth time that area Soldiers, veterans, and military families have met to conduct a Road March in support of Soldiers deployed away from their homes during Christmas.
The tradition began in 2004 when Soldiers of Company C, 2nd Battalion 108th infantry, who had been assigned to the Glens Falls Armory , were serving in Iraq over Christmas. Sgt. 1st Class Arthur Coons, the local recruiter organized a road march, the military term for a hike, to remember the Soldiers who were not at home and instead overseas. Since then the march has continued.
"We want them to know we are keeping them and their service in mind this season. We wanted to take some time out to remember them and what they are doing for our nation far from home and seperated from those who love them," Coon said.
New York State Sen. Elizabeth Little, who represent the region, was one of those attending this years march ,which was also covered by local television stations and newspapers.
The Guard members came from the 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry, the 466th Area Medical Company, and the 1427th Medium Truck Company, the 3rd Battalion 142nd Aviation, and the 206th Military Police Company.6 Dec, 2009
LATHAM -- Mackenzie Hammond (3) of Altamont N.Y., sits on Santa's lap played by Army Sgt. 1st Class Bob Stockwell from Colonie, N.Y. Stockwell is a member of Joint Forces Headquarters (JFHQ).
Mackenzie and her mother Sgt. Amberlee Hammond of Headquarters Detatchment attended the annual JFHQ christmas party on Dec. 6 at the New York National Guard State Headquarters.21 Dec, 2009
Santa Claus visits Soldiers and Families at the New York Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery Regiment holiday celebration Dec 13, arriving on a humvee tactical vehicle to bring holiday wishes and gifts for Soldiers' children at the unit headquarters in Jamaica, N.Y. Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Getman.21 Dec, 2009
New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Mike Hoblin (center right), commander of the 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery, congratulates Sgt. 1st Class Raymond Morales from Battery B as part of the battalion's presentation of this year's Ancient Order of Saint Barbara Dec 1.
In the foreground is Staff Sgt. Carlos Morel from Battery A and in the background Capt. Marc Lindemann from Battery B. All three received their honorary award on behalf of the U.S. Army Field Artillery Association.
The Ancient Order recognizes those Soldiers of the artillery community for conspicious service over careers that embodied the sense of commitment of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of the field artillery community.10 Dec, 2009
BUFFALO--Citizen Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard and Army Reserve march through Buffalo on Saturday, Dec. 5 as they collect food for the Western New York Food Bank. They were joined by "Hondo" a member of the Legacy Veterans Motorcycle Club and a Vietnam veteran. The Soldiers collected 2000 pounds of food during their 10-mile Roadmarch.4 Dec, 2009
Ballston Spa-- Volunteers from Joint Forces Headquarters spent Thursday morning, Dec. 3, helping to load Christmas trees at Ellms Tree Farm here that were being donated to troops at Fort Benning under the Trees for Troops Program.
Taking a break afterr loading 100 trees are (from left) Lt. Col. Paul Fanning, Mr. Chip Ellms of Ellms Christmas Trees, Lt. Col. Art Zegers, Lt. Col. Paul Sausville and SFC (ret) Joel Powzyk.18 Dec, 2009
HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE-- New York Air National Guard Lt. Col. Mike displays the MQ-9 Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft control for local media at Hancock Field in Syracuse, NY on 17 Dec. 2009. The media were invited to observe MQ-9 operations at the 174th Fighter Wing.15 Dec, 2009
STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y.-- Jason Pohl, Orange County Choppers (at left) talks about design elements on a bike made for Gladiator to Eric Bauchet, gladiator brand director, Paul John Teutul Sr., and 105th Airlift Wing Staff Sgt. Jonathan Ramos, and members of the wing's Security Force during the videotaping ofscenes for a future episode of O.C.C. in which Paul Sr. donates a Gladiator Garage makeover to Ramos, a New York Air National Guardsman, and in return O.C.C. builds a custom chopper for the Gladiator Company. The episode airs January 21, 2010.14 Dec, 2009
HORSEHEADS--Soldiers of the 827th Engineer Company and family members attend the New York Army National Guard's Yellow Ribbon pre-mobilization briefing December 12, 2009 at the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center in Horseheads, NY.
The Horseheads event was one of three pre-mobilization briefings conducted for the Soldiers and families who will be mobilizing with the 827th to deploy to Afghanistn in 2010. Other briefings were conducted in Buffalo and Oneonta14 Dec, 2009
LATHAM-- Major General Joseph Taluto, the Adjutant General of New York and the oldest Soldier in Joint Forces Headquarters--New York, joins Pvt. 1st Class Joshua Loiselle, age 19, the younger Soldier, in cutting the cake marking the 373rd Birthday of the National Guard on Dec. 13.
Loiselle, of Watervliet, drills with the 42nd Special Troops Battalion, and currently works in the headquarters on special duty.
On Dec. 13 1636 the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colonie passed a law organizing the colonial militia into regiments. This is considered to be the start of organized militias in the United States which evolved into the modern National Guard.13 Dec, 2009
CAMP CHITOSE, HOKKAIDO, JAPAN -- New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Steven Wickstrom (left) and division Soldier Pfc. Callie Haynes cut a cake to celebrate the 373rd Birthday of the National Guard during Yama Sakura 57 bilateral command post training exercise with members of the Japan Ground Self Defense Forces. The 42nd Infantry Division command and staff have been taking part in the exercise along with other U.S. military units and the Japanese Northern Army. The Northern Army command staff (background, left) and Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, Commanding General USARPAC (background, right) watch the ceremony. Photo by Staff Sgt. Raymond Drumsta, 138th Public Affairs Detachment.7 Dec, 2009
Tarrytown, NY-- New York Governor David Paterson (right) "coins" New York Army National Guard 1st Lt. Tara Dawe, on Saturday Dec. 5, during a visit to her company's Yellow Ribbon pre-mobilizatiopn meeting here. Major General Joseph Taluto, the Adjutant General of New York, looks on.
Dawe, the commander of the New York Army National Guards 442nd Military Police Company deployed with the unit to Iraq in 2003-2004 as an enlisted Soldier. Dawe, who joined the Army in 1994, will lead the company back to Iraq in 2010.10 Dec, 2009
CAMP CHITOSE, JAPAN-- 42nd Division Command Sgt. Major Robert Jenks of Millerton (left) congratulates division Soldier Sgt. Holly Lindstrom, of Buffalo, after giving her a sergeant major's coin torecognize her efforts during Yama Sakura 57,an annual, bilateral command post exercise that simulates Japanese-United States military operations required to defend Japan now underway.
Lindstrom is working in the division planning section and runs the Common Operating Picture, a computer system which gives the commanding general and command staff a real-time picture of the battlefield.
Jenks said Lindstrom is working in a job that is above and beyond her pay grade. 10 Dec, 2009
New York, NY--General Raymond Odierno, the commander of Multi-National Forces- Iraq congratulates New York Army National Guard 1st Sgt. James Meltz following Meltz's receipt of George Van Cleave Military Leadership Award from the USO of Metropolitan New York, at the organizations annual dinner in Manhattan on Dec. 9.
Meltz, a New York State Trooper in civilian life, was serving as 1st Sgt. of D Company 108th Infantry in Afghanistan in 2008 when he was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor after rescuing Soldiers from a damaged humvee and then joining the company commander in leading the company in repelling a Taliban ambush.
This is the second year in a row in which the New York Army National Guard has represented the Army in receiving the prestigious award, which is presented to one member of each armed service annually.
In 2008 the award when to 1st Sgt. Troy Steward of Buffalo, a member of 2nd Battalion 101st Cavalry, who also served in Asfghanistan.9 Dec, 2009
GLENVILLE--Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 1108th Ordnance Company (EOD)speak with Brig. Gen. Mochael Swezey, commander of the 53rd Troop Command, during their farewell ceremony Tuesday, Dec. 8 at the Glenville Armed Forces Reserve Center.
The soldiers, who have been through a year of training in dealing with IEDs, mines, and unexploded ordnance, will go to Fort Lewis, Washington for post mobilization training and then deploy to Iraq for approximately 10 months in 2010.5 Dec, 2009
RONKONOMA, Long Island- Lieutenant Colonel Mark Slusar hands off the battalion colors of the 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion to Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Imbarrato for safekeeping. Slusar replaced Lt. Col. Albert Ricci as the new commander for the 142nd on Dec. 5 at the Army Aviation Support Facility 1 at McArthur airport in Long Island.
However, Slusar once commanded an aviation detachment from the 142nd while serving on peacekeeping duties in Bosnia-Herzegovina.5 Dec, 2009
TARRYTOWN--New York Governor David Paterson meets with Soldiers, leaders and family members of the 442nd Military Police Company on Saturday, Dec. 5, during a Yellow Ribbon Program pre-mobilization meeting at the Marriott Hotel here.
The governor spoke to the Soldiers and their families before meeting privately with a few members of the unit.
In his remarks he thanked the members of the unit for their sacrifice and the families for supporting their Soldiers.
"Remember that your family,your friends, The State of New York, and the United States of America stand squarely behind you," Gov. Paterson said.
The 442nd deployed to Iraq in 2003 and is due to return in the spring of 2010.4 Dec, 2009
CAMP CHITOSE, Japan --New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Patrick Macklin, the deputy G3 for the 42nd Infantry Division (left), tells Maj. Takashi Kobayashi, the assistant G3 for the Japanese Defense Forces 2nd Division how they use slides to brief the 42nd Infantry Division commanding general on combat power.
The 42nd Infantry Division is conducting a command post exercise in conjunction with the Japan Ground Self Defense Force as part of Yama Sakura 57,an anuual exercise between the Ground Self Defense Force and the United States Army.7 Dec, 2009
CAMP CHITOSE, Hokkaido, Japan -- New York Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. John Willsey of the 42d Special Troops Battalion renders honors during the national anthems of the United States and Japan during opening ceremonies of Yama Sakura 57 here Dec. 7 at Camp Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan.
More than 170 Soldiers from the New York Army National Guards 42d Infantry Division Headquarters, based in Troy, N.Y. are participating in the battle simulation exercise with counterparts from the Japanese Northern Armys 7th and 2nd Divisions in Japan and at Fort Lewis, Wash.
Yama Sakura (Japanese for Mountain Cherry Blossom) is an annual, bilateral Command Post Exercise that simulates Japanese-US military operations required to defend Japan. New York Army National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Richard Goldenberg, 42d Infantry Division.4 Dec, 2009
KINDERHOOK--New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Patrick Murphy (at left), Director of Joint Staff for the New York National Guard, and Chaplain (Col) Eric Olsen, New York State Chaplain, salute after laying a wreath at the gravesite of US President Martin VanBuren on Friday December 4th 2009.
The wreath laying, to mark the 227th anniversary of his birth on Dec. 5, 1782, is conducted each year by the New York National Guard at the request of the White House. Wreaths are laid on each president's grave on the anniversary of their birth.
Van Buren, who was born, lived and died in Kinderhook, was nicknamed "Old Kinderhook" by political supporters. Reportedly he signed approved paperwork with an "OK" which evolved into OK as a phrase indicating that things are good.3 Dec, 2009
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATIONGeneral Raymond Johns Jr. the commander of Air Mobility Command, meets with members of the New York Air National Guards 107th Airlift Wing and the Air ForceReserves 914th Airlift Wing, during a visit on Tuesday, Dec. 1.
The two wings share C-130 aircraft under the Air Forces association concept which pair Reserve and Air Guard units.
Johns ( right), is greeted (left to right) by Senior Master Sgt. Steven Buchwald, from the 107th Airlift Wing, and Stephen Trosterud and Joe Dellaville from the 914th Airlift Wing23 Nov, 2009
General Craig McKinley, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, and Major General Joseph Taluto, the Adjutant General of New York, wish members of the National Guard and their families a Happy Thanksgiving, 2009.22 Nov, 2009
NEW WINDSOR --Soldiers of the New York Military Forces Honor Guard retrieve the colors following a ceremony dedicating the Armed Forces Reserve Center here in honor of Army Reserve Sgt. Catalin D. Dima, a Romania immigrant and Army Reserve member who was killed in action in Baghdad on Nov. 13, 2004.
Dima was a member of the Army Reserve's 411th Engineer Brigade. The New York Army National Guard's Battery A, 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery and 1569th Transportation Company are also based at the center.10 Nov, 2009
BUFFALO-- Bosun's MateDawn Burgess, New York Naval Militia, takes the helm, of a Naval Militia patrol boat conducting an inspection of bridges and other waterfront infarastructure during Exercise Vigilant Guard, Nov. 1-6.
Vigilant Guard enabled emergency civilian and military resopnders to work side by side with one common goal, training.20 Nov, 2009
ALBANY -- Members of the all-volunteer organization, AmeriCorps from the Buffalo, N.Y. area start packing care packages to be sent to Soldiers of the New York Army National Guards 206th Military Police Company who are currently serving in Iraq.
Besides packing care packages, AmeriCorps and other local and state organizations also contributed by gift wrapping presents for children of military personnel, writing letters to Soldiers, making Welcome Home banners and Hero kits for children of Soldiers.
The event took place at the New York State convention center on Nov. 20.20 Nov, 2009
STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh, N.Y. -- A Post Attack Reconnaissance (PAR) team of the 105th Airlift Wing's tenant unit, the 213th Engineering Installation Squadron simulates chemical agent decontamination during an Operational Readiness Inspection of the New York Air National Guard unit conducted in Nov. 192 Nov, 2009
NIAGARA FALLS RESERVE AIR FORCE BASE, North Tonawanda Denise ODonnell, Deputy Secretary of Public Safety (left) listens to Col. Michael Bobeck, commander, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade as he briefs her on aviation operations during Vigilant Guard on Nov. 2 inside the 42nd CABs tactical operations center located on the Niagara Falls Air Force Base.
The exercise involves New York Air and Army National Guardsmen as well as local first response teams to include fire departments and police agencies. The exercise runs Nov. 1-5.16 Nov, 2009
NEW YORK -- Army National Guard Soldiers Maj. Miguel Castillo and Master Sgt. Lois Fletcher of the 369th Sustainment Brigade participate in the New York Stock Exchange Opening Bell tribute to the U.S. military on Wednesday, Nov. 11 in Manhattan. The Soldiers joined 17 other Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard personnel for the salute to veterans prior to the city's Veteran's Day parade.13 Nov, 2009
LATHAM--Texas artist Phil Taylor embraces Vicki DiMura, mother of New York Army National Guard Sgt. David Fisher who was killed in Iraq in 2004, during a portrait presentation ceremony Friday, Nov. 13 at New York Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters here.
Taylor paints portraits of fallen American Soldiers and presents them to family members through the American Fallen Soldier Project.
Fisher a member of D. Company 101st Cavalry, assigned to the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry, was killed when his humvee rolled over on Dec. 1, 2004.
