NYS DMNA Photo Archive

22 Sep, 2011

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE -- A Soldier from the 369th Sustainment Brigade performs life saving measures during the medical portion of the 2011 53rd Troop Command Squad Stakes competition held at Camp Smith Training area, Cortlandt Manor, NY, September 10, 2011.

6 Dec, 2011

FORT DRUM--U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt Russell Youngs, the 174th FW Command Chief, and Tech. Sgt. Michael Griepsma work atop an 85 ft. communications tower at Adirondack Range, Ft. Drum NY on 22 Nov 2011. The towers are used to hold cameras to view targets down range.

23 Dec, 2011

STEWART ANGB, N.Y. "Technician Judy preps A1C Deanna De Laura for her donation of blood at the holiday blood drive, Dec. 23, 2011.

29 Dec, 2011

NEW YORK -- New York Army National Guard Spec. Melvin Seally, assigned to Joint Task Force Empire Shield, the New York National Guard’s full time security force in New York City, patrols Pennsylvania Station with police officers on Christmas Eve. The members of Joint Task Force Empire Shield will be on duty New Years Eve supporting civilian police agencies.

26 Dec, 2011

GLENS FALLS, N.Y. -- New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the 466th Area Support Medical Company and 1427th Transportation Company step off for the 2011 Christmas Eve road march in Glens Falls, N.Y. Carrying the banner from left are Privates Spencer Thibault from Lake George, Brittany Derocher of Glens Falls and Private 1st Class James Zito of South Glens Falls. More than 500 Soldiers, family members, area veterans and community members participated in the eighth annual event.

25 Dec, 2011

NEW YORK-- A New York Army National Guard Soldier assigned to Joint Task Force Empire Shield, the New York National Guard’s full time security force in New York City, patrols Pennsylvania Station with police officers on Christmas Eve. The members of Joint Task Force Empire Shield supported civilian police agencies in providing a security presence in New York City over the holiday weekend.

21 Dec, 2011

ROME--New York Air National Guard Master Sgt. Chad Gerrard points out Santa’s radar track to Staff Sgt. Kristen Smith, who prepares to relay the information during Santa tracking operations at the Eastern Air Defense Sector here. EADS is a part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and supports NORAD’s Santa tracking mission every Christmas Eve.

22 Dec, 2011

NIAGARA FALLS--National Guard Airmen from the 107th Airlift Wing along with mission staff unloaded boxes of food, canned goods and frozen turkeys stocking up the food pantry at the Niagara Falls Community Mission. Front row; Master Sgt. Steven Buja, Tech. Sgt. Paul Wiegand, Master Sgt. Mark Lewandowski, Tech. Sgt. Amanda Doherty. Back row; Senior Airman Robert Kurzdorfer, Tech. Sgt. Krystatore Stegner and Airman 1st Class Tony Lewandowski. Front row; Master Sgt. Steven Buja, Tech. Sgt. Paul Wiegand, Master Sgt. Mark Lewandowski, Tech. Sgt. Amanda Doherty. Back row; Senior Airman Robert Kurzdorfer, Tech. Sgt. Krystatore Stegner and Airman 1st Class Tony Lewandowski. on December 21, 2011.

19 Dec, 2011

HUDSON VALLEY VETERANS ADMINISTRATION CAMPUS, MONTROSE, N.Y. -Nolly Climes on keyboard and retired Chief Master Sgt. Robert Faiano playing acoustic guitar, Kathy Fiano and New York Air National Guard sergeants Dorie Weber, Kate Durkins and Tim McDonough sing carols during an annual holiday party supported by air guardsmen of the 105th Airlift Wing, Dec. 3, 2011.

19 Dec, 2011

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION--Santa arrives on a C-130 flown by Airmen of the New York Air National Guard’s 107th Airlift Wing on Dec. 11, 2011. Santa distributed gifts to 15 children from the Niagara Children ETC, a preschool that caters to special education students. The school is just across from the base.

4 Dec, 2011

SCOTIA-- New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Michael Swezey thanks members of the New York Naval Militia, who also serve with the United States Navy Reserve for their service during the state response to Tropical Storm Irene during a ceremony at the Scotia Armed Forces Reserve Center on Sunday, Dec. 4. Swezey, who commanded Joint Task Force Irene during the storm response, presented New York State Humanitarian Service Medals to 40 Naval Reserve members during the Sunday morning event.

16 Dec, 2011

NEW YORK -- New York Army National Guard Spc. Raymond Guzman, human resource specialist with the 369th Sustainment Brigade poses with his family and Santa at the "Harlem Hellfighter’s" holiday party here at the 5th Avenue Armory on Dec. 11. Photo by Sgt. Michael Davis, 369th Sustainment Brigade.

15 Dec, 2011

LEADVILLE, Colo. - Capt. Eric Fritz, commander of Detachment 1,Company B, 3-126th ’The Kongs’ General Support Aviation Battalion promotes Spc. Andy Macgregor to Sgt. in Leadville on Dec. 5. On Dec. 5, two CH-47s left Rochester, N.Y. for Gypsum, Colo. While in route to the training site, they stopped a Lake County Airport, Leadville, the highest airport in the United States with an elevation of 9,927 feet, to promote Macgregor. The 126th is preparing for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan and the high altitude of Colorado provides an excellent training site. Over the next few months the unit will be rotating its pilots through the course in order to make the unit mission ready.

9 Dec, 2011

NEW YORK -- New York Army National Guard Col. Trevor Jackson, commander of the 53rd Army Liaison Team speaks to students from Brooklyn’s Williamsburg High School during an education seminar held at the Park Avenue Armory on Nov. 7-8. The students visiting the event learned about different education and career options, including membership in the Army National Guard.

13 Dec, 2011

LATHAM - Five Soldiers and Airmen from the New York National Guard whose birthdays fell on Dec. 13, the same day as the National Guards 375th Birthday cut the birthday cake simultaneously as Maj. Gen. Patrick Murphy, the state adjutant general and Brig. Gen Anthony German, the deputy adjutant general look on. The Soldiers and Airmen are, from left: Spec. Justin Phillips, 1427th Transportation Company; Master Sgt. Ian Tucker, 174th Fighter Wing; Sgt. Major David Smith, Headquarters 42nd Infantry Division; Master Sgt. Brenda Baxter, 152nd Air Operations Group; and Sgt. Joseph Dumas, 827th Engineer Company .

12 Dec, 2011

LATHAM-- The National Guard of the United States turns 375 Years old today,Dec. 13. On this day in 1636 the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony passed a law establishing formal militia companies in the colony. These companies were made up of all adult males older than 16 and were expected to meet and train in military skills regularly.In New York, the first citizen-soldiers were members of the Burgher Guard, organized by the Dutch East Indian Company in 1640 to help protect New Amsterdam from their English neighbors in Massachusetts and Virginia or from hostile natives. Citizen soldiers of the militia and National Guard have fought in all of America’s wars from King Philips War against Native Americans in the New England Colonies in 1675 to the struggle in Afghanistan today.

11 Dec, 2011

SARATOGA--New York National Guard Maj. Gen. Steven Wickstrom speaks with Soldiers as they view historic battlefield grounds at the Saratoga National Historic Park on December 10, 2011. Wickstrom, the Commanding General of the 42nd Infantry Division from Upton, MA, along with other leaders of various capacities from across New York state received a guided tour of the Saratoga Battlefield as part of the Fall 2011 Operations, Training and Mobilization Conference held in Saratoga Springs. "It’s important for our leaders to be familiar with military history," Wickstrom said. Conference attendees were able to view the grounds upon which many of the Battles of Saratoga took place, including Freeman and Barber Farms, and the Breymann Redoubt.

8 Dec, 2011

SYRACUSE-- New York Air National Guard Col. Tim Lunderman, commander of the 222nd Command and Control Squadron, poses with Rick and Lori Schneider after receiving "Real Heroes" awards from the American Red Cross. The three worked together to aid an elderly woman suffering a medical emergency at Hancock Airport on July 10. Only after the emergency was over did they realize they’d met at the funeral of the Schneider’s son, Marine Cpl. Kyle R. Schneider two days earlier. Cpl. Schneider was killed in Action on June 30, 2011.

8 Dec, 2011

KINGSTON-- A member of the New York Army National Guard’s 204th Engineer Battalion finishes the demolition of the old King’s Inn motel here on Dec. 6. The 204th Engineer Battalion tore down part of the eyesore so that the location could be used for an emergency response drill on Nov. 5. Battalion Soldiers were on the location this week to finish the demolition. The city plans to redevelop the site.

6 Dec, 2011

HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONALG GUARD BASE, Syracuse--U.S. Representative Ann Marie Buerkle, 25th District of New York, examines the camera turret of an MQ-9 remotely piloted aircrat with 174th Fighter Wing Commander Col Kevin W. Bradley at Hancock Field on 4 Dec 2011. Mrs. Buerkle took time to visit with airman from the 174th after attending the grand opening of the Joint Health and Wellness Center on Hancock Field.

6 Dec, 2011

LATHAM-- New York Air National Guard Commander, Major General James W. Kwiatkowski, known as "General Kiwi" receives a globe as a retirement present from the Air National Guard’s wing commanders during a retirement ceremony held Saturday, Dec. 3 at Joint Forces Headquarters here. Making the presentation were, from left, Brig. Gen. Verle Johnson, commander of the 105th Airlift Wing; Col. Tom Owens, commander of the 106th Rescue Wing; Kwiatkowski; Col. Jim McCready,commander of the 107th Airlift Wing; Col. Tim LaBarge, commander of the 109th Airlift Wing, Col. Kevin Bradly, commander of the 174th Fighter Wing, and Col. Dawn Deskins, vice commander of the Eastern Air Defense Sector.Kwiatowski is slated to retire in January 2012.

5 Dec, 2011

KINDERHIOOK, N.Y. -- New York National Guard Brig. Gen. Renwick Payne, right, Director of the Joint Staff, and Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Wicks, present a memorial wreath at the grave site of President Martin Van Buren here Dec. 5 during the New York National Guard Military Forces Honor Guard annual commemoration of the president’s birth.

29 Nov, 2011

CHARLETON, N.Y. -- New York Army National Guard Sgt. Jason Wells assists FedEx driver Don Pelletier load Christmas Trees here at Ellms Tree Farms Nov. 28. Wells and another six Soldiers volunteered to assist in the annual "Trees for Troops" loading of about 115 donated trees bound for military installations and families around the country and the globe.

8 Dec, 2011

SCOTIA-- Members of the New York Naval Militia who turned out on State Active Duty during the New York Military Forces response to Tropical Storm Irene gathered at the Armed Forces Reserve Center here on Dec. 3 to receive New York Humanitarian Service medals from New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Michael Swezy, the commander of Joint Task Force Irene.

29 Nov, 2011

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION--Five year-old cancer survivor, Donovan Benzin sits at the controls of a C-130 Hercules during a visit to the New York Air National Guard’s 107th Airlift Wing, on Saturday. Nov. 20. Donovan visited the wing while Special Spaces Buffalo, a non-profit that creates bedrooms for children struggling with serious illnesses turned his room into a military-themed space.

28 Nov, 2011

CAMP SMITH, Peekskill -- Sgt. Joseph Calleja, 727th Military Police (Law and Order) Detachment presents his 2 year old son Joseph Jr. and his wife Yahaira, with a "Soldier" Build-A-Bear during a departure ceremony, Nov 27. The bears were donated to the unit and each Soldier was able to record a personalized message to their loved ones. The Soldiers departed for overseas deployment training and police certification at Ft. Bliss, Texas and will provide safety and security for operations bases in northern Afghanistan later this year.

23 Nov, 2011

NEW YORK--New York Army National Guard Specialist Brittany Holly,a member of Joint Task Force Empire Shield assists law enforcement during Operation Safe Rail at Grand Central Station here on Nov. 23, the heaviest travel day of the year. The 250 members of the task force assisted law enforcement agencies throughout the day at train stations and airports in New York City.

21 Nov, 2011

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. -- New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Robert Giordano, left, receives the colors of the 1st Battalion, 106th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) during his assumption of command ceremony here Nov. 20. Giordano, an Iraq war veteran from Rexford, N.Y., took command from Lt. Col. Michael McGurty, an Afghan war veteran from Montgomery, N.Y. The 106th RTI provides leadership and Soldier training for New York and other northeastern state Army National Guard forces. Handing command to Giordano is the 106th RTI Commander Col. Michel Natali. Photo by Spc. James Roa, New York Army National Guard.

21 Nov, 2011

LATHAM-- New York Army National Guard Private (E-2)Rodrigo Sanchez, a member of Detachment 1, Company A, 1-224th Aviation Security & Support Battalion, is congratulated on his promotion on Saturday, Nov. 19, by Chief Warrant Officer Aaron Teichner, the detachment commander, following a flight in one of the detachment’s OH-58 helicopters. Sanchez was rewarded for his hard work in the unit with an incentive flight in the back seat of an OH-58 on a training mission.

18 Nov, 2011

LATHAM Damian Stager (left), Gabe Reinhart (right front) and 25 other children from the Cohoes Community Center joined military kids from the Capital District area to honor past and future hero’s and support each other, Nov 11. The kids spent time creating "Hero Packs" which will be given to children of Soldiers deploying overseas to say thank you to the families of service members for their sacrifice. The packs include a letter from a local non-military child expressing their appreciation for the recipients’ loved ones service and the families sacrifice. A letter writing kit composed of stationary, stamps and pen pal information is included so the military child can communicate with their Soldier or other kids.

5 Nov, 2011

LATHAM-- Members of the Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters federal and state staff members who raised money and collected goods for Unity House Domestic Violence Shelter in the Capital Region pose for the camera. The group brought in baked goods. Guard members and civilian employees donated cash or goods in return for the items.The group raised $400 and collected a load of diapers, healthcare products and clothing.

10 Nov, 2011

ALBANY, NY- New York Naval Militia Patrol Board PB221, with Petty Officer 1st Class Steve Gauci, a Whitehall resident, and Petty Officer Garrett Aldershoff, of Scotia, at the helm passes the U.S.S. Slater, a World War II destroyer/ museum ship docked in downtown Albany, during boat handling training on Nov. 9.

16 Nov, 2011

ALBANY-- Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General, speaks to a group of employers and veterans at the "Hire Our Heroes" Career Fair sponsored by the New York State Department of Labor at the Zaloga American Legion Post. Murphy urged the employers to hire veterans for jobs at their companies.

15 Nov, 2011

HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Syracuse--Italian Air Force Chief Warrant Officer Lorenzo Scafuto and Staff Sgt. Marco Redavide work together on a MQ-9, while receiving feedback from their instructor Master Sgt. Scott Simpson at the Field Training Detachment (FTD) in Syracuse NY, on 20 Sept 2011. Scafuto and Redavide are the first Italian Air Force members to receive formal maintenance training on the MQ-9. They are part of the 100th graduating class from the 174 FW FTD, which is the sole formal MQ-9 maintenance training facility in the U.S. Air Force.