DiMura now works for the New York Army National Guard's Yellow Ribbon Reintegration program.13 Nov, 2009
NEW YORK CITY-- Visitors to the USS Intrepid Sea, Air & space Museum watch as members of the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing demonstrate their skills during a special Veterans Day event.
The demonstration included a rescue eaturing HH-60s from the 101st Rescue Squadron and Guardian Angels from the 103rd Rescue Squadron. After the event the HH-60s flew over the Veteran's Day parade route and landed on the deck of the USS Intrepid.12 Nov, 2009
NEW YORK-- The New York Army National Guard Color Guard leads a contingent from Joint Forces Headquarters--New York up Fifth Avenue during the annual Veterans Day Parade Wednesday, Nov. 11 in New York City.
More than 1,500 members of the New York Army National Guard, including the famouse "Fighting 69th", the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry, the 1st Battalion 258th Field Artillery and the 369th Sustainment Brigade, which earned the nickname "Harlem Hellfighters" in World War I. Members of the New York Air National Guart also participated.
The Color Guard presented the flag during the opening ceremony of the New York Knicks game Wednesday night while Staff Sgt. Brooke Leavitt sang the National Anthem.11 Nov, 2009
NEW YORK -- New York Army National Guard Col. Stephanie Dawson leads her command and staff of the 369th Sustainment Brigade, the Army's famous "Harlem Hellfighters" up 5th Avenue during the New York City Veterans' Day Parade Nov. 11. The unit led a New York Army National Guard contingent of nearly 1,500 Soldiers from all five boroughs as New York City celebrated the 90th anniversary of the parade. The daylong event also celebrated the recent commissioning of the USS New York with Naval and Marine contingents from the ship participating in the parade.10 Nov, 2009
RONKONKOMA - New York Army National Guard Soldiers dedicate a UH-1H "Huey" Helicopter outside the Army Aviation Support Facility Number 1 at Islip-MacArthur Airport here Nov. 10. The ceremony, held on the eve of Veteran's Day, commemorated the service of National Guard aircrews past, present and future with members of the 42nd Infantry Division Assoc. present for the event. The Huey was placed outside the flight facility earlier this spring in order to be present for the redeployment of the Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion (Assault Helicopter), 142nd Aviation Regiment, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade home from Iraq after a yearlong deployment. "For 39 years, people have driven past MacArthur without knowing that the Guard was here," said retired Brig. Gen. Ray Doyle, former commander of the aviation brigade. "Now, there's no doubt about it."10 Nov, 2009
9 Nov, 2009
SYRACUSE - New York National Guard Soldiers from the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team march in the annual Syracuse Veteran's Parade, Saturday, Nov. 7. Elements from the NewYork Air National Guard's 174th Fighter Wing also marched, and F-16C fighters conducted a flyover during the parade.
Elements from the United States Marine Corps Reserve, US Army, and Army ROTC joined dozens of Veterans groups and marching bands in the parade. The annual parade drew large crowds and local dignitaries in an early observance of Veteran's Day, Nov. 11.7 Nov, 2009
TROY, N.Y. -- New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Michael Brown, an operations NCO with the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters points out positions of maneuver forces during the division's combined arms rehearsal at the division headquarters' Troy Armory Nov. 7. Leading the rehearsal of battle plans in the background are (from left to right) Lt. Col. Dennis Deeley, Division Operations Officer, Col. Gary Yaple, Division Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. Steven Wickstrom, the 42nd Infantry Division Commander, Brig. Gen. Matthew McCoy, Deputy Division Commander and Division Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Jenks.
The headquarters is preparing to deploy more than 130 Citizen Soldiers for the Bilateral Joint Training Exercise Yama Sakura in Northern Japan. The exercise, scheduled for the first half of December 2009, will involve a large-scale battle simulation between U.S. Army and Japanese Ground Self Defense Forces.7 Nov, 2009
LATHAM - The 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) based in Latham said good bye to a long-time aviation officer, Col. Michael Bobeck (at left), who took command of the 42nd CAB on Sept. 13, 2008. He relinquished command to take an army tour at National Guard Bureau where he will over see operations of the National Guards fleet of fixed-wing aircraft.
Batavia, N.Y. area native, Col. Mark Stryker, who formerly commanded the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion, assumes command of the 42nd CAB.
At far right, Stryker conveys the Brigade colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Rentz, 42nd CAB Command Sergeant Major for safe keeping. The reviewing general officer was Brig. Gen. Steven Wickstrom, commander, 42nd Infantry Division (middle).6 Nov, 2009
LATHAM--Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade observe a moment of silence on Friday, Nov. 6 to honor the 12 Soldiers and one civilian killed in a shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, on Nov. 5.
At the Direction of the Secretary of the Army, Soldiers around the world and on U.S. Army vessels observed a moment of silence at 1:34 p.m. Central Time in order to remember their comrades killed in the shooting, which is still under investigation.
The 42nd CAB Soldiers were practicing for a Change-of-Command Ceremony that is to take place Saturday, Nov. 7.5 Nov, 2009
BUFFALO-- A New York Army National Guard Medevac Blackhawk crew, and Air National Guardswoman move a simulated patient at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo to the helicopteras Exercise Vigilant Shield wraps up on Thursday, Nov. 5.
The largest joint civil/military domestic emergency exercise held in New York involved more than 1,300 National Guard members and hundreds of civilian first responders.5 Nov, 2009
TONAWANDA--New York Army National Guard Soldiers get some instruction on search and rescue and extraction techniques from a member of one of the 14 civilian urban search and rescue teams that are participating in the exercise, including teams from Canada.
Observers from Mexico, South Africa and Denmark were also on hand to watch the National Guard and Niagara Frontier emergency service responders work together. National Guard General Officers from a number of states visited the exercise site, as did Gen. Craig McKinley, Chief of the National Guard Bureau. The four-star general is the highest ranking officer in the National Guard of the United States.4 Nov, 2009
TONAWANDA--Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Taluto, New York State adjutant general (right) speaks with Massachusetts Army National Guard CERFP team members at the Spaulding Fibre site in Tonawanda during Exercise Vigilant Guard on Tuesday. Earlier, the soldiers practiced rescuing mock casualties from the simulated earthquake disaster area, or rubble pile, located at the site. The soldiers are, from left: Spc. Mark Williams, Spc. David Lyons and Sgt. Randy Isaacs.3 Nov, 2009
NEW YORK CITY--Members of the New York Naval Militia march past the USS New York, the latest addition to the United States Navy, during a ceremony welcoming the amphibious assault ship to New York on Monday, Nov. 2.
The ship was constructed with steel from the World Trade Center in its bow to memorialize the New Yorkers killed on Sept. 11, 2001. Members of the Naval Militia and the New York Army and Air National Guard were among those participating in the ceremonies.
Brig. Gen. Paul Genereux, commander of the New York Army National Guard and former commander of the 42nd Infantry Division, presented the ship with a "Never Forget" flag flown by the 42nd Infantry Division in Iraq in 2005. The flag, commissioned by the division, commemorates the attack and the deaths that day, Never Forget is the division's motto.2 Nov, 2009
TONAWANDA --Members of the New York National Guard CERFP ( Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, High Yield Explosive (CBRNE) Enhance Response Force Package, made up of National Guard Soldiers and Airmen and the all-volunteer New York Guard ( In old-style BDU uniforms) move a simulated casualty to the decontamination site at the former Spaulding Fiber Plant in Tonawanda, NY on Monday Nov. 2.
The site has been equipped with a rubble pile which simulates a hospital collapsed in a 5.9 Richter earthquake. The operation is part of Exercise Vigilant Guard which teams almost 1,500 National Guard troops with civilian responders.1 Nov, 2009
LATHAM,NY--New York Army and Air National Guard members man the New York State Joint Operations Center in Latham as Exercise Vigilant Guard kicks into gear on Sunday, Nov. 1. The state of the art command and control facility oversees the operations of the 20,000-member New York Military Forces.5 Nov, 2009
A military forces honor guard stands next to a portrait of New York Army National Guard Sgt. Deon Taylor, killed in Afghanistan while serving as part of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix. His hometown street in the Bronx was renamed as Police Officer Deon Taylor Way on October 29 in honor of his service as an NYPD officer and Citizen Soldier.29 Oct, 2009
UNIONDALE, LONG ISLAND -- Retired Lt. Col. Paul Farinella, Hofstra University Class of 1969 and President of the University Veteran Alumni Chapter presents the Veteran of the Year salute to New York Army National Guard Second Lieutenant Mark H. Getman for his service to state and nation on October 24th 2009.
Getman, a 1994 graduate of Hofstra, joined 1968 grad retired Col. Paul J. Flora for this year's award presentation.
He also received his promotion orders to 1st Lieutenant the same week. Photo by Lizaveta Litvak.30 Oct, 2009
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii--New York Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. David Aymat refuels a LC-130 Hercules belonging to New York's 109th Airlift Wing at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, on Oct. 28 in preparation for a flight to Antarctica.
Sergeant Aymat and the rest of his LC-130 aircrew stopped at Hickam while en route to Antarctica to support Operation Deep Freeze, the Department of Defense's logistical support to U.S. research activities at the southernmost continent. Sergeant Aymat is an LC-130 crew chief assigned to the New York Air National Guard?s 109th Airlift Wing at Stratton Air National Guard Base, N.Y.23 Oct, 2009
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SYRACUSE--Colonel Geoff Slack, commander of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team passes the colors of the 427th Brigade Support Battalion to Maj. Stephen Bousquet during Change of Command ceremonies at the Thompson Road Armory on Sunday, Oct. 18.
Bousquet took over the battalion from Lt. Col. Brian Marshall who is moving on to become deputy director of logistics for Joint Forces Headquarters.21 Oct, 2009
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 as it takes to the air en route to the South Pole on Wednesday Oct. 21 as the wing kicked off its 21st year of providing support to science research in the Antarctic.
The 109th Airlift Wing is the only unit in the United States military flying aircraft equipped with skis that can land on ice and snow.
About 300 members of the wing will spend 16 weeks resupplying Antarctic bases operated by the National Science Foundation and Australia.21 Oct, 2009
FORT DIX--Lt. Col. Greg Dresibach, the new commander of the New York Army National Guard's 101st Signal Battalion accepts the battalion colors from Col. Stephanie Dawson, commander of the 369th Sustainment Brigade, during Change-of-Command Ceremonies at Fort Dix on Oct. 3.
Dreisbach, who served as deputy signal officer for the 42nd Infantry Division in Iraq,and is also commander of Joint Task Force Empire Shield, took over the battalion from Lt. Col. Thomas Kilmartin.20 Oct, 2009
ROCHESTER -- Canadian Corporal Pres Lavier, 408th Tactical Helicopter Squadron, watches as one of Detachment 1, Company B, 126th Aviations CH-47 Chinook helicopters departs Genesee County Airport after successfully making a two-wheel pinnacle landing on Sept. 20.
A detachment of Canadian pilots and crewmembers are getting transition training with Chinooks at Army Aviation Support Facility 2 prior to their deployment to Afghanistan. Canadian aviation forces currently have all of their Chinook aircraft deployed to Afghanistan and travel to various American facilities to get transition training.20 Oct, 2009
TONAWANDA--Brig. Gen. Patrick Murphy, Director of the Joint Staff, Headquarters New York National Guard, discusses the progress of the construction of the simulated disaster scene for the upcoming exercise Vigilant Guard with Erie county Commissioner of Ermergency Services Gregg Skibitsky at the former Spaulding Fiber Plant site in Tonawanda, NY.
The disaster scene will support realistic training for both military and civilian search and rescue and emergency response teams coming from around the state and region for the training, which is set for 1-6 November in the Greater Buffalo area.19 Oct, 2009
AUBURN - Lt. Col. Reginal Sanders, the commander of the 153rd Troop Command "unfurls the colors" of the 102nd Military Police Battalion prior to presenting them to the battalion commander, Lt. Col. Marting Dinan during the battalion activation ceremony, Sunday October, 18.
The Auburn-based battalion headquarters will provide command and control to Military Police companies.
Photo by Ssgt. Kevin Abbott, JFHQ18 Oct, 2009
AIBANO TRAINNG SITE, JAPAN-- New York Army National Guard Spec. Joshua Earle, a member of 1st platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Bn, 69th Inf. Regiment fires a 240 Bravo machine gun against opposing forces during Orient Shield field training exercise, Aibano Training Site, Japan, Oct. 16, 2009.
Orient Shield is a mutual US Army and Japan Ground Self Defense Force joint exercise designed to enhance staff coordination and promote regimental and battalion level command and staff training opportunities, combat readiness and tactical level training. The exercise took place at Camp Imazu and Aibano Training Area in Shiga-prefecture, Japan, October, 10-17, 2009.16 Oct, 2009
AIBANO TRAINING AREA, JAPAN--New York Army National Guard Pvt. Shaheem Danztler and Pvt. First Class Carlos Gonzalez, members of 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment's scout platoon, along with members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, stand stacked and ready to move as a squad during scout training at Camp Imazu and Aibano Training Area, Shiga-prefecture, Japan October 14, 2009 as part of exercise Orient Shield.15 Oct, 2009
AIBANO TRAINING AREA, JAPAN-- New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Johnny Madera, a Squad Leader with Bravo Company, 1-69th Infantry Regiment, Queens Village, NY gets a lesson from Japanese Soldier Nobuyasu Hirata, a Combat Instructor for the 3rd Army Division on the Joint Ground Self-Defense Force Tank Type 74 . during MOUT training, October 10, 2009 during exercise Orient Shield.9 Oct, 2009
OTOMO BARRACKS, Japan -- Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, exchange salutes while greeting Soldiers of Japan?s 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division, Middle Army, Joint Ground Self-Defense Force during the opening ceremonies for Exercise Orient Shield, Oct. 9.
The New York Soldiers will train with their Japanese counterparts for three weeks.7 Oct, 2009
MENANDS, NY-A New York Army National Guard Color Guard joins Civil War reenactors and members of the Patriot Guard, in honoring Civil War Soldier 1st Sgt. William Francis, a member of the famed 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the first Black unit to fight in the Union Army. Local Civil War historians identified Francis' unmarked grave at historic Albany Rural Cemetery and arranged for the Veterans Administration to provide a new stone to mark his final resting place.
Francis, who enlisted as a private, served throughout the Civil War, including the 54th's assault on Fort Wagner, South Carolina, made famous in the 1989 movie "Glory".6 Oct, 2009
LATHAM, NY-- New York National Guard "Soldier for a Day" nine-year old Jacob is promoted to honorary Sergeant by Major Kevin Ferreira and Sgt. Major Anthony Malizia during a visit to the Army Aviation Support Facility here on Oct. 3.
Jacob, who suffers from acute lymphoblastic leukemia, has dreamed of being a Soldier and his visit to New York National Guard Headquarters was arranged by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Matthew Starr and Family Readiness Group Coordinator Julie Rutledge.