15 Nov, 2011

NEW YORK-- New York Army National Guard Chaplain (1st Lt.) Raziel Amar recites the Veterans Prayer during the Veterans Day Service and Reception held at the Times Square Church on Nov. 11. New York Army National Guard chaplains, chaplains candidates and chaplains assistants from the 369th Special Troops Battalion, the 369th Sustainment Brigade, the 101st Enhanced Signal Battalion, the 3rd Battalion 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, and Joint Forces Headquarters participated in the event.

14 Nov, 2011

NEW YORK--New York Army National Guard Soldiers of the 369th Sustainment Brigade, led by deputy commander Lt. Col. Brian Marshall, stand at attention as they wait to step-off down Fifth Avenue during New York City’s Annual Veteran’s Day Parade on Nov. 11.

10 Nov, 2011

ALBANY (Nov. 10, 2011)-- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, shown here visting New York Army National Guard Soldiers in August, today anmnounced his "Experience Counts" campaign which will facilitate the transfer of military skills to the public and private sectors by returning veterans. Governor Cuomo also announced the expansion of the state&rsquot;s Council on Returning Veterans and Their Families and tasked the Council with finding more ways to properly credit military experience in the civilian workforce.

9 Nov, 2011

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, NEWBURGH, N.Y. -- A team of 105th Airlift Wing maintainers hone their skills by participating in a Crash, Damaged, Disabled, Aircraft, Recovery exercise during the Unit Training Assembly Nov. 6, 2011. The exercise is an annual requirement for CCDAR team proficiency which also lets Airmen use the palletized equipment and ensures it is ready for use. Recover kits are made up of inflatable air bags, protective mats, air manifolds, hoses and air compressors. Recovery of a damaged or disabled aircraft is not as simple as just inflating some bags under the plane. CCDAR teams use instructions called Technical Orders which instruct them on locating the proper lift points, how to prepare the ground under the lift points, maximum bag height, bag inflation order and air pressures to name a few of the requirements.

8 Nov, 2011

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY - A member of the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing’s Security Forces Squadron takes part in "active shooter" training on November 6th, 2011 at F.S. Gabreski (ANG) in Long Island. In this scenerio, an element of Security Forces airmen move in a tactical formation towards Building 345, where there have been reports of shots fired.

7 Nov, 2011

ROCHESTER - Col. Mark Stryker (right) presents the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion colors to in-coming commander Lt. Col. Jack James during a change of command ceremony at the Army Aviation Support Facility 2 on Nov. 5 as out-going 642nd commander Lt. Col. Scott Norcutt relinquishes command. Norcutt, who took command in 2008, is an Iraq War veteran and former Deputy Director of Aviation and Safety for Joint Force Headquarters-NY. James is a West Point graduate who has held leadership roles in the 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion and 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade. He started his aviation career as a pilot with the 25th Infantry Division.

7 Nov, 2011

ORCHARD PARK, Buffalo-- One hundred New York Army National Guardsmen reaffirm their oath of service and later participated in a flag unfurling at the start of a Buffalo Bills National Football League game here Nov. 6 at Ralph Wilson Stadium, where the Bills hosted the New York Jets. Soldiers with the 42nd Infantry Division, 53rd Troop Command and 204th Engineer Battalion Forward Support Co. took part in the ceremony, which was taped and played during the games half-time in front of a sold-out crowd of 70,000 spectators. The Jets went on to defeat the Bills 27-11. Photo by Spc. Jimmy Bedgood, 42nd Infantry Division.

5 Nov, 2011

KINGSTON, N.Y. -- New York National Guard Soldiers from the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear or High Explosive (CBRNE) Enhanced Response Force Package bring a simulated casualty to the decontamination site here during a domestic operation training exercise Nov. 5. The National Guard members trained alongside city, county and state first responders for a simulated radiological dispersion device, known as a dirty bomb in downtown Kingston.

4 Nov, 2011

CAMP SMITH TRAINING CENTER, Cortlandt Manor-- New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Calvin Hicklin, a 105th Security Forces Squadron fire team leader, leads a foot patrol around the training site in search for improvise explosive devices at Camp Smith, N.Y., Oct. 27, 2011. The Active Air Force 823rd Base Defense Squadron, based at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. and the 105th Security Forces Squadron, a part of the 105th Airlift Wing were integrated together to standardize training between the two squadrons. The 105th Security Forces Squadron deploys Airmen in support of the 823rd when that Active Air Force element sends troops overseas.

3 Nov, 2011

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION--Major General Patrick Murphy (center) the Adjutant General of New York cuts the ribbon officially opening the Niagara Falls Armed Forces Reserve Center which the New York Army National Guard’s Headquarters Troop of the 2nd Squadron 101st Cavalry shares with United States Army Reserve units. Murphy is joined by (from left to right) a representative of the Niagara Military Affairs Council; Army Reserve Ambassador Norbert Rappl; Col. Andrew Burns, Inspector General of the 99th Army Reserve Command;and Col. Allan Swartzmiller; Commander of the Air Force Reserve’s 914th Airlift Wing. The Armed Forces Reserve Center is located on Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station which is also the home of the New York Air National Guard’s 107th Airlift Wing.

1 Nov, 2011

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, Cortlandt Manor--New York Army National Guard Specialist Lawrence Stayton, a member of Company C 1st Battalion 69th Infantry visits with his daughter, two and a half-year old Selena Stayton, during a Build-A-Bike event the USO and New York National Guard Family Programs sponored in conjunction with the units return from the National Training Center in California on Oct. 22. The bikes were donated and put together by employees of Endurance Services Ltd, a White Plains company and then given to the USO to be distributed to children of militry families in the Hudson Valley.

28 Oct, 2011

ROME--Gen. Charles Jacoby Jr., commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and Northern Command presents an excellent coin to New York Air National Guard Capt. Chris Combs, assistant chief of operations for the Eastern Air Defense Sector, during a visit to the EADS facility on Thursday, Oct. 27. Crum was recognized for planning and coordinating the activities that keep EADS functioning during planned power outages. Looking on is Col. Wade Dewey, EADS Director of Operations. EADS is responsible for air defense command and control over the Eastern United States

26 Oct, 2011

SARATOGA SPRNGS-- Participants in the "Theater of War" performance held at the New York State Military Museum on Monday Oct 24 pose in front of the Museum’s "Today’s Guard" exhibit prior to the show. They are, from left, Museum manager Michael Aikey; Friends of the New York State Military Museum President Lance Ingmire; actors John Doman, Glen Davis, Chinasa Ogbuago, and Jesse Eisenberg; and director Brian Doeries. Eisenberg is best known for his starring role in the film "The Social Network" where he portrayed Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.The performance uses readings of Greek plays to relate to today’s Soldiers.

26 Oct, 2011

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. --105th Security Force troops practice Tactical ATV driving skills on a course set up by the unit trainers during the 105th Airlift Wing’s Unit Training Assembly on Sept. 17, 2011.

21 Oct, 2011

NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, FORT IRWIN, Calif. -- New York Army National Guard Col. Geoffrey Slack hosts Civil War Reenactor Neil Morrison, a member of the Southern California Civil War reenactors of the 69th Infantry Regiment and curator of the Fort Irwin Museum. The Civil War reenactors met with their contemporary peers of the Guard’s 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry and talked about the differences in the lives of 69th Soldiers over the past 150 years. Col. Slack is the former battalion commander of the 69th Infantry and now commands the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. The brigade is completing its redeployment home from the NTC training Oct. 22.

21 Oct, 2011

ROCHESTER-- Rochester area employers learn about New York Army National Guard aviation units based at Army Aviation Support Facility #2 here during an Employer Support to the Guard and Reserve lunch here on on Friday, Oct. 21. The employers got to meet with unit leaders and Soldiers, got a briefing on the unit missions and a ride in a CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

22 Oct, 2011

MCARTHUR AIRPORT,Ronkonkoma, NY-- New York Air National Guard Airmen assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing Security Forces Squadron meet their family members here following their return from a six month deployment to Afghanistan on October 21.

21 Oct, 2011

EASTERN AIR DEFENSE SECTOR, Rome--Col. Dawne Deskins, the deputy commander of the Eastern Air Defense Sector, briefs Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand during her tour of the unit on Friday, Oct. 21. Brig. Gen. Anthony P. German, Chief of Staff New York Air National Guard, and Col. John Bartholf, EADS Commander, are pictured to Gillibrand&rsquot;s right. In addition to the short presentation, the Senator receive a classified tour of EADS operations floor.

20 Oct, 2011

FORT DRUM-- An MQ-9 assigned to the 174th Fighter Wing takes to the air for the first time at Fort Drum’s Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield. Working out of its launch and recovery site at Wheeler-Sack the 174th flew its own MQ-9 Reaper for the first time on Tuesday Oct. 18. The 174th has been working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to receive permission to fly and just last week was approved for flying. The fighter wing will fly the remotely piloted aircraft in restricted airspace around Fort Drum to train pilots and sensor operators working from Syracuse’s Hancock Field.

20 Oct, 2011

KINGSTON-- A New York Army National Guard Soldier from the 204th Engineer Battalion works to take down the Kings Inn, an abandoned building on Broadway here, on Wednesday, October 18. Twenty-five members of the 827th Engineer Company and the 1156th Engineer company are taking down the building so that the site can be used for a joint New York National Guard/civilian first responder exercise on Nov. 5. The partially demolished motel will replicate a building hit by a terrorist attack.

19 Oct, 2011

NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, FORT IRWIN, Calif. " New York Army National Guard Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry man an entry control point at Forward Operating Base Miami here Oct. 12. The unit, based in Niagara Falls, N.Y., is part of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), training here as part of the brigade&rsquot;s preparations for mobilization and deployment to Afghanistan in early 2012. The training provides brigade Soldiers with a realistic, demanding, simulated combat environment. About 1,500 of the Soldiers are currently scheduled to deploy.

17 Oct, 2011

TROY, NY-- Capt. Nathaniel King and Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Volcheck, commander and command sergeant major of Headquarters and Services Company, 42nd Infantry Division (-), stand at the head of their section during the standup of the newly designated 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion on Sunday October 16 at the Glenmore Road Armory.

16 Oct, 2011

NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, FORT IRWIN, Calif. " New York Army National Guard Soldiers from Battery A, 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery Regiment from New Windsor, N.Y., perform an exercise gun fire drill on their M119A2 howitzer here Oct. 16. The NTC training rotation, through late October, provides Soldiers from the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team with a realistic, demanding training environment. The exercise stresses leaders, Soldiers and staffs in a simulated combat environment. The Soldiers are training here as part of the unit’s preparations for mobilization and deployment to Afghanistan with the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in early 2012. About 1,500 of the Soldiers are currently scheduled to deploy.

16 Oct, 2011

GLENVILLE-- Lt. Col. Rob Mitchell, commander of the 501st Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) hugs a family member after the unit returned from its deployment in Iraq on Saturday, Oct. 15. The 501st Soldiers spent 10 months in Basra, Iraq, overseeing counter-IED operations in southern Iraq.

14 Oct, 2011

STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE - The propellers of a New York Air National Guard LC-130 assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing make spirals in the early morning rain as the plan takes off for Antarctica on October 14. The flight was the first in a series that Airmen from the 109th will make to support Operation Deep Freeze, the resupply of Antarctica research stations.

13 Oct, 2011

NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, FORT IRWIN, Calif. " New York Army National Guard Deputy Commander Brig. General Brian Balfe (far right) observes Company B, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry as they prepare to begin their assault on a mock insurgent compound here Oct. 8 during training. The Soldiers are training here as part of the unit’s preparations for mobilization and deployment to Afghanistan with the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in early 2012. About 1,500 of the Soldiers are currently scheduled to deploy.

12 Oct, 2011

NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, FORT IRWIN, Calif. " New York Army National Guard Private Christopher Hennings from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 108th infantry secure a good firing position on a mock insurgent compound here Oct. 8 during training. The Soldiers are training here as part of the unit’s preparations for mobilization and deployment to Afghanistan with the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in early 2012. About 1,500 of the Soldiers are currently scheduled to deploy.

12 Oct, 2011

FORT IRWIN, Calif. " Geospatial engineers (from left) Sgt. 1st Class Vince Tomasello of Rochester, N.Y., Spc. Ryan Blount of Medina, N.Y. and Sgt. Luke Zeurcher of Mattydale, N.Y., of the New York Army National Guard’s 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team construct a sandtable as the unit prepares for the headquarters Combined Arms Rehearsal here Oct. 3. The brigade leadership and staff are preparing for their rotation at the National Training Center as part of the unit&rsquot;s upcoming mobilization and deployment to Afghanistan in early 2012. The exercise will include more than 2,000 Soldiers from the brigade, along with a battalion from the South Carolina Army National Guard, with a realistic, demanding training environment.

11 Oct, 2011

NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, FORT IRWIN, Calif. " New York Army National Guard Soldiers from C Troop, 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry maneuver through a mock village here Oct. 9 during training. The NTC training rotation, through late October, provides Soldiers from the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team with a realistic, demanding training environment. The exercise stresses leaders, Soldiers and staffs in a simulated combat environment. The unit, based in Buffalo, N.Y., is part of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, training here as part of its preparations for mobilization and deployment to Afghanistan in early 2012. About 1,500 of the Soldiers are currently scheduled to deploy. U.S. Army photo by

7 Oct, 2011

NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, FORT IRWIN, Calif. - Troops assigned to the New York Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry, depart from a staging area for field training exercises, Oct. 6. The troops will conduct weapons live-fire and collecting force on force training as part of the NTC rotation. The Soldiers are training here as part of the unit’s preparations for mobilization and deployment to Afghanistan with the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in early 2012. U.S. Army photo by Spc. James Roa, NY Army National Guard. (RELEASED)

10 Oct, 2011

NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, FORT IRWIN, Calif. - New York Army National Guard Soldiers Sgt. Luke Zuercher (left) and Spc. Ryan Blount from the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team use maps, rocks and sand to create a sand table so brigade leaders can conduct briefings on the unit’s planned actions during its movement through the Fort Irwin’s National Training Center Exercise area. The unit arrived at Fort Irwin late in September, and is conducting simulated combat missions and stability operations in preparation for its deployment to Afghanistan in early 2012.

7 Oct, 2011

NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, FORT IRWIN, CA -- Pvt. 2 Geoff Eastman of Mastic, N.Y. and other New York Army National Guard Soldiers of Company C, 2-108th Infantry provide security while conducting a react-to-contact drill here Oct. 3. The unit, based in Gloversville, N.Y., is part of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, which is training here as part of its preparations for mobilization and deployment to Afghanistan in early 2012. About 1,500 of the Soldiers are currently scheduled to deploy.

6 Oct, 2011

FORT DRUM, NY New York Air National Guard Colonel Charles Dorsey, 174th Fighter Wing vice Commander, briefs the media at Wheeler Sack Army-Air Field on Ft. Drum NY on 5 Oct 2011. The press conference was relaying the message of the joint effort to stand up MQ-9 flying ops and the realistic training that will help keep Ft. Drum soldiers safe on the battlefield.

6 Oct, 2011

NEW YORK CITY-- New York Naval Militia Petty Officer Ken Stefandel, a crewman on Naval Militia Patrol Boat 440, watches while efforts are made to rescue the passengers of a Bell Jet Ranger tourist helicopter which crashed in the East River on October 4. PB 440 was on patrol that afternoon and was one of many watercraft which responded to lend assistance if necessary. PB 440 conducts regular patrols of New York City’s waterways in coordination with the United States Coast Guard as part of Joint Task Force Empire Shield.

6 Oct, 2011

STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. -- New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt Christopher Culver assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing’s Electrical Environmental Systems sections meets Chief Master Sergeant Christopher E. Muncy the tenth Command Chief Master Sergeant to the Director of the Air National Guard, National Guard Bureau, Washington, DC. Chief Munci spent the day touring the 109th Airlift Wing meeting the unit members and learning about their mission.

5 Oct, 2011

The New York National Guard was on hand commemorating the 182nd ceremony to honor the birthday of the 21st President of the United States, Chester A. Arthur on Oct. 5. Brig. Gen. Anthony German and State Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Wicks render salutes while taps are played by a member of the color guard. Before becoming President, Arthur was a practicing attorney in New York City. He also served in and was instrumental in reorganizing the New York State militia. Eventually, he would be promoted to the rank of brigadier general by then, New York Governor, Edwin Morgan. Arthur became president after the assassination of President James Garfield in 1881 and remained in office until 1865 and dying in New York City in 1886. Arthur and his wife are buried in Rural Cemetery, Albany, N.Y.

4 Oct, 2011

FORT IRWIN, Calif. - New York Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer Charles Eldridge (left), assigned to the New York Army National Guard’s 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and Master Sgt. William Yohn, with the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters (right) install secure communications data into a vehicle radio during the brigade’s rotation to the National Training Center, Ft. Irwin, Calif., Oct. 3..The training, conducted at the NTC through late October, will provide Soldiers from the brigade with a realistic, demanding training environment. The exercise will stress leaders, Soldiers and staffs in a simulated combat environment and prepare them for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

4 Oct, 2011

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- New York Army National Guard Pfc. Jacob Weitzel from Company D 3rd Battalion 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion vaults a wall to secure a village during the dismounted execution fight lane September 20, 2011 during premobilization training here. The premobilization training encompasses a number of individual and team tasks required for deployment overseas. The unit is part of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade and is slated to deploy to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn.

3 Oct, 2011

HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Syracuse-- Italian Air Force Chief Warrant Officer Lorenzo Scafuto and Staff Sgt. Marco Redavide along with classmates U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. James Davison and Staff Sgt. Scott Koor work together on an MQ-9 while receiving instructions from their instructor Master Sgt. Scott Simpson at the Field Training Detachment (FTD) in Syracuse NY, on 20 Sept 2011. Scafuto and Redavide are the first Italian Air Force members to receive formal training on the MQ-9.

30 Sep, 2011

HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, SYRACUSE--New York Army National Guard Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2-108th Infantry Battalion board a plane here September 30, 2011. More than 2000 New York Army National Guard troops are headed for the National Training Center at Ft. Irwin, California for premobilization training as they prepare for a deployment to Afghanistan. The training area at NTC is located in the Mojave Desert, just south of Death Valley where temperatures reach over 100 degrees

27 Sep, 2011

FORT DRUM-- A Maine Army Guard Soldier training with the New York Army National Guard’s 3rd Battalion 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion scans for the enemy as he goes through the combat course here on Sept. 24. The unit is training for a potential deployment to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn.

26 Sep, 2011

WRIGHT-PATERSON AIR FORCE BASE,Dayton, Ohio--Some of the New York Air National Guard members who took part in the Air Force Marathon and Air Force Half-Marathon races held at the Air Force Museum here on Sept. 17. Pictured are: SMSgt Jerard Roper (109 AMXS); SMSgt Donna Roper (JFHQ); MSgt Linda Mies (174 FSS),MSgt Christopher Moore (109 CF); and SrA Brian Alexander (109 CF). Not pictured but participating were: MAJ Aaron Lancaster (139 AS);TSgt Geoff Cerrone (139 AS; Sgt Sanning Pingitore (JFHQ); and Capt Michelle Buonome (JFHQ).

23 Sep, 2011

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- New York Army National Guard Soldiers of Detachment 1, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, prepare a wounded pilot for transport during the mounted execution training lane September 17, 2011. The premobilization training encompasses a number of individual and team tasks required for deployment overseas. The unit is part of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade and is slated to deploy to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn.

20 Sep, 2011

HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Syracuse New York Air National Guard members of the 174th Fighter Wing and their families watch a 9/11 memorial video to start off family day at Hancock Field in Syracuse NY on Sept 11, 2011. Family Day has been a tradition of the 174th Fighter Wing for many years.

19 Sep, 2011

FORT DRUM-- New York Army National Guard Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion practice the proper way to cross concertina wire during training here on Friday, Sept. 16. The unit is slated to deploy to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn.

16 Sep, 2011

FORT DRUM -- Soldiers of Co. A, 3rd Bn, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion prepare to enter and clear a building during the premobilization training here Sept. 16, 2011.

15 Sep, 2011

FORT DRUM -- Sgt. Mark Keisecker, a premobilization trainer from Company B, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, explains how to search a suspect vehicle to Soldiers of Co. A, 3rd Bn, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion during the brigade’s premobilization training here Sept. 14.

15 Sep, 2011

STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Scotia-- Members of the Navy Reserve welcome the ship’s bell of the USS Schenectady here on Wednesday, Sept. 14. The bell,which has been in storage since the landing ship tank was decommissioned in 1993, will be displayed on the "quarterdeck" of the United States Navy Operational Support Center in the Glenville Armed Forces Reserve Center. The bell was flown from the storage site to the Capital Region on a C-130 assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing.

15 Sep, 2011

FORT DRUM, N.Y. - New York Army National Guard Sgt. Mark Keisecker, a premobilization trainer from the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, explains how to search a suspect vehicle to Soldiers of Company A, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Assault Battalion during premobilization training for elements of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade here September 14, 2011. The training encompasses a number of traffic control point techniques Soldiers might utliize during deployments overseas. Photo by Master Sgt. Peter Towse, 42nd Infantry Division.

12 Sep, 2011

MALTA-- The 42nd Infantry Division Band marches down Main Street in the Town of Malta on Sunday, Sept. 11, during a parade held to commemorate the events of Sept. 11, 2001 and the emergency responders who rushed to help those in need. The 42nd Special Troops Battalion, the 206th Military Police Company, and the 1108th Ordnance Company (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) also participated in the event.

11 Sep, 2011

NEW YORK -- New York National Guard members Staff Sgt. Johnny Noguera, at right, and Spc. Michael Sloan, assigned to Company C from Joint Task Force Empire Shield, the standing homeland security force based at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, provide additional security patrols at JFK International Airport September 11. More than 250 troops provided assistance to the Transportation Security Agency, Port Authority, New York City Police Department and other law enforcement agencies in advance of the city and nation’s commemoration of the tenth anniversary of 9/11.

10 Sep, 2011

NEW YORK, N.Y.--Soldiers from the New York Army National Guard joint with Soldiers of the Army Reserve and the New Jersey National Guard to put in place on of 3,000 American Flags placed in Battery Park at the tip of Manhattan on Sept. 7 to commemorate the Americans killed in the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

9 Sep, 2011

NICHOLS--New York Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer Charles Rodda helps residents of Nichols unload supplies for an evacuation shelter from a UH-60 on Thursday night. The Town of Nichols was cut off by flood waters preventing vehicular traffic from reaching its inhabitants. The Guard helicopters airlifted in 11,000 pounds of food, water, and blankets for residents.

9 Sep, 2011

BINGHAMTON--The result of rising waters in the Susquehanna River on the City of Binghamton is clearly evident from a New York Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter as aviators moved into position to provide assistance to local officials and residents on Thursday, Sept. 8.

8 Sep, 2011

MIDDLEBURGH--Maj. Gen. Patrick Murphy, left, the Adjutant General for the New York National Guard speaks with Capt. Bryan Reed of the 204th Engineer Battalion regarding recovery missions in the Town of Middleburgh, N.Y. Sep. 3. Soldiers and Airmen of the New York National Guard are providing disaster support to recovery efforts in Delaware, Greene and Essex Counties following the floods of Hurricane Irene.

6 Sep, 2011

Middleburgh, N.Y.-- New York Air National Guard Master Sgt Mike Rogers from the 109th Logistics Readiness Squadron uses a chain saw to help break apart a large tree stump which blocks the track at the Middleburg High school. The Airman was one of 55 members of the 109th Airlift Wing, based at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, N.Y. who assisted in a project to clean up flood damage at the Middleburgh High School. The Airmen cleaned the school’s gym, basketball court, bus garage, boiler room, track, sewage treatment plant, and hallways during the first day of a two-day operation.

6 Sep, 2011

COBLESKILL, N.Y. - New York Army National Guard Spc. Matthew Greenberg, a truck driver with the 719th Transportation Company, based in Harlem, hands a case of water to Michael Kissinger, a local volunteer to help aid people affected by Hurricane Irene here during the National Guard’s recovery efforts across the Catskills and upstate New York. More than 2,500 Soldiers and Airmen of the National Guard were called up by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo for the storm’s response and recovery missions.

4 Sep, 2011

PRATTSVILLE - New York Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Frank Rizzi from the 101st Enhanced Signal Battalion briefs volunteers before heading out for cleanup missions in Prattsville, N.Y. Sep. 4. Some 200 volunteers were supported by the National Guard at this one site as part of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s "Labor for your Neighbor" Labor Day Weekend service initiative. Troops assisted efforts in Greene, Delaware and Essex Counties. Photo by Lt. Col. Richard Goldenberg, NY Army National Guard.

4 Sep, 2011

MIDDLEBURGH, N.Y. -- A Soldier from the New York Army National Guard’s 206th Military Police Company, based in Latham, N.Y. assists volunteers at the Middleburgh Central School clearing debris here Sep. 3. New ork National Guard forces across upstate New York are providing response and recovery support to numerous communities devastated by the floods following Hurricane Irene. Photo by Lt. Col. Richard Goldenberg, New York National Guard.

2 Sep, 2011

PRATTSVILLE, N.Y. -- New York Air National Guard airmen of the 174th Fighter Wing JISCC Team install an antenna mount near the Emergency Operations Center in Prattsville, N.Y. to provide a communications infrastructure to first responders and flood victims in the area. The Airmen are, standing, from left: Tech. Sgt. Brian Matthews, Senior Master Sgt. Greg Baird and Staff Sgt. Michael McRobbie. Staff Sgt. Jim Tarby and Staff Sgt. Jason Hanavan are on the far right, near the base of the mount.

2 Sep, 2011

SCHENECTADY-- New York Naval Militia members assist in erecting a sandbag wall around the Schenectady sewage treatment plant to prevent flooding from the Mohawk River Monday, August 28, 2011. Hurricane Irene swept through New York Sunday leaving many areas devestated by flood. More than 100 members of Naval Militia, who are also members of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Reserves, responded to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s call to report for State Active Duty

2 Sep, 2011

STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--Members of the New York Naval Militia fall in for formation at Stratton Air National Guard Base during the response to Hurricane Irene. More than 100 members ofthe New York Naval Militia served on State Active Duty during the emergency.

2 Sep, 2011

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE-- Members of the New York Guard called to State Active Duty as members of Joint Task Force Irene pose with New York National Guard Brig. General Michael Swezey the task force commander. More than 130 members of the New York Guard, New York’s volunteer defense force, served the state in capacity from evacuation shelter workers to staff officers.

2 Sep, 2011

NIAGARA AIR RESERVE STATION, Niagara Falls-- New York Air National Guard Colonel John Higgins, the Vice Commander of the 107th Airlift Wing along with Command Chief Master Sergeant David Wohleben and Lt Colonel Kevin Rogers the Deputy Commander of Maintenance welcome home a member of the wing from a 90 day deployment to Afghanistan On August 29, 2011.The Airmen deployed on Memorial Day for their mission. (

1 Sep, 2011

LATHAM, N.Y. -- Sgt. Larry Sloan (left), Sgt. Jason Dolan (center) and other New York Army National Guard aviation Soldiers load food aboard a UH60 Blackhawk helicopter at Army Aviation Support Facility 3 on Aug. 31. The food was contributed by the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, and the aviation Soldiers flew it to the victims of flooding which occured in the wake of Hurricane Irene.

31 Aug, 2011

PRATTVILLE--Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano thanks New York Army National Guard Specialist Whitnee McKinney for her service during a visit here on August 31 as Brig. Gen. Michael Swezey, the commander of Joint Task Force Irene, the New York National Guard force which responded to Hurricane Irene looks on. Napolitano visited Prattsville with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Federal Emergency Management Administration head Craig Fulgate to better understand the damage done by flooding in the area. New York Army National Guard UH-60s flew the team to the location.

31 Aug, 2011

SCHOHARIE--New York Army National Guard Sgt. Windollyn V. Patino helps a woman from her Schoharie N.Y. home, where mud and debris from Hurricane Irene floodwaters had trapped her for two days. Patino is a motor transport operator with the 719th Transportation Company which is based at the Harlem Armory.

30 Aug, 2011

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, the Commander-in-Chief of the New York National Guard and Major General Patrick A. Murphy, the SCHOHARIE--Adjutant General of New York greet Soldiers from the 719th Transportation Company, based in the Harlem Armory in New York, during their Hurricane Irene recovery mission in Schoharie, New York, Aug 29.

30 Aug, 2011

SCHOHARIE COUNTY-- Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard’s 204th Engineer Company work to repair a road damaged in the wake of Hurricane Irene on Tuesday. August 30.

29 Aug, 2011

PRATTSVILLE, NY-- U.S. Representative Chris Gibson speaks with members of the New York Army National Guard on State Active Duty here in response to Hurricane Irene. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo activated more than 2,500 members of the New York Army and Air National Guard to respond to the storm. Flooding from extensive rainfalls have caused damage in some upstate areas.

29 Aug, 2011

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. -- New York Air National Guard personnel arrive at the Farmingdale Armed Forces Reserve Center here on Aug. 28 to become part of Task Force Long Island, which is continuing to assist Nassau and Suffolk county civil authorities with clean up and other emergency response efforts in the wake of Hurricane Irene. Task Force Long Island is part of the nearly 2,000 Soldiers and airmen New York Governor Andrew Cuomo mobilized in response to the storm, which caused deaths and destruction in other states. Soldiers and Airmen also deployed to New York City and the Hudson Valley to assist civil authorities there. Task Force Long Island’s advanced party deployed to the Farmingdale Armed Forces Reserve Center ahead of the storm on Aug. 27, and with the addition of its reserve on Aug. 28, the task force has now grown to about 450 Soldiers and Airmen, said Maj. Michael Fowler, the task force operations officer. Task force members have been helping civil authorities in Nassau and Suffolk counties with a variety of operations, he explained, including assessing damages to roadways to determine where emergency efforts are needed, and using chainsaws to clear downed trees from roads. The storm also created areas of standing water and damaged traffic lights, Fowler said. Task force members are using Humvees -- which have higher axles -- to move firefighters and paramedics through these inaccessible areas, and providing extra transportation to police agencies, which are using patrol cars to control intersections, he explained. Task Force Long Island is made up of Soldiers and Airmen from National Guard units across the state, including military police units, Fowler stressed. Fowler, of Rochester, is also a Monroe County Sheriff. "We’re providing them with resources to accomplish their missions, and putting extra sets of eyes on the roads," Fowler said. "This is a perfect mission for MPs." The task force also has Soldiers and airmen standing by to help with medical evacuations, he added.