During his day Jacob and his inspected helicopters and military vehicles, met the Adjutant General, Major General Joseph Taluto, and ate an Army lunch of Meals Ready to Eat.
Staff Sgt. Dolan Bramer, an aviation crew chief joined Jacob in formation during his promoton ceremony6 Oct, 2009
STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh N.Y. - New York Air National Guard Maj. Thomas Forrester accepts the colors of the 105th Force Support Squadron from Lt. Col. Lori J. Scheuermann the commander of the 105 Mission Support Group during assumption of command ceremonies held at the base on Oct. 3 The Force Support Squadron handles manpower and personnel issues and service support for the 105th Airlift Wing.2 Oct, 2009
HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Syracuse--Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, Director of the Air National Guard is given a tour of the MQ-9 Reaper on Hancock Field Air National Guard Base on 2 October by Lt. Col. Michael R. Smith, 138th Fighter Squadron Commander. The tour preceded the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the only MQ-9 Reaper Maintenance Field Training Detachment in the U.S. Air Force which is located at the base.5 Oct, 2009
ALBANY -- Brigadier General Patrick Murphy, Director of Joint Staff for the New York National Guard (left) and Chaplain (Capt.) Glen Lightfoot, present a wreath at the gravesite of the 21st President of the United States, Chester A. Arthur at Albany Rural Cemetery on Oct. 5.
The annual wreath laying event was in honor of the 180th anniversary of his birthday.
President Arthur was born in Fairfield, Vt. and attended Union College in Schenectady and later practiced law in New York City. He also was a member of New York?s State Militia and served as Judge Advocate of the Second Brigade.
In 1881, he was elected as Vice-President on the Republican ticket with James A. Garfield. Upon the death of Garfield, who was slain at a train station in Washington, D.C. Arthur became president in 1881 and served until 1885. He died a year later in 1886.30 Sep, 2009
CAMP EDWARDS, Mass-- Three New York Army National Guardsmen from A Troop 2nd Squadron 101st Cavalry--Staff Sgt. Matthew Smith, Sgt. Mickael Cressman, and Sgt. Daniel Washburn-- take a break during the battalion's Spur Ride event here the weekend of August 7-8. Sixteen participants, including the Squadron Commander, LTC Dave Dunkle took part in challenge which included a ten-mile forces march, weapons qualification, weapons assembly and disassembly tests,land navigation, communications testing, and a Army Physical Fitness Test. 14 of the 16 participants earned their spurs.28 Sep, 2009
SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Capital District of New York Chapter, Association of the United States Army (AUSA) held its annual dinner at the Saratoga Hilton, Sept. 19.
This year's dinner theme was Year of the NCO and in recognition of that theme, this years winners of the Soldier and NCO of the Year were recognized for their achievements.
Among those were Staff Sgt. Tiffany Streit, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade training NCO. She was recognized for her selection as the Active Guard and Reserve Soldier of the year for NY. Also, recognized for their outstanding achievemnts were two Traditional Guardsmen, Staff Sgt. Morgan Cady, 104th Military Police Battalion and Spc. Sebastian McClendon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry.
Presenting Streit with a plaque, coin and hat from AUSA are (from left), NY State Sgt. Maj. Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Van Pelt, Maj.(Ret.) Ed Keyrouze, President CD-NY Chapter and Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Robert Rose, Vice President, Region 1 AUSA.26 Sep, 2009
ALBANY--New York Air National Guard Airman Josh Myers gives advice and encouragement to Boy Scout Eric Blair as he negotiates a climbing wall at the Twin Rivers Council, Boy Scouts of America Camporee held Sept. 25-27 in Albany.
The New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force brought its climbing wall to the Scout's event on Saturday, Sept. 26 and also ran a confidence course. Survival experts from the 109th Airlift Wing in Scotia and a reenactor from the New York Military History Institute, also provided demonstrations for the Scouts.24 Sep, 2009
HALFMOON--Kids participating in the New York National Guard Family and Youth Program Symposium walk the wires at the Shiloh's Edge high-ropes challenge course here.
The 75 children of National Guard Soldiers and Airmen participating in the symposium spent the day at Shiloh's Edge negotiating a number of obstacles to build teamwork and confidence and just have fun.12 Sep, 2009
SIENNA COLLEGE, Loudonville, N.Y. - Chief Warrant Officer Chris Panarese and his family members come together at the conclusion of the 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion?s Freedom Salute. The 3-142nd returned from a year-long deployment to Iraq in May, 2009. Company?s A, D, and E gathered at Marcelle Athletic Complex on the Sienna campus to receive praise from their senior officer chain-of-command for conducting battle operations in Iraq at a very high operation tempo.22 Sep, 2009
LATHAM - Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joseph Biden gives a hug to Theresa Martel, whose husband, 1st Sgt. Joseph Martel, is deployed with the 206th Military Police Company in Basra, Iraq, as Susan Taluto, the wife of Maj. Gen. Joseph Taluto, the Adjutant General, looks on.
Dr. Biden spent the afternoon of Sept. 21 visting New York National Guard Headquarters to learn more about the New York Army National Guard Yellow Ribbon Program. She was in the Capital Region to accompany President Barak Obama to Hudson Valley Community College for a speech there.20 Sep, 2009
FORT DRUM-- Senior Chief Warrant Officer Jan Viljoen, Chief Warrant Officer Dennis Leonard, and Warrant Officer Mandla Makhoba from the South African Army observe premarksmanship instruction for B Company, 2-108th Infantry Battalion at Ft. Drum on Saturday, Sept. 19.
The South African Warrant Officers were at Ft. Drum to observe training as part of the State Partnership Program; an exchange program between the New York National Guard and the Republic of South Africa.15 Sep, 2009
BUFFALO--Lt. Col. John Burke accepts the colors of the 27th Brigade Special Troops Battalion from Col Geogg Slack, commander of the 27th Brigade Combat Team, during change-of-command ceremonies held Sunday, Sept. 13 at the Connecticut St. Armory.
Lt. Col. Burke took command of the unit, which includes engineers, military intelligence and signals troops, from Lt. Col. Reginald Sanders.17 Sep, 2009
SARATOGA NATIONAL CEMETERY, Schuylerville -- New York National Guard State Chaplain (Col.) Eric Olsen says a few last words over a coffin containing the remains of an unknown New York Soldier who was buried 147 years to the day after he died at the Battle of Antietam on Sept. 17, 1862.
The Soldiers remains were discovered by a hiker in 2008 and turned over to the New York State Division of Military of Naval Affairs by the National Park Service, and returned to New York to be buried.17 Sep, 2009
NIAGARA FALLS-- Lt. General Stephen Blum, Deputy Commander of United States Northern Command and former Chief of the National Guard Bureau speaks to leaders of the New York Army and Air National Guard during a domestic operations conference at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.
The Guard leaders gathered with civilian leaders and emergency responders to learn the latest on responding to emergencies at home and homeland security operations.16 Sep, 2009
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Members of the New York National Guard's Military Forces Honor Guard return the remains of an Unknown New York Soldier from the Civil War's Antietam Battlefield to the NYS Military History Museum in Saratoga Springs, Sept. 16. The Soldier's remains will remain in state for the public at the museum through 8 pm on Sept 16. The Unknown Soldier's funeral will be held Sept. 17 at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. Photo by Lt. Col. Richard Goldenberg.16 Sep, 2009
SHARPSBURG, Maryland--New York Army National Guard Specialist Jose Perez, a member of the New York Military Forces Honor Guard, presents arms along with members of the National Park Service, during the transfer of the remains of an unknown New York Civil War Soldier from the National Park Service to the New York National Guard.
The Soldiers remains are being returned to New York for burail at Saratoga National Cemetery on Sept. 17.15 Sep, 2009
CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE--Members of the New York Army National Guard's Honor Guard carry a coffin containing the remains of an unknown New York Civil War Soldier into the Duffy Chapel at the National Guard's training site north of Peekskill on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
The Soldiers remains were discovered on the Antietam Battlefield. He was identified as a New Yorker by his uniform buttons and the New York National Guard has teamed up with the National Park Service and Department of Veterans Affairs to bring this unknown Soldier back to New York to be buried.
The Soldiers remains will move to the New York State Military History Museum on Wednesday, Sept. 16 and the be interred at Saratoga National Cemetery in Sept. 17.15 Sep, 2009
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BUFFALO-- (Left to Right) Col. Fred Kubus, outgoing commander of the 153rd Troop Command; Brig Gen. Michael Swezey, commander of the 53rd Troop Command; and Lt. Col. Reginald Sanders, incoming commander of the 153rd Troop Command, review the troops as they prepare to execute the change of command ceremony for the New York Army National Guard's 153rd Troop Command on Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Connecticut St. Armory.
The 153rd, A brigade level subordinate unit of the 53rd Troop Command,is responsible for commanding New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen responding to state emergencies in western New York.14 Sep, 2009
NEW YORK CITY-- A portrait of the late SSG Christian P. Engledrum of the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry ("Fighting 69th") New York Army National Guard is unveiled to his family during a special ceremony aboard the Intrepid Museum in New York City on September 12th, 2009.
The Dallas, TX-based artist and founder of the American Fallen Soldier Project has been painting portraits of fallen service members and is sponsored by American Airlines which has been flying him and the portraits for special presentations around the nation.11 Sep, 2009
STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh, NY, September 11, 2009 - Air Guardsmen pay their respects to a fallen friend at an on-base memorial, after the 105th Airlift Wings 8th memorial observance of the terrorist attacks on 9-11. The wing remember two members who were killed doing their duty as civilian first responders when the World Trade Center Towers fell.
Staff Sergeant Jerome Dominguez, a member of the 105th Security Force Squadron and Staff Sgt. Andrew Brunn, who belonged to the 213th Engineering Installation Squadron gave their lives in service of others.
Dominguez was a member of the NYPD Emergency Service Squad #3. Brunn was a member of FDNY Ladder Company #5.9 Sep, 2009
Gen Craig McKinley, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, sent this message to the members of the Army and Air National Guard of the United States to mark the eighth anniversary of the Sept. 11 2001 attacks on New York City and the Pentagon.10 Sep, 2009
Latham -- NY National Guard Family Readiness Council President, Cherie Murphy presents a check to Sabrina Lombardo, NY National Guard Youth Program Teen Council member, September 8. The Family Readiness Council donated over $1,300.00 to the National Guard Family Program to be used during the groups Volunteer and Youth Symposium, September 19th and 20th in Saratoga Springs, NY.
The Symposium expects to be a fun packed weekend for National Guard Family Readiness Groups, military points of contact and youth volunteers. The weekend will include lectures, training and discussions on building better Family Readiness Groups, before, during and after deployments.
The Youth Program (for children ages 6-18) includes a field trip to challenge youth at Shiloh's Edge, activities with a National Guard Recruiting team, learning survival skills with the National Guard Corp Cadets and a chance to meet other National Guard kids from NY, creating lasting lifetime memories.3 Sep, 2009
KINGSTON, R.I. - Aviators from Detachment 1, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation, were once more called upon to provide aerial support for the 27th Annual International Military Parachute Competition Leap Fest that is hosted by the Rhode Island Army National Guard.
Leap Fest is an exercise which develops the command and control of Army Aviation to deliver a maneuver force on the tactical objective with precision and in a timely manner to conduct combat operations. There is a competitive aspect to the exercise as well, which builds camaraderie and esprit de corps among the U.S. and International Community.
Teams are from all over the world, including Canada, Germany, El Salvador, Britain, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Peru, and others. Teams consist of 4 jumpers and 1 alternate. The competition is for the jumpers to land as close to the big orange X in the middle of the drop zone. Judges time them from when they leave the aircraft to when they reach the X. Winners are based on the fastest individual time and the team with the best time combined. For more about this event, go to:www.leapfest.com4 Sep, 2009
GREAT NEW YORK STATE FAIR, Syracuse--New York Air National Guard Master Sgt. Edward Begel (right) explains an F-16 cockpit simulator to Vietnam veteran Alfred Harding of Newark, New York on Thursday, Sept. 4.
Harding, who served as an Air Force tailgunner during Vietnam, was one of many visitors to the Air National Guard Recruiting Station during the day set aside to honor veterans at the state fair.
Begel is a flight Line expediter with the Syracuse unit.3 Sep, 2009
BUFFALO--Local, county, state and military officials gathered at the Adams Mark Hotel in Buffalo on Sept. 2, for a Senior Leaders Table Top Exercise for Vigilant Guard 2009 to discuss the simulated earthquake scenario set to strike western New York in early November setting the stage for the full scale exercise.
"The level of participation, as evidenced by everyone here in this room who works daily on preparedness, serves us well, " said New York National Guard Brig. Gen. Patrick Murphy, director of Joint Staff for the Guard."You should take credit for participating in anevent that runs from local to national in scope."2 Sep, 2009
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Michael Swezey, commander of the 53rd Troop Command in Valhalla, N.Y., presents the winner's trophy to horse owner Kenneth Ramsey and jockey Julien Leparoux following the successful finish of the racehorse called "Headache" during the Army National Guard race at the Saratoga Springs racetrack on Sept. 2. The day was billed as "Proud to be an American" day at the track, with military displays and free admission for veterans and servicemembers. Photo by Lt. Col. Richard Goldenberg.2 Sep, 2009
JAMAICA, QUEENS--Lt. Col. Mike Hoblin (left) takes the colors of the 1st Battalion 258th Infantry from 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Commander Col. Geoff Slack during Change of Command ceremonies on Saturday, August 29, here.
Hoblin is a veteran of the 27th Brigade Combat Team's deployment to Afghanistan in 2008, where he served as Civil-Military Operations Office. He replaces Lt. Col. Paul Conte who is now the brigade's executive officer.31 Aug, 2009
GREAT NEW YORK STATE FAIR, Syracuse--New York Army National Guard Specialist Timothy Wood (left) from Blossball, NY and Staff Sgt. Scott Dunne from Syracuse host young visitors Scott Kessel age 13 and Jesse Hummel age 11 from Warners, as they check out an M1117 Armored Security Vehicle on Friday, August 28.
The vehicle was on display at the New York Army National Guard Recruiting Station at the Fair.
Wood formerly served on active duty with the Army's 10th Mountain Division in Iraq and now serves in the National Guard.31 Aug, 2009
GREAT NEW YORK STATE FAIR, Syracuse-- New York Army National Guard Private Mark Howell from Jordon, NY assigned to HQ 27th IBCT and in training to become a Military Intelligence Specialist, shows a New York State Fair visitor to the National Guard recruiting display how to operate the Guard Car tire changing station while Private Megan Merriman from Syracuse looks on.
Merriman has been in the Guard for one year and is assigned to the 107th Military Police Company in Utica.