28 Aug, 2011

NEW YORK CITY -- A convoy of the New York Army National Guard’s 206th Military Police Company heads to Long Island to conduct disaster recovery operations in the wake of Hurricane Irene on Aug. 28. The Latham-based unit is just part of the nearly 2,000 Soldiers and airmen New York Governor Andrew Cuomo mobilized in response to the expected landfall of the hurricane Irene, which caused deaths and destruction in other states. Soldiers and Airmen deployed to Long Island, New York City, and the Hudson Valley to assist with traffic control on bridges and tunnels, sandbagging operations at the World Trade Center site, evacuation shelter operations in New York City, the construction of barriers for railway yards and train tunnels, and other hurricane emergency efforts. Soldiers and other New York military forces who were staged at the Lexington Avenue Armory on Aug. 27 have been posted at New York City shelters to assist the American Red Cross and emergency personnel with potential storm victims.

28 Aug, 2011

NEW YORK CITY -- New Army National Guard Soldiers Pfc. Joel Hernandez (left) and Cpl. Kevin Munoz (background, center) direct cars away from the Lexington Avenue Armory here on Aug. 27 to keep the area accessible for emergency and military traffic to the armory. Both Soldiers are from the Bronx and belong to the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry. The troops are just some of the nearly 2,000 Soldiers and airmen New York Governor Andrew Cuomo mobilized in response to the expected landfall of Hurricane Irene, which has already caused deaths and destruction in other states. Soldiers and Airmen deployed to Long Island, New York City, and the Hudson Valley to assist with traffic control on bridges and tunnels, sandbagging operations at the World Trade Center site, evacuation shelter operations in New York City, the construction of barriers for railway yards and train tunnels, and other hurricane emergency efforts. Soldiers and other New York military forces who were staged at the Lexington Avenue Armory on Aug. 27 have been posted at New York City shelters to assist the American Red Cross and emergency personnel with potential storm victims. Other troops staged at the armory used the time to catch up on sleep in order to be ready for other possible missions.

28 Aug, 2011

NEW YORK CITY -- New Army National Guard Soldiers Pfc. Joel Hernandez (left) and Cpl. Kevin Munoz (background, center) direct cars away from the Lexington Avenue Armory here on Aug. 27 to keep the area accessible for emergency and military traffic to the armory. Both Soldiers are from the Bronx and belong to the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry. The troops are just some of the nearly 2,000 Soldiers and airmen New York Governor Andrew Cuomo mobilized in response to the expected landfall of Hurricane Irene, which has already caused deaths and destruction in other states. Soldiers and Airmen deployed to Long Island, New York City, and the Hudson Valley to assist with traffic control on bridges and tunnels, sandbagging operations at the World Trade Center site, evacuation shelter operations in New York City, the construction of barriers for railway yards and train tunnels, and other hurricane emergency efforts. Soldiers and other New York military forces who were staged at the Lexington Avenue Armory on Aug. 27 have been posted at New York City shelters to assist the American Red Cross and emergency personnel with potential storm victims. Other troops staged at the armory used the time to catch up on sleep in order to be ready for other possible missions.

27 Aug, 2011

NEW YORK CITY -- New York Governor Andrew Cuomo speaks to the media during a visit to New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen at the Lexington Avenue Armory here Aug. 27. The New York State military forces at the armory are just some of the nearly 2,000 Soldiers and airmen Cuomo mobilized in response to the expected landfall of Hurricane Irene, which has already caused deaths and destruction along the mid-Atlantic coast. Soldiers and Airmen being deployed to Long Island, New York City, and the Hudson Valley will assist with traffic control on bridges and tunnels, sandbagging operations at the World Trade Center site, evacuation shelter operations in New York City, the construction of barriers for railway yards and train tunnels, and other hurricane emergency efforts. "The National Guard will play a vital role in this," Cuomo said.

27 Aug, 2011

LATHAM-- New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, the Commander-in-Chief of the New York National Guard meets with members of the New York Army National Guard’s 206th Military Police Company as they prepare to deploy from the Albany Area to New York City in response to the landfall of Hurricane Irene. The governor spoke with members of the unit as well as airmen from the 109th Airlift Wing who are part of the mission. He also received a mission briefing from Major General Patrick Murphy, The Adjutant General of New York.

25 Aug, 2011

GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE-- New York Army National Guard Brigadier General Michael Swezey, commander of the 53rd Troop Command, speaks with a member of the 107th Military Police Company during a visit to Guantanamo Bay on August 21. The 107th MP Company, headquarterd in Utica, deployed to Guantanamo Bay from Fort Bliss in July to provide security at the detainment center there.

22 Aug, 2011

Soldiers of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team set up a traffic control point as part of the Mounted Training Lane August 15, 2011.

18 Aug, 2011

FORT BENNING, GA-- New York Army National Guard Sgt. Shawn Chapple, a member of the 107th Military Police Company, moves a simulated casualty downrange during the Army National Guard’s Best Warrior Competition here on August 6. Chapple was one of 14 Army National Guard NCOs and enlisted Soldiers competing for top honors. Chapple, who represented the Northeast in the competition didn’t win but did well, according to New York State Command Sgt. Major Frank Wicks.

17 Aug, 2011

FORT DRUM, N.Y. - Soldiers of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team prepare to enter and clear a house during premobilization training here August 16, 2011.

16 Aug, 2011

FARMINGDALE, NY --Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York is joined by Army Reserve Major General William Waff, commander of the 99th Regional Support Command, Army Reserve Brigadier General John Cornelus,Commander of the 800th Military Police Brigade, and representatives of the Navy and Marine Corps Reserve and local and state political leaders during a ceremony officially opening the new Farmingdale Armed Forces Reserve Center on August 16. The center will provide a training base for more than 1500 members of the New York Army National Guard, the Army Reserve, the Navy Reserve and the Marine Corps Reserve and employ more than 150 full-time service members. The New York Army National Guard is the lead agency for the project.

17 Aug, 2011

JOINT BASE MAGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Soldiers from the New York Army National Guard’s 1156th Engineer Company fire the M240B machine gun during Annual Training here. Unit members also repaired buildings at the training location.

12 Aug, 2011

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. - New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the 1156th Vertical Construction Company replace the roof on a building here during annual training in June, 2011. The engineer company, based in Kingston, recently conducted individual training, weapons qualification and engineering task training during its two-week annual training. Photo by Spc. Robert Polanco, 1156th Vertical Construction Company.

4 Aug, 2011

GABRESKI AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, WESTHAMPTON BEACH, N.Y. - New York Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Steven Wickstrom, left, commander of Army National Guard’s 42nd Infantry Division, meets Col. Thomas Owens II, commander of the 106th Rescue Wing here at the wing headquarters Aug. 4. Wickstrom deployed to Gabreski with about 370 Soldiers of the division headquarters to rehearse hurricane response missions to better prepare New York National Guard forces for hurricane response in New York. Photo by Staff Sgt. Eric Miller, 106th Rescue Wing. Find video of the training at the DVIDS hub: http://www.dvidshub.net/video/122315/army-troops-joint-rescue-wing-hurricane-response-exercise.

7 Aug, 2011

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh, N.Y.--Members of the New York Air National Guard’s 105th Airlift Wing stand in formation before one of the wing’s new C-17s during a ceremony held on Saturday August 6 to mark the transition from the C-5A Galaxy to the C-17 Globemaster III. "Time marches on. The C-5As are 43 years old," said Brig. Gen. Verle Johnston, commander of the 105th Airlift Wing. "[The C-17] will be the perfect airplane and our wing will learn to love it."

3 Aug, 2011

BROOKLYN-- 42nd Infantry Division Band Soldiers Spc. Billy Pardue ( on guitar) and Spc. Lindsay Haughton are seen singing and playing their instruments during a performance at Coney Island’s Municipal Credit Union Stadium on July 29.The 42nd Infantry Division Band performs at venues across New York as part of its annual training program.

3 Aug, 2011

ROCHESTER-- Members of the New York Naval Militia tie up Naval Militia Patrol Boat 281 during boat handling training on the Genesee River on Tuesday August 2. The Naval Militia’s Military Emergency Boat Service operates nine boats on bodies of water across the state to assist local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

2 Aug, 2011

NEW YORK STATE DIVISION OF MILITARY AND NAVAL AFFAIRS, LATHAM, N.Y. -- New York Naval Militia officers meet in the Joint Operations Center here on Aug. 2 to evaluate lessons learned from a recall mission conducted in conjunction with Trojan Horse 2011. An annual maritime security training exercise sponsored by the State University of New York Maritime College, Trojan Horse joins New York Naval Militia personnel with state, federal and law enforcement agencies while assessing homeland security threats and testing security plans. The exercise mimics major maritime incidents directly impacting port security. The officers are, from left: Capt. Trip Powell, of Coeymans, N.Y.; Cmdr. Anthony Buanno, of Gloversville, N.Y.; and Cmdr. David Hawley, of Troy, N.Y.

1 Aug, 2011

BROOKLYN-- New York Army National Guard Sgt. Jennifer Lucas, a member of the 42nd Infantry Division Band, sings the Star Spangled Banner before the Brooklyn Cyclones vs. Oneonta Tigers game at the Municipal Credit Union Stadium, here, July 29. The 42nd Infantry Division Band is currently touring the state of New York, showcasing their skills and promoting Army values.

28 Jul, 2011

FORT DRUM - Staff Sgt. Eduardo Ortiz, transportation sergeant for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Avaition Brigade, tightens a tall pallete of bike track flooring in preparation for returning to home station on July 28. The 42nd recently validated on the Army’s latest command post of the future which comprises high tech communications that allow a commander full view of the battlefield. To view more than 100 photos of this event, click on the 42nd CAB Facebook.

28 Jul, 2011

FORT DRUM - Pfc. Timothy White, a member of Headquarters and headquarters Company of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, keeps an eye on the giant air bladder that is used to raise the main command tent so that the huge tent can be collapsed slowly and with minimal personnel on July 28 as the unit prepares to return to home station. The main command tent is the anchor for half a dozen medium tents that connect other 42nd staff sections. The 42nd recently validated on the Army’s latest command post of the future which comprises high tech communications that allow a commander full view of the battlefield. To view more than 100 photos of this event, click on the 42nd CAB Facebook.

26 Jul, 2011

NEW YORK - Soldiers from the New York Army National Guard’s 369th Sustainment Brigade secure a piece of World Trade Center steel in the bed of a military vehicle here at the Port Authority warehouse in Brooklyn July 26. The Soldiers ( from left) Staff Sgt. Nicholas Pelliccio from the brigade headquarters company, Spec. Sebastian Rothwyn from the 719th Transportation Company, Staff Sgt. Anthony Marshall of the 369th Early Entry Element, Capt. J.C. Bravo of the brigade headquarters company and Spc. Diego Castro of the Early Entry Element, helped transport the WTC artifact for shipment via FedEx to Athens Ga. The artifact, a 923-pound piece of steel some six and a half feet long, is destined for display at the Oconee Veterans Park near Athens, Ga. The Georgia Army National Guard provided the U.S. Colors for the honors at the artifact pickup. Members of the Georgia Army National Guard will assist in the final movement and placement of the WTC steel. Photo by Paul Fanning, New York National Guard.

25 Jul, 2011

CAMP SMITH--New York Guard Commander Maj. Gen. Fergal Foley and New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Renwick Payne, Director of Joint Staff for the New York State Department of Military and Naval Affairs, salute soldiers during the review of troops at the closing ceremony for the New York Guard Annual Training, here, June 23. The ceremony closed out a week long training period, where the group of all volunteer soldiers conducted various exercises and qualifications to enrich their skills in augmenting and supporting National Guard assets in the state of New York.

22 Jul, 2011

NEW YORK--Elizabeth Glazer, New York Deputy Secretary for Public Safety, speaks with a police officer during a visit to the New York National Guard’s Joint Task Force Empire Shield and its local law enforcement agency partners during the Multi-Agency Super Surge exercise, here July 21. Glazer was briefed on the task force’s day-to-day mission detailing how the task forces helps protect the citizens of New York.

20 Jul, 2011

LATHAM- Civil War re-enactor Howard Young, from Rotterdam, and Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Weidlich, a member of the New York Army National Guard’s 206th Military Police Company discuss combat gear from era’s 150 years apart during a media event conducted at Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters on July 20. The event, held to mark the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run, compared and contrasted the equipment worn and used by New York Soldiers then with New York Soldiers now.

18 Jul, 2011

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburg, NY--The first C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 105th Airlift Wing, lands at Stewart International Airport Runway July 18,2011. The New York Air National Guard’s 105 Airlift Wing is transitioning from the C-5A Galaxy and will eventually have eight C-17’s assigned.

16 Jul, 2011

ROUSES POINT, N.Y. - New York Naval Militia Petty Officers Jeff Alexander, left, and Robert Hill maneuver Patrol Boat PB 221 near the historic site of Fort Montgomery on Lake Champlain July 16. The Naval Militia conducted security missions on the lake in support of the Border Patrol, helping to direct boaters to the Customs and Border Protection inspection station.

15 Jul, 2011

FORT DRUM - Members of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade labor in hot temperatures to get the main tent of the Standardized Integrated Command Post System (SICPS) set up at Fort Drum on Wednesday, July 13. The 42nd CAB is receiving the new equipment in anticipation of a future deployment. Civilian contractors are on hand to guide the Soldiers through the set up and functions of the massive system.

14 Jul, 2011

WESTHAMPTON BEACH-- Members of the Security Force Squadron for the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing conduct combat training at F. S. Gabreski Field Air National Guard Base on May 4.

13 Jul, 2011

GREENLAWN, N.Y. - A New York Army National Guard Color Guard joins family and friends of New York Army National Guard Sgt. Anthony L. Mangano during a ceremony in which a street here was named for him on June 21, 2011. The date was the third anniversary of his death in 2008 when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device killing him and four other Soldiers from the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

11 Jul, 2011

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Florida-- Rescue and medical personnel from NASA and the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing study the astronaut flight suit at Patrick Air Force Base on July 7 as members of the wing prepare to provide rescue support for the final Space Shuttle launch on July 8. The men and women of the 106th supported more than 100 Space Shuttle launches.

8 Jul, 2011

FORT DRUM-- New York Army National Guard Soldiers negotiate a mud obstacle during tactical training at Fort Drum in June. Members of the 27th Brigade Combat Team are preparing to deploy to Afghanistan in 2012.

7 Jul, 2011

LATHAM-- Major General Patrick Murphy (left) the Adjutant General, speaks with New York Air National Guard chaplains during a training session conducted at Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters here on Thursday, July 7. Murphy discussed the role of the chaplains in the New York National Guard and the missions of the New York Military Forces.

6 Jul, 2011

TROY--New York Army National Guard Soldiers 1st Sgt. Joseph Landy (left), and his son Pfc. Joseph Landy (right), both of Speigletown, NY, throw the opening pitches in the Tri-City Valley Cats minor league baseball game at Joe Bruno Stadium here on July 5. 1st Sgt. Landy, of the 501st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion, is home on leave from Iraq and Pfc. Landy is scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan with the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in 2012.

28 Jun, 2011

SCHYULERVILLE-- A New York Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter lifts a Bambi Bucket filled with 660 gallons of water out of the Hudson River during fire bucket training on June 28. Two Blackhawks based at Army Aviation Support Facility #3 took part in the annual training exercise that prepares aircrews to battle wildfires and forest fires in support of other state agencies during the summer months.

28 Jun, 2011

BASRA, Iraq-- New York Army National Guard Specialist Jorge Alvarez, a member of the 501st Ordnance Battalion who lives in the Bronx, receives a coin from Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond Chandler during a visit to Contingency Operating Base Basrah on June 25. The Soldiers of the 501st Ordnance Battalion are overseeing Explosive Ordnance Disposal units in southern Iraq as part of Task Force Troy. The unit is based in Scotia, New York.

23 Jun, 2011

AFGHANISTAN--A C-130 Hercules from the New York Air National Guard’s 107th Airlift Wing flies over mountainous Afghan terrain on its way to deliver much-needed supplies to a forward operating base in Oruzgan province, Afghanistan, June 22. The New York ANG C-130 flew the airdrop mission in conjunction with another C-130 from the Alaska ANG. Airdrops help mitigate the danger of transporting supplies via convoy.

23 Jun, 2011

Officers of the New York Naval Militia’s 1st Battalion Naval Reserve Artillery pose for a photograph in 1891, the year the first unit of 15 officers and 190 enlisted Sailors was accepted for duty as part of New York’s Military Forces. The Legislature officially recognized the force on June 23, 1891. Today the Naval Militia comprises more then 2,500 members of the United States Navy Reserve, United States Marine Corps Reserve, United States Coast Guard Reserve who agree to perform state active duty when called and a small core of retired military volunteers. The unique force provides New York with skills learned through their military training and also man a fleet of nine patrol boats that can be employed in support of law enforcement.

22 Jun, 2011

GREENLAWN, N.Y. - Family and friends of New York Army National Guard Sgt. Anthony L. Mangano stand outside of his mother Constance Mangano’s house for a moment of silence during a street dedication memorial here June 21. This date is the third anniversary of his death in 2008 when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device killing him and four other Soldiers from the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Photo by Sgt. Tamara Gabbard, 42nd Infantry Division.

21 Jun, 2011

FORT DRUM--New York Army National Guard Pvt. Danielle C. Powe, an artilleryman with Battery A, 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery, yanks the lanyard of a M-198 howitzer, blasting 100 lbs. of high explosives down range during the battalion&rsquot;s certification at Fort Drum, NY June 20, 2011. The battalion is part of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and will be deploying to Afghanistan early 2012.

20 Jun, 2011

ROME--Rep. Richard Hanna talks with Brig. Gen. Anthony P. German, Chief of Staff of the New York Air National Guard, and Col. John Bartholf, the Commander of the Eastern Air Defense Sector, during a tour on Friday, June 17. Hanna spent nearly an hour in the Sector Operations Control Center, which serves as a focal point for the air defense of the eastern U.S. The Congressman was also briefed on Sector activities and toured EADS headquarters facility.

20 Jun, 2011

NIAGARA FALLS--A New York Army National Guard CH-47 based a the Army Aviation Support Facility in Rochester hoists a New York State Park Police out of the Niagara River on Sunday, June 19. The Chinook assigned to Det. 1 Co. B 3rd Battalion 126th Aviation and commanded by Capt. Eric Fritz retrieved the boat after its crew was forced to abandon it just above the falls on Saturday. The State Park Police Crew had rescued stranded boaters when they became disoriented. They anchored their boat and were airlifted to shore by a Canadian rescue helicopter.

17 Jun, 2011

UTICA -- Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard’s 107th Military Police Company stand in formation during their deployment ceremony Friday, June 18 at SUNY Institute of Technology. The unit is heading to Fort Bliss, Texas to train before deploying to Guantanamo Bay Naval Base to provide security at the detention facility there.

15 Jun, 2011

COHOES - Engineer Soldiers from Detachment 1, 1st Platoon, 1156th Engineer Company (Vertical) based in Kingston and some members of the 152nd Eng. Co. clear brush and debris from around Lock 15 on the outskirts of Cohoes on June 15. The City of Cohoes requested the assistance of the N.Y. National Guard to assist in restoring and renovating this historic area in order to transform it into a bike and walking trail for the city residents. The area was once an extension of the Erie Canal.

15 Jun, 2011

FORT DRUM, NY--FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- New York Army National Guard 2nd Lt. Dawn Hersey trains as a vehicle gunner during premobiization training here June 4 with the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

15 Jun, 2011

STEWART AIRPORT, Newburgh-- Margaret Lutz hugs her son, New York Air National Guard Senior Airman Ryan Lutz as he and fellow members of the 105th Security Squadron returnedfrom a six month deployment in Iraq on Tuesday, June 14.

15 Jun, 2011

ALBANY, NY-- The New York National Guard’s Color Guard participates in ceremonies opening the New York State Senate’s session on June 14, the Army’s Birthday.

15 Jun, 2011

NEW YORK CITY-- New York Army National Guard Brigadier General Paul C. Genereaux,(center) deputy commander of the New York Army National Guard joins United States Military Academy Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Mahoney and other Soldiers in sounding the closing bell at the NASDAQ exchange here on June 14. The general was representing the Army at a closing ceremony marking the Army’s 236th birthday.

14 Jun, 2011

LATHAM - Chief Warrant Officer Steven Derry,the last Vietnam era helicopter pilot in the New York Army National Guard, is congratulated by friends and co-workers following his last official flight as an Army aviation pilot on June 14. Derry, a Corinth, N.Y. resident and member of 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion started training as a pilot in 1969 and served in Veitnam in 1970-71.

14 Jun, 2011

BALDWINSVILLE, NY-- New York Naval Militia Chief Petty Officer Michael Porter and Petty Officer Matt MacDowell prepare the side of the Naval Militia’s PB 281 as it enters Lock 24 of the Erie Canal in Baldwinsville, NY during a training mission on June 11. The New York Naval Militia’s Military Emergency Boat Service maintains a fleet of nine vessels to assist local law enforcement and the Coast Guard as required.

13 Jun, 2011

LATHAM - Retiring Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Rentz, Command Sergeant Major for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade passes the unit colors to Col. Mark Stryker, 42nd commander, so that command will be transferred to the incoming Command Sergeant Major, John Houck on June 12. After the exchange of colors, Rentz retired from the New York Army National Guard after serving as a Sergeant Major for 13 years.

13 Jun, 2011

COLONIE - New York Air National Guard Master Sgt. Shannon Pingatore from Fort Edward, N.Y. approaches the finish line at the New York National Guard’s Family Readiness Council "Hometown Heroes" five-kilomter run here June 12. More than 220 runners participated in the race, a fundraiser to support National Guard families. Pingatore is a runner with the New York National Guard’s Marathon Team, racing with the National Guard throughout the year. This is her second year competing and her second win in the female runner’s category. Photo by Sgt. Chris Connelly, 42nd Infantry Division.

13 Jun, 2011

SARATOGA NATIONAL CEMETERY--New York Army National Guard Sgt. Robert Benson, a member of the New York Military Forces Honor Guard, stands with Marine Corporal Nicholas Hawkyard and members of the Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard during a memorial service here Friday, June 10, for unclaimed veterans remains. The New York National Guard Soldiers joined with representatives of the Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force in interring the ashes of veterans which had gone unclaimed in funeral homes across the region.

9 Jun, 2011

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh--Nose wheels lift off the runway as the second C-5M Super Galaxy to be reconditioned by New York Air National Guard’s 105 Airlift Wing aircraft maintainers takes-off for a flight back to Dover AFB, June 8, 2011. Airmen at the 105th is redoing the interiors of these modernized C-5 aircraft.

9 Jun, 2011

LATHAM -- New York Army National Guard Sgt. Michele Van Ness helps Daisy Girl Scout Paige Grimmick, age 6, plant flowers at Divison of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters here, June 4. Paige, along with a half dozen local kindergarten students from Girl Scout Daisy Troop 1552, refurbished the Memorial Garden to honor fallen National Guard Soldiers, to earn their community service badge.

8 Jun, 2011

FORT DRUM, N.Y. - New York Army National Guard Chaplain (1st. Lt). Raziel Amar of the 369th Sustainment Brigade covers his ears during dismounted infantry training here June 3. While the New York, N.Y., resident cannot, in accordance with military non-combatant law carry a weapon, he participates in training to gain an understanding of his Soldiers’ lives. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. J.P. Lawrence)

8 Jun, 2011

FORT DRUM, N.Y. - 2nd Lt. Austin Luckenbach, an intelligence officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, watches his peers crawl through mud and jagged wires during a mock village assault here June 3. Luckenbach, a Yonkers, N.Y., native, was participating in training meant to prepare Soldiers of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team for combat and counter-insurgency while deployed to Afghanistan. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. J.P. Lawrence).

6 Jun, 2011

FORT DRUM--Soldiers from the New York National Guard’s 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team engage the enemy during training exercises here on June 3. More than 2,200 Soldiers from the brigade have been training at Fort Drum since the beginning of May to prepare for deployment to Afghanistan in 2012.

6 Jun, 2011

CAMP SMITH-- New York Army National Guard Col.Michel Natali accepts the colors of the 106th Regional Training Institute from Brig. Gen. Paul Genereaux during change-of-command ceremonies here Sunday. Natali took over command of the training unit from Col. Mark Warnecke who is retiring after more than 35 years in the Army and Army National Guard. Warnecke will continue to serve in his civilian job as director of Camp Smith.

2 Jun, 2011

NEW YORK-- New York Army National Guard Soldiers Staff Sgt. Donald Leinfelder (left) Sergeant Timothy Gould (Center) and SPC Ismael E. Diaz (right) stand with Navy Engineman Second Class Timothy Carlton and Marine First Lieutenant Matthew A. Krempel during a recognition ceremony at Citi Field during the Mets home game against Pittsburgh on Memorial Day. The servicemembers were honored during the game’s Seventh Inning Stretch. Leinfelder received a Purple Heart when he was injured in combat in Iraq; Gould holds the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster due to injuries he sustained fighting in Afghanistan; and Diaz was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with V device for leading Afghan National Army Soldiers in a counterattack during an ambush.

1 Jun, 2011

FORT DRUM--New York Army National Guard Soldier Staff Sgt. Matthew Swisher (center) and his squad of Charlie company, 2nd Battalion, 108 Infantry, celebrate finishing their fight lane training here May 29, 2011. More than 2,200 members of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are expected to deploy to Afghanistan in 2012.

31 May, 2011

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION--Tech. Sgt. Antony Re, a 107th Airlift Wing crew chief gives his daughter one last hug prior on Memorial Day to boarding a C-130 that left Niagara Air Reserve Station for a four day journey that will eventually land him in Afghanistan for the start of his 90 day tour of duty. Family members and loved ones gather to bid farewell to members of the 107th Airlift Wing as they departed on May 30.

31 May, 2011

FORT DRUM, N.Y. - Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard’s 369th Sustainment Brigade share a prayer during a Memorial Day service at Fort Drum. Memorial Day stood poignant this year, as it fell as the 369th SB was busy supporting their brethren in the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team prepare for a deployment to Afghanistan. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. J.p. Lawrence.)

31 May, 2011

MONTROSE, NY--Brig. Gen. Verle Johnston, commander of the New York Air National Guard’s 105th Airlift Wing, accepts a wreath from Chief Master Sgt. Mary Wagner during Memorial Day observances at the New York State Veterans Home here. Members of the Stewart Air National Guard base gathered at the home on Thursday, May 26 to honor the veterans and remember the fallen.

6 Jun, 2011

FORT DRUM-- Members of the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Female Engagement Team learn how to dine politely during an Afghan meal during pre-mobilization training May 31 in Fort Drum. The 10-person FET will act as cultural mediators when deployed to Iraq, which means they will go on combat missions with the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, march and fight as they do, and then talk to Afghan women in an effort to understand their concerns.

30 May, 2011

FORT DRUM, N.Y. - New York Army National Guard Soldiers of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team clear their weapons before entering the mess hall here May 29. To prepare for their upcoming deployment, a the New York National Guard replicated the sort of forward operating base they would likely see overseas, complete with clearing barrels at every entrance.

27 May, 2011

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Members of the New York Army National Guard’s 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conduct small-unit individual and collective training here May 13 as part of the brigade’s premobilization training cycle. Nearly 2,000 Soldiers are involved in the month-long training event, running from May 3 until early June to prepare individual Soldiers from the brigade for mobilization in the fall and deployment to Afghanistan in early 2012.

26 May, 2011

LATHAM- Air National Guard Tech Sgt. Al Moon sounds Taps as members of the New York Military Forces Honor Guard present arms during a Memorial Day service held May 26th at Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters here. The event, presided over by Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General and New York National Guard Command Sgt. Major Frank Wick, recognized the 32 members of the New York Army National Guard, and one Marine Corps Reservist who was also a member of the New York Naval Militia who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan.

23 May, 2011

SARATOGA SPRINGS-- New York State Military Museum Director Michael Aikey speaks to fifth graders from the Abraham Wing Elementary School in Glens Falls while a TV film crew looks on during the student’s May 23 visit to the museum here. Aikey talked to the students, and reporters, about Col. Elmer Ellsworth, the first Union officer killed in the Civil War,a Mechanicsville native, and a friend of Abraham Lincoln’s, who death was a major event after he was shot on May 24, 1861. The museum is the owner of the coat Ellsworth was wearing when he was killed; seen in the display case here.

22 May, 2011

KERHONKSON -- Spec. Nancy Daniels from Endwell, a member of 827th Engineer Company shows her daughter Mathilda, age 9, lapel pins she received during her units Freedom Salute ceremony, here May 22.

20 May, 2011

CAMP SMITH-- Christina DeLeon, the reigning Miss Westchester County, signs an autograph for a Soldier from Company C 1st Battalion 69th Infantry who is preparing to deploy to Afghanistan during a visit to the Camp Smith Readiness Center on Wednesday, May 18. DeLeon and Miss Westchester Teen, Samantha Gold, stopped by the Readiness Center on their way up to Albany for an event at the New York State Capital. The two young women met with Soldiers from the 69th who were preparing to move to Fort Drum for pre-mobilization training as well as members of the 53rd Troop Command headquarters who are based at the center,

20 May, 2011

LATHAM -- Staff Sgt. Elmore Stallworth from the Army Aviation Support Facility #3, refuels a U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet at the State headquarters flight facility on May 20. The plane was piloted by Rear Admiral Dennis FitzPatrick, the commander of Strike Force Training Atlantic in Norfolk, Va., and Lt. Jason Duffie, a training squad certified instructor with Strike Fighter Squadron 106, stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana, Va. The two pilots were on a familiarization flight. Landing at the Latham facility offered training that included instrument approach and landing in unfamiliar locations. Once FitzPatrick completes his re-certification he will be qualified to land on an aircraft carrier.