The Guard Car Tire Change simulator gives state fair visitors the opportunity to find out what it feels like to change the tire on a high-performance NASCAR vehicle.28 Aug, 2009
SYRACUSE - Sergeant 1st Class Jeffrey Bailey, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and who is also an police officer in the Onondaga County Sheriff's department, is shown with a citiation presented to him at the New York State Fair by State Comptroller Thomas P. Dinapoli on Law Enforcement Day at the fair, Aug. 28.
Bailey served on a police mentoring team in Eastern Afghanistan last year as part of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix VII.27 Aug, 2009
WASHINGTON-- The New York Army National Guard's 427th Brigade Support Battalion Command Sgt. Major James Haggerty (left), provides guidance to one of his Soldiers, Sgt. Colin Dudziak of Company C and his wife Jamie during a visit to the Walter Reed Army Medical Centers Warrior Transition Unit on Aug. 25. The Buffalo, N.Y. couple currently reside at the Medical Centers Mologne House until Dudziak, recovering from injuries received in Afghanistan, is released from active duty and returned to his unit in New York.24 Aug, 2009
FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- A rainbow across the sky at Fort Drum’s live-fire range August 22 spans the training site of Soldiers from the 1-258th Field Artillery annual training. In the foreground are vehicles from the 27th Brigade Special Troops Battalion (BSTB) communications team. The brigade Soldiers were on site to train leaders, staff and operators on the Joint Network Node (JNN) system of digital communications. The JNN package is very mobile and designed to provide communication services to the battalion command posts up to the brigade combat team. Photo by Sgt. Darryl Mehnert, 27th Brigade Special Troops Battalion.21 Aug, 2009
STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh - Master Sergeant Ron Burdewick (right) and Airman 1st Class Chris Kyle perform a push pull check of the elevator control system of a massive C-5A Galaxy. The test is part of a new inspection process known as Maintenance Steering Group 3, which is a proven commercial airline industry program that the 105th Airlift Wing's Maintenance Squadron has been able to adopt for the entire C-5 fleet of the U.S. Air Force
The 105th's Maintaince Squadron is being recognized for its accomplishment by being invited to compete for the Air Force Chief of Staff Team Excellence Award on Sept. 14 in Washington, D.C.19 Aug, 2009
QUEENSBURY-- The new Queensbury Readiness Center was officially opened for business on Wednesday, Aug.19 with a ribbon ctting ceremony. Local government officials joined Major General Joseph Taluto, the Adjutant General, in dedicating the new builing.
Puctured cutting the ceremonial ribbon are (from left) New York State Senate Elizabeth Little, Deputy Secretary for Public Safety Denise O'Donnell (representing Gov. David Paterson), Taluto, Rep. Scott Murphy, and Queensbury Town supervisor Daniel Stec.19 Aug, 2009
NIAGARA FALLS-- New York Air National Guard Master Sgt. Robert Farina embraces his children on August 16 after being apart for more than six months while providing security at Sather Air Base in Iraq.
Farina a member of the 107th Airlift Wing Security Forces Squadron was among the first wave of deployed SFS members to return home Sunday. Earlier in the year Farina and other SFS members were called upon to ensure the security of Sather Air Base, Baghdad, Iraq. "I'm, proud to serve my country but it's great to back home with my family," Farina said.18 Aug, 2009
HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Syracuse--U.S. Air Forces in Europe Commander, General Roger A. Brady, presents New York Air NAtional Guard Staff Sgt. Kevin H. Klos with the Air Force Achievement Medal at Hancock Field in Syracuse, NY on 16 Aug. 2009. Klos received the award for outstanding achievement between 1 Aug. 2008 and 13 Sep. 2008.
Gen. Brady was in Syracuse to visit the New York Air National Guard's 152nd Air Operations Group. The group's member work closely with United States Air Forces Europe on a regular basis.16 Aug, 2009
TARRYTOWN - Former New York Giant offensive lineman, Bart Steven Oates autographs a miniature National Guard football for Staff Sgt. Charles Garretto, a member of the 142nd Attack Helicopter Battalion during the units 60-day Reintegration event at the Tarrytown Westchester Marriot on 15 Aug.
Another former Giant, defensemen George Martin, also attended the event. Both former athletes praised members of the 142nd for their service and recent return from Iraq during the two-day event.14 Aug, 2009
GOWANDA--New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Greg Ciszak (right) and PFC Erica Gilbert clean the streets here on Thursday, August 13. Spec. Bradley Gabel, a resident of Gowanda, is operating the bucket loader.
Gov. David Paterson mobilized the 152nd Engineer Support Co. to aid Gowanda residents in recovering from storms that caused extensive damage in Cattaragus County on Sunday, August 9.
"I'm glad to be down here, in a position to help my family and the community," Gable said.12 Aug, 2009
GOWANDA--Gov. David Paterson holds a press conference at Gowanda Middle School on Wednesday, Aug. 12 to announce the mobilization of the New York Army National Guard?s 152nd Engineer Support Company to support flood recovery efforts in the area following flash flooding on Sunday, August 9. He is joined by Brig. Gen. Patrick Murphy, Director of the Joint Staff for the New York National Guard and Mr. John Gibb (right) Director of the State Emergency Management Office. To the left of Brig. Gen. Murphy is 2nd Lt. Kevin Kopec of the 152nd Eng Support Company.10 Aug, 2009
HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Syracuse - Lieutenant Colonel David S. Brenton, a fighter pilot with the 174th Fighter Wing, 138th Fighter Squadron, Hancock Field poses with the F-16 Fighting Falcon that would soon fly him over the 4000 hour mark inside it's cockpit.
Brenton became only the 25th F-16 pilot in the world to pass this astonishing milestone and only the 22nd American pilot to accomplish this incredible feat on Saturday, Aug. 87 Aug, 2009
ALBANY-- Members of the New York Army National Guard and their family members join other veterans seeking autographs from New York Giants Quarterback Eli Manning at the Giants summer training Camp at the State University at Albany on Friday August 7. Manning met with the Soldiers and their families as part of a special Giants and Stratton Veterans Administration Medical Center veterans salute.7 Aug, 2009
STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--The members of the 105th Airlift Wing receive medals at the Hometown Heroes salute ceremony at Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, N.Y. Aug. 2. Airman were awarded this honor to recognize their deployments in support of contingency operation since September 11th, 2001.31 Jul, 2009
ROUSES POINT--New York Naval Militia Petty Officer Garrett Aldershoff, a Scotia resident, scans the waters of Lake Champlain on July 25, during an operation supporting the United States Border Patrol.
During July the New York Naval Militia assisted Border Patrol members in stopping and inspecting pleasure craft entering the United States from Canada at the very top of Lake Champlain.
This is the second year the Naval Milita has assisted in this mission.4 Aug, 2009
BUCHANAN--An unmanned, radio-controled boat known as a MUSCL, short for Modular Unmanned Surface Craft, Littoral, manuevers in the Hudson River off the Indian Point nuclear plant near New York Naval Militia Patrol Boat 400, on Tuesday, August 4.
The MUSCL, a naval version of the anti-IED robots used by EOD technicians in Iraq and Afghanistan, employs television and forward looking infrared radar to examine ships and docks for attached explosives.
Civilian experts from the U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Center teamed up with the New York Naval Militia to test the craft in the Hudson River during exercise Trojan Horse, a maritime security exercise run annually by the State University of New York Maritime College.3 Aug, 2009
LATHAM--Major General Joseph Taluto, the Adjutant General, initials the new contract between the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs and the New York State Association of Civilian Technicans, the union that represents federal employees of the New York National Guard on Thursday, July 30, as union state chairman Craig Solo looks on.
The three-year contract covers 2,047 technicians who work for the New York Army and Air National Guard while also being members of the force.
The New York National Guard has the third largest technician workforce in the United States.1 Aug, 2009
LATHAM--New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Deborah Foley ( left) commander of the New York Army National Guard's 56th Personal Services Battalion and 1st Sgt. Erin Connell prepare to case the battalion colors during a deactivation ceremony Saturday, August 1, at New York National Guard headquarters.
The battalion is no longer required in the New York Army National Guard structure. The 300 Soldiers of the battlion have been reassigned to other commands.30 Jul, 2009
ROCHESTER - Pilots and crew members of Detachment 1, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation accommodated the "Black Knight" Parachute Jump Team from West Point Military Academy with a little high-altitude training, July 30 over Geneseo Airport, near Rochester.
The Black Knights, wearing black jump suits, annually train new jump team members by doing single and tandem parachute jumps for familiarization and skill enhancement from as high as 12,500 feet.22 Jul, 2009
VOLK FIELD, Wis. - Flight engineers from the Rochester-based 249th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) prepare for an incentive flight on a UH-60 Blackhawk during Patriot Exercise 2009 at Volk Field, Wis. on July 17.
Patriot 2009 is a large scale exercise integrating U.S. Army and Air National Guard and as many as five coalition forces from as far away as The Netherlands in a joint-training environment. Patriot is unique because participating units plan their scenarios and events to meet their training requirements.
In 2009, Patriot will again go the extra mile to maximize training for all participants, incorporating combat operations and homeland defense scenarios.
Pilots and crew members from the 249th participated in the Patriot Exercise to provide an opportunity for joint force training in medical evacuation and helicopter operations.23 Jul, 2009
CAMP SMITH--Brooklyn resident Brian Ayala, age 20, does morning physical training as he goes through the New York Guard's one-week basic training course for new recruits.
The New York Guard is an volunteer, unpaid state-only force, which augments and assists the New York National Guard during training and in state emergencies.
The New York Guard is conducting week-long schools for new recruits, non-commissioned officers, and company officers at Camp Smith Training Site near Peekskill, July 20-25.21 Jul, 2009
GUILDERLAND--Members of the New York Guard's Task Force 10 put the finishing touches on a pavilion they erected at the Guilderland Weekend Training Site near Albany, on Tuesday, July 21.
The members of the volunteer force, which augments and supports the New York Natonal Guard, are spending their week-long Annual Training installing improvements at the training site, which is used by the New York Army and Air National Guard for weapons training and by the New York State Police and local law enforcemnet agencies.
Other New York Guard members are doing similar work at the New York National Guard training site in Youngstown, Niagara County.20 Jul, 2009
ALBANY--New York Army National Guard Signal Soldier pose with Dr. Melodie Mayberry-Stewart New Yorks Chief Information Officer, during the New York State Interoperability Symposium, held July 1 and 2 at the Desmond Hotel.
The members of Joint Forces Headquarters demonstrated the New York National Guards JISCC (Joint Incident Site Communications Capability) during the two-day meeting which brought together communications experts from a number of state and federal agencies.
The Soldiers with Dr. Mayberry-Stewart are (from left) Spec. Amanda MacWhinnie, Sgt. 1st Class Charles Moore, and Chief Warrant Officer Dave Tiffany.
The JISCC system allows different emergency responders to communicate with each other, as well as providing a command post communications capability through video, voice and e-mail.16 Jul, 2009
New York City-- New York Governor David Paterson pins two-star rank on New York Guard Commander Major General Fergal Foley, the commander of the New York Guard, the state's volunteer, unpaid force which augments the New York National Guard and assists with operations and training.
State Major General Foley retired from the New York Army National Guard as a Colonel in 2006. He assumed command of the New York Guard this year and his promotion was recently confirmed by the New York State Senate.
The New York Guard, one of 26 Congressionally-authorized state defense forces, provides National Guard forces with additional skills and manpower when training, preparing for mobilization, and in state emergencies.13 Jul, 2009
Capt. Benjamin Tupper, a public affairs officer with the 42nd Infantry Division from Syracuse, NY listens to stories of Rainbow Division veterans Vassil Evanoff from Bloomington, MN and Ivan Wallace from Pinetta, FL during the Rainbow Division Veterans Foundation's 65th Annual Reunion on July 11, 2009. The two men
served in the 22nd Medical Battalion during WWII.10 Jul, 2009
JAMAICA -- Rose McKay (seated at left), son Shane and daughter Tanisha (seated at right) gather July 10 with comrades from the 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery to receive an artist's print of their loved one killed in Afghanistan last year serving with the New York Army National Guard.
Joseph McKay was among 1700 members of the New York National Guard's 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team that were mobilized and deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 as combined Joint Task Force Phoenix VII. Sergeant First Class McKay, Specialist Mark Palmateer from Poughkeepsie and Sergeant First Class Matthew Hilton of Livonia, Michigan were killed in an ambush on their convoy on June 26th 2008 when and Improvised Explosive Device struck their vehicle in Eastern, Afghanistan.
He was a career New York National Guard Soldier who first joined in 1977 and served continuously until his death last year. He was a naturalized American citizen from Guyana, South America and lived with his wife and two children in Queens.
Texas artist Phil Taylor and his wife Lisa of the American Fallen Soldiers Project presented Mrs. Rose McKay with a portrait of her late husband Joseph at a special ceremony at the Soldier's former armory in Jamaica Queens on July 10. The American Fallen Soldiers Project is a 501? 3 non-profit organization committed to honoring the memory of fallen military personnel by presenting the next of kin with custom portraits of their late loved one at no cost.
For more information go to www.americanfallensoldiers.com10 Jul, 2009
FORT HAMILTON, Brooklyn -- New York Army National Guard Maj. Charles Flood of the 24th Civil Support Team discusses the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High Explosive (CBRNE) detection and identification capabilities of the Civil Support Team with Maj. Gen. Yair Golan, at left, commander of the Israeli Defense Forces Homefront Command. The Homefront Command has similar responsibilities to the National Guard to support local emergency responders and civil authorities in response to natural disasters or other incidents to protect the public. Golan was in New York City to meet with Emergency Operations planners and leaders to gather and share lessons and best practices between the two countries. Photo by 2nd Lt. Mark Getman.7 Jul, 2009
ROCHESTER - Rejean Tremblay, a contract videographer for Oblique FX Film Production Company from Montreal, Canada takes painstakingly accurate laser scans of one of Detachment 1, Company B, 126th Aviation's CH-47D Chinook helicopters.
The film crew was in Rochester to get 3D imagery of a Chinook to be used in an upcoming IMAX film entitled Search and Rescue to be shown later this year.4 Jul, 2009
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. -- A New York Army National Guard Soldier stands beside the Army National Guard Indy Car, No. 4. Driven by Vitor Meira for Panther Racing team owner John Barnes, the Dallara IR car has a 3.5-liter Honda Indy V-8 engine and runs on ethanol.
It's the latest addition to the team of Race cars sponsored by the National Guard.
Thirty-seven New York Army National Guard Soldiers from across New York had the opportunity to meet with the car's crew, tour the pits, and even get a spin in a specially constructed tandem racecar on Thursday, July 2 as the team prepared for Fourth of July race weekend.
The car will be wearing a hood feature 27th Brigade Combat Team, based in Syracuse, N.Y. The brigade returned from deployment to Afghanistan at the end of 2008 as the headquarters for Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix, training and mentoring the Afghan national army and police forces.30 Jun, 2009
FORT KNOX, KY -- Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry go into the attack during annual training, June 13-27.