20 May, 2011

FORT DRUM--New York Army National Guard Sgt. John Dertinger, a fire support specialist with headquarters and headquarters company, 2nd battalion, 108th infantry, checks the pulse of a trainer dummy during the unit’s premobilization training. The unit is part of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team that will be training at Fort Drum, NY in preparation of a 2012 deployment to Afghanistan.

19 May, 2011

CAMP SMITH--New York Naval Militia Petty Officer Frank Gavin conducts training on how to tow one of the Military Emergency Boat Service patrol craft during training here on May 18. The Naval Militia’s Military Emergency Boat Service (MEBS) operates nine watercraft that support security and law enforcement missions. Naval Militia members belong to the Navy Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, and Marine Corps Reserve and agree to make themselves available for state duty when called upon. A small number of Naval Militia members are retired servicemembers not affiliated with the federal reserve forces.

19 May, 2011

FORT DRUM-- Lt. Col. James Gonyo, commander of the New York Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion 69th Infantry displays the crucifix carried by Sgt. Joyce Kilmer, a famous poet and member of the 69th Infantry’s intelligence section who was killed in action in World War I. Kilmer’s crucifix has been handed down from commander to commander since then and carried on a daily basis. Kilmer, who wrote the poem "Trees" penned the poem "Rouge Bouquet" about death on the battlefield shortly before his own death.

18 May, 2011

BLOEMFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA-- New York National Guardsmen visit with a tame cheetah at a South African game preserve during their recent trip there for the South African National Defense Force 2011 Regional Combat Rifle Competition. Top row, left to right: Spc. Jason Grossman of Airmont, N.Y.; Spc. Masami Yamakado, of New York City; Sgt. Justin Vonderheyde, of Middletown, N.Y.; Staff Sgt. Dennis Rick, of Staten Island, N.Y. Bottom row, left to right: Cpl. Jonathan Patton, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Staff Sgt. David Cartwright, of Buffalo; Spc. Matthew Melendez, of New York City; Sgt. First Class Arthur Evans, of Saugerties, N.Y.; Maj. Scott Williams, of Long Island. Williams, who is in the Air National Guard, is the bilateral affairs officer for the New York and Republic of South Africa State Partnership Program.

17 May, 2011

WHITE PLAINS-- New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Jason Diaz, his wife Nisha (left) and daughter Thalia, 4 of Peekskill, discuss scheduled activities during the 442nd Military Police Company 30-day Yellow Ribbon Reintegration event, May 14 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, White Plains, NY. The event helps Soldiers and families work through the issues that arise when a Citizen Soldier returns from a combat deployment. The 442nd Military Police Company returned from a deployment in Iraq in April.

16 May, 2011

BASRA, Iraq-- New York Army National Guard Major James Wood, Operations Officer for the 501st Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) reads the names and biographies of EOD Soldiers who gave their lives during operations in 2010 during a memorial service held at the chapel here on May 7. The 501st, based in Scotia, NY is in command of EOD Soldiers operating in Southern Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn.

13 May, 2011

FORT DRUM--New York Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team negotiate a concertina wire obstacle during premobilization training here on Friday, May 13. More than 2,200 Soldiers of the 27th IBCT are slated to deploy to Afghanistan in 2012 and are training at Fort Drum in May and June.

12 May, 2011

CAMP SMITH-- New York Army National Guard SGT Shawn S. Chapple of the Utica based 107th Military Police Company, recites all the steps to evaluating a casualty under combat conditions to task tester SGT Cory Goodspeed of Joint Force Headquarters- New York here on Wednesday May, 11. The evaluate a casualty task was just one of eight warrior tasks required during the Warrior Task testing conducted as part of the 2011 National Guard Bureau’s Region 1 Best Warrior Competition held at Camp Smith Training Area, Cortlandt, NY, May 10-12. Region 1 encompasses the northeastern states and 14 enlisted Soldiers and Non-Commissioned Officers took part in the event.

11 May, 2011

FORT DRUM-- New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Sergio Casanas, a human resources NCO for the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and Sgt. David Nieves, also of the 27th BCT prepare to negotiate the land navigation course on May 11. More than 2,200 members of the 27th BCT are training at Fort Drum in May and June to prepare for a 2012 deployment to Afghanistan.

10 May, 2011

FORT DRUM--New York Army National Guard Sgt 1st Class Victor Lopez, the retention NCO for Company G 427th Brigade Support Battalion tosses a practice grenade during pre-mobilization training being conducted here on May 9. More than 2,200 members of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are slated to deploy to Afghanistan in 2012 and are training at Fort Drum in May and June.

10 May, 2011

NEW YORK CITY -- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen greets New York Army National Guard Capt. Sean O’Donnell, a member of Headquarters Detachment 104th Military Police Battalion, at the Robin Hood Foundation Dinner here on May 9. The Foundation, which targets poverty in New York City, is launching an initiative to aid veterans in New York City. Mullen was a featured speaker at the event, and members of the Army and Army National Guard were invited to the dinner. The dinner included a performance by pop singer Lady Gaga.

9 May, 2011

SARATOGA SPRINGS-- The last draftee Soldier on active duty, United States Army Material Command Sgt. Major Jeffery Mellinger (left), presents a United States Flag to outgoing New York State Command Sgt. Major Robert Van Pelt during his retirement dinner here on May 6. Mellinger was drafted into the Army in 1972. He and Van Pelt,also a draftee, were in the same class in the Sergeants Major Academy. Van Pelt retired from the New York Army National Guard after serving as New York State Command Sergeant Major for ten years. Van Pelt, a veteran of the Vietnam War served in the Active Army, Army Reserve and New York Army National Guard for 42 years.

9 May, 2011

FORT DRUM-- New York Army National Guard Sgt. Katrina Stellakis, gives a lift to Sgt. William Preston during training in casualty evacuation techniques here on May 7. More than 2,200 members of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are slated to deploy to Afghanistan in 2012 and are training at Fort Drum in May. SGT William Preston, training and operations NCO (standing) and SGT Katrina Stellakis, a personnel NCO, pr actice carrying techniques during pre-mobilization training here on May 7. More than 2,200 members of the unit are slated to deploy to Afghanistan in 2012.

6 May, 2011

NEW YORK -- Members of the Taylor family dedicate the baseball field at Fort Hamilton here in Brooklyn May 2. New York Army National Guard Sgt. Deon Taylor was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2008. Taylor was honored by the NYPD where he had served as a police officer and by his former unit, the 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery. From left, Col. Michael Gould, garrison commander of Fort Hamilton, Pamela Taylor, mother, Officer Damarr McBean, Taylor’s brother, Darue Taylor, his son, Leon Taylor, his father and Family Morale Welfare and Recreation Director Sarah Johnson. In the background are Lt. Col. Michael Hoblin, commander of the 258th Field Artillery and NYPD Brooklyn Narcotics Deputy Inspector Frank Cangiarella.

6 May, 2011

SLEEPY HOLLOW, N.Y. -- Sleepy Hollow Mayor Kenneth Wray gives remarks in remembrance of 32 members of the New York Guard who gave their lives in 1918 while in the service of the state protecting the water supplies of New York. The 92rd Annual remembrance ceremony of the 1st Provisional Regiment here remembers the NY Guard members who died of influenza while on duty. To mark their sacrifice a boulder from Bonticou Crag in Ulster County’s Shawangunk Mountains, lay in memoriam " a small piece from the vast area of the aqueduct the Guardsmen protected.

2 May, 2011

NEW YORK -- New York Army National Guard Sgt. Neftali Perez, a member of Joint Task Force Empire Shield, stands guard near the ground zero subway station at the World Trade Center May 2. Perez and other members of the state’s security task force augmented law enforcement as the crowds gathered at the World Trade Center to note the death of Osama Bin Laden. Bin Laden and the Al Qaeda terrorist network attacked the city on September 11, 2001, killing nearly 3,000 innocent civilians. Photo by Warrant Officer Ubon Mendie, NY Guard.

1 May, 2011

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Maj. Gen. Patrick Murphy, right, the Adjutant General for the New York National Guard, speaks with Canadian Brig. Gen. G.J.P. O’Brien, the Director General of the Canadian Land Reserves and Maj. Gen. Jon Miller, the Deputy Commander of the U.S. Army Reserve Command. The three leaders attended a Canadian / U.S. general officer training session with leaders from the Army National Guard, Army Reserve, U.S. Army North, U.S. Northern Command and the Canadian Land Reserves. The group discussed methods to improve interoperability and joint training opportunities between the two countries. Photo by Lt. Col. Richard Goldenberg, 42nd Infantry Division.

28 Apr, 2011

The family of Staff Sgt. Shawn Nethaway, his wife Amy and sons Logan, age 8, and Noah, age 4; receive gifts from Robert Harris and Kathleen Van Iderstyne, representatives of The Retired Enlisted Association, Chapter 120 of Schenectady, April 26. The veterans organization held a "Just for You" recognition for families of deployed Soldiers assigned to the 501st Ordnance Battalion, Glenville, N.Y.

26 Apr, 2011

ROME, NY--Ten Air National Guardsmen from the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome, N.Y. ignored the rain last Saturday, April 23, and cleaned a local highway in support of the sector’s Clean and Green initiative. Pictured from left to right, are Technical Sgt. Rob Kryczkowski, Airman 1st Class Billy Young, Staff Sgt. Shane Hastings, Staff Sgt. Derek Miceli, Staff Sgt. Eric Lewis, Airman 1st Class Marie Coar, Technical Sgt. John Coar and Staff Sgt. Tom Caracane. Not pictured were Staff Sgt. Jean Warner and Airman 1st Class Kaytlin Jones.

22 Apr, 2011

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE-- Maj. Gen. Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General (left); Nan Hayworth, Congresswoman from the 19th District;Elizabeth Glazer, New York State Deputy Secretary of Public Safety; Brig. Gen. Michael Swezey, commander of the 53rd Troop Command; and Donald Bennett Jr., Deputy Mayor of Peekskill, NY, perform the ribbon cutting dedicating the new Camp Smith Readiness Center, Camp Smith, NY, April 21, 2011. A formal opening ceremony for the $30 million Readiness Center at Camp Smith which will serve as the home for approximately 350 National Guard soldiers assigned to Headquarters, 53rd Troop Command; Company C, 1st Battalion 69th Infantry; the 42nd Infantry Division Band; the 727th Military Police Detachment and elements of the 1156th Engineer Company, as well as an Army National Guard recruiting office.

20 Apr, 2011

Greg Stevens (right), 4-H Community Educator for Saratoga County helps Dokota Mattern, age 8 from Lockport, NY build a bluebird house during a natural resource lab as part of the NY National Guard Family and Youth Training Workshop, April 16. The NY National Guard Youth program provides support and skills training in leadership, mentoring and resource coordination that reflect the unique needs of military youth. The program provides safe activities and a place to meet, talk and have fun with other military youth while addressing deployment issues, such as separation anxiety, increased responsibility and reintegration when a loved one returns home.

25 Mar, 2011

ORISKANY--New York Army National Guard Soldiers hook cargo to a hovering UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter during sling-load operations training at the New York State Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany, N.Y. on March 18. The 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry conducted sling-load and air assault training here in conjunction with the 3rd Battalion 142nd Aviation to prepare for its 2012 deployment to Afghanistan.

22 Apr, 2011

Penn Station -- New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Kehinde Ayeni, a member of the New York City based Joint Task Force Empire Shield patrols common areas at Penn Station alongside Department of Homeland Security Police Officer John Rapuano and Amtrak Police Officer James Rusbarsky here April 21. Task Force Empire is the New York State standing task force to augment law enforcement and security operations in New York City. Photo by Warrant Officer Ubon Mendie, New York Guard.

9 May, 2011

FORT DRUM--New York Army National Guard Soldiers of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team practice evacuating a wounded man during pre-mobilization training here on May 7. More than 2,200 members of the unit are slated to deploy to Afghanistan in 2012.

19 Apr, 2011

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Maj. Gen. Patrick Murphy, right, the Adjutant General for the New York National Guard, thanks Lt. Gen. Harry Wyatt, DIrector of the Air National Guard, for his remarks during the Adjutant General’s professional development weekend here April 16. The theme of the weekend’s discussion with more than 300 National Guard leaders was "New York state’s military forces...an Indispendible Force." Wyatt spoke of the National Guard of 2025 and of the adapability of Airmen and Soldiers meeting the challenges of change. Photo by Lt. Col. Richard Goldenberg, 42nd Infantry Division (RELEASED).

5 Apr, 2011

QUEENSBURY--New York Army National Guard recruits assigned to the Recruit Sustainment Program head out on a physical training run at the Queensbury Armory during their drill on April 3. The New York Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command works with new Guard recruits to get them ready for basic training before they join their units.

15 Apr, 2011

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Soldiers of Detachment 1, Company B, 27th Brigade Special Troops Battalion perform preflight checks on the RQ-7 Shadow here at Wheeler Sack Army Airfield. The training at Fort Drum this week completes the unit’s new equipment fielding of the RQ-7, providing maintenance and operations Soldiers with experience in launching and recovering the aircraft and providing communications direct to the ground control station in the brigade command post. The unit is scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan early next year.

13 Apr, 2011

NEW YORK -- New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Renwick Payne, left, Director of the Joint Staff, passes the guidon of Joint Task Force Empire Shield to Maj. Peter Riley during a change of command ceremony here at Fort Hamilton April 13. Standing at far left is Lt. Col. Greg Dreisbach, the outgoing task force commander. The ceremony marks new leadership for JTF Empire Shield, the standing New York National Guard security task force that supports New York City law enforcement and first responders at critical locations across the city. Approximately 250 Soldiers, Airmen, New York Guard volunteers and members of the New York Naval Militia serve in the task force. Photo by Sgt. Tamara Gabbard, 42nd Infantry Division.

14 Apr, 2011

WATERVLIET-- Soldiers from the New York Army National Guard’s 1427 Transportation Company work with employees of the Watervliet Arsenal to unload an experimental cannon at the Arsenal’s museum on Wednesday, April 13. The one-of-a-kind light weight 155 millimeter howitzer had been designed by the Arsenal as part of a 1995 crash program to put a lighter-weight towed weapon in troop’s hands. The gun never went into production but the prototype has been stored in Vermont where the National Guard Soldiers picked it up for transport to the Arsenal.

13 Apr, 2011

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY-- New York Air National Guard Col. Jim McCready, commander of the 107th Airlift Wing, drops the puck to start a charity hockey game between members of the 107th Airlift Wing and the United States Air Force Reserve’s 914th Airlift and alumni of the Buffalo Sabers professional hockey team on Sunday, April 10 at Dwyer Arena here. On the left is Danny Gare a Buffalo Sabres Alumni, while on the right is 914th maintenance technican John Rettig. More than 400 spectators crowded into the arena and $5000 from the ticket sales benefited the family support groups of both units.

12 Apr, 2011

LATHAM - New York Army National Guard Spc. Christina Sammons and Staff Sgt. Eduardo Ortiz, from Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade get some hints from Daniel Aldrich, a field system engineer for General Dynamics on the best way to use the Army Command Post of the Future (CPOF)system. The use of 3-D mapping gives the user the ability to operate the CPOF in a tactical operations center environment by creating and displaying and playing out different battlefield scenarios. According to Aldrich, the 3-D mapping benefits aviation to a large extent because of the availability of 3-D aerial graphics. See more photos on the 42nd CAB Facebook

12 Apr, 2011

NEW YORK-- New York Army National Guard Col. Reginald Sanders (left)accepts the colors of the 369th Sustainment Brigade during Change of Command Ceremonies on Sunday, April 10 at the Harlem Armory. Sanders, a North Country resident who also oversees the National Guard’s Maneuver Area Training Equipment Site at Fort Drum, replaces Col. Stephanie Dawson who will now serve as deputy commander of the 53rd Troop Command

4 Apr, 2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE UNION, Baghdad--New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Isabel Smith (left) and Lt. Col. Deborah Foley (center) stand with female members of the Iraqi National Police following a lunch meeting here. The women were among the first graduating female class of the Iraqi Police Academy and took a trip to the United States to observe the role women play in American police forces. The Iraqi women are, from left, LT Media Jassim, LT Noor Al Rubaye,LT Israa Kamil Fakhir and LT Israa Al Rubaye. Smith is serving as an advisor to the Iraqi Ministry of Interior while Foley, a Massachusetts State Police Officer, is working with the Iraqi Army.

8 Apr, 2011

NEW YORK CITY-- Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard’s 442nd Military Police Company stand in formation Friday, April 8, at the Harlem Armory here during a ceremony welcoming them home from a 10-month deployment in Iraq. The unit arrived at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst on Saturday, April 2, and ere bused to the Harlem Armory to be reunited with families following out processing.

2 Apr, 2011

LATHAM - The Army Physical Fitness Test came a little early this year as Aviation Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, conducted their annual test at the Siena College field house on Saturday, April 2. Taking the test is Master Sgt. Ramon Granados, motor pool supervisor. Holding his feet during the sit-up event is Chief Warrant Officer Lawrence Langley, personnel technician. Counting each sit-up is Staff Sgt. David Dargan, fires section.

7 Apr, 2011

FORT DRUM--Soldiers of the 101st Signal Battalion train to use state-of-the-art Satellite Transportable Terminals that are a component of the WIN-T--Warfighter Information Network- Tactical at Fort Drum, N.Y., March 16, 2011. The signal Soldiers will use the system in Afghanistan when they deploy in 2012.

6 Apr, 2011

ALBANY--New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the 501st Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) say hi to their families and fans of the Albany Devils hockey team on Sunday April 3 via a live TV feed from Iraq. The Soldiers, based at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Scotia, are supporting explosive ordnance disposal operations in southern Iraq as part of operation New Dawn. The Albany Devils hosted the families of the Deployed Guardsmen for the special military appreciation night.

2 May, 2011

NEW YORK -- Pfc. Russell Simplice, from the New York Guard&rsquot;s 14th Brigade in NYC, a volunteer of the New York Guard state defense force, sprang into action to rescue an infant and family members following a vehicle crash near his home in Queens April 3. Photo by Warrant Officer Ubon Mendie.

4 Apr, 2011

BUFFALO--Jessica Bacon, a New York Army National Guard family member from Horseheads, NY proudly displays a sweatshirt bearing the name of her husband Ron’s unit during a Yellow Ribbon Re-integration Program Event held for the 827th Engineer Company at the Buffalo Hyatt Hotel and Conference Center on Saturday, April 2, 2011. The event allowed Soldiers who returned from Afghanistan last month, and their families, to explore the benefits they are entitled to and the support systems that are available for them.

4 Apr, 2011

BUFFALO-- New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Jim Pabis (left) receives the colors of the 153rd Troop Command from Command Sgt. Major Joy O’Neil during a Change of Command Ceremony held at the Connecticut Street Armory on Saturday, April 2. Pabis takes over from Col. Reginald Sanders who is taking command of the 369th Sustainment Brigade in New York City.

2 Apr, 2011

NYS PREPAREDNESS TRAINING CENTER, Oriskany-- New York Army National Guard Soldiers Spc. Jessica Garrison (left), Spc. Tryone Desheers (middle) and Spc. Christian Provoncha (right), from the 1156th Engineer Company, lift a mock victim from a crashed bus during a defense support to civil authorities exercise conducted here April 2. The exercise involved almost 400 members of the New York Army and Air National Guard and 100 civilian first responders.

1 Apr, 2011

TROY, N.Y. -- Senator Kirsten Gillibrand greets New York Army National Guard Warrant Officer Candidate Joshua Udell during a visit with Maj. Gen. Steven Wickstrom, left, and the leaders of the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters here April 1. Gillibrand met with Wickstrom to learn more about the division’s role in domestic response missions in times of disaster and the headquarters support to the wartime missions of six combat brigades spread over five states. Gillibrand thanked the men and women of the division headquarters for their service and sacrifice and reaffirmed her commitment to work in Congress to support servicemembers and their families.

1 Apr, 2011

HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Col. Kevin Bradley, Commander of the New York Air National Guard’s 174the Fighter Wing, field questions from the Syracuse-area press following a visit to the base by Gillibrand on March 25. The Senator received a briefing on the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft and got a first hand look at operations.

30 Mar, 2011

GOGOMA, Ontario -- New York Army National Guard Pfc. Joey Delancey(center), a Soldier with the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, displays the rabbit he caught in a snare during winter warfare training here on March 15. Delancey was one of nine Soldiers from the 1-69th, and 450 members of the Canadian Forces to participate in Operation Wolf Pack Endeavour 2011, a winter warfare training exercise held by the 33rd Canadian Brigade Group of the Canadian Army Reserve held March 7 to March 21, 2011.

29 Mar, 2011

Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station--Posing next to a C-130 on the flightline New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand stands between 914th Airlift Wing Vice Commander Col. Mark P. Murphy (left) and Col. Jim McCready, commander of the New York Air National Guard’s 107th Airlift Wing during a visit to the base on March 25. Also pictured is Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster, March 25, 2010, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, NY. During her visit Gillibrand was given a tour of the base and answered questions from the media. The 107th shares the facility with the 914th Airlift Wing, a United States Air Force Reserve unit.

25 Mar, 2011

CAMP RAMADI, IRAQ-- Soldiers from the New York Army National Guard’s 442nd Military Police Company, based at the Jamaica, Queens Armory, train in stretcher bearing skills on February 16. The company has been assigned to the 4th Advise and Assist Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division while deployed. The company is expected to return to the United States in early April.

24 Mar, 2011

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION--Dignitaries and VIPs gather for a ground breaking ceremony for the Small Arms Range slated to be built at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station on March 22. Left to right: William Ross, Niagara County Legislator; Robert Burke, Contractor; Lt. Col Michael Clancy, Army Corp of Engineers; Vince Sandonato,Representing Mark Grisanti: Capt James Birk, Buffalo Military Entrance Process Station: Col. Mark Murphy, 914th Airlift Wing Commander; Congresswoman Louise Slaughter; Col. Jim McCready, 107th Airlift Wing Commander; Major. Gen. James Kwiatkowski, New York Air National Guard Commander; Melissa Fratello, Representing Senator Gilliband; Walt Koch, Representing Brian Higgins; LtCol Gregory Ottoman, HQ AFRC/A7P; and Mr. Merrell Lane, President, Niagara Military Affairs Council. Estimated to be completed in early 2012, this 28,300 square foot, fully enclosed facility will house 21 firing lanes enabling the United States military, Department of Defense, federal and local law enforcement agencies the opportunity to weapons quality their members in a state-of-the-art training environment year-round, saving thousands of dollars in range fees and manpower requirements. Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station is home to the 107th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard and the 914th Airlift Wing of the United States Air Force Reserve. The base also houses an Armed Forces Reserve Center where Headquarters Troop of the New York Army National Guard’s 101st Cavalry is located.

22 Mar, 2011

RONKONKOMA--Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michelle Roxby (right), a pilot-in-command, and 2nd Lt. Amy Bonilla, (left) a pilot, conduct pre-flight checks before flying a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter around Manhattan Island March 12, 2011. The Soldiers belong to Company B, 3rd Battalion 142nd Aviation (Assault Helicopter Battalion). They are two of the 1,500 women who serve in the New York Army National Guard force of 10,500. March is Women’s History Month and recognizes the accomplishments of American Women.

17 Mar, 2011

CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. - A medical evacuation air crew from Company F, 1st Battalion, 169th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) conduct a live training event during Operation Vibrant Response, which included an individual being cosmetically made up to represent external bleeding injuries during CBRNE Consequence Management Reponse Force training at Camp Atterbury on March 17. Extrating the injured from the aircraft are Airmen from the U.S. Air Force’s ground medical reponse teams. Exercise Operation Vibrant Response is a joint-military exercise combining Army, Air Force, Navy and the Marines. Assisting the litter extraction is Sgt. Barbara Morgan and Staff Sgt. Steve Tschiderer from the 169th.

21 Mar, 2011

Spc. Thomas Rinaldi and Spc. Edward Hernandez, snipers with the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry, pose with their weapons during training at the New York State Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany, N.Y. on March 18. The New York State Preparedness Training Center (SPTC), located at the former Oneida County Airport in Oneida County, is managed and operated by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. The center includes 723 acres, an educational and administration building (the former airport terminal), hangars and runways which have been transformed into a centralized training facility for New York State agency and local first responders from all disciplines.

18 Mar, 2011

NEW YORK CITY--With the Chrysler Building in the background, the Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion 69th Infantry marches down Lexington Avenue as they return from the 250th New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The "Fighting 69th" traditionally leads the parade each year following a special Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This year marks the 160th time the 1st 69th has lead the Parade which begins when the commander of the 69th Infantry responds " The 69th is always ready" when the head of the parade asks if he is ready to go.

17 Mar, 2011

BASRA, IRAQ- Members of the New York Army National Guard’s 501st Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) get together with members of the Texas Army National Guard’s 36th Division to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Contingency Operating Base Basra. The New York Soldiers celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in Iraq while their colleagues in the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry marched in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City. The 501st is serving as the headquarters for Task Force Troy-South, with a mission of clearing improvised explosive devices from critical routes and infrastructure.

16 Mar, 2011

CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. - Two medavac Soldiers remove a litter from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter carrying a manikin "patient" that was airlifted from a nearby airfield by Detachment 1, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion during aviation support for CBRNE Consequent Management Response Forces (CCMRF) field training exercises at Camp Atterbury on March 16. Each manikin received is tagged with a card listing the injuries so that medics on the ground can apply medical attention. Assisting the medical Soldiers is Sgt. Chris Warr, crew member, 126th GSAB. Other New York Aviation units included in this joint force exercise include 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion and Company F, 169th Medical Company (Air Ambulance).

15 Mar, 2011

QUEENSBURY--New York Army National Guard recruits assigned to the Recruit Sustainment Program get a mission brief from Sgt. Raymond Fiederer, a member of Company C 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry, prior to heading out on a training exercise on Saturday, March 12 during a training exercise at the Readiness Center here. The new Soldiers were conducting training on moving as part of a fire team using Air Soft simulated weapons.

13 Mar, 2011

GUILDERLAND - Sgt. Daniel Tucker tactically leads two squads of 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade Soldiers as they perform room clearing techniques during urban operations at the Guilderland Rifle Range on Saturday, March 12. To see more photos of this training weekend go to the 42nd CAB Facebook.

8 Mar, 2011

Stewart ANGB, NY " Airman 1st Class James Segretti, describes operating powered winches to support cargo loads onto C-5A Galaxy strategic airlifters to Brig Gen Daniel Bader, Assistant Adjutant General for Air, for the New York Air National Guard, during a tour of the 105th Airlift Wing here Mar. 7, 2010.

10 Mar, 2011

FORT HAMILTON, BROOKLYN--Major Jody Lupo, the new commander of the 24th Civil Support Team, stands in front of the members of his specialized unit after taking command from Lt. Col. Kaarlo Hietala during Change of Command ceremonies here on Wednesday, March 9. The 21-member team of New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen is specially trained to detect the presence of chemical, biological, and radiological agents and works with civilian first responders and other agencies in the New York City metropolitan area.

9 Mar, 2011

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION-- Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard’s 105th Military Police Company and almost 700 guests and well-wishers listen as Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York, addresses the 110 Soldiers who are deploying to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn during a deployment ceremony here on Wednesday, March 9. The Buffalo-based Military Police Company deployed to Iraq in 2003 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom I.

8 Mar, 2011

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. James Freehart, left, a veteran of Afghanistan, receives the unit colors from Lt. Col. Jim Pabis to take command of the 204th Engineer battalion here March 5. He replaces Major Andrew Hutz who has been serving as commander. The battalion headquarters company and forward support companies are based at the Binghamton Armory. The battalion has subordinate companies in Kingston in the Hudson Valley, Walton, Horseheads and Buffalo.

8 Mar, 2011

JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA--BOLLING, Maryland--Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York administers the oath of enlistment to the newest members of the New York Air National Guard during a ceremony held at the all ranks club here on Tuesday, March 8. Twenty Airmen who serve as part of the Joint Air Defense Operations Center here, took the oath as the members of the former 24th Expeditionary Air Defense Squadron became part of Detachments 1 and 2 of the Rome, NY-based Eastern Air Defense Sector. The Eastern Air Defense Sector is a New York Air National Guard organization responsible for air defense of the United States east of the Mississippi.

12 Jan, 2011

ROCHESTER--New York Naval Militia Petty Officer 1st Class Richard Stacy (in yellow hardhat) works on a project with a member of the Navy Reserve’s Mobile Construction Battalion 21 at the Rochester Veterans Outreach Center. This was a joint project with the Seabee Veterans of America, the New York Naval Militia and Construction Battalion 21

7 Mar, 2011

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh--Retiring New York Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. Hardy Pierce (right) displays the retirement gift just presented to him by New York Air National Guard Commander Major General James W. Kwiatkowski, during a retirement ceremony on Sunday, March 6. He was presented with a National Guard Historic Painting "Runway Alert" commemorating the 138th Fighter Squadron of the New York Air National Guard shortly after World War II. Pierce joined the Air Force in 1970 and served as top enlisted Airman in the 6,000 member New York Air National Guard. His replacement is Command Chief Master Sgt. Richard King.

4 Mar, 2011

A video produced for the top chaplain in the National Guard, Air National Guard Major General John Ellington, uses the story of Father Francis P. Duffy, the famous chaplain of the 69th Infantry during World War I, to tell the story of the National Guard’s chaplains. Duffy, at right in the photo above with Col. William "Wild Bill" Donovan, the commander of the 69th Infantry during World War I. As the chaplain of the 69th Infantry, Father Francis P. Duffy inspired a generation of New York National Guardsmen who fought in World War I. The video will be shown to chaplains, leaders, and anybody else who wants to know about the National Guard chaplaincy, Ellington said. The essence of the chaplaincy is being present with the troops and for the troops at all times, and nobody lived that more than Lt. Col. Francis Duffy, Ellington said. "He was present not only in World War I, but also on the border (in 1916) when he was called to Mexico," Ellington said. "He did his drills, he was called up, and he came back, just like we do today." Duffy was a featured character in the 1940 movie "The Fighting 69th" and is memoralized with a statue in Times Square.