The Soldiers of the "Fighting 69th" practiced urban combat tactics at the Zussman Range Complex at Fort Knox, which simulates a village environment.
The Soldiers also conducted a battalion field training exercise, live fire, and crew-served weapons training.29 Jun, 2009
STEWART ANGB, NEWBURGH, NY, June 29, 2009 -- Lead runners pass a 105th Airlift Wing recruiting trailer as Guardsmen, dependants, relatives and area running club members compete in the first Stewart C-5K fundraising run, a 5 Kilometer race held here on Sunday morning. 82 runners participated in the event which raised approximately $1,400 to be used by the NY National Guard Family Readiness Council to provide financial assistance to National Guard Soldiers, Airmen and their families during deployment emergencies. Kevin Portillo, nephew of Staff Sgt. Fernando Cruz, 105MXS, won the race in 17 minutes and 2 seconds. The C-5K was sponsored by the 105th Family Readiness Group and 105th First Sergeants Council.26 Jun, 2009
HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE- Syracuse-area reporters interview New York Air National Guard Col. John Balbierer about the MQ-9 Reaper, the unmanned attack aircraft the wing is slated to begin operating later this year. Balbierer is the 174th Fighter Wing Maintenance Group Commander.
The wing held a media day on Friday,June 26 to educate the local press about the new aircraft. The reporters received a briefing from the Wing Commander, Col. Kevin Bradley, toured the Reaper maintenance training facility that has been constructed on the base and got a chance to see how the Reaper ground control station works24 Jun, 2009
ALBANY--Members of the New York Army National Guard's 206th Military Police Company march into the Empire State Plaza on Wednesday, June 24, as they prepare for a ceremony marking their departure for duty in Iraq.
The 185 members of the unit will train at Fort Dix for approximately two months before deploying to Iraq.
The Empire State Plaza is a state government complex in downtown Albany.24 Jun, 2009
LATHAM-- Members of the New York Army National Guard's 206th MP company board an amphibious bus owned and operated by Albany Aqua Ducks, en route to a farewell ceremony at Albany's Empire State Plaza on Wednesday June 24.The 206th MP Company, which includes Soldiers from all over New York State ,departs for post-mobilization training at Fort Dix on June 27. The unit is slated to deploy to Iraq later this summer20 Jun, 2009
COLONIE, NY--Runners set out on the 2nd Annual New York National Guard Family Readiness Council, Inc. 5K Fundraising run, Saturday June 20 at Colonie Crossings Park, near Albany.
Almost 200 runners participated in the event, which raises money to be used to aid National Guard Soldiers and Airmen and their families during deployment emergencies. The 1st race in 2008 raised almost $11,000.
This year's race was won by New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Jonathan Peck,a member ofthe 109th Airlift Wing. He finished with a time of 18 minutes and 48 seconds.
This was the first of two fundraising races set for this summer. On June 27 a second 5K fundraiser will be held at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, the home of the 105th Airlift Wing.17 Jun, 2009
NEW YORK -- New York Army National Guard PFC Amanda Rosado, a member of Headquarters Company 369th Sustainment Bde., joins Army Vice Chief of Staff Peter Chiarelli in cutting the Army Birthday Cake on June 14 during a ceremony aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid Air and Space Museum, marking the 234th anniversay of the United States Army.
Traditionally the youngest Soldier present joins the oldest Soldier in cutting the cake at Army Birthday events.16 Jun, 2009
UNIONDALE-- Mr. Chris Valentino, admissions counselor for John Jay College of Criminal Justice, provides New York Army National Guard Pfc. Marco Torres, a member of the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry, with information about continued education opportunities in the National Guard during the New York Army National Guard Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program meeting at the Uniondale Marriott Hotel, June. 13.
Torres, who missed the reintegration for the 69th, took advantage of the session being held for the 133rd Quartermaster Company.
I was not ready to be around large groups of people when I first came home," he explained. Now was a better time to interact in a large group environment and having my daughter involved means a lot to me, said Torres.15 Jun, 2009
NEW YORK CITY-Members of the New York National Guard's Joint Task Force Empire Shield joined representatives of the New York Police and Fire Departments in welcoming a British Team that bicycled across the United States to New York on Saturday, June 13.
The five-man British Team, two Royal Air Force members and three support team members were riding across the country as a fundraiser for wounded British veterans.
The British team are, from left, Sgt. Jason Lewis, Police Contstable Peter Taylor, Roy Hunte, Mike Andrews, and Warrant Officer Nick Styles.
The New York National Guard coordinated with New York City Officials to allow the British cyclists to lay a wreath at Ground Zero, where the World Trade Center once stood.12 Jun, 2009
FORT DRUM - Specialist Diego Menendez, 442 Military Police Company, crawls under concertina wire while under fire on a dismounted patrol reacting to contact.
The combat-oriented course is about two miles long and exposed the Soldiers to what to expect and how to react to different situations they may encounter, should they be deployed to a war zone.10 Jun, 2009
NEWBURGH, NY -- Members of the 105th Airlift Wing and 213th Engineering Installation Squadron move through Personnel Deployment Function out-processing stations during a mock mobilization exercise held at Stewart Air National Guard Base on June 6, 2009.
The exercise is designed to simulate a mass deployment in support of Air Force operational needs.10 Jun, 2009
NEW YORK CITY-- Rufus Lekala, Harbormaster for the Port of Durban, South Africa, listens to Captain Robert Pouch of the New York Naval Militia explain the capabilities of PB 400 during a visit to New York City on June 5.
Lekala was in New York last week as part of a South African delegation participating in a State Partnership Program port security event. As part of that event the South African team met with various interagency partners responsible for the security of New York Harbor.
PB400 is one of the New York Naval Militia boats which is on call to conduct harbor security missions and assist the United States Coast Guard when required.
In civilian life, Pouch is also a commissioner on the Board of Commissioners of Pilots of New York State.10 Jun, 2009
FORT DRUM - Aviation Soldiers from Detachment 1, Company B, 126th Aviation Regiment conduct night door gunnery familiarization aboard a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, June 9 at Range 48 here. They also conducted day door gunnery and water bucket training using a Bambi bucket.8 Jun, 2009
PEEKSKILL, N.Y. - Before heading out to complete a land navigation course at Camp Smith, Spc. Peter D. Haas, 42nd Infantry Division, and former Soldier with the 56th Personnel Services Battalion had some fun and learned how to rappel off a 60-foot tower. Haas got off the wall pretty far as other Soldiers watch below. Haas recently tranferred to the 42nd Inf. Div. due to the recent deactivation of the 56th.6 Jun, 2009
COLONIE--Members of the New York National Guard's CERFP evacuation a victim from the site of a "dirty bomb" attack during a Defense Support to Civil Authorities exercise held Saturday, June 6, at the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control Training Site.
More than 400 members of the New York Army and Air National Guard, and the volunteer New York Guard, participated in the three-day training exercise which tested the ability of the National Guard to supply follow-on forces in the event of an attack
The CERFP, which stands for CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and enhanced-yeild Explosive) Enhanced Response Force Package is a force of National Guardsmen and New York Guard volunteers who are trained to operate in a hazardous environment.
The exercises paired New York's Urban Search and Rescue Team, New York Task Force-2, with the Guardsmen11 May, 2009
CAMP SMITH - Prior to the 42nd Infantry Division's change of command ceremony on Saturday, May 2, Col. Michael Bobeck, the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade commander, conducted a change of command ceremony for the Combat Aviation Brigade Command Sergeant Majors.
Command Sergeant Major Justin Cappon (right) will retire after 40 years of military service and the new brigade Command Sergeant Major will be Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Rentz.
During the ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. Cappon received high praise from Col. Bobeck, in which he thanked Command Sgt. Maj. Cappon for his 40 years of military service to his country, the Army, and in particular, the aviation community.
Colonel Bobeck noted some of the 42nd Combat Avn Bde's accomplishments and the role that a command sergeant major plays in ensuring that Soldiers are properly prepared and trained for the challenges they face throughout the world.
As Command Sgt. Maj. Cappon returned the brigade colors to the commander, he thanked Col. Bobeck for the opportunity to serve the Soldiers of the Combat Aviation Brigade.
Command Sergeant Major Cappon indicated that his last mission prior to his retirement will be to welcome home the 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation from Iraq, saying I sent them to war; I want to welcome them home and thank them for their honorable service."6 Jun, 2009
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Scotia-- New York Air National Guiard Airmen assigned to the state CERFP check their medical equipment on Friday, June 5, as they prepare for a major exercise at the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control training site in Albany.
The CERFP, which stands for CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and enhanced-yield Explosive) Enhanced Response Force Pacakge, is a team of Army and Air National Guardsmen trained to extract victims from destroyed buildings, decontaminate them and provide emergency medical care. New York fields one of 17 such teams in the United States.4 Jun, 2009
LATHAM - Staff Sergeant Edward Rivette, a mechanic at Army Aviation Support Facility #3 in Latham conducts a pre-check of a video transfer station that recieves video transmissions via a video camera attached to the underside of one of New Yorks's OH-58A helicopters.
The OH-58A will be used during an upcoming Vigilant Guard exercise that will incorporate civil authority support alongside National Guard assets.30 May, 2009
LATHAM, N.Y. - New York Army National Guard Sgt. Robert Benson of Rotterdam, is greeted by his wife Donya, 16 year old daughter Danya and 13 year old son Dylan, as he returned home to the Army Aviation Support Facility, May 30, after completing one-year of active duty for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Benson, and more than 160 members of the New York Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion served in Iraq for nine months, returning to the United States last weekend and completing their demobilization tasks. The Capital District welcomed home more than 35 of these Soldiers this weekend.
The battalion, headquartered near Long Island's Islip MacArthur Airport at the New York Army National Guard's Ronkonkoma Army Aviation Support Facility, also has a flight company near Albany International Airport in Latham, N.Y.
Known in Iraq as Task Force Jester, the aircrews and Soldiers of the 3-142nd conducted aviation operations throughout central and southern Iraq to support coalition and Iraqi forces movements of troops and supplies.
The battalion of more than 320 Soldiers conducted split based operations with a company located in Basra and the remainder of the battalion at Baghdad International Airport.
By May of 2009, Task Force Jester had oversight of 62 aircraft(55 UH-60 Blackhawks and seven AH-64 Apaches), more than double the unit's normal complement of helicopters without additional staffing.
Over the course of the deployment, the aircrews from the task force flew more than 15,000 flight hours, moving more than 50,000 personnel and 1,000,000 lbs. of cargo.
This event marks the homecoming for the remainder of the battalion's troops. The unit will come back together in approximately one month to begin their Yellow Ribbon reintegration program to offer Soldiers and their families information and services prior to returning to a regular National Guard drill status.28 May, 2009
NEW YORK - New York Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Jorge Vasquez from the Guard's 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry and Mr. Thomas Fitzsimmons of the 69th Veteran's Association place a memorial wreath dedicated to the fallen servicemen and women this Memorial Day at the New York City Soldiers' & Sailors' Monument in Manhattan.
The Memorial Service, which included remarks by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, honors all veterans and pays special homage to New Yorkers who gave their lives in the Civil War. The special tribute of the day honored the legendary 69th Infantry Regiment, one of the first units to answer President Lincolns call for New York volunteers.
The Memorial Day wreath laying included 17 veterans, heritage and civic organizations, including the American Legion, the Navy League, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Daughters of the American Revolution, Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. and Old Guard of the City of New York. Photo by Ed Dunn, Jr.12 May, 2009
MACHIAS, N.Y. - Sergeant Michael Aquilina, standing to the left of the CH-47D 'Chinook' helicopter, watches as Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) Soldiers board the aircraft in preparation for an orientation flight from a farmers field in Machias.
The 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade initiated the program in 2008 encouraging incoming New York aviation units to expose Soldiers to a working knowledge of aviation missions and capabilities.26 May, 2009
FORT DIX, N.J. - Major Jason Lefton is greeted by Brig. Gen. Steven Wickstrom, commander of the 42nd Infantry Division as he arrives here on Sunday, May 25 after redeploying from Iraq. Lefton and about 145 aviation Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment were in the second wave of New York Army National Guardsmen to return over the Memorial Day weekend.23 May, 2009
LATHAM -- New York Army National Guard Sgt. Benjamin Seeger is greeted by his wife Andrea and 2-year old daughter Rachel, as he returned home to the Army Aviation Support Facility, May 23, after completing one-year of active duty for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Seeger, and more than 160 members of the New York Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion served in Iraq for nine months, returning to the United States last weekend and completing their demobilization tasks. The Capital District welcomed home more than 60 of these Soldiers this weekend.
The battalion, headquartered near Long Island's Islip MacArthur Airport at the New York Army National Guard's Ronkonkoma Army Aviation Support Facility, also has a flight company near Albany International Airport in Latham, N.Y.22 May, 2009
LATHAM-- Major General Joseph Taluto, the Adjutant General, speaks about the 31 members of the New York Army National Guard, and one Naval Militia member (a Marine Corps Reservist) who have given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001.
The Joint Forces Headquarters, and New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, holds a pre-Memorial Day ceremony annually to remember fallen New Yorkers.18 Jun, 2009
CAMP SMITH--New York Guard members join New York Army National Guard Sgt First Class Steve Swiderski as he reviews actions on contact taken by members of the 1st battalion 69th Infantry during training at Camp Smith in March.
The New York Guard's 14th Brigade provided the Opposing Forces for the Army National Guard training, allowing the National Guardsmen to act as observer controllers and handle other training tasks.22 May, 2009
ARLINGTON, Va--South African Air Force Public Affairs Officers visiting the United States as part of the New York National Guard's State Partnership Program with South Africa, meet with National Guard Bureau Public Affairs Director Jack Harrison (In civilian clothes)on Tuesday, May 19, at National Guard headquarters.
The officers (from right) Lt. Col. Georgina Denga Mokwebo; Lt. Col. Angela Human; Lt. Col. Marius Johannes Bosch; and Lt. Col. Edwell Charles Herandien, where escorted by New York Air National Guard Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Robert Bullock (facing camera).
The South African officers also visited the Defense Information School at Fort Meade, Maryland; visited the offices of Air Force Public Affairs; toured the United States Capitol and the New York State Capital, met with New York National Guard Adjutant General Joseph J. Taluto, and also met with Denis O'Donnel, Deputy Secretary for Public Safety for New York State
South African military ambassadors meet with members from the National Guard Bureau and the New York National Guard May 19 in Arlington, Va., as part of the State Partnership Program. South Africa and New York have been partners since August 2003. The National Guard initiative aligns states with countries around the world for the purpose of fostering mutual interests and establishing ling-term relationships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith) (Released)20 May, 2009
LATHAM-- Members of the Army and Air National Guard, New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard participate in the Joint Staff Training Course at Joint Forces Headquarters on Wednesday, May 20.
Seventy-five New York military force members are now certified by Northern Command to conduct joint operations.
The Army and Air National Guard, New York Naval Militia and New York Guard members completed an eight-month on-line and resident course training, culminating with a two-day face to face joint staff training exercise on May 20 at the Latham, NY headquarters.
The Joint Staff Training Course enables participants to better execute domestic operations and work with local first responders in a Joint Task Force.
Joint Task Force staffs will practice these newly trained skills during a large scale disaster preparedness exercise called Vigilant Guard later this year. The November exercise in Buffalo, will enable the Joint Task Force to oversee roughly 2,000 members of the National Guard, New York state and local first responders and provide a full range of flexible and adaptable, command and control capabilities for emergency response operations in order to protect, defend and assist the citizens of New York State.19 May, 2009
STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--Members of the New York Air National Guard's 105th Air Wing Fire Department douse flames during a multi-organization training exercise here May 16.
The training is coordinated by the Port Authority of N.Y. and N.J. and takes place every three years and involves the department along with several civilian emergency service agencies.
The wing fire department is comprised of civilian employees of the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs.19 May, 2009
NEW WINDSOR, NY. 2 May 2009. -- Senior Airman Darryl Reeves, defends against Staff Sgt. Michael Winfield's drive to the basket in the 105th Airlift Wing First Six Enlisted Council's, 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament held on May 2 at Stewart Air National Guard Base.
Fifty-five members of the Stewart military community-- which includes members of the Air National Guard and the United States Marine Corps Reserve's Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452 ( VMGR-452) participated in the games held in the New Windsor Recreational Facility on Saturday afternoon of the May Unit Training Assembly.
Air Guardsmen and Marines vied for base bragging rights in a double elimination competition.
The First Six Enlisted Council--a joint Air Guard and Marine group-- created the 3-on-3 Tournament to raise morale, strengthen unit camaraderie and to jumpstart fitness.
I found this event to be very exciting and a healthy challenge and was happy to see so many us come out and participate. I believe if this tournament was a consistent part of future drill weekends it would improve the fitness of members. I would surely take part in this event whenever available Said Staff Sgt. Michael D. Winfield, 105 LRS.
The overall winners of the tournament were the Marines of MAG49-Detachment B.
It was nice to see people having fun and exchanging contact information. Having an outing like this has served its purpose. There will definitely be more events like this to come added Tech. Sgt. Jose Chevere, President of the First Six Enlisted Council.17 May, 2009
FORT DIX, N.J. - About 130 aviation Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment got back on home soil here on May 17 after a year in Iraq.
On hand to greet Soldiers as they got off their charterd flight were 42nd Infantry Division commander, Brig. Gen. Steven Wickstrom and 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade commander, Col.Michael Bobeck.
The 142nd will spend about a week at Fort Dix conducting their demobilization process.16 May, 2009
CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE--Sgt. Morgan Cady, the New York National Guard's Traditional NCO of the Year for 2009 takes aim during marksmanship competition at Camp Smith Training Site on Friday, May 15.
Cady, a member of the 104th Military Police Battalion in Kingston, and a Booneville, Lewis County, resident, was competiting against National Guard NCOs from throughout the Northeast for the honor of representing the National Guard at the Army-wide NCO and Soldier competition later this year.14 May, 2009
ORISKANY--Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard?s 206th Military Police Company react to an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and extract a simulated casualty during training at the New York State Emergency Preparedness Center in Oriskany, N.Y. on May 13.
The Soldiers were being trained by civilians under contract to the United States Marine Corps Engineer Cener of Excellence. The Marine's Mobile Training Cadre West team is comprised of combat veterans.
The Army National Guard Soldiers completed their IED training as part of their preparation for mobilization and deployment to Iraq later this summer. Photo by Lt. Col. Richard Goldenberg.15 May, 2009
HEMPSTEAD -- Three members of Hofstra University Army ROTC received their commissions as second lieutenants for service in the New York Army National Guard. In a ceremony held May 14 at Hofstra University, the graduating cadets from the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) four associated Long Island colleges or universities received their oath of commission and gold bars from their professor of military science. Newly commissioned 2nd Lieutenant Anthony J. Fasano (pictured above) receives his lieutenant bars from his family. Fasano, an Adelphi University senior, was commissioned a field artillery officer and will serve with the New York Army National Guard s Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry. Joining Fasano were new lieutenants Andrew P. Stein, a new aviation officer who graduates from Hofstra and will serve with Company D, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter in Ronkonkoma and Stephen Totter, a Hofstra graduate who received his commission as an intelligence officer and will serve with the 501st Ordnance Battalion in Schenectady, N.Y. Photo by 2nd Lt. Mark Getman, 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery.13 May, 2009
HUDSON FALLS--New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Dan Allen explains the mechanics of a M998 Humve to students at the Warren-Washington BOCES on Tuesday, May 12.
Allen, a member of the 1427th Transportation Co. was taking part in the Recruiting Command's "Humvee School Program". The program brings Humvees-- in this case one borrowed from the 466th Medical Company, into area BOCES--Board of Cooperative Educational Services-- schools and allows the students to perform Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services on the vehicle.
The students get a T-shirt and a chance to find out about maintenance careers in the Army National Guard.11 May, 2009
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Florida -- The crew of "King 2", HC-130 rescue aircraft from the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing, gather for a group photograph on Monday, May 11, as they wait for the launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis.
This mission marked the 100th time that Airmen from the Long Island wing provided rescue support to Space Shuttle launches.
Joining the HC-130 crews from Gabreski Field Air National Guard Base at Westhampton Beach, New York, were pararescuemen from the California Air National Guard's 131st Rescue Squadron, based at Moffett Federal Airfield, located near Mountain View, California.
If the shuttle crew had been forced to leave the spacecraft near the Kennedy Space Center these men would have been responsible for pulling the astronauts from the water.9 May, 2009
HANCOCK AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Syracuse -- Lieutenant Colonel Brian Marshall, the 427th BSB Battalion Commander, recognizes Maj. Deanna Petrillo during the unit's Freedom Salute Ceremony, Saturday, May 9.
Maj. Petrillo deployed with the unit during their year-long deployment to Afghanistan in support of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix.11 May, 2009
HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Syracuse-- Vice President Joseph Biden shakes hands with New York Air National Guard Senior Airman Mitchell Kuhn Sunday as he arrived in Syracuse to speak at the commencement ceremonies of Syracuse University on Sunday, May 10.
Biden spoke briefly with members of the 174th Fighter Wing as he arrived at Hancock Field.6 May, 2009
HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Syracuse, New York Air National Guard 174th Fighter Wing Vice Commander, Col. Charles S. Dorsey (left), talks with National Guard Bureau Chief, Gen. Craig R. McKinley, at Hancock Field in Syracuse, NY. on 5 May 2009. McKinley was checking on the progress of the 174th Fighter Wing's transition from flyinhg F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets to operating the new MQ-9 Reaper Unmanned Arial Vehicle.
McKinley is the top-ranking officer in the National Guard5 May, 2009
CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE--Brig. Gen. Paul Genereux, Deputy Commander of the New York Army National Guard, recognizes a 106th Regional Training Institute Soldier during the unit's Freedom Salute Ceremony, Saturday, May 2.
The 106th RTI Soldiers served in Afghanistan as part of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix, training the Afghan Army and Police.6 May, 2009
Gen. Craig McKinley, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau praised Army and Air National Guard spouses for their support of their service members who have deployed overseas since the attacks of September 11, in a letter releases this week.
McKinley, an Air National Guard officer, is the highest ranking officer in the National Guard and is the responsible for formulating, developing and coordinating all policies, programs and plans affecting more than half a million Army and Air National Guard personnel.4 May, 2009
SLEEPY HOLLOW--The 89th New York Guard Band, led by Capt. Douglas Hedwig, marches into place at the 91st Annual 1st Provisional Regiment, NY Guard memorial service to honor forty original New York Guard volunteers who died of the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic while on state active duty guarding New York's aqueduct system.
Today's New York Guard honors the memory of those volunteers each year with a ceremony at the New York Guard Memorial in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
The New York Guard is one of the components of the New York Military Forces. Unlike the New York National Guard the New York Guard cannot be federalized and serves only within the boundaries of New York State.5 May, 2009
GABRESKI AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Westhampton Beach-- Local officials gathered Saturday, May 2 along with members of the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing to break ground for a new $14.56 million facility to house the wing's pararescue jumpers.
From left:Michael Jacobs, Chariman of the Board of the Friends of the 106th; Colonel Michael F. Canders of the 106th Rescue Wing; Representative Timothy Bishop; New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele; Major John D. McElroy of the 103rd Rescue Squadron; and Supervisor for Racanelli Construction Keith Wood turn the first ceremonial ground.on May 2, 2009.3 May, 2009
CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE--The Troy-based 42nd Infantry Division welcomed its new commander in a formal military ceremony Sunday, May 3. Iraq War veteran Brig. Gen. Steven Wickstrom took the responsibility of command of the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division in a change of command ceremony in front of divisional troops at Camp Smith, near Peekskill, N.Y.
The New York Army National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters, based in Troy, N.Y., is one of only eight Army National Guard combat division headquarters in the nation.
It was the first National Guard divisional headquarters called to active duty for combat operations in Iraq since the Korean War. The division served as the Multinational Divisional Headquarters for North Central Iraq during the Iraqi Constitutional Referendum vote in 2005.
Brigadier General Steven N. Wickstrom, incoming commander of the Army National Guard's 42nd Infantry (Rainbow) Division. Wickstrom has served in numerous leadership and staff positions in his 28-year career as an officer in the Army National Guard. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and previously served as the Deputy Commanding General of the 42nd Infantry Division.
Wickstrom took command from Brig. Gen. Paul C. Genereux, Jr., the division commander from April 2006 and formerly the division's deputy commander for combat operations during the unit deployment to Iraq in 2005.3 May, 2009
New York Army National Guard Sgt. Kizzy Blake speaks with New York State Dept. of Labor representative Rod Donnelly at the National Guard's Yellow Ribbon Reintegration event May 2 in Uniondale, Long Island.
The event hosted members of the New York Army National Guard's 133rd Quartermaster Company, providing nearly 170 Soldiers and family members with information about benefits and services for the returning Iraq war veterans.
The Reintegration Program is designed to help transition the Soldiers back to Citizens.
The unit mobilized in early March 2008 following an intensive annual training period in February 2008 to conduct individual Soldier training at Fort Dix to prepare for the unit's deployment to Iraq.
The company was responsible for several important sustainment operations at Al Asad. The unit managed a food distribution warehouse and fuel logistics yard, providing everything from food for the troops to fuel for convoys and helicopters. In addition, the Soldiers managed a water purification and distribution site.
Photo by Lt. Col. Richard Goldenberg, 42nd Infantry Division.3 May, 2009
The New York State Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Joseph Taluto, left, presents the Army Combat Action Badge to New York Army National Guard Spc. Armani Reid of the 133rd Quartermaster Company May 2 at the organization's Yellow Ribbon Reintegration weekend in Uniondale, Long Island.
The award, given to Soldiers who experience direct combat action overseas, was also presented to Sgt. Troy Coaxum, Spc. Jose Rivera, Spc. Ryan Lombardi and Spc. Nathaniel Doyley as the unit went on to review a variety of veterans' benefits and services during a forum throughout the afternooon.
Nearly 170 Soldiers and family members attended the weekend event, designed to help transition the Soldiers back to Citizens.
The unit mobilized in early March 2008 following an intensive annual training period in February 2008 to conduct individual Soldier training at Fort Dix to prepare for the unit's deployment to Iraq.
The company was responsible for several important sustainment operations at Al Asad. The unit managed a food distribution warehouse and fuel logistics yard, providing everything from food for the troops to fuel for convoys and helicopters. In addition, the Soldiers managed a water purification and distribution site.
Photo by Lt. Col. Richard Goldenberg, 42nd Infantry Division.20 Mar, 2009
SARATOGA SPRINGS--New York Army National Guard Specialist, Juanita Locke, age 37, and her son Specialist Jason Van Deusen, 19, stand outside the New York State Military History Museum.
Locke, a personnel specialist working in the Army National Guard's military personnel office, enlisted in the National Guard after her son, joined at age 17 in 2006.
She showed up at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, for Basic Training as he was finishing up Advanced Individual Training.
Van Dusen serves as personel specialist for Company C, 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry following a 2008 combat tour in Afghanistan.28 Apr, 2009
LATHAM, N.Y. - Members of the New York National Guard get some "stage time" with the local college dance group Capioera from Renesselaer Polytechnical Institute. The Soldiers, from right to left, Maj. Gen. Deborah Wheeling, Pvt. Natiasia Cooper, Pvt. Kerri Kenyon and Master Sgt. Michelle Lindsey try to imitate complex dance moves following the members of Capioera.
The 2nd Annual Diversity Day for the N.Y. National Guard was held at the Division of Military and Naval Affairs in Latham on April 28.
This year's theme was Diversity: Shaping Tomorrow's Guard.28 Apr, 2009
CORTLANDT MANOR - Tech. Sgt. Christopher Ashley, a member of the 174th Fighter Wing sites in a target during the 30th Annual Adjutant General's Match at Camp Smith Training Site here, April 24, 25 and 26.
Ashley took top honors in the weekend event.
More than 125 members of New York?s military forces and several neighboring states gathered at Camp Smith Training Site for the shooting match.
Individuals and teams from the New York Army and Air National Guard, United States Marine Corps Reserve, US Army Reserve, New York Guard as well as National Guard teams from Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont competed in a variety of M16 Rifle and M9 Pistol shooting matches.
Ashley competed in the Pro/Expert Class finished First Place Grand Aggregate Rifle Champion, First Place Close Quarter Combat, First Place Grand Aggregate Pistol Champion and Third Place Reflexive Fire.
The 174th Fighter Wing also took the top team award for the fourth straight year finishing First Place Combined Arms Team, First Place Rifle Team and Second Place Pistol Team.27 Apr, 2009
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Four UH-1 "Huey" helicopters from the 249th Medical Evacuation Company (Air Ambulance) get airborne, bound for a cross-country trip to Temple, Texas from the Rochester-based Army Aviation Support Facility #2 on April 27.
The 249th is replacing the "work-horse" helicopters with the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter and will turn in their 'Huey' aircraft upon arrival in Texas.26 Apr, 2009
SARATOGA SPRINGS--David McGuiness, principle deputy assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, speaks to members of the New York National Guard during the Adjutant General's Professional Day, April 25, at the Saratoga Hilton Hotel
More than 200 officers and senior non-commissioned officers of the New York Military Forces attended the meeting.
Mr. McGuiness, a former New York Army National Guard member, outlined the reserve policies that the administration of President Barack Obama is putting together, and discussed the administrations long-term plans for meeting the military needs of the United States.