12 Feb, 2011

LATHAM - Members of 42nd Combat Aviation Brigades Headquarters and Headquarters Company received training on how to properly extinguish a Class A fire using the PASS method (Pull the pin; Aim the nozzle; Squeeze the handle and Sweep from side to side) during drill on Feb. 12 behind Army Aviation Support Facility 3 in Latham. Operating the fire extinguisher is Sgt. Christopher Grieco as Sgt. Daniel Tucker and Spc. Amelia Dingman look on. Fireman from the Albany Airport were on hand to give the training.

2 Mar, 2011

Janet Marie Conte (center) receives the Artillery Order of Molly Pitcher from Lt. Col. Michael Hoblin, commander of the 1-258 Field Artillery at the Saint Barbara&rsquot; Day Celebration in Jamaica, N.Y., February 22, 2011 for her dedication to her husband, Lt. Col. Paul Conte, during his many years in service to the Field Artillery community.

2 Mar, 2011

STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--Airman 1st Class Dan James, a loadmaster from the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing answers questions from Capitol Region media about the return of the units LC-130 aircraft from earthquake torn New Zealand. James recalled the feeling of being in an earthquake and described the powerful sensation and sounds that he experience that day. The 109th deploys each year to Antarctica in support of Operation DEEP FREEZE and uses Christchurch New Zealand as deployed duty location to launch aircraft to and from McMurdo Station Antarctica. This aircraft made the 11,000 mile journey home on March 1st 2011.

24 Feb, 2011

ALBANY--New York Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. Hardy Pierce displays his certificate after being recognized for his military accomplishments during a Black History Month event held at the Empire State Plaza on Thursday. Feb. 23. With Pierce are Joseph Rabito (right)the First Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Office of General Services and Alphonso B. David (left) Deputy Secretary for Civil Rights. The Thursday event, organized by the Office of General Services and the New York State Museum also recognized Col. Stephanie Dawson, commander of the 369th Sustainment Brigade, Retired Brigadier General Rosetta Burke, the New York National Guard Yellow Ribbon Program, and the family of Sgt. Deon Taylor, a New York Army National Guard Soldier killed in Afghanistan in 2008. Pierce retires from his position as the top enlisted Airman in the New York Air National Guard in March and will be replaced by Command Chief Master Sgt. Richard King.

22 Feb, 2011

QUEENSBURY-- New York Army National Guard Major Patrick Chaisson, dressed as a World War II Airborne Trooper, explains weapons a World War II paratrooper would have used, including the Browning .30 caliber M1919 machine gun, to visitors at a weapons display held on Saturday, Feb 19, at the Queensbury Readiness Center. Chaisson, the operations officer for the New York Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command, is a collector of historic uniforms and equipment. About 75 people attended the event at which they got a chance to see modern weapons systems used by Army National Guard Soldiers, as well as the historic weapons. Visitors also got to fire "Airsoft" replica weapons of actual M-4 carbines, used to train recruits.

18 Feb, 2011

BASRA, Iraq-- Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard’s 501st Ordnance Battalion ( Explosive Ordnance Disposal) help Texas Army National Guard Major General Eddy Spurgin, the commander of the 36 Division and Task Force Troy, don the the suit EOD technicians wear when they are on a mission. The general was visiting the battalion, which provides support for his task force, on Feb. 3.

16 Feb, 2011

HORSEHEADS-- Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard’s 827th Engineer Company arrive at the airport here on Wednesday, Feb. 16 to be greeted by the Adjutant General, Major General Patrick Murphy, and other Army Guard leaders following a 10-month mission in Afghanistan. The Soldiers, based at armories in Walton, Horseheads and Buffalo were reunited with their families shortly afterwards.

13 Feb, 2011

LATHAM - The 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade conducted its annual Soldier/NCO of the Year Board at their Latham headquarters on Sunday, Feb. 13. Selected Soldiers came from all associated Army Aviation units throughout New York. Pictured are: Front Row (L-R) Sgt. Yi Jin Huang, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, Spc. Harley Jelis, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, Sgt. Christina Lennon, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, Spc. Stephen Wrobel, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion. Back Row (L-R) Spc. Christopher Smalls, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, Spc. Andrew Mehmel, 642nd Aviation Support Battalion, Sgt. James Broglie, 642nd Aviation Support Battalion and Spc. Mike Gondek, 642nd Aviation Support Battalion

12 Feb, 2011

TROY -- New York Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Steven N. Wickstrom receives his two-star rank from his wife Collette during a promotion ceremony here Feb. 12. Wickstrom, commander of the 42nd Infantry Division, has commanded the division since the spring of 2009. Maj. Gen. Patrick Murphy, the New York State Adjutant General presided over the general officer promotion. Wickstrom was promoted in front of about 200 Soldiers of the 42nd Divison Headquarters, leaders of the division’s aligned-for-training brigades and directors of the Joint Force Headquarters staff of the New York National Guard.

18 Feb, 2011

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION--Lt. Col. Kenneth Anderson (on right) takes command of the 107th Airlift Wing&rsquot;s Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) in a ceremony held here on Feb. 13. The colonel previously held the position as LRS operations officer and replaces outgoing LRS Commander Lt. Col. Steven Hefferon, who now holds the position of 107th Comptroller Flight Commander. Passing the LRS guidon is 107th Mission Support Group Commander Col. Timothy Vaughan.

11 Feb, 2011

PITTSBURGH, NH-- Para rescue "Guardian Angles" from the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing practice transporting an injured victim through deep snow during snow rescue training conducted with local volunteer firemen here on Friday, February 4. Based at Westhampton Beach, NY, the members of the 103rd Rescue Squadron are trained to extract aircrew downed behind enemy lines and conduct rescue operations in all terrain and weather situations. Eight Airmen participated in the unique training opportunity, which also involved snowmobile operations training.

10 Feb, 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General (Center) meets with Representative Chris Gibson, a newly elected Congressman from the Capital Region and former Army Colonel, on Wednesday, Feb. 9 during a breakfast reception the Military Association of New York (MANY) held for members of Congress here.With Gibson and Murphy is Retired Air National Guard Major General Robert Knauff, President of MANY

27 Jan, 2011

NEW YORK--New York Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Norberto Carrasquillo explains the history of the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry to New York City residents taking part in the annual "Tour New York " program. The event allows residents to visit historic buildings they would not otherwise get a chance to see; in this case the Lexington Avenue Armory where the 1-69th is headquartered. Volunteers from the unit and former members who are part of the units Regimental staff and Veterans Corps served as greeters and presenters for the visitors on the armory’s history collections and displays which date back to the unit’s founding and service in the civil War.

7 Feb, 2011

FRANKFORT, KY-- A CH-47 belonging to the New York Army National Guard’s B Company, 3rd Battalion 126th Aviation, is seen between the blades of a UH-60 assigned to the Kentucky Army National Guard at the flight facility on Jan. 27. The New York helicopter was in Kentucky so that three Kentucky aviators assigned to the Chemical Biological Radiological and High-Yield Explosive Consequence Management Response Force can maintain their proficiency at flying the heavy lift helicopter. �This is a great partnership,� said Capt. Eric Fritz, commander of 1st Detachment, Bravo Co., 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, New York National Guard. �We enjoy coming down to Kentucky to train with these guys, especially in the colder months.�

7 Feb, 2011

MCMURDO BASE, Antarctica--Major General Patrick Murphy (left) the Adjutant General of New York, speaks with members of the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing at McMurdo Base in Antarctica prior to boarding an LC-130 for a flight to the South Pole on January 31. Murphy visited the Antarctic to get a first-hand look at the vital mission the Schenectady-based 109th handles each year when it flies supplies and people around the continent in support of National Science Foundations Missions. Every component of the Amundsen-Scott Station the United States maintains at the bottom of the world was flown in by a New York Air National Guard aircraft.

3 Feb, 2011

WESTHAMPTON BEACH-- Fog envelops the tarmac at Francis S. Gabreski Airport, the home of the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing, on Wednesday Feb. 2. While the Hudson Valley and Upstate New York got hit with snow and sleet, warmer temperatures converted snowfall into fog on Long Island, where the wing is located. The 106th Rescue Wing operates HC-130 search and rescue aircraft and HH-60 Pavehawk rescue helicopters.

1 Feb, 2011

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh-- Crews from the New York Air National Guard’s 105th Airlift Wing clear snow from the runway and de-ice a giant C-5A Galaxy so that a mission can be launched as a snowstorm hits the Hudson Valley on Tuesday Feb. 1.

1 Feb, 2011

QUEENS--Members of the New York Guard’s 88th Brigade take part in a ceremony commemorating members of the Irish Brigade who died during the Civil War Battle of Fredericksburg, which took place from Dec. 11-15 in 1862. During the Dec. 11, 2010 ceremony New York Guard members were joined by members of the New York National Guard’s 1st Battalion 69th Infantry, and the Veterans Corps of Artillery, an historic military unit, in placing a wreath at a memorial to the Irish Brigade in First Calvary Cemetery.

18 Jan, 2011

BASRA, Iraq--Lt. Col. Robert Mitchell, the commander of the Scotia-based 501st Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) poses next to the battalion’s headquarters sign here. The New York National Guard battalion is responsible for counter IED operations and training Iraqi Police counter-explosives teams as the headquarters of Task Force Troy-South. The 38 members of the units have a wide range of skills ranging from explosives experts to intelligence analysis and supply management.

24 Jan, 2011

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION--Col. Jim McCready accepts the colors of the New York Air National Guard’s 107th Airlift Wing from the Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York, during change-of-command ceremonies here on Saturday, Jan. 22 as the outgoing commander, Col. Patrick Ginavan, looks on. The 800-member Wing operates C-130 aircraft in a partnership with the Air Force Reserve’s 914th Airlift Wing.

14 Jan, 2011

LATHAM - An annual check on combat gear is always essential to unit readiness. Pictured here, Spc. Matt Whalen (left), performs a fit test on Pfc. George Wade’s M-40 Protective Mask using the Protection Assessment Test Instrument on Sunday, Jan. 9 on the drill shed floor at the Latham headquarters. A typical fit test checks the air seal of an individuals mask through a series of head movements.

18 Jan, 2011

GLOVERSVILLE--New York Army National Guard Recruits prepare conduct a room-clearing exercise in the third floor attic of the New York State Armory here as Staff Sgt. Zachary Flewelling gives them final instructions. New recruits to the Army National Guard conduct monthly training as members of the Recruit Sustainment Program until they can go to Basic Training. The recruits learn basic military skills during the program.

12 Jan, 2011

FORT SILL, Ok. - The New York Army National Guard welcomed five new field artillery officers following graduation of the Field Artillery Basic Officer Leader"s Course here Jan. 11. Pictured from left are Brig. Gen. Thomas S. Vandal, Commandant of the Field Artillery School, 2nd Lt. Chad Teger, 2nd Lt. Elite Won and Lt. Col. Michael Hoblin, commander of the 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery from Jamaica, N.Y. The course provides new officers with in-depth knowledge in the area of fire support, observed fire, fire direction and platoon leadership as it pertains to the Field Artillery Branch. The 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery"s newest lieutenants achieved high marks in the course, including 2nd Lts. Elite Won from Lansdale, Penn. as Honor Graduate and both Anthony Scollante from Brooklyn, N.Y. and Eric Staufenberg from New York, N.Y. achieving Commandant"s List. Second Lieutenants Chad Teger and Christopher Wallace, both from from the Bronx, N.Y., rounded out the new artillery officer graduates.

12 Jan, 2011

NEW YORK -- New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Lewis Swartz from Company A, Recruiting and Retention Command, removes snow at the Bedford Avenue Armory here in Brooklyn after the Nor’easter storm Jan. 12. The snow storm is the second in recent weeks, prompting the mayor’s office to declare a snow emergency to expedite the clearing of city streets. “Snow or no snow, the mission continues," said Swartz. “New York is a city that never stops, so if there is someone out there who wants to join, we make sure our doors are open, along with a clear path,” he added with a smile.

8 Jan, 2011

NEW YORK--Joint Task Force Empire Shield Soldier of the Year Spec Michael Boncales(center left), and Joint Task Force Empire Shield Noncommisioned Officer of the Year, Sgt. Neftali Perez (center right), pose with their awards during the Task Force’s Dining Out on Friday, Jan. 7. They are flanked by Task Force Command Sergeant Major Basilo Colon (far left), New York State Command Sergeant Major Robert Van Pelt, (left), Maj. Gen. Patrick Murphy, Adjutant General of New York (right) and Task Force Commander, Lt. Col. Greg Driesbach,(far right).

9 Jan, 2011

LATHAM - In anticipation of going to the firing range during warmer weather, members of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade were busy familiarizing themselves with one of their crew-served weapons, the MK19-40mm Grenade Machine Gun during drill on Jan. 9 at the Latham Headquarters. Pictured are (from left) Sgt. 1st Class Melchiorre Chiarenza, 1st Sgt. Joseph Marino, Pfc. Jeffery Hicks and Staff Sgt. David Dargan.

7 Jan, 2011

BUFFALO--Col Jim McCready, the vice commander, and incoming commander, of the New York Air National Guard’s 107th Airlift Wing places a wreath honoring President Millard Fillmore at his grave in Forest Lawn Cemetery on the 211th anniversary of the president’s birth in 1800 during a ceremony held by the University of Buffalo. Filmore served as the 13th President from 1850 to 1853. During his administration California was admitted to the Union and he dispatched Commodore Matthew Perry and a fleet of ships to Japan to open that nation to American trade.The United States military places wreaths from the current president at the gravesites of our nation’s past presidents on the anniversary of their births. The New York National Guard is responsible for placing the wreaths at the graves of Fillmore, Martin Van Buren in Kinderhook, Columbia County, and Chester Arthur in Menands, Albany County.

6 Jan, 2011

LATHAM-- Bobsledder Justin Olsen, who won a Gold Medal at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics as a member of a four-man bobsled team, takes the oath of enlistment into the New York Army National Guard at Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters here on Thursday, January 6. Lt. Col. Steve Rowe, Commander of the New York Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command administered the oath. Olsen will serve as a human resources specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment of Joint Forces Headquarters--New York. Following Basic and Advanced Individual Training he plans to apply to participate in the Army World Class Athlete Program which allows Soldiers to train and compete in the Olympics while serving.

20 Jan, 2011

RONKONKOMA-- Members of the New York Guard’s Chemical, Biological, Nuclear, Radiological, & High Yield Explosive Enhanced Responsive Force take a break during a day of training at the Army National Guard Flight Facility at McArthur Airport. The New York Guard Chemical, Biological, Nuclear, Radiological, & High Yield Explosive Enhanced Responsive Force Team is an unpaid corps of service members, who volunteer to help augment the New York National Guard force designated for the same mission. For this day’s training the New York Guard