Other speakers discussed leadership and upcoming legislation that will effect the National Guard21 Apr, 2009
FORT DIX, N.J. -- New York Army National Guard 206th Military Police Specialist Kim Hunter, engages targets with a shotgun while training on a small arms range at Fort Dix, New Jersey.
The Soldiers of the 206th spent most of April here in preparation for a deployment to Iraq in June.17 Apr, 2009
NEWBURGH, NY, Stewart Airport Army 2nd Aviation -- Soldiers from the New York Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery loading baggage into an 107th Airlift Wing C-130. Citizen Soldiers from Jamaica and the Bronx will deploy to Camp Blanding, Florida for an extended drill training weekend.16 Apr, 2009
HANCOCK FIELD ANGB, SYRACUSE-- These pilots of the New York Air National Guard's 174th Fighter Wing helped inagurate the "New" Yankee Stadium on the first home game on April 16, when they conducted a flyover of four F-16 C Fighting Falcons as part of the opening ceremonies.
Pictured are, bottom row from left to right, Capt. Scott Bissonnette and Staff Sgt. Preston Cox, aircraft crew chief and top row left to right: Maj. Kurt Tongren, Maj. John Knutsen and Lt. Col. Sean McQuaid14 Apr, 2009
NEWBURGH-- Senior Airman Hilary Crispell, a member of the New York Air National Guard, gives blood during a Friday, April 10 blood drive held at Stewart Air National Guard Base.
A total of 102 members of the Stewart Air National Guard Base community donated blood at the 105th Airliftw Wing's Good Friday blood drive.6 Apr, 2009
LATHAM-- Col. Theodore Limpert and other members of Joint Forces headquarters-New York Air National Guard practice chest compressions as part of the American Heart Association's newest Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)training program.
Thirty New York Air National Guardsmen participated in the March training session and committed to the training of an additional 90 family members and friends.
"This was a great opportunity for our headquarters staff to gain life saving training," stated State Air Surgeon Dr. (Col) Reid Muller, who himself has saved two lives through use of CPR training. "Based upon our success with the headquarters staff, it is our hope that we might encourage similar training sessions in Air National Guard units statewide," he said.6 Apr, 2009
GUILDERLAND, N.Y. - Private First Class Donald Ingoldsby, Jr., Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, assissts other HHC Soldiers as they practice erecting a Base-X tent system at Guilderland Rifle Range, Saturday, Apr. 4.
The 42nd Combat Avn. Bde. is training for their "live" Tactical Operations Center Excercise in May.29 Mar, 2009
LATHAM--Valerie Bennett and her six-year old daughter Haley, pickup information on the New York Army National Guard Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program during the National Guard's Family Program mid-deployment event, March 28, at the Latham headquarters.
Bennett's husband, Sgt. First Class Robert Bennett is deployed to Iraq with the 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation, and is expected to return this summer.6 Apr, 2009
ITHACA - New York Army National Guard Cpl. Timothy Bishop, of Company D 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry, instructs Reserve Officer Training Corps ( ROTC) Cadets in building clearing procedures Saturday, April 4, at the New York State Armory.
The three day ROTC training event included Cadets from Cornell University, Syracuse University and the Rochester Institute of Technology and was hosted by the New York Army National Guard and the Ithaca Armory.
The Cadets got instruction in basic tactics, talked to veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, and learned the benefits of enrolling in the Simultaneous Membership Program, that allows ROTC cadets to serve in the National Guard while they are enrolled in college.3 Apr, 2009
ELMIRA--Members of the New York Military Forces Honor Guard provide funeral honors for Sgt. Dougall Espey, a Korean War Soldier whose remains were identified only last year, during burial services Friday, April 3, at Woodlawn National Cemetery.
Espey died in November 1950 when Chinese Commnunist forces attacked his unit near Unsan, North Korea.
He was buried in his hometown on what would have been his 80th birthday.
"I'm glad we were able to bring him back here (Elmira)," said his sister Mariam Espey, 78, an Air Force nurse during the Korean War.
"He said when he left, he'd be home someday. Today we brought him home," she said.24 Mar, 2009
FORT DIX, N.J. - Colonel Gary Machina (front, right), Sgt. Major Randy Ross and Soldiers of the 53rd Army Liaison Team (ALT) are visited by the New York Army National Guard Chief of Staff, Col. James Lettko on March 23 prior to deploying to Iraq.
The New York Army National Guard's 53rd ALT finished mandatory combat training at Fort Dix and is now in the process of moving into Iraq where the unit will work with elements of the Iraqi Army to help coordinate operations in the campaign against Al-Qaeda and other terrorist elements.26 Feb, 2009
OFF THE COAST OF LONG ISLAND - The New York Naval Militia's patrol boat PB 440 carried a squad of U.S. Coast Guard boarding team members to an inbound Saudi Arabian ship on Feb. 25 at Ambrose anchorage to be inspected before the ship can enter loading docks in Brooklyn.
Recently, the PB 440 and crew were utilized for recovery efforts of U.S. Air flight 1549 that was forced to land in the Hudson River.
The New York Naval Militia regularly works with the U.S. Coast Guard in New York Harbor.29 Mar, 2009
LATHAM, NY -- The New York Army National Guards State Chaplain, (Lt. Col.) Eric Olsen (right) and Chaplain (Brig.Gen), Bryan Hult, Special Assistant to the Chief of Chaplains based at Arlington VA, view the Fallen Comrade Memorial Wall, during a visit to the New York National Guards Joint Forces Headquarters on March 28.
As the National Guard Bureau advisor to the Army Chief of Chaplains, Hult is the National Guard's top chaplain and routinely visits National Guard State headquarters to review programs, structure, and strength management and discuss issues affecting the chaplain corps.
I am impressed with New Yorks structure, organization and vision, from incorporating unit ministry teams and Air National Guard personnel and resources into programs to expanding the chaplain corps to meet the diverse needs of New York. New York is bringing it all together, Hult said.29 Mar, 2009
LATHAM--The New York Army National Guard's Top Soldiers for 2009 are, from left,Specialist Sebastian McClendon Company A, 1st Battalion 69th Infantry, Traditional Soldier of the Year; Staff Sgt Tiffany Streit,Headquarters and Headquarters Company 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade ,Active Guard Reserve NCO of the Year; and Staff Sgt Morgan Cady,Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment 104th Military Police Battalion,Traditional Non-Commissioned Officer Of the Year.
Ten Soldiers were entered in the final evaluation which took place March 28-29 at Joint Forces Headquarters - New York.
27 Mar, 2009
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, NEVADA-- New York Air National Guard Technical Sgt. Ed Peck, Staff Sgt Mack McMclowry, Senior Airmen Kyle Potter and Airman First Class Cliff Lamb replace the engine of an F-16C belonging to the 174th Fighter Wing.
The members of the 174th FW are on their last deployment as an F-16 unit to Nellis, serving as the opposings force for the Air Force Weapons Instructor Course.25 Mar, 2009
FORT HAMILTON, BROOKLYN--New York Air National Guard Technical Sgt. Brian Mathews, from the 174th Fighter Wing in Syracuse, provides radio, internet, telephone and video support for Operation Empire Sun, the New York National Guard's participation in the Vigilant Guard exercise being conducted by the Puerto Rico National Guard.
The New York National Guard's Joint Task Force Empire Shield headquarters in New York City, is portraying the headquarters of a 300-member task force deployed to Puerto Rico to help the Commonwealth recover from an Earthquake and tsunami.
The exercise, held quarterly, tests the ability of Guard forcs, state and federal agencies, and Active Component military forces to react to civil disasters and emergencies.25 Mar, 2009
Oriskany - Capt. Robert Miron and Staff Sgt. Brendan Dunfee move through the "Hot Zone", an abandoned aircraft hangar investigating for potential contamination during an exercise, Tuesday March 24 at the New York State Preparedness Training Center.
Miron and Dunfee are part of the New York National Guard?s Weapons of Mass Destruction 2nd Civil Support Team. The 2nd CST is composed of both Army and Air National Guard Soldiers based at Stratton Air Force Base in Scotia, NY.
The day long exercise was observed and evaluated by officials from U.S. Army North in preparation for the teams? 18-month inspection in November24 Mar, 2009
ROCHESTER - Specialist Kevin Gilbo and his girlfriend Elizabeth Kearns talk with Michelle Pipas from Syracuse Universitys Office of Admissions, Saturday March 21 at Rochesters Riverside Convention Center, site of the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration programs 60-day event.
Soldiers, spouses and family members of the New York Army National Guards 27th Brigade Combat Team took part in the two day event as a "follow on" to the 30-day event held in February. A variety of programs, counseling and a career fair were available to the Soldiers and their families to help them transition from full time Soldier in a combat environment back to Citizen Soldier.
More than 1,500 members of the 27th BCT spent most of 2008 in Afghanistan training the Afghan Army and Police22 Mar, 2009
Hancock Field Air National Guard Base-- New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt. William Barney and Technical Sgt. Thomas Moade from the 174 Fighter Wing and Staff Sgt. Felix Moya from the 105th Airlift Wing are loading a C-5A Galaxy from the 105th AW, based at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh on Friday, March 20. The two Air Guardmembers were loading equipment for the 174th FW as the wing prepares for a deployment to Nellis AFB, NV in support of the Weapons Instructor Course.
This will be the last planned deployment for the F-16s from Syracuse before the wing converts to flying unmanned attack aircraft.5 Mar, 2009
LATHAM, N.Y. - Members of the 206th Military Police Company wait to mount their vehicles outside the New York State Armory here on Thursday, March 5.
The Soldiers conducted a road march from Latham to Camp Smith Training Site just north of Peekskill, Westchester County, as part of their monthly drill.
The 206th is preparing to mobilize for duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom later this year.19 Mar, 2009
CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. - New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery and supporting Soldiers from Company G, 427th Forward Support Battalion conduct combat training for urban terrain here
March 14. The Soldiers used smoke to mask their movements through the restrictive terrain as part of their training. The 258th Field Artillery headquarters and Company G Soldiers are based in Jamaica, N.Y. with the artillery battery Soldiers based in armories in the Bronx and Newburgh. Photo by 2nd Lt. Mark Getman.17 Mar, 2009
NEW YORK -- Soldiers from the New York Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry celebrate Saint Patrick's Day in Manhattan in leading the citywide parade up Fifth Avenue past Saint Patrick's Cathedral. The battalion celebration included the homecoming Freedom Salute for more than 300 recently returned veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan where the Soldiers served as Afghan army and police mentors or security forces for the embedded training teams. The unit, famous throughout the Army as the "Fighting 69th" from its combat actions in the Civil War, has led the New York City Saint Patrick's Day parade for the past 158 years. Photo by Lt. Col. Richard Goldenberg.16 Mar, 2009
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Spc. Roberto R. Wells, a member of the 3-142 Assault Helicopter Battalion, takes his oath of U.S. citizenship during a naturalization ceremony at Al-Faw Palace March 3.
The naturalization ceremony was the final step for 251 Servicemembers to become citizens of the United States. Wells is a native of Trinidad and Tobago and has served in the New York Army National Guard for the past three years.
The participants were originally citizens of more than 60 countries, including 10 from Iraq. Joining Wells as Americas newest citizens from the battalion were Sgt. Daniel J. Sherwin of Canada and Sgt. Norberto M. Reyes from the Dominican Republic. Photo by Pfc. Jasmine N. Walthall.11 Mar, 2009
ALBANY--New York Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer Mark Kimes, commander of the 42nd Infantry Division Band, guest conducts the United States Army Field Band Saturday, March 7 at the Hart Theater, Empire State Plaza for the Performing Arts.
The field band performed across New York State this month as part of their spring 2009 tour. Kimes commands the Army National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division Band, based at Camp Smith, N.Y. near Peekskill with approximately 50 Citizen Soldier musicians. The National Guard band under Kimes' leadership mobilized and deployed to Iraq in 2004-05 as part of the 42nd Infantry Division service in North Central Iraq, providing security augmentation support and musical performances for U.S. and Iraqi audiences.10 Mar, 2009
Brigadier General Verle L. Johnston Jr., Commander of the 105th Airlift Wing and Rep. John Hall (D-New York) with help from John D'Ambrosio, President of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, cut the ribbon at the official opening of the 105th Airlift Wing's new fire department, held on March 9 2009, at Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, New York.9 Mar, 2009
GLENS FALLS, N.Y. - Lieutenant Colonel Deborah J. Foley (right), commander, 56th Personnel Services Battalion, passes the 466th Area Medical Company guidon to Maj. Edward C. Bonk, incoming commander 466th Medical Company, during the unit's change of command ceremony held March 7 at the Warren St. Armory.
Major Bonk assumed command from Lt. Col. Richard Green, who commanded the unit during a deployment in Iraq in 2007.16 Mar, 2009
New York City--Lt. Col. John Andonie, commander of the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry, receives The Lister Award from a member of the Irish Parliament on Sunday, March 15, during a ceremony here
The award is presented annually by the Irish Parliament to a organization that will participate in New York City's St. Patrick's Day Parade. The 69th, nicknamed "The Fighting 69th" was part of the Irish Brigade during the Civil War and traditionally leads the St. Patrick's Day Parade.
The unit also received a photograph of President John F. Kennedy presenting the 69ths colors to the Irish Parliment during a visit to Ireland in 196313 Mar, 2009
LATHAM, N.Y. - Colonel Michael Bobeck, State Aviation Officer, delivers a farewell address to ten Soldiers of Detachment 20, Operational Support Airlift Command, on Friday, March 13, before they boarded a military C-26 aircraft bound for Fort Benning, Ga. for some pre-mobilization training.
Detachment 20 will be conducting aerial reconnaissance in Afghanistan, detecting the presence of Improvised Explosive Devices and assisting Soldiers on the ground using unmanned aircraft.7 Mar, 2009
TARRYTOWN, N.Y. - Eight month old Nathaniel Bendetti, surveys the scene as his father Spc. Daniel Bendetti and mother Victoria attend reintegration briefings at the Tarrytown Marriot. The Bendetti family, from Mohegan Lake attended the New York Army National Guard Yellow Ribbon Reintegration program at the Marriott Hotel here on March 7th.
Specialist Bendetti recently returned from a deployment with the 27th Infantry Bridage Combat Team to Afghanistan in support of Joint Task Force Phoenix.5 Mar, 2009
Fort Pickett, Va. -- New York Army National Guard Soldiers Maj. Henry Pettit, right, and Capt. Todd Balog conduct 9mm pistol qualification training here March 5 as part of the 42nd Infantry Division Special Troops Battalion warrior skills training. Approximately 300 "Rainbow Division" Soldiers from the division's headquarters company, tactical command posts and network signal company travelled to the Fort Pickett training areas to conduct weapons qualification along with individual and section training where recent heavy snows made the terrain very familiar to the New York Soldiers.2 Mar, 2009
NEWBURGH- Members of the 105th Civil Engineer Squadron clean up the aircraft ramp at Stewart Air National Guard Base here.
While this snowfall occured in Jan. 10, the 105th Airlift Wing Engineers were kept busy again this week as snow hit the Hudson Valley.
105th Civil Engineers clean up the aircraft ramp after heavy snowfall that fell on 10 Jan. 2009. (U.S. Air Force Photo / SrA Jonathan Young)2 Mar, 2009
BROOKLYN- Sergeant Janine Negron, a member of the New York Army National Guard's 133rd Quartermaster Company, hugs her son Jimmy as she returned home from a 9-month tour in Iraq on Sunday, March 1.
The 130 members of the company managed a food distribution warehouse and fuel logistics yard, providing everything from food for the troops to fuel for convoys and helicopters. In addition, the National Guard Soldiers managed a water purification and distribution site.
Unit members returned to the Marcy Avenue Armory after demobilizing at Fort Dix, N.J.28 Feb, 2009
BOLTON LANDING, N.Y. - Nearly 500 Soldiers and family members of the 27th Brigade Combat Team, recently returned home from Afghanistan, conduct Yellow Ribbon Reintegration at the Sagamore Resort here February 28. The unit deployed in 2008 as part of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix for the training and mentoring of the Afghan National Army and Police Force. The troops met with more than 50 providers to gather information about services ranging from education or medical benefits, veterans services, military and family services or counseling. The troops will continue their reintegration at an additional 60 and 90-day events as part of their welcome home and return to a traditional Citizen Soldier status.27 Feb, 2009
NEWBURGH, NY 27 Feb. 2009 - Chief Master Sgt Howard Doty and Tech. Sgt. Bobby Kinabrew presenting a framed photograph of the Mississippi Air National Guard's C-17 "the Spirit of the Purple Heart" to Peter Bedrossian, accepting on behalf of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor N.Y.
The "Spirit of the Purple Heart" visited Stewart Air National guard Base Friday on a training mission.27 Feb, 2009
SYRACUSE-Major General Robert Knauff, outgoing Commnader of 6,000 men and women of the New York Air National Guard stands at attention as his command flag is furled for the last time, Thursday, Feb. 26 at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base.
Knauff, who was also Deputy Adjustant General for the New York National guard, retired after a 33-year career in the United States Air Force and Air National Guard.
A fighter pilot with more than 3,900 flying hours, Knauff was once commander of the 174th Fighter Wing, which is based at Hancock Field.26 Feb, 2009
ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. - Sergeant 1st Class Mike Judge (left) and Spc. Brad Provost, crew members for Detachment 20, C-12 Operational Support Airlift headquartered in Latham, N.Y. react to a quick decompression exercise inside the high-altitude oxygen chamber here on Feb. 25, by connecting their breathing apparatus to an emergency air tank.
The two Soldiers are among ten New York Army National Guard Soldiers deploying to Afghanistan as part of Task Force ODIN, an aerial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission. Every aviation Soldier must pass the high-altitude training before deploying as part of the task force.
Detachment 20 will leave for Fort Benning, Ga. in mid-March for active duty training as part of a larger aviation unit.23 Feb, 2009
New York Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Randy Ross hugs his wife before getting on a bus for his mobilization station at Fort Dix, N.J. as his unit prepares for a deployment to Baghdad, Iraq. Some two dozen members of the 53rd Army Forces Liaison Detachment departed from the Park Avenue Armory in New York City Feb. 21. The unit will deploy to Iraq to train and mentor the Iraqi Army.21 Feb, 2009
ROCHESTER--Soldiers and family members of the New York Army National Guard's 27th Brigade Combat Team view a message from New York Governor David A. Paterson as they gathered Saturday, Feb. 21 to participate in the Guard's Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program.
In his remarks the Governor thanked the Soldiers for their service in Afghanistan and promised that the National Guard and other state agencies are there to help them if needed.
More than 700 Soldiers, spouses and family members met at Rochester's Riverside Convention Center to take part in the Reintegration program's 30-Day event.
A similar event will be held on Feb.28- March 1 at the Sagamore in Bolton Landing, and in Tarrytown, N.Y., on March 6-7.
The event is designed to help Soldiers and their families determine the "new normal" after returning from a combat zone. More than 1,500 members of the 27th BCT spent most of 2008 in Afghanistan training the Afghan Army and Police16 Oct, 2009
LATHAM -- First Lieutenant Michael Squires (left) takes the Headquarters and Headquarters Company guide on from Col. Michael Bobeck, commander, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade in a change of command ceremony at the opening formation of the units drill on Oct. 16.
Squires, who recently returned from Iraq with the 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, took command of HHC from 1st Lieutenant Joshua Heimroth (right).
In a follow on ceremony, HHC 1st Sgt. Joseph Marino took over as the new 1st Sgt. for Sgt. 1st Class Robert Ravert.13 Feb, 2009
LATHAM- Major General Joseph Taluto, the Adjutant General, is joined by Melody Karhula, a Team Leader for the federal Department of Veterans Affairs, and Col. (ret.) Jim McDonough, Director of the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs, during a press conference Friday at Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters.
Taluto and the state and federal veterans officials spoke to the media about efforts being made to ensure that all members of the 27th Brigade Combat Team, who recently returned from duty in Afghanistan, get a chance to talk to a veterans counselor.
In light of the increase in suicides in the Army, it's vital to do everything possible to reach out to Soldiers who may need help, Taluto said.12 Feb, 2009
PHITSANULOK, Thailand -- Sgt. Sayantieamme Suwat, Royal Thai Army, and New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. John T. Snyder, mortarman with Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Battalion, plot coordinates during a call for fire exercise Feb. 5. During Cobra Gold 09, Thai and U.S. Soldiers are working side-by-side to share tactics, techniques and procedures during joint squad-level training. Photo by Lance Cpl. Cristina Noelia Gil.9 Feb, 2009
LATHAM, N.Y. - Soldiers of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade conduct a Soldier of the Year board competition on Feb. 8.
The board was held to select a traditional Soldier of the Year, an Active Guard and Reserve Soldier and a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year.
During the inspection of each Soldiers individual equipment portion of the competition Sgt. 1st Class Michael Giarusso, 42nd CAB Headquarters and Headquarters Company Readiness NCO and Sgt. Donna Malinoski, check the condition of Spc. Christopher Smalls TA-50 at the N.Y. National Guard Headquarters distance learning center. In the background to the left are Sgt. Michael Alois and Spc. Thomas O'Toole.6 Feb, 2009
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STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE- Major General Joseph Taluto, the Adjutant General, speaks to the incoming and outgoing commanders of the 2nd Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction) during a change of command ceremony on Friday, Feb. 6.
Army National Guard Lt. Col. Matthew H. Cooper (left) turned over command of the 22-member joint unit to Air National Guard Major Rich Nunziato after holding the job for four years.
The 2nd CST is trained to detect biological, chemical or radiological agents, identify them, and provide the information to civilian or military responders in the event of an attack.
Nunziato is the forth commander for the unit, which served at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks and regularly conducts support missions in New York and other states.
Cooper will become the WMD Branch Chief at Joint Forces Headquarters- New Yoek2 Feb, 2009
CALVERTON, N.Y. Members of the New York Army National Guard Military Forces Honor Guard render final honors to Sgt. Jonathan Keller at Calverton National Cemetery Feb. 2. Keller, a Citizen Soldier from Wading River, N.Y., had served in the Army National Guards 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment and received full military honors during his funeral service. Dozens of fellow Soldiers, including his battalion commander, brigade deputy commander and division commander attended the funeral mass and service. Keller died Jan. 24 while recuperating at the Armys Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Bragg, N.C. following combat service and wounds received earlier in Afghanistan in April 2008.30 Jan, 2009
LATHAM, N.Y. - Anthony Riscica, a course instructor and Domestic Operations Program Manager for IIF Data Solutions, Inc. instructs more than 50 Air and Army Guardsmen attending a week-long course tailored to Joint Operations Center practices and procedures ranging from Homeland Security to natural disasters at Joint Forces Headquarters here, Jan. 26-30.27 Jan, 2009
LATHAM-- Lt.Col. Mark Slusar, (left) director of operations for the New York National Guard J-3, points out the workings of New York's Joint Operations Center to Connecticut Army National Guard Col. Gerald Lukowski and Connecticut Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Walt Lippincott, the Director of Joint Staff for Connecticut's Joint Forces Headquarters during a visit to the New York JOC on Monday, Jan. 26.
The officers from Conneticut, and other officers from Massachusetts visited the New York JOC to find good ideas they could employ in designing a JOC for their states.22 Jan, 2009
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Canadian CH-47 "Chinook" pilot Capt. Sylvie Coutoure, 430th Squadron, Canadian Air Force, performs pre-flight checks at the Army Aviation Support Facility #2 here on Jan. 21 aboard a New York Army National Guard aircraft.
Canadian avaitors are preparing for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan and partnered with the Rochester-based Company B, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation for a two-week training period.
The 126th Aviation recently returned from a 10-month deployment flying missions in Afghanistan.20 Jan, 2009
Capt. Steven Perry, of Headquarters Detachment, 104th Military Police Battalion from Kingston, N.Y. and part of Task Force 104, checks on his Soldiers and Airmen who are providing security for the 56th Presidential Inauguration held in Washington D.C. Jan. 20. Perry is a team commander providing security and assistance to local authorities for an inaugural that expected more than one million attendees.17 Jan, 2009
CAMP SMITH- Members of the 442nd MP Company and the 104th MP Battalion, go through Soldier Readiness Checks Saturday, Jan. 17, at Camp Smith Training Site as they prepare to deploy to Washington D.C. to support the inaguration of Barack Obama as president of the United States.
The New York National Guard is sending 225 members of the New York Army and Air National Guard to Washington to assist the District of Columbia National Guard with traffic control and communications. The Soldiers and Airmen mustered at Camp Smith before heading to Washington on Jan. 18. Their service and health records were checked as part of the inprocessing at Camp Smith.15 Jan, 2009
SARATOGA SPRINGS-- New York State Military History Musem Director Mike Aikey discusses the National Guard Heritage Series Painting "Ground Zero" ( at right) with a reporter from the WTEN TV in Albany during a press conference at the museum on Thursday, Jan. 15.The original painting was placed on indefinite loan to the musem by the National Guard's Historical Services Division.
The painting chronicle's the New York Army National Guard's response the Sept. 11, 2001 suicide attacks that brought down the World Trade Center towers in Lower Manhattan. Three Army National Guard Battalions-- the 1st Battalion 101st Cavalry, the 1st Battalion 258th Field Artillery, and the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry-- began mobilizing immediately and rushed to help at the crash site that became known as "Ground Zero."
It makes more sense to house the original painting in New York than in the National Guard Bureau's Arlington, Va. Headquarters, said William Boehm, a National Guard historian.
New York, he said, has one of the finest museums in the National Guard museum system.11 Jan, 2009
GLOVERSVILLE-- New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Martin Dinan, commander of the Auburn-based 102nd MP Company accepts the Guidon of the New York National Guard unit specially trained to deal with victims of chemical, biological, radiological, and high-yield explosive attacks from Brig. Gen. Patrick Murphy during a Transition of Authority (TOA) ceremony at the New York State Armory here.
Dinan's MP battalion has taken over command and control responsibilities, and the responsibility for providing soldiers to man the unit's decontamination line from the 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry. The members of Company C., based in Gloversville, formerly manned the decontamination line.
Murphy, the Director of Joint Forces, presided over the TOA ceremony.
Called a CERF-P, the acronym for for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High Yield Explosive (CBRNE) Enhanced Response Force Package, the New York unit is one of 17 in the country and one of three that has been validated.
The unit has trained with the Fire Department New York, as part of their training.8 Jan, 2009
LATHAM- Chief Warrent Officer David Tiffany explains the function of the New York National Guard's Joint Incident Site Communications Capability system to a videographer for Albany Channel 6 during a press conference held Thursday, Jan. 8 at Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters.
Tiffany and nine other New York Army National Guard Soldiers will deploy the system to Washington in support of the District of Columbia National Guard during the inaguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States.
Members of the Capital Region media were given the opportunity to see how the high-tech communication system functions and ask questions of Tiffany and two other Guardsmen.7 Jan, 2009
LATHAM-- The family of New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Paul Hulslander, affectionally known as "Papa Hooah Man" to his grandson, wait for him to arrive home from a 10 month deployment to Afghanistan on Wednesday, Jan. 7 at New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters.
More than 300 members of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team returned to armories in Long Island, New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and the Capital Region as the last wave of soldiers finished outprocessing at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.7 Jan, 2009
LAKE PLACID, N.Y. -- A bobsled with a New York Sgt. Kenneth Stout, an infantry Soldier from the New York Army National Guard combat veteran from the 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry heads down the track during the during the 2009 Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge. The fourth annual race, held Jan. 3 in Lake Placid, N.Y., raises funds for the U.S. Olympic Bobsled Team through the participation of NASCAR and NHRA competition drivers. Stout, from his armory in Ogdensburg, N.Y., along with other veteran Soldiers of the 108th Infantry from New York's North Country, participated as racing partners to the NASCAR drivers.
This year's race winner was Todd Bodine and his brakeman, Spc. Patrick Furman, a vehicle driver from the Schenectady based Company E, 427th Brigade Support Battalion.5 Jan, 2009
Sgt. Kenneth Stout, an infantry Soldier from the New York Army National Guard's Company B, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment, prepares for a bobsled race as a brakeman during the 2009 Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge. The fourth annual race, held Jan. 3 in Lake Placid, N.Y., raises funds for the U.S. Olympic Bobsled Team through the participation of NASCAR and NHRA competition drivers. Stout, from his armory in Ogdensburg, N.Y., along with other veteran Soldiers of the 108th Infantry from New York's North Country, participated as racing partners to the NASCAR drivers. This year's race winner was Todd Bodine and his brakeman, Spc. Patrick Furman, a vehicle driver from the Schenectady based Company E, 427th Brigade Support Battalion.8 Jun, 2009
LATHAM - 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, Headquarters and Headquarters Company Soldiers relax during family day June 7 as they spent their Sunday drill attending a Tricare medical benefits briefing and then toured the Army Aviation Flight Support facility #3 with their children. The 42nd CAB Soldiers concluded their Sunday drill with a barbeque at a nearby park.3 Nov, 2009
FIREMANS PARK Tonawanda, NY -- Sergeant. Wunders and Sgt. Harris, medics from the 53rd Troop Command transfer one of four simulated wounded personnel from a ground evacuation vehicle to a UH-60 Air Ambulance Helicopter flown by the 249th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) at Firemans Park on Nov. 3 as part of the Vigilant Guard exercise.
The wounded personnel evacuated were found at a simulated rubble pile nearby as a result of a collapsed hospital caused a simulated earthquake near the Buffalo area.
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